Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This towering feature makes it a center of attraction. Mount Manaslu is also called Kampunge. The height of Mount Manaslu measures approximately 8,163m. The towering height of Manaslu attracts mountaineers to explore its 8000-plus height.

Samagaun is the nearest residential settlement to the Peak of Manaslu, 1.9 km away. The closest health and police post to Manaslu Peak is located in Samagaun.

In this article, we will explore Mount Manaslu. You will also discover why it is a tourist attraction.

The Official Height of Mount Manaslu

Mount Manaslu is one of the highest mountains in the world. It is located in the Mansiri Himal range of Nepal within a remote valley in Western Nepal. The peak of Manaslu has been estimated to be an average 65-day climb. This is a little over a month.

Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa are recorded as the first to reach the peak of Manaslu. This historic feat took place on May 9, 1956.

What Is the Height of Manaslu?

Mount Manaslu is 26,781 feet tall. This means it is 8163m higher than the sea level. Mount Manaslu is covered in snow and ice. Mount Manaslu translated to Sanskrit means the Mountain of the Spirit.

This historic mountain based in Nepal is surrounded by 4 other mountains. These mountains include Mount Himalchuli, Mount Ngadi Chuli, Mount Shringi, and Mount Langpo. Mount Himalchuli measures 7893m. Mount Ngadi Chuli measures 7871m. Mount Shringi measures 7187m.

Manaslu’s True Summit vs. Climbing Summit

The Manaslu climbing summit can also be regarded as the Manaslu Fore summit. Many mountaineers do not explore beyond the fore summit because of the risks associated with climbing to the true summit. The true summit of Manaslu is about 20m-25m higher than the climbing summit.

The climbing summit is usually the safe range for mountaineers to climb. The fixed ropes usually end at the climbing summit. The true summit is more dangerous than the climbing summit.

The heavy snowfall which creates a corniced ridge is one of the reasons why the true summit is considered more dangerous. The category of persons who attempt to climb to the Manaslu true summit are those interested in setting a world record.

They are those who desire to stamp their name in history. They are usually willing to take a well-calculated risk to achieve their desired feat.

In 2021, Mingma Gyabu and his rope fixing team fixed the rope to the Manaslu True Summit after numerous complaints from curious climbers. Aside from setting the rope, they discovered an easier and smarter route to reaching the Manaslu true summit.

The Geography and Location of Mount Manaslu

Mount Manaslu is located around the Gorkha districts in Nepal. On the east of Manaslu lies the Ganesh Himal and the Budhi Gandaki River Gorge. The Marysangdi Khola and Annapurna Range are located on the west side of Mount Manaslu.

Mount Manaslu is located at 28.5497°N and 84.5613°E within the Mansiri Himalayan range. Mount Manaslu is situated in the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is a protected area; thus, trekkers must obtain a permit to gain access.

Jaggat is the village which serves as the entry point into the Manaslu Conservation Area. Namrung is a village at 2,660 meters. You can have a good view of Manaslu from this height.

Samdo is one of the highest villages in the Manaslu Conservation Area. It is located about 3875 meters. At Larkya La Pass, you have a good view of the surrounding peaks.

Manaslu in the Heart of West Central Nepal

Manaslu is located in the heart of West Central Nepal in the major Nepalese Himalayas. It is about 64km to the East of Annapurna. Annapurna is the 10th tallest peak in the world. Mount Manaslu is about 100 km Northwest of Kathmandu.

Mount Manaslu is the third 8000m+ mountain in Nepal that does not share location with neighbouring countries. This is because it lies entirely within Nepal’s border.

Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Annapurna are the other two mountains with such heights that don’t share borders with other countries.

The Manaslu Conservation Area that surrounds Mount Manaslu is home to several plants and animals. The Manaslu conservation area was established in 1988.

Nepal’s Western development region houses Mount Manaslu. It is therefore surrounded by the Dharapani, Thoche, and Samagaun Development communities.

The mountain is surrounded by ethnic groups such as the Gurungs and Tibetans that reside in the Samdo, Lho, and Samagaun villages.

Manaslu Conservation Area: A Natural Treasure

The Manaslu Conservation Area was established in 1988. The Manaslu conservative area offers trekkers a full view of nature's treasures. The Manaslu conservative area covers about 1663 square kilometres.

The protected area is characterised by beautiful landscapes, a mix of nature’s ecosystem, eye-capturing Himalayas, snow-covered mountains and beautiful green forests.

The majestic view of the Manaslu conservative area will leave you awestruck during your entire period of exploration. The Budhi Gandaki River is at the centre of the Manaslu conservation area. This river keeps the plants and the animals in the area.

The area is characterised by biodiversity due to its topography. You get to see beautiful and rare flowers and various types of mammals.

The pines and the rhododendrons make the lower heights so colourful and beautiful. In the higher regions, there are beautiful grasses that thrive in colder climates.

The topography of the area is a mixture of heat and cold and this makes it more unique and beautiful. There is always the next best thing to see while exploring the area.

The flowers, green forests, animals, and cultures and traditions. You get to interact with the Gurungs and Tibetans that reside in the area. It is usually more intriguing when you visit during their festival periods.

There are about 6 villages in the area and about 6000 people reside in the area. The presence of people helps you connect with people, cultures and belief systems. So, it is beyond merely viewing mountains.

Climbing Mount Manaslu: The Journey to the Summit

Mount Manaslu is the Eighth-highest mountain in the world. It is therefore not the hardest climb to make. Nevertheless, it is not a walk in the park especially if you aim to reach the true peak. It is an 8000m+ mountain above sea level.

You must be physically fit before embarking on the Manaslu Summit climb. The climb is physically exhausting because you would walk for hours. It is not something you choose to do out of curiosity.

You must be well prepared. This is why it is usually advised to start with lower peaks as it will help build stamina and resilience.

It is advised to have experience climbing lower mountains instead of starting your mountain climbing experience with Mount Everest or Mount Manaslu.

Peaks such as the Himlung Himal which is 7126m, Island Peak which is 6189m, etc. Before climbing Mount Manaslu, you must ensure that the weather and the atmosphere are safe for climbing.

The best time to climb Manaslu Mountain is during autumn and spring. This is between the period of September to October and March to May. The sky is usually clear and the weather is not harsh during this period.

The Manaslu climb starts from the Base. There are various access options to reach the base camp. You could reach base camp with Helicopter. The helicopter enters Kathmandu into Samagaun.

Samagaun is directly beneath the Manaslu base camp. So, you will do a 1200m trek to reach base camp.

Another option is trekking from Dharapani. This is a longer walk but the view of the villages and nature is worth the extra days spent trekking. The walk from Dharapani to base camp is about 5160m. This takes about 4 to 5 days of trekking.

Another option is Trekking from Machhakholagaon. This takes about 6-10 days to reach base camp.

Climbing Routes and Challenges

Climbing the Manaslu mountain, the eighth highest mountain in the world is not child’s play. Even the most experienced climbers have their share of difficulty. Their experience only makes navigating and overcoming these climbing challenges easier.

The journey to reach the Manaslu summit is characterised by harsh weather, lower oxygen, sloppy mountains, thinning road paths, avalanches etc. There is also the risk of falls and medical emergencies.

This is why stamina and sound physical health are important before embarking on this journey. The following are some of the climbing route dangers and challenges:

The Risk of Avalanches

Mountains are usually sloppy. Avalanches occur when some materials from the slope break down. Mount Manaslu is generally regarded as an Avalanche-prone area.

This is why certain seasons are better for climbing or trekking the mountain. Avalanches are more likely to occur during fluctuating snow weather.

The Risk of Falling

There are numerous instances of climbers falling from Mount Manaslu. The narrow ridgelines, the steep paths, and the icy slopes make a fatal fall possible, especially for non-experienced climbers.

Using fixed guide ropes, and firm crampons are ways to reduce the risk of falls.

Altitude Triggered Sickness

Climbing to the summit of an 8000m+ mountain is a long way up. There is the danger of feeling nauseated, having short breaths, feeling nauseous, dizziness, and headaches.

The higher you go, the more likely these symptoms become severe.

Preparing for High-Altitude Climbing

Your success in the Manaslu summit climbing starts with how prepared you are for the challenges associated with such high-altitude climbing. Physical fitness is not enough but it is one of the things you will need.

You will be carrying a weight of about 30 lbs including an oxygen tank and you are expected to ascend with this weight on foot.

Your preparation must cover managing the cold weather, the sloppy paths, and the avalanches that happen up the mountain. You should have good rope and ice climbing skills.

You must have trained or have experience using ascenders on a fixed line. Your preparation must also include cardiovascular training, tolerance training, and physical strength.

You will need all these to survive on your way to Mount Manaslu summit. You must also be comfortable with wearing crampons for long hours while walking, climbing and moving with them.

You should also have pre-climbing training that will accustom you to the thin air and low oxygen situation of the Mountain.

Weather and Its Impact on Expeditions

Trekking in the Manaslu region is available throughout the year. However, various seasons are associated with varying weather conditions, and this affects its suitability for climbing or trekking.

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September- November) are safer for climbing. This is because these seasons have clearer skies and fewer chances of rainfall or snowfall.

However, Winter (December- February) and Summer (June-August) is not safe for climbing Mount Manaslu.

September to November is generally the best time to explore the Manaslu regions including the Manaslu Larke pass trek. September to November is characterized by mild temperatures, clear skies, and festivities in Nepal.

Due to its peculiarity, it is usually more crowded than during December to August. The generally cool atmosphere makes it comfortable for Manaslu trekking.

The nights are however colder during these seasons and you might require tea houses to stay warm.

Manaslu trekking is available from December to August, however, it is generally considered off-season because of the challenges of exploring the Manaslu region during this season. The temperature is extremely cold.

The extreme snowfall is also a safety concern for many trekkers. The financial advantage of this season is that obtaining the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit is cheaper.

Other disadvantages include increased pests, slipper paths, fewer accommodations, difficulty in navigation, unpredictable weather, etc.

Trekking to Manaslu Base Camp

The Mount Manaslu summit climb starts from the Manaslu Base Camp. Whether entering the conservative area by helicopter or whatever means, you will still have to walk the trails for at least two days.

As you trek to the Manaslu base camp, you will encounter various natural beauty. You should see the Marijuana plants on your way to Jagat. You would also see the hot water spring just before getting to Dovan.

The hot water spring is called Tatopani. In Dovan, you will see the Budi Ghandaki River. After trekking past the Gurung villages, you will cross the Cantilever bridge.

Once you trek past Jagat and face Salleri, you will see several rice and millet fields. You should also see the Shringi Himal mountain along this path. There are also amazing flowers along this path. The trek from Jagat will lead you to Deng.

There is a nice view of a waterfall not too far from Deng. Then you will move from Deng to Namrung. On the path to Namrung, you will cross some log bridges and pass through an isolated water mill. The walk through the isolated water mill will lead you to Bihi Phedi.

The descending pathway past Bihi Phedi will lead you to Serang Khola. Trekking through Serang Khola and the Sheer Basalt Walls.

The valley widens as you go in the northeast direction. You will encounter a waterfall above the wheat and maize farm along the pathway.

You will walk through a bridge and the Mani stone walls. After that, you should walk through Ghap village. Along the road, you will see some bamboo forests, Rhododendron forests, etc.

After a few hour's walk, you should reach Namrung where you will show your trekking permit at the police checkpoint.

The walk through Namrung will lead you to Lihi. You should see the Himal Chuli mountain along this path. You will cross the Hinang Khola and enter a valley connected to the trail.

A few hour's walk will lead you to Lho where the Ribung Monastery is located. The walkthrough Damonan Khola tribulation past a plateau will lead you to Shyala village.

You will walk down the path and cross a bridge that will lead you opposite the Pungyen Gompa. A few more hours of walking will get you to Samagaon. The last trek is from Samagaon to Manaslu Base Camp.

Samagaon is the regional centre of Nupri. Kargyu Chholing and Gompa Monastery are located in Samagaon. Hiking past the Monastery will lead you to Birendra Tal. It is right below the Manaslu Glacier.

A few hours of trek will lead you to the Manaslu base camp where your mountain climbing expedition should start.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu circuit trek is one of the iconic and amazing yet challenging mountain treks to make. The Manaslu trek takes you around Mount Manaslu and helps you explore the mountain’s natural beauty.

The Manaslu Circuit trek starts from Macckhola and the trek ends in Dharapani. The Manaslu circuit trek lies between Annapurnas and Ganesh Himal. The trek will lead you through some local villages in Nepal.

Throughout the trek, you will encounter amazing scenery like waterfalls, suspension bridges, Monasteries, maize and wheat farms, surrounding mountains, beautiful and rare flowers, mountain animals, etc.

Participating in the Manaslu circuit trek requires you to obtain trekking permits such as the Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permit, etc.

You even get to interact with some of the locals in some of the available teahouse accommodations available on the trekking path.

Manaslu Base Camp: Gateway to the Peak

The journey to climb Mount Manaslu's peak starts at the Manaslu base camp. The Manaslu base camp offers climbers an array of cultural diversity and nature’s beauty. The Manaslu trek is usually peaceful and calm because it is not as populated as other areas.

Some of the amazing experiences and views of the Manaslu base camp include the drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola, the experience of crossing Larkya la Pass, the culture of the locals in the area, etc.

The Birendra Tal Lake is along the Manaslu base camp and Samagaon. The lake covers about 3km. It is a product of the Mountain Ice. This view from the base camp is alluring, especially with its shining blue colour.

Pungen Gompa is another amazing scenery. It is a popular Buddhist monastery in the area that is surrounded by beautiful towering mountains.

Mount Manaslu Expeditions: A History of Achievements

Although Mount Manaslu is not the highest mountain in the world, climbing and reaching the peak is no child’s play. There have been numerous attempts at climbing Mount Manaslu, but not all have been successful.

The first team to discover the Manaslu summit was H.W Tilman’s expedition. This discovery happened in 1950. The first people to however climb Mount Manaslu are Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa. This successful climb occurred in 1956.

Toshio Imanishi and the First Ascent

This Japanese expedition team led by Yuko Maki helped reveal Mount Manaslu as one of the highest mountains in the world. The expedition team where Toshio Imanishi was a member were sent out by the Japanese Alpine Club.

Toshio Imanishi was the leader of the 1953 Annapurna expedition which was sponsored by the Academic Alpine Club.

Before March 1956, numerous teams had left for the Manaslu expedition but experienced numerous setbacks. Some of the setbacks include the opposition from the villagers based on their experience with the previous expedition team. Another setback was the lack of oxygen apparatus.

In making their mark, Toshio Imanishi and the entire team went through the Sama village along Buri Gandaki. The climbing teams were grouped in twos and that was how Toshio Imanishi and Sirdar Gyalzen were paired as the first summit party.

Despite the numerous challenges they encountered, such as the faulty oxygen cap amongst others, Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu finally reached the top of the summit. They took pictures and gradually climbed back down to be warmly welcomed.

Modern-Day Expeditions and Trends

Mountaineering has also evolved with technological advancement. This evolution has birthed numerous climbing equipment such as lighter sleeping tents, swami belts, gear slings, hammer holsters, parachutes, and other highly advanced safety gear, etc.

The first indoor rock climbing wall was created at the Ullswater School. This was done in 1960. Sports climbing on the other hand was introduced in the 1980s. Free soloing and highling were introduced in the 1990s. This was an extremely dangerous development in mountaineering sports.

Sports climbing was introduced in 2020 by the International Olympic Committee during the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Modern-day mountaineering expeditions have indeed evolved and are still evolving the tradition of mountain climbing.

Highlights of the Manaslu Trekking and Climbing Experience

The Manaslu climbing and trekking experience is more than just a routine tour. Your time in the Manaslu region will keep you mesmerized. There is always something unique and amazing to explore in the Manaslu region.

From the culture of the locals in the region to nature's beauty. The waterfalls, the valleys, the mountain peaks, the glaciers, the rivers, etc., are highlights of the Manaslu trekking and climbing expeditions.

Reaching the top of Larkya La Pass will give you an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The Kathmandu Valley is one of the interesting places to explore during your Manaslu trek.

Socialising with locals in the villages will also help you build a connection with the area and make your trek more memorable. Crossing and climbing mountains alongside other trekkers is one of the highlights of the trekking and climbing experience.

The change in weather is also one of the things to look out for during the Manaslu trek experience. With the change in weather comes the change in nature and this is usually a beauty to behold.

Spectacular Views from the Peak

The Ganesh Himal range and the Annapurna range are peaks in the Manaslu region that are smaller than Mount Manaslu. The Ganesh Himal is about 7,422m, while Annapurna, which is the tenth-highest mountain in the world, is about 8091m.

The Ganesh Himal range has about 4 peaks. The highest peak of the Ganesh range is the peak with an estimated altitude of 7,422m. Annapurna I is the main peak of the Annapurna range, measuring 8091m in altitude.

Ganesh Himal is between the Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation Area at the center of Nepal. The Ganesh Himal route and peak offer amazing nature views ranging from the green fields to the mountain tops. The valleys, clear rivers, and the flowers along the paths make the view spectacular.

Annapurna is located in the north-central area of Nepal. The Manang village is one of the high-altitude settlements that makes trekking Annapurna spectacular.

The valleys in the Annapurna region, especially the Nar and Phu valleys, make the Annapurna trek enticing and captivating.

Cultural and Natural Encounters Along the Trail

The Ganesh Himal trek offers breathtaking beauty. The unexplored area still preserves its cultural heritage. Ganesh Himal was named after the god of fortune, who is an elephant-headed idol.

The Trishuli River and the amazing landscapes are one of the captivating nature’s beauty along the trail. The Tamang, Brahim, and Gurung cultural groups offer a wide range of cultural exploration.

Interacting with some of them will help you explore other cultural heritages. The city of Pokhara serves as the base camp for the Annapurna trek. The Chhomorong village along the Annapurna trek exposes you to a beautiful cultural heritage.

The sunset reflecting through the mountains gives beauty to the entire scenery. It is the perfect gateway from the bustle of urban life. The villages, valleys, and mountains offer a mesmerizing atmosphere and beauty.

The Annapurna trek gives you a view of a beautiful and peaceful green bamboo forest. The mountains covered in snow, the animals, plants, etc., are amazing sights to behold along the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal trek.

Practical Tips for Trekkers and Climbers

A successful mountain trek or climb is not wished into existence. Rather, you must prepare adequately to have an enjoyable and successful climb or trek. The need for adequate preparation is more expedient for climbers who are trying to achieve a certain feat.

Climbers must ensure that they are physically fit. They must also have prior training experiences to survive the rocky mountain climbs on Mount Manaslu. You must have had numerous trainings on steep glaciers to prepare you for the Manaslu Mountain climb.

While training on steep glaciers, you might want to include carrying a bag of about 10kg and above while wearing mountain hats and glasses. This is just to create a simulation of the real mountain climbing experience.

Gear and Equipment Essentials

There are specific gears and equipment designed to aid mountain climbing or trekking. They must be included in the list of things you need to prepare appropriately. These gears must be gotten before you embark on any mountain climbing or trekking expedition.

The list is inexhaustible, but some of them include:

• Mountain climbing boots
• Short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts because of the changing atmosphere.
• Hydration bottle packs
• Acenders and Decenders kit
• Mountain Googles
• Battery-Powered Flashlights
• Headlamps
• Down suits or Mountain climbing suits.
• Waterproof jackets to protect against rain or snow while climbing
• Sleeping bags or camping tents
• Ropes or Cords
• A firm backpack to hold every other gear or equipment.
• Trekking support poles.
• Carabiners to climb rough cliffs
• Toiletries and First Aid.

Travel Insurance and Permits

As a trekker, one of the things that you must prepare is getting your permit through registered agencies such as the Manaslu Circuit Treks agency.

Aside from your permit, there are other things that you need to prepare to have a successful mountain trekking or climbing experience.

Additionally, your medical, health or life insurance must be up to date. The Manaslu mountain climb is risky, so you must have standing insurance that covers any health liability that you might incur during the climb.

Conclusion:

Mount Manaslu, being the eighth-highest mountain in the world, has its fair share of admirers. The mountain’s height and surrounding nature make it a perfect tourist attraction.

If you are ever planning to climb Mount Everest, Mount Manaslu is a good place to begin. Its altitude gets you ready for the heights and challenges of climbing Mount Everest.

FAQs About the Mount Manaslu

What Is the Official Height of Manaslu?

The official height of Mount Manaslu measures approximately 8,163m/26 781ft higher than the sea level.

How Difficult Is Climbing Mount Manaslu?

Climbing the Manaslu mountain, the eighth highest mountain in the world, is not child’s play. Even the most experienced climbers have their share of difficulty.

The journey to reach the Manaslu summit is characterized by harsh weather, lower oxygen, sloppy mountains, thinning road paths, avalanches etc.

Proper preparation in getting some climbing and survival gear, such as carabiners, insulated climbing boots, ropes, first aid, headlamps, etc., would make climbing a little easier.

Why Is Mount Manaslu Known as the Eighth Highest Mountain?

Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This towering feature makes it a centre of attraction. Mount Manaslu is also called Kampunge.

The height of Manaslu measures approximately 8,163m.