Manaslu Expedition in Nepal for Mountainers and Adventure Junkies

Camp 1 is located at the elevation of 5700m from the sea level. The climbers need to cross the Masaslu glacier and climb in order to get to camp 1. Fixed ropes are used to cross the some of the most dangerous parts of the climbs. Camp1 lies above the Manaslu glacier and at the bottom of the north Peak.

Camp 2 is the second destination of the peak climbers in Manaslu expedition. The camp 2 is located at the flat surface. The area of Camp 2 is considered as the safest part in the climb due to the flat surface. Due to the flat surface the snow collection at the area of camp 2 may be high during high snowfall. Other than this the place is considered safe by the climbers.

Camp 3 is located at the elevation of 6800m from the sea level. Camp 3 may be one of the shortest distances between two camps in the higher altitude mountains. Camp 3 is only 3 to 4 hours of walk away from camp 2. The high altitude can be very dangerous and the situations can go from good to worse within minutes so, the crew need to be alert and attentive to the surroundings.

Camp 4 is located at the elevation of 7400m from the sea level. The glacier and slopy surface need to be climbed in order to reach Camp 4 from Camp 3. As, the altitude further increases further harsh will be the environment and temperature. Camp 4 is the last destination before reaching to the summit of the mountain.

The summit is the ultimate landmark of the Manaslu expedition. The summit is about 6 to 8 hours of climb away from camp 4. The summit of Manaslu holds one of the most breath-taking views on the planet. The summit provides the amazing view of the side mountains and the glaciers in the surrounding area.

Manaslu expedition does not end with reaching the top of the peak. The climbers still need to get back to the base camp and then return to Kathmandu. Descending the mountain can be dangerous if not right. So, the climbers cautiously should descend following the same route they came up. By the 35^th day they will have returned to the base camp.

To Seti Khola and to Kathmandu

The climbers after returning to base camp will follow the same route and get back to Seti khola with days trekking. After reaching Seti khola they will return to Kathmandu in vehicle. They can rest few days in Kathmandu or return through Tribhuvan international airport the following day.

Cost of Manaslu expedition

To summit the majestic mountain, the travelers also need a good amount of cash aside from the courage and bravery to summit the mountain. The cost of the trip depends on what level of service you are expecting and what level of luxury you prefer to have. Like every trip and journey the cost depend mostly on the traveler. The cost can either be squeezed or can be spent a considerate amount. Another crucial factor regulating the cost of the travel is the selection of the travel company.

Mostly when foreigners visit Nepal for Manaslu expedition or even other expeditions. Travel companies arranges most of the things for them. Insurance, permits, guides, travel schedules all are arranged by the travel companies. The price mostly depends on the travel company, their schedule, numbers of guides and potters ordered by the mountaineers, and number of days spent on the expedition.

Saying all this the average cost that are taken by the travel companies for Manaslu expedition ranges from 12 to 14k USD. This price may fluctuate along with season, year and other some minor factors.

Preparation for Manaslu expedition

Manaslu is a massive mountain with altitude above 8000m. The highest peak and all the top 10 highest peaks in the world are in the league of 8000m. So, Manaslu expedition is one of the most challenging mountains climbs in the world.

The most important thing about mountain climbing is the physical fitness. Not just Manaslu expedition but to climb every mountain physical fitness is most. In the heart of such harsh climate and peak of the mountains, one’s best friend is oneself. They are most dependent on themselves and if they are in the peak of their physical shape, this will make the journey easier and more enjoyable.

Prior to attempting Manaslu expedition it is best to go into high altitude trekking, running, hill climbing exercise, gym workouts and mountaineering training exercise if you do not have enough experience in mountain climbing.

After yourself your closest ally is your gears and equipment’s. The climbers should start to assemble their equipment’s months prior to the Manaslu expedition. Human body no matter how good or peak of physical fitness they are in they cannot survive up there without the equipment’s, gears, and warm clothes. To the point human body is not designed for such altitude, climate, and temperature. The gears and equipment’s act as the extension of the body itself. So, the people who are going to attempt the climb need to spend considerable amount of time selecting their equipment’s and researching on them.

Spring and the Autumn times are best time considered for the Manaslu expedition as well as the manaslu circuit trekking. This season provides stable climate and warm environment. As, the weather will be warm there will be less chances of snow storms and avalanches. This season not only provides safety but is also good for view and beautiful scenery. Monsoon and winter time are worst for the expedition as the chances of snowstorm, snowfall, avalanches and high winds. Besides this all season are good but Autumn and Spring are best for Manaslu expedition.

There is a considerate amount of risk in mountain climbing. Not just on mount Manaslu but climbing every mountain comes with risk. Moreover, Manaslu is one of the few above 8000m mountains in the world. Which further increases the risk as 8000m above is a very challanging place to be. Manaslu is the fifth dangerous mountain in the world as per the researchers and the mountaineers. However, this does not scare the brave mountaineers.

Risk is the part of the thrill for the climbers. It is a fact that not just Manaslu but summiting every mountain comes with the risk as it is both challenging physically and mentally. However, in this dangerous expedition’s years of mountaineering experience, mountain climbing trainings, preparation, and caution comes into play. These factors reduce the chance of accidents to very high degree. The climbers should always be alert and follow the rules before everything. They should follow the health guidelines, look out for themselves and their crew during the whole journey.