Manaslu Expedition in Spring

Manaslu Expedition Cost for 2023/2024
Manaslu Expedition in Spring
What to see & doSpecific information about Manaslu Expedition in Spring
  • Duration42 Days
  • Trip Grade Very Strenuous
  • Max Altitude 8163m
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Trip Style Trekking and Expedition
  • Group Size 10
  • Transportation Private Vehicles
  • Best Season Spring Season

Manaslu Expedition remains one of the most sought summits in Nepal during spring. "Mountain of the Spirit" The Sanskrit meaning of Manaslu should be enough to inspire the true adventurer in you to attempt to scale this majestic summit. The Sanskrit word Manasa, which means "intellect" or "soul," is the root of the word Manaslu. Mt. Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world, rising 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It is situated in the Mansiri Himal, a modest but impressive sub-range of the Himalayas in northwestern Nepal, some 100 kilometers from Kathmandu. This is a challenging climbing adventure and is only for experienced climbers who have scaled mountains before.

The expedition and trekking routes in the Manaslu region are relatively well-known. Numerous people come to this region every year to trek along the untamed trails and scale Mount Manaslu. One of the well-liked trekking itineraries in this region is the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Mt. Manaslu is a difficult summit that calls for previous mountaineering expertise on peaks higher than 7000 meters. One of the most difficult climbs among the 14 eight-thousanders is this one. If one ascends Mt. Manaslu, they will have more climbing experience for the subsequent climbs. There is a quote attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson that reads, "It's not the destination, it's the journey." This is true for the Manaslu expedition because without the fight to get there, you might not understand the rush of adrenaline and thrill you experience once you get there!

There are numerous intriguing ways that the Manaslu expedition can take to reach a single summit. The conventional common route is the same one taken by the initial 1956 Japanese expedition up the Northeast face. The climb requires a little bit more technical skill than Shishapangma or Cho Oyu. Avalanche risk is raised by Base Camp's low elevation.

Join Outfitter Nepal’s spring expedition to Manaslu for the story of a lifetime! Reservations are being accepted right now for our Manaslu Expedition in 2023 and 2024. As part of our Spring Expedition, our skilled mountaineering Sherpas will guide you to the summit of the formidable Mount Manaslu from the Nepal side. The spring itinerary is carefully planned with your safety as our priority, taking into account all safety considerations.

Brief History of the Manaslu Expedition

In 1952, a group of Japanese reconnaissance parties visited Nepal. A group of 15 climbers led by Y. Mita attempted to ascend the mountain through the east side the next year (1953), after establishing a base camp at Samagaon, but they were unsuccessful. Three climbers made it to a height of 7,750 meters (25,430 feet) in this first attempt by a Japanese team to gain the summit via the northeast face before deciding to turn around. On May 9, 1956, T. Imanishi (of Japan) and Gyalzen Norbu (of the Sherpa nation) achieved the first ascent of Manaslu. Yuko Maki, also known as Aritsune Maki, served as the team's leader.

A furious group of locals met a Japanese expedition at Samagaon camp in 1954 as they approached the mountain through the Budi Gandaki route. The locals believed that earlier explorations had angered the gods, which resulted in the avalanches that devastated the Pung-gyen Monastery and claimed the lives of 18 people. The crew hastily retreated to Ganesh Himal. A sizable payment was offered to repair the monastery to assuage local resentment. The attitude of mistrust and antagonism toward Japanese expeditions was not lessened by this charitable deed, though. This challenge encountered even the 1956 expedition that successfully ascended the peak, and as a result, the next Japanese expedition could not take place until 1971.

Manaslu Expedition Route in Spring

There are a number of ways to ascend to the summit from Manaslu Base Camp (4,700m), but the majority attempt it via trekking into Samagaun along the Budi Gandaki Valley before ascending the north-east ridge. Before reaching the peak, you must navigate several snowy slopes and an arête. A thin ridge or saddle is a good way to characterize an arête. Following this, there is a difficult ascent to the summit, from which you will unquestionably have some of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas you can imagine.

Best Season for Manaslu Expedition in Spring

An important factor to take into account before starting this expedition is the weather on Manaslu. There isn't anything else to do. If the weather is bad, wait till it gets better. Always be on the lookout for reports of possible avalanches and strong winds in the weather. It is realistic to say that each season presents challenges for Manaslu expeditions. The best time to go on the Manaslu Expedition is thought to be spring.

In Nepal, the months of March, April, and May are dubbed the spring season. The monsoon season in Nepal begins just after the end of May, and the days become incredibly wet, making the weather in the Manaslu region exceedingly dangerous. Therefore, even in the spring, it is preferable to leave for your Manaslu Excursion by the last or first week of March so that you can complete the expedition before the end of May.

C1 (5,500m), C2 (6,300m), C3 (6,700m), and C4 (7,300m) are the four camps located above the base camp. Between Camp I and Camp II, there are 100 meters of vertical walls that are 50 to 60 degrees. Crevasses and icefalls are common along the path connecting Camps I and II. A traverse can be found above the black rock wall, beneath a magnificent serac.

A straight ascent to Camp-col III marks the path between Camps II and III. The 400-meter journey to Camp IV has a straight 30 to a 40-degree incline. To reach the top ridge, we must eventually traverse three more significant plateaus and climb 100 meters. There are 60 meters of straight ascent from the summit ridge to the top.

Manaslu Expedition in March

The best time to summit Manaslu is in March, the first month of Nepal's spring season. March is a post-winter month, so its early days can be a tad chilly. The air becomes warmer as the temperature rises gradually.

For the Manaslu Expedition, mid-to late-March is ideal. The weather is more consistent and agreeable by then. In the lower section, it is about 17 degrees when it is daylight. The highest regions of the Manaslu Region could have snow from the winter's aftermath. Thus, snow-related issues must be dealt with during the climb for those choosing this month to ascend Manaslu. Your journey won't be significantly impacted by the snow, though. If you are a climber, you can undoubtedly handle the snow.

However, expect it to be chilly at night and in the morning. It's very cold and sharp during those hours, with an average temperature of roughly -15 degrees. Similar to this, the peak region's temperature might fluctuate between -7 and -14 degrees.

Manaslu Expedition in April

April lets you enjoy the beautiful springtime hues. By April, spring has taken hold in Nepal, bringing with it the ideal weather. After being frigid for a while, the weather has started warming up. You also have a clear view of the Himalayas. The month-long weather pattern is unchanged in April. Above you, the brilliant sun will cast a dazzling light on you.

Due to the bright days, the lower region's daily temperatures range from 0 to 15 degrees, which is comparatively warmer. The temperature falls to zero later in the night. Similar to this, the temperature in the highest altitudes of the excursion is consistently near freezing. Being a climber, you are familiar with the climate in the mountains.

Unlike March, this month will see a little decrease in the amount of snow on the climbing trails. Thanks to the pleasant springtime weather, which peaks in April. Less snow on the trail means fewer snow-related issues throughout the entire Manaslu Expedition.

Manaslu Expedition in May

May marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Thus, the region around Nepal has a hot climate. The Manaslu Region will be hotter primarily in the lower portions. There, the daily temperature fluctuates between 15 and 20 degrees. However, the mountains continue to freeze as they always have and always will.

Mountain adventures are excellent for the warmest months of spring. The temperature is higher than it is throughout the rest of spring during this time. Thus, navigating the mountains will be a lot simpler for you. You will undoubtedly get beautiful views of the area when the weather is clear. Mountain trails will have comparably little snow cover. Your climb will also be much simpler.

However, May's final few days can occasionally be a little erratic. The region may face some unforeseen weather shifts as the summer season approaches. So, if you decide to climb Manaslu in May, be sure to pick the early days.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Manaslu Expedition is also possible in the autumn. September, October, and November are considered autumnal months. The weather, meanwhile, might not be as accommodating as in the spring. Even if the pinnacle has been reached, it is not as well-liked as the springtime.

The hardest months for the Manaslu Expedition are monsoon (June - August) and winter (December - February), during which it is rarely successful. Contrary to the spring season, these seasons have the most challenging and unpredictable weather. Thus, springtime is seen to be the ideal time to go on the Manaslu Expedition.

Manaslu Expedition with Outfitter Nepal

Any expedition's success depends on having a well-planned itinerary and the best logistics, both of which we offer. We are committed to maintaining the mission's safety and effectiveness with our top-notch service.

We always lay a strong focus on keeping the group small to make it simple for everyone to coordinate and work together. You will be led by mountain guides who are among the best in their field and have made multiple ascents of Manaslu. They have extensive training and expertise. Our mountaineering method is consistent with the decades of summit achievement that our guides, Sherpa, and support staff have to offer.

Difficulty during Manaslu Expedition

The spring Manaslu Expedition is rated to be extremely strenuous. The Manaslu expedition's difficulty varies according to physical condition, climbing gear, weather, and prior climbing experience. Altitude sickness is the most frequent issue when climbing these peaks, which is why it is important to take your time on the way to Base Camp and then constantly climb and rise after you arrive to prevent any problems. If the weather makes it impossible to reach the summit, we have many days set aside.

Safety in Mount Manaslu

Up until around five years ago, the history of Manaslu was primarily made up of earnest, modest private excursions. It was a sought-after objective for ardent climbers aiming for a challenging Himalayan challenge because it is one of the 14 8,000-meter peaks in the globe. By Himalayan standards, the mountain is not very high and is located off one of the busier trekking paths. However, short does not equate to safe, as history would suggest.

The peak is the fifth most climbed eight-thousander in terms of the number of summits and may be readily ascended under the right circumstances. However, it has a death rate of more than 35% relative to summits. You have no idea what Manaslu will throw at you unless you actually encounter the top or thoroughly investigate it. It has previously been an avalanche chute.

Preparing for Manaslu Expedition

The expedition of Manaslu is by no means simple, thus, we ask those who are interested in the challenge to have completed at least one previous high-altitude climb anywhere in the world at a height of 6000–7000 meters. It is quite difficult to create a simulation using ladders to traverse crevasses in the mountains for real during training. Strength, core, and endurance training should be your main priorities. Any sort of cardiovascular exercises, such as long-distance running (10-20km) three to four times a week, cycling for an hour to two hours and trekking uphill with 15-20kg weights are some of the recommended training methods. We also recommend endurance training exercises for the preparation! We remind you to start preparing at least 5 or 6 months before your expedition departure!

Challenges during the Manaslu Expedition

Your fitness and alertness will be put to the test at the summit. Although breathing will be difficult, you should be able to adapt to the altitude with sufficient pre-trip acclimatization, enough hydration, and an adequate diet.

The actual alpine challenge starts after we leave the base camp and involves largely climbing on steep ice and snow surfaces. The climbers stage up and set up at base camp where they will spend the coming days preparing to ascend Manaslu. Manaslu features some of the steepest and longest climbs once you leave camp to camp. There are high risks of avalanches and crevasses opening along the climbing path because it is in an extremely exposed location.

ItineraryTrip day to day detail itinerary

This is your first day in Nepal. An Outfitter Nepal representative will pick you up at the Tribhuvan International Airport and take you back to your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy.

    We take you to explore the ancient Kathmandu valley alongside the UNESCO enlisted World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and the Durbar Squares at Kathmandu valley.

      You have a short briefing session at the Ministry of Tourism, from the government officials of the ministry. Your entry and climbing permits are also arranged on this day.

        It's time to head out of the valley and formally begin our journey. So, after breakfast, we'll use the Prithvi Highway to travel to Soti Khola. We'll need 9 to 10 hours to get to the village because the path is winding. The path is demanding but also fruitful.

        We have a wonderful view of lush meadows and majestic hills to accompany us along the way for the whole of the race. The Manaslu expedition's entry point, Soti Khola, lies tucked away to the north of Arughat. You have an overnight stay at Soti Khola.

          Today's trek starts with a suspension bridge crossing the Budi Gandaki River and rugged ground. Then, after arriving at a specific location, you descend uphill pathways.

          You arrive at Labishe village, a small Gurung settlement, by continuing. After a few miles of trekking from the charming hamlet, you reach Machha Khola, the day's last destination. You have an overnight stay at Machha Khola.

            Since the distance is short, we may begin the walk with slow, deliberate strides and pick up speed as we go. Our trail leaves Machha Khola and follows Budi Gandaki's bank before ascending and descending some ridges.

            The valley's path descends and becomes wide, making it simple to follow to Jagat. It is a stunning town in the Lamjung district with a breathtaking view to offer. High cliffs, beautiful mountains, and waterfalls make up the tranquil landscape that Jagat offers to adventurous tourists as it rises above the valley.

              After having a quick breakfast, we start ascending to reach our destination from Jagat to Chumet. The altitudinal difference between Jagat and Chumet is only around 300m, however, you need to test your stamina with the descends and ascends. Finally, we reach Chume. We have an overnight stay at Chumet.

                The first set of today's path has several detours and diversions. Then, after reaching Ghap, a little community with a limited number of houses, you continue to Namrung. Compared to earlier days, the trail is longer, but the breathtaking scenery will make up for it. Before reaching Namrung, you ascend the trail to a checkpoint while traversing beautiful rhododendron forests. We have an overnight stay at Namrung.

                  After passing through the settlement of Barchham, our trail continues and passes a flowing waterfall. We next climb a hill to the settlement of Lihi before descending once more to the Hinan River from here. After passing through the Sho settlement, the trail enters Numla River, where it offers a touching picture of verdant meadows, glittering Manaslu, and Himal Chuli. We'll eventually arrive in Samagaon, also known as Sama Gompa, after hiking the level trail through lush farms and terrain for about 5 to 6 hours. We have an overnight stay at Sama Gaon.

                    You must take an acclimatization day between ascents and descents so that your body can adapt to the changing altitude. A free day is allocated to let you adjust to the elevation. The elevation of 3,550 meters is perfect for a short local hike. The greatest strategy to adapt is to go hiking! A day climb to Manaslu Base Camp is viable. Other options include daylong walks to Birendra Tal which can take more than six hours each way. You can also take advantage of the rest day by strolling through the neighbourhood and visiting the revered Pungyen Gompa.

                    Sama Gaon is a small village with a huge gompa at its highest reaches and mani walls, a small gompa, and closely spaced rows of homes at its lower reaches. It is situated in a basin at the base of pastures climbing high hills. The first settlers came from Tibet more than 500 years ago, and the two gompas that still stand today have been built entirely of wood and have distinctive architectural designs. The Tibetan settlements here have entrance gates that stand out greatly from Tibetan ones, and they engage in frequent trade with their fellow believers in Tibet (notice the Chinese brandy and beer on sale). You can observe the rural ladies making dresses out of Tibetan wool (Baal) if the weather is good.

                      Your adventure along the Manaslu expedition is resumed after a brief pause. Due to the trails' strong rise above the glacial moraines, they are a little rougher here. In addition to little settlements and breathtaking scenery, the trek passes through Birendra Kunda.

                      You move slowly to the steep, rocky trails until you finally arrive at the high camp. As you get to this point, you meet up with the Sherpa crewmate who will lead you to the top. Additionally, they take care of the preparation, including cooking and putting up campgrounds. You also start preparing for your official Manaslu expedition like how to fix ropes and carabiners and climbing using crampons.

                        Now only the head guide will determine the timing and length of the walk. There may be some locations where you may need to halt because of weather issues. To navigate the Manaslu glacier, follow the bamboo marker wands. When negotiating crevasses and hazardous terrain, use ropes and crampons. On the base of North Peak, directly above the glacier, at 5,700 meters, you can finally locate Camp 1.

                        You must battle through roaring snow and blustering winds to get to Camp 2, located in a flat 6,400-meter region. It can take considerable time. In the event of ideal weather, the ascent from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is one of the quickest, taking only 4 hours. You need to climb the last portion of the glacier along this method, which is a somewhat arduous ascent. Reach Camp 4 at 7,400 meters by taking care as you navigate the ice trail. Camp 4 is the last resting place before ascending the formidable Mt. Manaslu (8,163m).

                        We start our ascent from Camp 4. The climb might occur at any time of day, depending on the weather. We must ascend three levels of the road before we reach the slope, which is divided into two halves. You approximately need 10 hours to climb to the peak of Manaslu from Camp 4. Observe the Manaslu region in stealth from the top! Slowly make your way to the Manaslu Base Camp after ascending the mountain. You have overnight stays at the camp.

                          We cannot overstate the need to compensate the environment in some ways for its services. Another idea for how to thank Manaslu for the ecosystem service that it provides is to collect the trash and bring it back. We take every possible waste from the mission back to the lower communities, being sure to remove it all from the route we came. This way, we contribute to maintaining the region's cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, today is the first day we begin mentally preparing for the trail's descent and return to its lower reaches.

                            We'll trek down to the campsite after making it to the mountain successfully. We leave this location by walking along the path that leads to the glacier moraine. We'll go back to Samagaon by catching the speed of light. Although the view from the route is breathtaking, Manaslu, Mount Himalchuli, and Naike Peak can also be seen fairly surrealistically from the village.

                            A moving feast with an unrivalled view of Manaslu and alluring landscapes, the path to Samdo is a destination in itself. From Samagaon, the trail continues north along the Budhi Gandaki River. It then passes through the Khormo Kharka ranch, where a breathtaking view of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and Mani wall is on show.

                            The alley continues for another hour as it ascends off the slope. It then drops to the river and crosses the bridge before beginning a brief ascent to Samdo. Samdo, a village in the Himalayas, is extraordinarily beautiful, with old Tibetan monasteries and a pristine backdrop.

                             

                              After breakfast in Samdo, we will proceed past the Larke Bazaar, a transient Tibetan market, before descending to the Budi Gandaki River. Cross the wooden bridge as you start your ascent and can view the Larkya Glacier as you cross two streams. We will make a U-turn and go via the Salka Khola Valley to reach Dharma Shala, also known as Larke Phedi. Along the journey, we'll travel past a lot of old-style monasteries. The trip takes four hours. We have an overnight stay at Dharma Shala.

                                From Dharma Shala to Bimtang, the route begins with a gradual ascent over a ridge and ends at the moraine. We'll continue up the inclining path till we reach the top of Larke-La Pass, where you can see Menjung, Kang Guru, and Gyagi Kang.

                                After we've finished exploring, we'll descend the trail via a region of snow and ice. We'll take a stroll around Bimthang after the strenuous long walk. We have an overnight stay at Bimthang.

                                  Over a month has passed since we embarked on the Manaslu expedition, and it appears that the journey is finally coming to a close. From Bimtang, it will take us 7 to 8 hours to hike up to Tilje today. From Bimtang, we will descend the path through lusciously verdant pine and rhododendron forests to Hampuk. As we follow the pathways downhill, we will eventually arrive at Dudh Khola, where the trail separates and becomes very difficult.

                                  From here, a badly landslide-affected cliff descends, and a road leads to the chaotic village of Kharche. It is simple to travel to the distant settlement of Tilije because our footpath descends from Kharche. We have an overnight stay at Tilje.

                                    Tal comes to a close on yet another day of the Manaslu Expedition's arduous route. Since it takes about 6 hours to get to the village, we'll set out on foot as soon as we finish breakfast. We'll climb the hill and travel far from the Marsyangdi River as the trail takes us to Dharapani.

                                    The journey continues to a little settlement called Tal by following the valley's level terrain. Tal, located at the base of a waterfall that is pouring, provides an incredible panorama. We have an overnight stay at Tal.

                                      We have completed all of the trekking on the Manaslu expedition after more than one and a half months. The moment has come for us to say farewell to the lovely Tal and return to Kathmandu. The Prithvi Highway will be our scenic route to the valley. Green landscapes, gorgeous mountains, amazing waterfalls, and enclaves can all be seen from the path.

                                        Now that you have finally arrived in Kathmandu after more than a month, you finally get a rest day in the city. You can go for it any way you like. If you feel like you want to go sightseeing, that’s fine too. An Outfitter Nepal representative can take you to your preferred tourist attractions.

                                          On this day, you can have last-minute shopping to purchase some souvenirs for your friends back home. Thamel has a lot of souvenir shops!

                                            Your stay in Nepal is finally over. An Outfitter Nepal representative will transfer you to the airport and you can now travel to your desired location. We hope you enjoyed your adventure with us!

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                                              Cost DetailsGood to know before trip booking
                                              What's Included

                                              Before Trekking and Expedition

                                              • Airport transfer by private car/van/bus in accordance with the itinerary.
                                              • Guided sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley by private car/van/bus.
                                              • Entrance fees and tickets during a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley.
                                              • 3 Nights’ Accommodation at a Michelin star luxury hotel in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast.

                                              During Trekking and Expedition

                                              • Paper works, Peak permit fees, Route fees, Manaslu Conservation Area (MCAP) fee, Manaslu Area Special Trekking Permit fees, and Expedition Royalty fees.
                                              • Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola and back via private car/van/bus.
                                              • Liaison officer fees.
                                              • Wages for porter, guides and climbing guides.
                                              • Manaslu Region Map
                                              • Accommodation during lodge trekking in lodges or tea houses.
                                              • Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner in accordance with the package during the lodge trekking.
                                              • 2 Expedition duffel bags per climber.
                                              • Tented Accommodation in Camps (Twin sharing Basis).
                                              • Kitchen tent, store tent, dining tent, and toilet tent.
                                              • Sleeping Tent and mattress for each member.
                                              • Provision of kitchen and dining equipment as well as eating utensils.
                                              • Provision of meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) during camping.
                                              • Food supply and expedition equipment logistics transportation to and from the base camp.
                                              • Gamow bag (Portable Altitude Chamber).
                                              • Travel insurance to all Nepalese staff.
                                              • Cook and kitchen boy at the camps.
                                              • Provision of 1 High Altitude Sherpa for assistance.
                                              • Provision of 4L-Poix with 2 Oxygen bottles for each member and 1 Oxygen bottle for Sherpa + Masks and Regulators.
                                              • Collective climbing equipment such as climbing rope, ice screws, snow bars, and a snow shovel.
                                              • Walkie-talkies for each member base unit at base camps.
                                              • Generator or solar panel for light and charging at the base camp.
                                              • Heaters in the mess tents at base camps.
                                              • Satellite phone provision, costs apply per usage.
                                              • Emergency medical oxygen.
                                              • Emergency first aid kit in case of injuries.
                                              • Emergency Helicopter Service arrangement in accordance with the Travel Insurance.
                                              • Government Taxes

                                              After Trekking and Expedition

                                              • Airport transfer by private car/van/bus in accordance with the itinerary.
                                              • 3 Nights’ Accommodation at a Michelin star luxury hotel in Kathmandu with Bed and Breakfast.
                                              • Farewell dinner.
                                              What's not Included
                                              • Visa for Nepal (You may easily acquire a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu; carry 2 Passport Size photos on hand).
                                              • Lunch and Dinner at Kathmandu
                                              • Bar bills and laundry service.
                                              • Mandatory Travel Insurance.
                                              • Medical and Emergency Insurance.
                                              • Garbage deposit fee.
                                              • Rescue, medical and hospitalization expenses.
                                              • Personal Climbing Equipment.
                                              • Extra Oxygen Mask and Regulator (can be provided on request).
                                              • Alcoholic drinks and beverages.
                                              • Personal climbing gear, equipment, and apparel such as ice ax, crampons, climbing boots, jumar, harness, slings, karabiners, descender, and prussic loops.
                                              • Personal snack items such as chocolates, granola bars, and beef jerky.
                                              • International airfare and tax.
                                              • Gratuity fee (tips) for the staff.
                                              • Summit Bonus.
                                              • Nepal custom duty for import of expedition equipment.
                                              • Expenses not mentioned in the including section.