The eighth highest mountain in the world at 8163m, located in Gorkha district of Nepal. The proximity of this region to Tibet (China) makes it a restricted area and requires a special area permit for entry and exit. Manaslu bears a long climbing history since 1950 when it was first explored by Britishers Major Harold William Tilman, known as Bill Tilman and Lieutenant Colonel James Owen Merion Roberts, known as Jimmy Roberts. Then a Japanese reconnaissance team visited this area in 1952 and finally made the first ascent on 9 May, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi (Japan) and Gyaltsen Norbu (Sherpa), the Japanese expedition was led by Maki Yūkō, also known as Aritsune Maki. Japanese climbers owned the mountain for a quite some time before other nationalities submitted it. Although this mountain has a history of most summits during Spring, it was also submitted in post monsoon and in winter as well. 

Unless there is a private expedition team willing to climb in Spring, nowadays commercial expeditions take place post monsoon because of various logistical factors such as availability of high altitude sherpas and the convenience of the cost sharing for rope fixing on the mountain with the other various teams in oppose to cover the expense by a lone team which itself can make the already expensive expedition an exorbitant. As this mountain is considered the deadliest 8000m peak, it’s sensible to have enough sherpa support on the mountain regardless of which team they are supporting. 

Trip Fact

Duration – 60 days

Best time – Post monsoon

Accommodation – Lodging & camping

Grade – Alpine