Mt. Manaslu

Nestled on the edge of the remote Kali Gandaki valley, Manaslu proudly claims the title of the world’s eighth-highest mountain, standing 40 miles east of Annapurna in the central-western Nepal Himalayas. Offering a compelling alternative to Cho Oyu, Manaslu entices climbers with a more varied and challenging ascent among the formidable 8,000-meter peaks. Its extensive ridges and accessible routes from all directions culminate in a summit that dominates its surroundings with majestic allure. The south face of Manaslu, one of six challenging routes, holds a significant place in climbing history.

In 1953, a Japanese team’s initial attempt from the Budhi Gandaki Valley paved the way for the first successful ascent in 1956. Similar to the British reverence for Everest, the Japanese take pride in their accomplishments on Manaslu. Seen by some as a superior training ground for Everest compared to Cho Oyu, the climbing route encompasses straightforward sections with occasional technical challenges. The ascent typically involves establishing four camps, navigating steep climbs and crevasses from Camp I to Camp II, slippery snow climbing from Camp II to Camp III, and facing potential avalanches from Camp III to Camp IV.