15 February 2024
Manaslu, at an elevation of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), is the eighth-highest mountain in the world. It lies in Mansiri Himal range of the Hiamlaya, in the west-central part of Nepal. Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit term manasa, which means “intellect” or “soul,” and thus means “mountain of the spirit.” Manaslu is the highest mountain in the Gorkha District, approximately 64 kilometers east of Annapurna. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers provide viable approaches from all directions, culminating in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape and is a prominent feature from afar.
The mountain was first climbed in 1956 by a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, and it has since become a popular destination for mountaineers and trekkers. Manaslu is renowned for its stunning beauty and demanding climbing conditions, with steep slopes, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain. The mountain is also culturally significant to the locals, who regard it as a sacred place and a symbol of their heritage.
The ascent up the base camp from Sama Gaun is more like a high-altitude trek. Moraine pathways are always walked upon. Base Camp is usually set up at 4700 meters to 4900 meters which is 4-5 hours trek from Sama Gaun. We will be resting at base camp for few days, acclimatizing well, resting and preparing for our summit. During this time puja ceremony will be conducted in which you can be a part of and experience the Cultutural rituals of the mountaineers.
Camp I is located at the base of Manaslu's satellite peak, North Peak, and rests on a sheltered shoulder of the Manaslu glacier. The first ascent to Camp I typically takes between two and four hours to complete. Rock scrambles on moraine and treacherous passages through severely crevassed glacier require the use of fixed ropes along the route from Base Camp to C1, which is 5,700 meters in elevation.
We make our way up to camp two by traversing a steep wall of seracs that is prone to collapse. Because of this, it is one of the most difficult parts of the climb, and we advise everyone to climb carefully and make use of the fixed rope that has been put up by our Sherpas. Camp 2 is located in the a flat region, which is between four and six hours' travel time from camp 1.
Camp III, at 6,900 meters, is situated on a flat saddle below the col and is reached by continuing up the final glacier while navigating seracs. The site is vulnerable when strong breezes blow through it. Under perfect conditions, the journey to Camp III can be completed in less than three hours.
The route to Camp IV, 7400m, has a few brief, high sections of ice and snow. It could take anywhere from four to eight hours, depending on the circumstances. Camp IV is located on a precarious traverse that leads up to the beginning of the summit platform. It is only a location to stop and dine before continuing on to the summit, as the wind makes it impossible to remain here for very long.
Ascending to the summit will be our final objective, and we'll be starting that from Camp III. The high altitude and the fact that the peak is significantly larger than it initially appears combine to make the pinnacle the most difficult obstacle to overcome. The ascent begins with snow slopes that are middling in difficulty and contain some blue ice. After reaching the plateau, there is a sharp ascent that includes some dangerously exposed portions before reaching the actual summit.
Preparing for a challenging expedition requires assembling a comprehensive array of essential gear, encompassing a durable backpack, weather-resistant tent, cozy sleeping bag with an insulated sleeping pad, and a reliable stove for cooking sustenance on the go; navigation tools like a map, compass, and GPS device ensure a safe journey, while a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency shelter, and multi-tool provide security in unforeseen circumstances; carefully chosen clothing layers, including waterproof rain jackets, trekking socks, and sturdy hiking boots, offer protection from the elements, complemented by trekking poles, a backpack rain cover, and dry bags for added resilience against inclement weather.
CLICK THE PICTURE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Peak fitness is essential. Train with hikes, carrying gear. Personal Sherpas are optional; porters handle group equipment. Individualized advice for mental and physical preparation is available.
Pre-expedition medical examination is recommended. Dental checks are crucial due to pressure changes at higher altitudes.
Prior high-altitude and mountaineering experience is required for eight-thousander expeditions. Training programs for newcomers are offered. For seven-and six-thousander expeditions, experience on four-thousander peaks is advisable.
Months of physical and mental preparation are necessary. Exercise, diet, and rest are key. Free world-class training programs for Everest climbers are available, along with exclusive discounts.
Months of training are required for fitness and technical climbing experience. Climbing lower peaks familiarizes climbers with equipment and terrain. Expedition training programs are offered in Europe and the US.
Climb lower peaks for altitude adaptation. Tailor-made programs prepare climbers for 8000er expeditions.
Expedition Himalaya, a veteran of Mount Everest and Himalayan expeditions, are poised to make climbing the Himalayan range a safe and unforgettable experience.
© 2024 Developed by Digital Raghu.
