Mount Manaslu Expedition Itinerary-43Nights/ 44Days

Mount Manaslu Expedition 8163m / 26781 ft

Ø  8th Highest mountain in the world

Ø  Height: 8163m (26781 ft) above the sea level

Ø  Location: Gorkha District of Nepal

Ø  Himalayan Range: Mansiri Himalayan Range of Gorkha District

Ø  64km East of Mt. Annapurna

Ø  Latitude: 28.33.0 N

Ø  Altitude: 84.32.60 E

Derived from Sanskrit word “Manasa” which means ” Soul” or  “Intellect”, hence Manaslu means  “Mountain of the Spirit”. You can feel it while ascending this tall mountain penetrating the blue sky and standing like a tower among the other peaks.   One of the world’s 10 highest mountains in the world, Mt. Manaslu towers at 8163m above sea level. And regarded as one of the easiest eight-thousanders to climb, it can be your pre-test before attempting the Highest Mountain in the world that is Mt. Everest (8848.86mtr). You can have a fair chance of reaching the summit when you see the success rate. The mountain initially used to be called kutang I which is Tibetan language referring to Flat Place as it seems to be. The success rate is 60% and half of them reach even without supplemental oxygen. The Manaslu mountain is part of the Mansiri Himalayan range which stretches along with the Gorkha District of Nepal.

First climbed by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu in 1956 May 9. Since then it has been climbed by over 350 climbers in a span of 65 years. As many British expeditions tried to climb Everest making it namely called British mountain, Mt. Manaslu has been tried by several Japanese Expeditions making it called Japanese Mountain. The mountain is 64km east of Mt. Annapurna which is the 10th highest in the world (8091m). The mountain is regarded as one of the easiest eight-thousander peaks to be climbed as it is feasible from all directions, totaling 8 routes. The mountain is also nicknamed “Wall of Snow & Ice Hanging in the Sky”. The Manaslu Conservation Area was established in December 1998. It covers a total area of 1663 square kilometers. Manaslu area is part of the Cultural Heritages of Nepal, as it’s very rich in Culture and Nature.

Mt. Manaslu Expedition begins from Kathmandu drive to Sotikhola which takes around seven to eight hours through mountainous roads. From Soti Khola our trek will start through the smaller hills at first and followed by larger and higher hills until we reach the Manaslu Base Camp. Before Manaslu Base Camp we would be staying several nights in cultural villages perched in high hills where we can visit some monasteries, chhortens, etc., and would be staying at Samagaon for two nights for acclimatization and to see around. Samagaon is one of the largest villages in the Manaslu area. It’s a one-day walk from Samagaon to the Manaslu Base Camp. After completing the Mount Manaslu Summit we would be walking back through Samagaon, Jagat, and Arughat but it would be quick this time because the route is mostly downwards. We’ll rich Kathmandu within 3-4days from the Mt. Manaslu Base Camp. In Kathmandu, we’ll compose ourselves for city life while we pack up all our memories in our Hearts, Brain & Bags.

Mount Manaslu Expedition History: 

H.W. Tilman in 1950 who tried to ascend Annapurna IV saw the Manaslu from Larkya pass on his second visit. In 1953, Y. Mita led a team of 15 members, attempted to climb via the east side but failed to reach the summit. And finally, in 1956, the Japanese team of Toshio Imanishi & Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa made the first ascent of Manaslu mountain on May 9. Since then several expeditions have reached the top of the 8th highest mountain in the world.

Major Peaks Nearby Manaslu Mountain:

There are several high mountains in the surrounding areas of Manaslu Mountain, eg.:

1. a) Himalchuli Mountain- 7893m
2. b) Ngadi Chuli- 7871m
3. c) Shringi Himal- 7187m
4. d) Langpo Himal- 6667m
5. e) Ganesh Himal- 7429m
6. f)Saula Mountain- 6235m

Climate & Geography of Manaslu Region:

The climate in this region can be divided into 6 categories, from Tropical foothills to Trans- Himalayan high pastures.

i. ) Tropiical: Below 1000m

ii.) Sub-tropical: 1000- 2000m

iii.) Temperate Zone: 2000-3000m

iv.) Subalpine Zone: 3000-4000m

v.) Alpine Zone: 4000-5000m

vi.) Meadows and Arctic Zone: above 5000m

 People in Manaslu Region:

There are mainly two ethnic groups of people living in this region namely Nubri & Tsum ethnic groups of people. Nubri valley and Tsum valley are divided by Chhikur River. In the early days, the whole area was prohibited to visit, but in 1950 AD it was opened up for trekkers. Tsum valley is still semi-opened, meaning you’ll need a special permit to enter this region. The lower parts of the region are the habitat of Gurung people who are members of the Gurkha Brigade. Bhutias people live on the border side of Tibet. The northern side of Manaslu Conservation Area borders Tibet.

 Flora & Fauna in Manaslu Region (Manaslu Expediton Area):

There are several highly endangered species of animals, including Snow Leopards, Red Pandas, and several mammals eg. Lynx, Asian Black Bear, Grey Wolf,  Dhole, Assam Macaque, Himalayan musk deer, Blue Sheep, Himalayan Tahr, Mainland Serow, Himalayan Goral, Wooly Hare, Horseshoe bat, Himalayan mouse-hare, black lip pika, etc. There are over 110 species of birds found in this area, 33 different types of mammals, 11 species of butterflies, 3 kinds of reptiles. Hunting is banned here. Some of the birds you can spot in this area: Golden Eagle, Eurasian, Griffon, Himalayan Griffon, Blood, Impeyan, Kalij, Koklass, Pheasants, Himalayan snow cooks, crimson horned pheasant, etc. Rhododendron & Himalayan Blue pine can be seen covering the forest.

Trekking Routes In Manaslu Region: 
There are varieties of Trekking Route options in this area, eg.

i.) Manaslu Circuit Trekking

ii.) Tsum Valley Trekking

iii.) Ganesh Himal Base Camp with Tsum Valley Trekking

iv.) Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek, etc.

 Risk Factors during Manaslu Expedition: 

-Avalanche

– Cold

– Strong wind

Equipment/ Gears for Manaslu Expedition:

• ICE AXE (A GENERAL MOUNTAINEERING ICE AXE):

The size of Ice axe according to the person’s height:

Up to Height 5 ft 2” : 50cm ice axe

Height 5ft 3” to 5ft 5” : 55cm ice axe

Height 5ft 6” to 5ft 9” : 60cm ice axe

Height 5ft 10” to 6ft : 65cm ice axe

Height 6ft plus : 70cm ice axe

• CRAMPONS:

We recommend Modern steel 12-point Crampons with anti-balling plates. we don’t recommend 10-point aluminum single-piece rigid crampons.

• ACCESSORY CORD: 40ft of 6mm (to be used for Prussiking and climbing rigging)

• CARABINER SYSTEM: 

2 Large oval wire gate carabiners

2 Smaller wire gate Carabiners

1 Large pear-shaped  locking screwgate Carabiner

1 Large locking Carabiner (can be auto-locking)

• ALPINE CLIMBING HARNESS:

– must fit all of your clothing

– should have adjustable leg loops and waist belt

– can separate at the legs and with the belay loop

– we don’t recommend the “doubling back” feature at your waist

• BELAY DEVICE:

– We recommend a modern tube-style belay device

– We don’t recommend super-specialized belay devices (super-specialized belay device doesn’t accept a wide variety of rope diameters)

– we suggest Black diamond Guide ATC or Petzl Reverso

• TREKKING POLES:  We recommend collapsible Trekking/ Skiing poles with snow baskets and three-section varieties.

• ASCENDER: According to your dominant hand- left or right. Must be of good quality.

CLOTHING FOR MANASLU CLIMB:

• BASELAYERS TOPS & BOTTOMS:

– 2-3 Lightweight base layer Pants ( non-cotton fabrics or merino wool or polyester)

– 2-3 Long Sleeve shirts

– A long sleeve sun shirt ( Light-colored, hooded, and made of merino wool or polyester)

• TREKKING PANTS: We recommend  1-2 lightweight nylon or synthetic fabrics trekking pants. Simple one fine

• SOFTSHELL PANTS: we recommend stretchy, comfortable, and non-insulated that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms.

• HARDSHELL PANTS: We recommend non-insulated, fully waterproof shell pants that must fit comfortably over baselayer bottoms and softshell pants. Full-length separating side zipper recommended.

• SOFTSHELL JACKET: we recommend breathable but wind and weather-resistant hooded jackets. The jacket must fit well over midlayer top and baselayer top

• MIDLAYER TOP: We recommend a midweight or lightweight, form-fitting grid fleeces layer for use over a baselayer. Hooded is recommended and fleece generally provides a warmth-to-weight ratio. So, it’s good.

• HARDSHELL JACKET: We recommend a non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket. Durable three-layer fabric with a hood and must fit comfortably over your baselayer. midlayer, softshell, and lightweight insulating layer as well. We recommend a helmet-compatible hood

• INSULATED HOODED JACKET: we recommend light down or synthetic hooded (Synthetic insulation does retain warmth when wet whereas down feathers are more comfortable for packing and light-weighted)

• INSULATED DOWN PARKA: We recommend heavily insulated with high-quality down fill with a weight between 1.5 to 2.5 ponds and with hood.

• EXPEDITION DOWN PARKA: We recommend this down parka must be in excellent condition and fully baffled. Nixon Down Wash gives maximum loft to the down parka, so we recommend checking whether it is recently cleaned up.

• EXPEDITION DOWN PANTS: we recommend heavily insulated down pants comfortably fitting over all other inner layers. Thus down pants must be weatherproof.

• DOWN SUIT: This down suit is optional to Down Parka & Down Pants. You can have either Down Parka plus Down Pants or Down Suit.

• INSULATED SYNTHETIC PANTS: We recommend synthetic insulated pants with full-length separating side zips. We don’t recommend ski pants.

• LIGHTWEIGHT LINER GLOVES: We recommend lightweight woolen or synthetic liner gloves with a comfortable fit and lighter colors that absorb less sunlight and offer UV protection.

• INSULATED SHELL GLOVES: we recommend a pair of warm shell gloves with a durable leather palm.

• EXPEDITION MITTENS: We highly recommend expedition-rated mittens with an insulated removable liner and the warmest model available.

HEADWEAR FOR MANASLU CLIMBING:

• CLIMBING HELMET: we recommend a lightweight climbing-specific helmet that must comfortably fit over your hat or balaclava and the headlamp must be able to strap securely to the outside rim of the helmet.

• BUFF: we recommend a good quality UV Buff which can be used for a multitude of purposes.

• SUN HAT: We recommend baseball caps or sombrero-style sun hats.

• BALACLAVA SYSTEM: We recommend one heavyweight and one lightweight which can be comfortably layered together

• WOOLEN SKI HAT: We recommend no-cotton wool or synthetic hat which covers ears comfortably

• FACEMASK: we recommend neoprene models

• GLACIER GLASSES: We recommend high-quality glacier glass with full coverage of eyes and across the nose.

• SKI GOGGLES: We recommend high-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at higher altitudes with no more than 30% VLT (Visible Light Transmission). And if possible with photochromic models which is ideal for light changing conditions.

• NOSE GUARD: We recommend bringing a nose guard for better protection of your nose while being at a high altitude.

• HEADLAMP: We recommend an LED outdoor headlamp of 200-300 lumens of output. Please add some spare batteries. And it’s recommended to choose with weather-resistant models

• DOWN SLEEPING BAG (-20 degree Fahrenheit ): We highly recommend a down-filled sleeping bag of good quality.

• DOWN SLEEPING BAG (-40 degree Fahrenheit): we highly recommend a down-filled sleeping bag of a good quality

• 70 LITER CLIMBING PACK: We recommend Light and Simple with crampon and ice axe attachment points.

• 30-45 LITER TREKKING PACK: We recommend with an internal frame, Light and simple Pack

• FOAM PAD: We recommend as per your body length

• INFLATABLE SLEEPING PAD: We recommend a full-length sleeping pad. And please bring along the valve repair & body patch kits.

• SPOON: We suggest a longer spoon stem which can be helpful for eating while wearing gloves and it’s better made of durable hard plastic or anodized metal

• MUG: We recommend 12 to 20 OZ capacity with insulated outdoor-style having a removable lid and spill-resistant

• POCKET KNIFE: Should be medium-sized, Simple, and light

• PEE BOTTLE: 1L – 1.5 Liter either collapsible or hard-sided logene model

• BOWL: We recommend a two-cup capacity packable bowl with a lid like a Tupperware

• PEE FUNNEL FOR WOMEN: We recommend practicing it before the expedition starts

• WATER BOTTLE PARKAS: We recommend bringing two fully insulated water bottle parkas with a zipper opening

• WATER BOTTLE: We recommend you bring two water bottles with a wide mouth made of BPA-free plastic (Co-polyester) with a capacity of 1-1.5 liter each. We don’t recommend water bags or bladder bags which have a tendency to freeze at a higher elevation.

• THERMOS: We recommend vacuum-insulated thermos with wide-mouthed and with a capacity of 1 liter

• TRASH COMPACTOR BAGS: We recommend three plastic garbage bags or a reusable waterproof pack liner to use as waterproof packsack liners

• TOILETRY BAG: To keep tissue paper, toothbrush/paste, wet wipes, shampoo, soap, etc. For females, it is recommended to prepare enough numbers of feminine hygienic products.

• WATER PURIFIER: Steri-pen or Aquamira drops. Four to six liters of water every day for personal consumption.

• SUNSCREEN: We recommend four to five ounces of 5 plus SPF sunscreen. Don’t forget to check the manufacturing date because the SPF effectiveness fades away over a time duration.

• LIPSCREEN: At least 30 plus SPF lipscreen with the newest manufacturing date.

• PERSONAL FIRST-AID KITS (small one): With painkillers (Tylenol, Ibuprofen), First-aid tape, moleskin, antiseptic wipes, Pepto Bismol, Cipro (500mg), Metronidazole, Diamox, Z-pack, etc.

• PERSONAL PRESCRIPTION: We highly recommend bringing Personal Prescriptions along with you.

• Furthermore, we suggest you bring Hand Sanitizer, Face mask, Hand & Toe warmer, Power bank or Solar charger, extra batteries, etc.

• Travel clothes while in the city

OPTIONAL: Snacks, Dry fruits, a journal, a tablet, earphones, Books, etc.

Best Time To Climb Mount Manaslu (8163m)

Spring Season (March-April-May)  & Autumn Season (September- October- November). In these two seasons, the Climbing window opens up. In these months nature awakens making the lower parts greenery with beautiful waterfalls. At this time the weather is mostly clear with blue sky and not so cold with the least snowfall.

• Spring Season: March- April- May
• Autumn Season: Sept-Oct- November

How Long Does It Take To Climb Manaslu Mountain? :

Well, climbing a high mountain is a long and gradual process, and it may vary on weather conditions and physical strength. And Mt. Manaslu is not an exception. In general, it takes around 35 days from Arrival to fully acclimatize and get used to cold weather, harsh environments and be familiar with the mountain you are going to the summit. And a few days to the summit and a few days coming back. So, in total it takes between 40 to 48 days for the whole Expedition.

Why Should “Apex Nepal Treks” Be Chosen For Manaslu Expedition?

We are a group of Sherpa Climbers who have long experience of Climbing the High Mountains. We have successfully climbed several high mountains including Mt. Everest, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Ama Dablam, etc. We have world-recorded Sherpa climbers. And we are good at taking care of our clients with safety concerns and helping them to reach the summit with lesser difficulties. We provide quality services along with varieties of food items. We only use branded equipment for climbing purposes, because your safety is our concern. The success of any expedition depends largely on a carefully planned itinerary, experienced Leaders & Sherpas who are kind as well as helpful, Quality food, and adequate training plus instructions. Trus us we are excellent in these ingredients.

 And we “Apex Nepal Team” care about the environment. Our activities are less impacting the environment and we also suggest all our clients not to harm our precious and fragile environment. We respect nature, so every time before climbing, we worship the nature god for forgiveness and make our expedition successful. We also support sustainable tourism and support through a foundation called “Foundation Apex Nepal” which supports to the under-previlaged communities and run programs related to the environment protections.

And after all, we value your hard-earned money.