Manaslu Expedition

Summit the World’s 8th Highest Peak (8,163 m)

Many mountaineers dream of being able to climb Mount Manaslu to the summit. It is ranked the eight-highest in the world at 8,163 meters. The name ‘Manaslu’ derives from the Sanskrit ‘manasa,’ meaning ‘soul’ or ‘spirit.’ Manaslu is a serious mountain to ascend and has steep snow and ice when it was first ascended in 1956. High-altitude training and aid to the summit is available on our expedition. You will traverse steep snow ridges and ice walls. The view above will be an unbelievable Himalayan 360°panorama as you stand on top. On the hill top, the lower mountains such as Annapurna can be seen. Making it to the summit on Manaslu is a moment that can never be forgotten and the highlight of this adventure.

Scenic Trek Through Manaslu Conservation Area

Passing through the conserved Manaslu Conservation Area is one of the best parts in this trip. This large reserve was set up in 1998, covering an area of 1,663 km² between 1400 m and 8,163 m (peak of Manaslu). The expedition takes the old salt-trading routes across diverse scenery including pine forest, bamboo groves, rhododendron fields, high alpine meadows among others. These forests can support wildlife viewing – Himalayan musk deer, langur monkeys and even a red panda can be seen in these forests. You will pass through mountain villages, such as Philim, Deng, Samagaon. They all have old Buddhist prayer wheels and mani walls. The diversity of plants and animals, along with stunning mountain backdrops (like Mount Manaslu itself), make this Manaslu Expedition in Nepal especially scenic and rewarding.

Climb Across Challenging Himalayan Terrain

The Manaslu region presents rocky and highlands terrain which challenges all climbers. The trail is taken through sharp river valleys, thick forests and bare mountain slopes. Above the altitude of 4,000 m, we will  find the landscape rocky and snow-covered. Streams are fed by glaciers and parts of the trail are covered by snowfields and moraines. The ascent to upper camps involves stepping over rock steps, ledges, and ice cliffs. During winter seasons, there is a risk of avalanches, therefore we hike during good seasons. In the advance camps, there will be crampons and ice-axes. Every step demands focus. That is why Manaslu poses a serious challenge to mountaineering skills. The Himalayan landscape offers raw beauty and adventure in every corner of the trek during the climb.

Enjoy Panoramic Vistas of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal & Shringi Himal

The Manaslu area is enclosed by some huge mountains. On different elevations of the trail, you will see broad viewpoints. Snow-capped Annapurna II (7,937 m) often can be noticed in the foreground in the beginning of the trip. To the south is Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), and to the south of this is Mt. Shringi, (7,187 m), which keeps watch over the valley. Then we have close mountain ranges such as Himlung Himal and Cheo Himal near Larkya La. Every sunrise and sunset is incredible: orange light is sprinkling on snowy peaks. You may see the mountains glowing pink and orange at Samagaon and on high ridges. These pristine postcardlike scenes are among highlights of the trek. The presence of panoramic mountain views all the time will be a blessing to the photographers and people who like nature.

Test of True Mountaineering Skills

It is a combination of trekking adventure and actual mountaineering. As part of the climb, climbers will train in rope and ice skills. Rotations to Camp I, II, III of high-camp, develop fitness and skill. You learn how to operate fixed ropes, ascenders and crampons. One of the challenges is to camp on rocky glacier moraine. The Sherpa of the team will fix ladders and ropes on steep parts. You have to learn how to self-arrest by using an ice axe. This way, the Manaslu Expedition  itinerary is a combination of walking and climbing. By the summit day, the climbers depend on actual alpine skills. Making the summit is a test of your strength, skill, and ability to work as a team on large mountains.

Blend of Trek & Expedition

The Manaslu Expedition is a unique combination of trekking and climbing. The days of the approach offer the traditional Himalayan trekking: walking through villages, forests, and fields. You stay at basic tea houses and get a local culture. The second phase is the mountaineering portion at and above Base Camp, which involves multiple rotations to higher camps and a carefully timed summit push. This combination allows trekkers to experience the beauty of the Manaslu trail, and it provides climbers with a chance to reach 8,163 m. The itinerary is not in a hurry but is rather acclimatized and thus you experience the region. You will be sleeping in lodges on the trail and expedition tents at Base Camp. The combination of cultural trek and alpine summit makes this Manaslu Expedition  in Nepal really unique and satisfying.

Is this trip beginner-friendly?

The Manaslu Expedition  is not the place of a real beginner. It is not an easy route since it takes days of constant hiking to reach heights of over 5,000 m. This trip requires very good fitness, stamina and a certain experience of climbing compared to popular short treks. A person who has never been on a high-altitude trek would probably not cope with the steep climbs and elevation. However, it can be tried in case a novice prepares a few months in advance (hiking with a heavy pack, cardio exercises, training in high places in case possible) and then attempts it.

RAD Global Adventure suggests no less than a pre-visit multi-day trek and preparation prior to joining. The pace of the expedition is slow to facilitate acclimatisation and the crossing and summit push are significant challenges on the Larkya La. Novices who are ambitious can start with simpler high altitude hikes. This Manaslu hike, in Nepal, is aimed at skilled adventurers with some trekking or climbing experience. Every client should follow the instructions of the guides and should tell the truth about their health problems. To conclude, it is not a light hiking trip, so get ready to face some difficult moments.

Group Joining vs Private trip.

There is an option of a private trip or a group departure. A private trip is more flexible: you select specific dates, are guided privately by your own guide/crew, and can customise the speed. It is also more costly because there is no sharing of costs. Families or friends on a trip should go on private tours. Group joining (scheduled departure) puts the costs among the participants and the trip is made cheaper. It gives a social experience with other climbers. The size of groups is maintained within safe and quality limits (usually 4-8 individuals). Being part of a group implies that you stick to a schedule and adapt to the speed of the group.

The itinerary and support of both choices is the same. RAD Global Adventure has departures in fixed groups during peak periods and can organise a private departure throughout the year. In either case, there will be experienced guides, cooks and porters. In short: go on a personal tour when you want to have your privacy and control, or join the group and reduce the prices and find new friends.

Trip Extension

The Manaslu Expedition  may be followed up with other Nepal journeys. It is often combined with Kathmandu or other trek tours by many travellers. Popular extensions are a trip to the Chitwan National Park (jungle safari to see rhinos and tigers) or a couple of days rest in Pokhara (the opening to the Annapurna region). To do more trekking, you may want to include the Annapurna Circuit, or a trek into the Tsum Valley before or after Manaslu. Certain climbers go ahead to do Manaslu and a shortened trek of Everest Base Camp. Expansions are associated with added logistics and licences. These could be organised by RAD Global Adventure on demand. Always remember to give yourself an additional number of days to acclimatise and sightsee. An alternative recommendation: come earlier to take tours in the city or extend your stay in Nepal to get another hike. Correct extension planning will involve more time and longer visas, but allow you to get to know Nepal better after the expedition.

Solo Travel

Individuals can join this Manaslu Expedition . No matter what group you are in, or what climb you are planning to customise, it is typical to travel solo. During group departures people tend to form pairs or share tents and make new friends. One-way travellers would have to plan on spending a single supplement in Kathmandu should they want to have a room to themselves. Guides and crew will be important on the trail, be ready to depend on them. The size of the team (one Sherpa per climber) does not force anyone to walk alone. We tell people that individual travellers are supposed to be highly fit and independent. The pre-trip is a significant communication: emergency contacts, medical information. You can ask to leave privately with your single party in case you would feel like some privacy. In any case, RAD Global Adventure provides a favorable group environment. This trip is done by lots of solo trekkers – you should hardly find yourself alone on the mountains.

Photography & Drone Rules

The Manaslu trek has scenic photography. You can make landscape, village, and people photos (with permission). Nepal needs special regulations regarding drones. To fly a recreation drone in Nepal, you have to register and be given a permit by the Nepal Department of Civil Aviation. With an adventure this intense, drone use may prove difficult because in cold conditions the battery capacity is limited and there is no clear power source to refill. Commercial shooting requires Nepal Tourism Board permit. Drone regulations are sometimes strict in remote locations and the Manaslu Conservation Area. Before travelling it is better to look at the most recent drone rules. In total, take additional batteries with your camera, but be careful with drones, as it is better to be fined by the Nepali laws or even lose them.

Cultural Festivals along the Trail

Manaslu region is full of Tibetan-Buddhist culture. You can also experience local festivals depending on when you are there. Popular festivals are Losar (Tibetan New Year, in February) with prayer dances and masks. During the summer, Buddha Jayanti (May/June) celebrates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha; there are prayer ceremonies in the villages. There are also national festivals such as Dashain and Tihar (September/October/November), although they are more elaborate in the lowlands. You can find monks in monasteries doing rituals and lighting butter lamps. All these events give us colourful information about life in the area. Always treat them with respect: do not enter places of worship or take pictures of rites without asking. Attending or witnessing such festivals will give your trip a cultural flavour to remember.

What to bring on your first visit to Nepal

You should ensure your passport has at least 6 months left before you reach Kathmandu and you also need to plan towards buying a tourist visa (this can be purchased upon reaching Kathmandu). For changeable weather pack layers, carry sturdy boots, warm layers, sunscreen, and any personal medicines. When travelling in Kathmandu, keep little cash (Nepalese rupees) and photocopy of your passport. Know some simple Nepali expressions such as Namaste (Hello) and Dhanyabad (thank you).

Note the altitude and jet lag; many visitors spend a rest day in Kathmandu, which is why most visitors spend a rest day there. Avoid street food that may upset your stomach before the trek. Observe local traditions: wear simple clothes, take off your shoes in temples and never take pictures without asking permission. Always bring water purification with you on the trek and use reusable bottles. Make family aware of your itinerary. Finally, be patient and keep an open mind, Nepal is a nation that takes things at its own pace and flexibility will make your visit an enjoyable experience.

The average routine on the Trek

The Manaslu Expedition  takes place in the same rhythm each day. You will rise early (say 5-6 AM) to hot tea/porridge. Then have a good breakfast (dal bhat or porridge). The day starts with trekking as early as 7 AM, taking 4-6 hour walks with few photo-snack breaks. Have lunch (usually soup or sandwich) at a lodge or on the trail, about noon. Hike another 1-3 hours after lunch to get to the destination of the day. Meet at mid- or late afternoon and go into the lodge. Take time to unwind in the afternoon: refill water, dry wet clothes, and pack next-day clothes. Guides may hold briefings. Before 7 PM dinner (dal bhat with vegetables) is served. Relax after dinner with journaling or chatting and sleep early the following day. Drink a lot of water during the day, dress up and follow your body.

Mental Training and Trekking Psychology

It takes both mental and physical strength to succeed on the Manaslu Expedition . You should be positive and patient before you leave. Remote mountain travel may be challenging: long days, cold nights, occasional delays and disappointments. Be inspired by the beautiful views of Manaslu and the goal of the summit to keep you going. Get used to breathing in high altitudes. Flexible: weather conditions or health conditions can make it necessary to change the itinerary. Help your fellow teammates and explain your boundaries. Dealing with pain or discomforts in the mornings, sore legs, cold weather, etc. are all part of the adventure. It is also important to remember that each uphill climb instils confidence. It will be a good idea to maintain an open mind and will power to enjoy the ride and make it to the top safely.