Manaslu Expedition
Trip Facts
Overview
The Manaslu Expedition (8,163m) is one of the most spectacular and challenging 8,000-meter mountain expeditions in Nepal. Located in the Gorkha district of western Nepal, Mount Manaslu is the 8th highest mountain in the world and is known as the “Mountain of the Spirit.” The expedition combines a scenic trek through the restricted Manaslu region with technical high-altitude climbing, offering breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, glaciers, and an unforgettable summit experience.
The standard climbing route follows the Northeast Ridge, beginning from Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) and establishing multiple high camps before attempting the summit at 8,163m.
Highlights
- 🏔️ Summit Mount Manaslu (8,163m) – Climb the world’s 8th highest mountain and experience a true Himalayan adventure.
- 🌄 Remote & Beautiful Himalayan Expedition – Explore one of Nepal’s most spectacular and less-crowded 8,000m peaks.
- 🏕️ Complete Expedition Experience – Trek through the Manaslu region, establish high camps, and attempt the summit with professional support.
- 🏞️ Scenic Manaslu Circuit Trail – Walk through stunning landscapes, glaciers, forests, rivers, and traditional mountain villages.
- 🛕 Experience Tibetan-Inspired Culture – Visit ancient monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and traditional villages of the Manaslu region.
- 🧗 Technical High-Altitude Climbing – Experience glacier crossings, fixed rope sections, steep snow slopes, and challenging alpine terrain.
- 👨🏔️ Expert Sherpa Climbing Support – Climb with experienced high-altitude Sherpas and professional expedition leaders.
- ⛺ Well-Managed Base Camp & High Camps – Comfortable camping facilities, nutritious meals, communication support, and safety management.
- 🔄 Proper Acclimatization Strategy – Planned rest days and rotation climbs to improve summit success and safety.
- 🌐 Spectacular Himalayan Views – Enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Annapurna ranges.
- 🚁 Professional Safety & Rescue Support – Emergency communication, medical support, oxygen facilities, and rescue coordination available.
- 🌿 Adventure Through Manaslu Conservation Area – Discover pristine nature, rare wildlife, and untouched Himalayan beauty.
- 🏆 A Lifetime Mountaineering Achievement – Create unforgettable memories by standing on the summit of one of the world’s highest mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Welcome to Nepal. Our expedition team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Activities:
Expedition briefing
Welcome dinner
Equipment check preparation
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2: Expedition Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing
A preparation day for permits, equipment checks, and final arrangements.
Activities:
Gear inspection
Expedition briefing
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Machha Khola (900m)
Scenic drive through Nepal’s countryside following the Prithvi Highway and mountain roads.
Driving: 8-9 hours Altitude: 900m
Day 4: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,340m)
The trek begins through beautiful forests, rivers, and traditional villages.
Walking: 6-7 hours Altitude Gain: +440m
Day 5: Jagat to Deng (1,860m)
Continue through the restricted Manaslu region passing waterfalls and Buddhist villages.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 6: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
The trail climbs through forests and reaches the culturally rich village of Namrung.
Walking: 6 hours
Day 7: Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Enjoy magnificent views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks.
Walking: 4–5 hours
Day 8: Lho to Samagaun (3,530m)
Trek to the largest village in the Manaslu region.
Highlights: Manaslu views Ribum Monastery Tibetan culture
Walking: 5-6 hours
Day 9-10: Acclimatization at Samagaun (3,530m)
Rest and prepare the body for higher altitude.
Activities: Pungyen Gompa visit, Birendra Lake exploration, Short hiking
Day 11: Samagaun to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m)
Trek through glacier terrain to reach expedition base camp.
Walking: 5-6 hours
Base Camp Facilities: ,Dining tent, Kitchen tent ,Communication facilities
Medical support ,Solar charging
Day 12-39: Climbing Period (Approx. 25–30 Days)
Climbing Period (Approx. 25-30 Days)
Base Camp (4,800m)
Duration: Several days
Activities:
Rest and acclimatization
Climbing training
Rope practice
Glacier skills training
Camp 1 (5,700m)
Route:
Base Camp -Camp 1
Terrain:
Glacier crossing
Ice sections
Fixed rope climbing
Overnight:
Camp 1
Camp 2 (6,400m)
Route:
Camp 1- Camp 2
Terrain:
Steep snow slopes
Technical climbing sections
Camp 3 (6,800-7,100m)
Route:
Camp 2 -Camp 3
Terrain:
High-altitude glacier
Steeper climbing sections
Camp 4 / Summit Camp (7,400–7,500m)
Final camp before summit push.
Preparation:
Oxygen system check
Weather assessment
Summit strategy planning
Summit Day: Manaslu Summit (8,163m)
The summit push usually begins around midnight.
Route:
Camp 4- Summit -Camp 4/Base Camp
Duration: 12-16 hours depending on conditions
From the summit, climbers enjoy panoramic views of:
Himalchuli
Annapurna Range
Ganesh Himal
Tibetan Plateau
After successful summit, descend safely back to Base Camp.
Day 40:: Base Camp Cleanup & Trek Back to Samagaun
Pack expedition equipment and descend.
Altitude:
4,800m -3,530m
Day 41-45: Trek Back to Machha Khola
Retrace the beautiful Manaslu trail.
Day 46: Drive Machha Khola to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by private vehicle.
Day 47: Rest Day in Kathmandu
Expedition celebration
Farewell dinner
Certificate distribution
Day 48: Departure from Nepal
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward journey.
Fixed Departures
Choose a scheduled departure date with live availability and direct booking access.
Private Trip
Looking for a personalized experience? We organize privately guided journeys tailored to your travel dates, group size, and pace. Please fill out the form below to get started.
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
- All government permits and climbing royalties
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (Bed & Breakfast)
- Tea house accommodation during the approach trek
- Three meals daily during the trek and expedition
- Fully equipped Base Camp/ Experienced Expedition Leader
- One experienced climbing Sherpa per climber
- Base Camp manager and kitchen crew
- High-altitude tents and group climbing equipment
- Fixed ropes and route fixing contribution
- Base Camp emergency oxygen and medical kit /Weather forecast service
- Satellite communication at Base Camp
- Porters for personal expedition gear
- Ground transportation (Kathmanduu2013Machha Kholau2013Kathmandu)
- Expedition completion certificate
- Airport transfers
- Kathmandu: Welcome & farewell dinner.
What's Excluded?
- International flights
- Nepal visa fee
- Personal climbing equipment
- Personal summit oxygen and mask/regulator (unless specified)
- Personal travel and rescue insurance
- Helicopter evacuation costs
- Personal snacks and beverages
- Tips for guides, Sherpas, and support staff
- Summit Bonus: US$1,000 for the personal climbing Sherpa.
Essential Information
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all climbers joining the Manaslu Expedition with Mountain Hiking & Trekking. Your insurance must provide complete coverage for high-altitude mountaineering above 8,000 meters, including emergency medical treatment, helicopter evacuation, rescue services, and repatriation.
Before starting the expedition, climbers must provide a copy of their valid insurance policy. Please make sure your insurance specifically covers mountain climbing activities, as many standard travel insurance policies do not include extreme altitude expeditions.
Manaslu Expedition Permit & Documentation
Climbers need several official permits and documents before entering the Manaslu region and attempting the summit:
- Manaslu Expedition Climbing Permit
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Nepal Tourist Visa
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Passport-size photographs
- Medical fitness certificate
- Travel insurance documents
Our expedition team will assist with all necessary permit arrangements.
Best Time for Manaslu Expedition
The best seasons for climbing Mount Manaslu are:
Spring Season (April–May)
- Most popular climbing season
- More stable weather conditions
- Longer daylight hours
- Better summit opportunities
Autumn Season (September–October)
- Clear skies and excellent mountain views
- Stable climbing conditions
- Less crowded compared to spring
Physical Fitness & Climbing Experience
Manaslu Expedition is a technical 8,000-meter climb requiring excellent physical fitness, endurance, and previous mountaineering experience.
Recommended experience:
- Previous climbing experience above 6,000m
- Knowledge of glacier travel
- Experience using crampons and ice axe
- Ability to climb fixed ropes
- Strong cardiovascular fitness
- Mental preparation for extreme altitude
Regular training before the expedition is highly recommended.
Altitude & Acclimatization
Altitude is one of the biggest challenges during the Manaslu Expedition. The expedition follows a gradual acclimatization schedule to help climbers adapt safely.
Important altitude points:
- Kathmandu: 1,400m
- Samagaun: 3,530m
- Manaslu Base Camp: 4,800m
- Camp 1: 5,700m
- Camp 2: 6,400m
- Camp 3: 6,800–7,100m
- Camp 4: 7,400m
- Summit: 8,163m
Climbers must follow the guidance of experienced Sherpa guides and maintain proper hydration, nutrition, and rest.
Weather & Temperature
Weather conditions on Manaslu can change quickly.
Approximate temperatures:
Base Camp (4,800m):
- Day: -5°C to 10°C
- Night: -10°C to -15°C
Higher Camps:
- -20°C to -30°C or colder
Summit Area (8,163m):
- Can drop below -30°C depending on wind conditions
Proper high-altitude clothing and equipment are essential.
Food & Accommodation
During the expedition, we provide comfortable and hygienic arrangements:
Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation
Trekking Route
- Tea houses/lodges
Base Camp
- Expedition tents
- Dining tent
- Kitchen facilities
- Toilet facilities
- Communication setup
Meals include:
- Nepali food
- Tibetan dishes
- International meals
- High-altitude nutrition support
Communication Facilities
Communication support during the expedition includes:
- Satellite phone availability
- Radio communication between camps
- Internet/Wi-Fi options at selected locations (where available)
- Emergency communication support
Safety & Rescue
Safety is our highest priority during the Manaslu Expedition.
Our expedition provides:
- Experienced climbing Sherpas
- High-altitude support staff
- Weather monitoring
- Emergency communication
- First aid facilities
- Oxygen support (according to package)
- Emergency rescue coordination
Helicopter evacuation is available in case of serious emergencies, subject to weather conditions.
Personal Climbing Equipment
Each climber should bring essential personal gear, including:
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing harness
- Helmet
- Down suit
- Sleeping bag (-30°C rating recommended)
- Gore-Tex jacket and pants
- Gloves and warm accessories
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses and glacier glasses
- Personal medical kit
Visa Information
Most foreign travelers can obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa on Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Required:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photo
- Visa fee payment
Visa duration and fees depend on nationality and length of stay.
Environmental Responsibility
Mountain Hiking & Trekking follows responsible expedition practices:
- Respect local culture and traditions
- Minimize environmental impact
- Proper waste management
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
- Support local communities
Emergency Contact & Support
Our expedition team provides assistance from arrival in Kathmandu until departure, ensuring professional support, safety management, and a successful Manaslu Expedition experience.
Route Map
FAQs
How high is Mount Manaslu?
Mount Manaslu is 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) high and is the 8th highest mountain in the world.
What is the best time for Manaslu Expedition?
The best climbing seasons are Spring (Aprilu2013May) and Autumn (Septemberu2013October) due to stable weather and better summit conditions
How difficult is the Manaslu Expedition? u2022
Manaslu is a technical 8,000-meter expedition requiring previous high-altitude climbing experience, excellent fitness, and proper mountaineering skills.
. How long does the Manaslu Expedition take?
The complete expedition usually takes around 45u201350 days, including trekking, acclimatization, climbing rotations, and summit attemp
What experience is required for Manaslu climbing?
Climbers should have experience on 6,000m+ peaks, knowledge of glacier travel, and skills with crampons, ice axe, and fixed ropes.
Do I need a climbing permit for Manaslu?
Yes, climbers need a Manaslu Expedition Permit, restricted area permit, and conservation area permit.
What is the Manaslu Base Camp altitude?
Manaslu Base Camp is located at approximately 4,800 meters (15,748 ft).
Is oxygen provided during the expedition?
Yes, supplementary oxygen can be arranged depending on the expedition package and climber requirements.
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Is travel insurance required for Manaslu Expedition?
Yes, insurance covering high-altitude climbing, helicopter rescue, and emergency evacuation is mandatory
Why choose Manaslu Expedition?
Manaslu offers a true Himalayan adventure with fewer crowds, stunning scenery, technical climbing, and the achievement of summiting one of the worldu2019s highest peaks