Useful Info
Himalayan Penchant
There are so many things to explore and look around during the Manaslu Expedition. Picturesque valleys and culturally rich villages will enrich your journey. Likewise, you will also trek on trodden paths. Manaslu Expedition will offer you excellent views of Mt. Manaslu, Nagdi Chuli, Simnang Himal, Cheo Himal, Himlung Himal, Annapurna II, Gyaji Kung, Kang Guru, and many other snow-capped mountains. As the entire region is isolated and untouched by any modern facilities, you will get an opportunity to spend some quality time amidst the Himalayan environment.
Manaslu Expedition landmark
There are so many things to see and explore during the Manaslu Expedition. From picturesque villages to dense forests and completely isolated areas. The Mt. Manalsu is one of the major highlights in this journey, and as you conquer it, you’ll be overwhelmed by emotions of happiness and vigor. The chorten filled trails inspire religion whereas the frosty winds inspire valor. Take this trek to truly bring out the best in you.
Culture
During the Manaslu Expedition, you will get to see many mani walls, prayer wheels, chortens fastened with colorful prayer, and monasteries. Similarly, the villagers here practice Buddhism. The entire region is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. This expedition will give you an opportunity to experience rich traditions, beliefs, practices, and values of people here.
Ethnic Diversity
Along the trail, you will encounter an intriguing blend of Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. Manalsu region is resided by people from several different ethnic groups in which Nubri and Tsum are major ones. While in the central hills, people from the Gurung community resides. As the region gets closest to Tibet, you will find Bhutias. All of these communities have their own language, major festivals, dress, and assortments.
Natural Aptitude
Manaslu region comes under the conservation area. The region boasts diverse climatic range, vegetation, and wildlife. As the trail passes by Manaslu Conservation Area, you will get to see numerous flora and fauna. Manaslu region is home to many rare species, and if you are lucky enough, you can get to see one of them.
Manaslu Expedition difficulty
Climbing Mt. Manaslu is for sure a difficult. Not everyone goes to scale this mountain because of its difficult terrain. Lots of energy, patience, will power, and strong stamina is needed. You will be walking on snow and glaciers, therefore a very strong physical fitness is needed to reach the summit of Mt. Manalsu. You will also have to cross many crevasses, steep ascends, and narrow glacier paths.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention
As you will gain altitude, the chances of suffering from altitude sickness increases. Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) that people usually suffer during high elevation journeys. It can happen to anyone regardless of their health and age. The best thing one can do to avoid altitude sickness is by acclimatizing their body to lower elevation properly before heading up. Include acclimatization days in your itinerary and drink plenty of water.
Transportation and Bag Pack
Manaslu Expedition begins with a long scenic drive to Soti Khola. From here, you will ascend to Manaslu Base Camp via beautiful villages. In the next few days, you will head towards the summit of Mt. Manaslu.
Below is the list of things you should carry during Manaslu Expedition:
- T-shirts and Pants (Innerwear)
- Thermal Wears
- Breathable Underwears
- Trekking Pants/Shoes/Socks
- Insulating Jacket
- Rain jacket
- Warm woolen Gloves
- Sun hat/woolen hat
- Goggles
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking Pole
- Harness
- Climbing Boots
- Rope
- Ascender
- First aid kit
- Toiletries (toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sunblock, towel, soap, shampoo, sanitary napkins, etc)
- Miscellaneous (camera, extra batteries, journal, cards, bars, snacks, water purification tablets, etc)
Food and Accommodation during the Manaslu Expedition
In lower altitudes, you will be staying overnight in a guesthouse or tea house. However, during the expedition, your accommodation will be tents. We have the best quality tents for you that will keep you safe and warm. In the guesthouse/teahouse, the food will be given as per their menu. While during your stay in tents, the meals will be prepared and cooked be porters.
Best Season to go on Manaslu Expedition
Last September to Mid-December is the best time to go on the Manaslu Expedition. The climate is perfect to traverse- neither too hot nor too cold. The sky is perfectly blue and the views are at its best. Everything is just right to go on an expedition during this time of the year, however, this perfect time also attracts many other travelers means you will find a crowd in the region.
Likewise, another best time to go on Manaslu Expedition is from March to late-May when everywhere rhododendrons and other wildflowers begin to bloom as well ass villages also starts to come back to their home.
Manaslu Expedition Cost
Manaslu Expedition cost includes all the facilities that you will be using during the climbing period. Things like permits, tents, meals, expenses of the guide, porters, etc. As you will be traversing above 8,000 meters everything gets expensive to take to that altitude. However, we Go For Nepal Treks & Expedition has designed our Manaslu Expedition itinerary to offer you the best and comprehensive package. You can contact us for further information about the package.
Essential Document
Here is the list of things that you have to carry during the expedition:
- Passport & Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Extra Photos
- Permits
- Cash (as per need)
What is done in Base camp?
At the base camp, your guide will teach you basic uses of climbing gear. He will teach you how to properly use gears like harness, rope, ice-ax, etc. Likewise, he will brief you about the route and the issues you might have to face. You will go on a short hike or climb nearby small peaks to acclimate your body and increase your confidence level.
Training and Climbing Strategy (Manaslu Northeast Col Route)
Base Camp (4,800 m/15,750 ft):
Located on a rocky moraine, Makalu Base Camp boasts wonderful views of the Himalayas. You will spend several days here to prepare for the climb before pushing towards the summit. All the tents and food will be pre-arranged for you before your arrival at the base camp. Here, you will meet with your climbing Sherpa and a few other crew members.
Camp I (5,700 m/18,700 ft); 4hrs:
Crossing a few crevasses, short ice sections, grassy slopes, moraine, and rock slabs, you will climb out of the first section of the glacier. You will then reach the crampons point at the mouth of the glacier. Another few hours of walk, and you will reach Camp I.
Camp II (6,400 m/21,000 ft); 5hrs:
From Camp I, the route will get technical. climbing over snow for around an hour, you will pass by many steep parts of ice. You will use the ladder where needed. You will encounter several steep sections of ice that are 100 m at a slope of 65º It can be a very difficult part to overcome for many trekkers.
Camp II (6,800 m/22,310 ft); 2-3hrs:
There is not a huge distance between Camp II and Camp III. You will come across a few small crevasses that can be crossed with a jump. Your guide will fix the rope for you whenever required. The route will be easier than other days, but don't forget that you are exposed to direct sunlight, harsh cold, and strong wind.
Camp IV (7,500 m/24,606 ft):
From Camp III to Camp IV is a long-distance, however, you will reach near the death zone. The thin air and low oxygen level will make anything harder than it seems. In this section, you have to climb for 3-4 hours on steep snow that is on a 50-55º slope. This is a dangerous part of all the camps and has a high risk of sudden avalanche.
Summit (8,156 m/26,759 ft); 16-17 hrs:
You will begin ascending around 1:00 am to avoid strong wind at noon that makes the summit impossible. You will reach the summit around 7-10 am. After the summit, you will descend to Camp IV, and then to Camp III for night stay. You will carry all the garbage with yourself so that it does not affect the environment up there.
Extra Personal Expenditure
All the extra expenditures like taking a hot shower to have some food out of itinerary are personal expenditures. With the increase of elevation, the facilities will get limited and little things will cost you a few extra bucks. Therefore, make sure to carry enough cash with yourself so that you can use it whenever you need it. Also, there are no ATMs available on the trail, and none of the teahouses accepts the card for payment.
Safety & Precaution in Expedition
Expedition in the Himalayas is a life-risking activity. With the surreal view and lifelong achievement comes lots of dangers and troubles. There are so many things that need to be taken care of before and during the expedition. From preparing the gears to set the ropes, everything should be perfect because the Himalayas do not accept any mistakes.
Here is the list of things that you can take into consideration for safety & precaution during the expedition:
- Make sure to take out insurance that includes emergency air evacuations
- Make sure to check your gears properly before the beginning of the journey
- Follow the lead of your guide
- Don’t rush, walk slowly & safely
- In case of any problem inform your guide imitatively
- Collect enough information on the weather and temperature
- Drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated
- Take plenty of rest and acclimatize your body on the trail
