Manaslu Extreme Climbing Adventure

Extreme Climbing

20 Mar 2023 Chandra Gurung

We’ll talk about Manaslu’s extreme climbing adventure in this blog. When someone asks which is the highest peak in the world?. Then everyone answers,” Mount Everest.”

But you will be surprised that the Nepalese Himalayas is home to eight of the world’s top ten mountains.

In the lap of Nepal, some of the world’s tallest and most spectacular peaks lie. Climbing these peaks is a dream come true for mountaineers, extreme climbing adventures, and nature enthusiasts alike. It’s almost as though Nepal had its own little VIP club for the tallest mountains in the world! 

Overview

And among these tallest mountains came the name Manaslu. At 8,163 meters high, Manaslu is the eighth-highest peak in the world (26,781 feet). It is a pillar of the Mansiri Himal range in Nepal’s Gorkha district. First, let’s explore the amazing Facts about Mount Manaslu and its extreme Climbing adventure.

Amazing Facts about Manaslu Extreme Climbing Adventure

These incredible facts about Manaslu will leave you in awe and drop your jaw.

  • In the native language, “Manaslu” implies “Mountain of the Spirit.”
  • In 1956, a Japanese expedition team under Toshio Imanishi successfully summited Manaslu.
  • Manaslu is regarded as one of the most dangerous mountains to climb due to its tricky, steep terrain, frequent avalanches, and erratic weather,
  • With over 200 climbers attempting the summit each year, only 10% succeed. Manaslu is a climbing destination growing in popularity despite its extreme climbing adventures.
  • The snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan musk deer are some endangered animals that call the Manaslu Conservation Area home.
  • The Himalayan mountain range, including Manaslu, is the world’s youngest and tallest mountain range.
  • One of the top trekking routes in Nepal, the Manaslu trip offers breathtaking views of the mountain and the surrounding area.
  • The Manaslu region is famous for its distinctive culture and contains numerous traditional Tibetan Buddhist settlements.
  • One of the world’s most breathtaking and challenging hikes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek circles the whole Manaslu mountain range.
  • Manaslu has five prominent peaks, which are listed below in ascending order of height: Manaslu I: 8,163 metres (26,781 feet), Manaslu East: 7,941 meters (26,109 feet), Manaslu Central: 7,880 meters (25,853 feet), Peak 4: 7,761 meters (25,462 feet) and Peak 5: 7,527 meters (24,688 feet)

Manaslu Main is the highest and most often climbed peak, commonly called Manaslu I, while Manaslu East is only slightly taller and has seen fewer ascents. Peaks 4 and 5 are not frequently scaled, and little is known about their summit strategies or degree of difficulty.

Manaslu Extreme Climbing Adventures

Extreme climbing expeditions on Manaslu are popular for providing expert mountaineers with an exhilarating challenge. Manaslu climbing is only some people’s cup of tea. 

Technical expertise, extreme physical condition, and a readiness to deal with the mountain’s frequently hazardous conditions are necessary for climbing to Manaslu’s crown. The climbers should be ready to deal with difficulties, rough terrain, and avalanches.

Mount Manaslu in the background

Quite apart from the dangers, explorers from all over the world are drawn to attempt this challenging peak because of the attraction of completing this ultimate test of strength and endurance. You should be ready to accept that no one will help if you are in such a condition, and sometimes you would not be sure that you will return safely from this extreme climbing adventure. 

For those who are up for the effort, the benefits are tremendous, including breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a sense of accomplishment that is unmatched by many other experiences.

Factors that make Manaslu Climbing Extreme

Various things lead to Manaslu being an extreme adventure:

  1. Altitude
  2. Weather
  3. Technical difficulty 
  4. Distance from civilization
  5. Avalanches
  6. Altitude sickness
  7. Fear in the mind
  8. Duration of the climb
  9. Absence of support services and infrastructure

1. Altitude:

The first thing that contributes to Manaslu’s climbing extremes is their attitude. At 8,163 meters (26,781 ft), Manaslu is one of the world’s tallest summits. To prevent life-threatening altitude sickness, climbers must acclimatize to the high altitude. The climber also sometimes needs help locating routes. 

The climbing routes on Manaslu are challenging to negotiate and require high technical competence. Climbers must be able to read the terrain, evaluate the weather, and decide how to proceed to reach the summit safely.

2. Weather:

Manaslu’s weather may be erratic and dangerous, with regular snow and ice storms, strong winds, and bitter cold. What makes it even scary is that no one can help you in this situation; even experts and your friends cannot take you out of the problem. Climbers must anticipate the conditions, and their preparations must be adjusted accordingly. As the weather in this place is unpredictable, you should be mentally prepared.

Snowfall in Manaslu

3. Technical difficulty

Climbing Manaslu takes a high degree of technical expertise, including the capacity to handle freezing, steep terrain, using specialized gear like crampons and ice axes, and mounting vertical rock faces. At this height, you will experience hell when you do not have enough equipment or do not know this equipment because your life depends on yourself and your ability. 

Despite the tremendous efforts of climbers and support personnel, ascending Manaslu is still a risky undertaking with a high potential for injury or death. Climbers must be equipped to handle crises like accidents, illness, and other contingencies in a composed and effective manner.

4. Distance from civilization

Manaslu is in a remote area of Nepal. Climbers must, therefore, be self-sufficient and prepare for all kinds of emergencies. On top, you must carry all necessary supplies and gear, such as food, water, and shelter. You need to carry around 18-32 kg on average, depending upon the length of the expedition and your body weight. 

During the Manaslu climbing adventures, the nearest human civilization was Sama Gaon, at 3,530 meters (11,580 feet). So you can imagine how far you are from the nearest settlement.

5. Avalanches

Avalanches are often brought on by strong snowfall or seismic activity, and Manaslu is susceptible to them. To prevent avalanches, climbers must be aware of the risk and take appropriate precautions. Manaslu is 8,163 meters altitude, and with all the difficulties you are dealing with, are nothing when you come across these avalanches. 

Similarly, these avalanches sometimes become deadly and potentially sweep a whole village, so if you see anything unusual during your climbing, immediately back off and move to the safe zone.

6. Altitude sickness

One of the major factors that make Manaslu extreme climbing adventures is Altitude sickness; even though you are mentally fit, you have the proper equipment, guide, and expert knowledge on mountain climbing. You cannot escape Altitude sickness, so it’s better to acclimate properly. Above all, rest well and be hydrated if you can add your acclimation period.

7. Fear in the mind

Climbing Manaslu is a strenuous physical and mental endeavour requiring high fitness, endurance, and mental tenacity. The ability to push oneself to the limit and conquer challenges is a requirement for climbers. Somebody says you can control your whole body when you strongly prepare your mind. If you think you cannot move further, then it’s better you back up and returns.

Trekker trying Manaslu extreme climbing adventure

8. Duration of the climb

Depending on the route and the weather, climbing Manaslu usually takes 4-6 weeks. As a result, climbers must retain their concentration and energy for a prolonged time, which calls for high endurance and mental toughness.

9. Absence of support services and infrastructure

Manaslu has less infrastructure than some other well-known climbing locations. Hence, climbers must be independent and rely on their knowledge and tools to navigate the mountain safely.

Wrap up

In conclusion, climbing Manaslu is a challenging activity that needs a high level of physical and mental fitness, technical expertise, and respect for the local culture and environment. Climbers must be independent and strong because the climb is lengthy and complicated. 

Besides these challenges, climbing Manaslu offers a variety of benefits, such as the chance to reach the top of one of the highest mountains in the world, the opportunity to take in stunning natural beauty, and the chance to push one’s physical and mental limitations. Similarly, adventure climbers should be ready for a once-in-a-lifetime event that will test them to their limits and leave them with lifelong memories.

FAQ

  1. Where is Manaslu located?

Manaslu is located in Nepal’s Gorkha district.

  1. Why is the Manaslu circuit trek popular?

The Manaslu Circuit trek is popular because it offers breathtaking mountain views and the surrounding area. The Manaslu region is renowned for its distinctive culture and contains numerous traditional Tibetan Buddhist settlements.

  1. What is the height of the Manaslu?

The height of the Manaslu is 8,163 meters (26,781 ft).

  1. What are the factors that make Manaslu climbing extreme?

Various factors make Manaslu climbing extreme. Some of them are: 

  • Altitude
  • Weather
  • Technical difficulty 
  • Distance from civilization
  • Avalanches
  • Altitude sickness
  • Fear in mind
  • Duration of the climb
  • Absence of support services and infrastructure