Mount Manaslu is the world’s eighth-highest peak, and several climbers are curious to know how hard is it to climb Mount Manaslu? Located in the Mansiri Himal of the west-central part of Nepal, it lies at 8163 m height above sea level.
The Manaslu Expedition difficulty depends on previous climbing experiences, climbing equipment, weather, and physical fitness. The climb is hard and challenging, but with exemplary dedication and training, you can finish it with ease.
We have explained more about Manaslu Expedition Difficulty in detail below, so read further to get your answers to how hard is it to climb Mount Manaslu?
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Manaslu Climbing Difficulty
Manaslu Expedition will not be easy as several factors add to its difficulty, and some of them are given below:
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is one of the main Manaslu Expedition Difficulties the climbers face. There is always the risk of suffering from AMS when traveling above 4000 m/ 13000 ft due to a shortage of oxygen.
Mount Manaslu lies at 8163 m elevation, so it is common for some climbers to get Acute Mountain Sickness. The higher you climb, the more oxygen level decreases, making it hard for you to breathe and continue the journey.
While suffering from AMS, some common symptoms are vomiting, insomnia, nausea, exhaustion, lack of appetite, shortness of breath, body swelling, headache, and many more.
Over time the sickness can worsen and result in serious complications, so make sure to get a suitable medical assessment.
Also, not all climbers suffer altitude sickness, only a few are unprepared, not used to climbing high elevation, or have chronic diseases. So, do not take it lightly and take necessary measures.
Long-Distance and Duration
Another factor that adds to Manaslu Expedition’s difficulty is the long-distance and duration. The overall climb lasts more than a month, so you need to prepare your schedule accordingly.
During this long duration, you face several Manaslu Climbing Difficulty like freezing weather, low temperature, etc. Also, you walk up and down for several hours each day which feels exhausting for beginners.
Usually, you walk around 5 to 6 hours and cover 12 to 15 km on the rugged trails while crossing several forests, bridges, and streams. However, the duration feels long for people with limited time, so some cut off acclimatization and increase the walking duration, which is a grief mistake.
By increasing the walking hours and decreasing the days, climbers are risking their health and life.
Weather and Temperature
Weather and temperature are the main Manaslu Climbing Difficulty that can make or break your journey. The climatic conditions in higher elevations are unforeseeable, so there are high possibilities of sudden weather changes.
It can be sunny, bright in the morning, and windy, cold by the evening. The trails of Mount Manaslu pass through six climatic zones, so as you climb higher in altitude, you experience different weather and temperature.
Moreover, the climatic condition will be more challenging when traveling in winter. Winter is the snowy season, so the occurrence of heavy blizzards causes road blockage.
Also, during spring, the snow melts in the earlier months, creating more challenges for the climber. So before the trip, make sure to research the weather and temperature and find when is the best time to climb Mount Manaslu.
Avalanche
Avalanches are rare, but it is one of the Manaslu Climbing difficulties climbers face. Some specific areas on the trails have higher chances of it occurring.
You need to cross 4 Camps to reach the summit, and sometimes serac triggers avalanches on these paths. The snow above the camps sweeps down, causing this disaster.
Avalanches are unpredictable, so you can’t skip them, but you can minimize the stay time in those areas. Crossing these parts early before the sun warms the snow is best.
Crevasses
A crack that appears in glacial ice are crevasses that threaten to swallow climbers who are careless and unprepared. The section from Camp I to Camp II has a challenging technical area and several cracks.
Climbers should never walk alone in the glaciers as they might slip and fall through a nearby crevasse. Falling through it doesn’t always result in death but can cause life-threatening injuries.
The climbing team ties ropes among each other to cross the crevasses, so if anyone slips, they can drag them along. So, walk carefully and follow in the footsteps of your leader.
Falls
Falls are one of the Manaslu Expedition difficulties and a significant cause of death in the mountains. Climbing to higher camps and ridges has more chances of falls, so watch your steps.
Another thing to remember is not to step out of your tent in the dark, as the ground is covered in ice. Many climbers don’t wake their guide or companion and walk further from the tent to use the washroom.
Sometimes, the ground covered in ice can break and harm the climbers. Thus, wake your guide or companion but do not travel alone at night.
Summit Fever
Expeditioners should have the enthusiasm to complete the journey, but they should also be realistic. Every climber dreams of reaching the summit, pushing themselves through danger-ridden slopes, which increases the challenges and risks.
A mountaineer should know when to stop and trek back, so they should set a turnaround time. You should be practical and return if you feel uneasy even though you are near the summit instead of risking your life.
But keep in mind that motivation does help you a lot during the climb. However, you should not get carried away and know your limit, as one mistake can get fatal quickly.
Improper Diet
Some climbers do not maintain a diet when traveling in the mountains, so they return due to food poisoning caused by improper diet. Thus, it is necessary to eat nutritious food during the trip.
There is no established refrigeration in the higher areas, so you should avoid eating items like meat, frozen food, etc. Also, do not drink water directly from an unknown source as many travelers aren’t used to it.
Tips to Overcome Manaslu Expedition Difficulty
Various factors cause Manaslu Climbing difficulty, and some can’t be avoided, but you can take necessary precautions to lower the impact. Thus, a few of the tips to overcome Manaslu Expedition Difficulty are as follows:
Acclimatization
The chances of altitude sickness are high during this climb, so select an itinerary with several acclimatization days before you reach the summit. Doing so lets your body adapt to the current climatic condition and reduces the possibility of AMS.
During rest days, you don’t sleep but instead, take small tours around the areas and climb to higher elevations. Mount Manaslu Expedition lasts more than a month, so make sure the itinerary has 7 to 8 acclimatization days.
Having several rest days lets you adjust to the upper environment and prepare for climbing.
Carry the right gear
Climbing Mount Manaslu is a technical expedition, so carrying the proper gear is essential for the trip. You need to bring the right equipment like harness, rope, belay device, cord, etc., and appropriate clothing such as a down jacket, trekking pants, and more.
No matter the season, it remains cold from Base Camp to the summit, so pack accordingly. Also, do not overpack as porters can only carry 10 to 15 kg per person.
Without proper gears, you won’t be able to complete the expedition. Plus, make sure the tools you bring are of good quality because your life relies on them.
Stay Hydrated
Many climbers forget to keep themselves hydrated, which results in AMS or dehydration. It is essential to carry a bottle during your trek and refill them in lodges or streams.
You need to consume 4 to 5 liters of water every day to feel refreshed. Also, carry water purification tablets and use them when you fill water from an unknown source.
Proper Training
The 44 Days Manaslu Expedition requires climbers to have good stamina and leg strength. You need enough power to walk several hours through rugged terrain each day for a month and more.
You also need to learn to use climbing equipment like ropes, harnesses, and more. Six-month classes are available for mountaineers to hone their skills before the climb.
Outline Itinerary of Manaslu Expedition
Day 1: Arrive at Kathmandu (1400 m)
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu and later climbing preparation
Day 3: Drive to Soti Khola (712 m) (9 hours)
Day 4: Trek to Machha Khola (883 m) (6 hours)
Day 5: Trek to Jagat (1415 m) (5 to 6 hours)
Day 6: Trek to Deng (1804 m) (7 hours)
Day 7: Trek to Namrung (2670 m) (6 to 7 hours)
Day 8: Trek to Samagaun (3541 m) (5 to 6 hours)
Day 9: Acclimatization Day
Day 10: Trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4400 m) (3 to 4 hours)
Day 11 to 35: Summit Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and descend back to the Base Camp
Day 36: Trek to Samagaon
Day 37: Trek to Samdo (3872 m) (4 hours)
Day 38: Trek to Larkya Phedi (4494 m) (5 to 6 hours)
Day 39: Trek to Bimthang (3720 m) via Larkya La Pass (5106 m) (8 to 9 hours)
Day 40: Trek to Dharapani (2060 m) (7 to 8 hours)
Day 41: Trek to Syange (1194 m) (5 to 6 hours)
Day 42: Drive back to Kathmandu (8 to 9 hours)
Day 43: Leisure Day in Kathmandu
Day 44: Final Departure
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