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26,781 ft · Himalayas, Nepal

Manaslu

Manaslu is a 26,781 ft peak in the Himalayas, Nepal. The standard route is the Northeast Face: 20 mi, 11,033 ft of gain, Class 5.

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Manaslu in the Himalayas, Nepal

Manaslu at a glance

  • Elevation26,781 ft8,162 m
  • RouteNortheast FaceClass 5
  • Distance20 mi11,033 ft gain
  • Time6 – 7 wksExtreme effort
  • SeasonSep – Oct
  • RangeHimalayasNepal

Climbing the Northeast Face

Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal, then drive or fly to Samagaon village. Trek to basecamp on the Manaslu Glacier over 7-10 days. The northeast face via the normal route is standard. Serious avalanche and crevasse hazards exist throughout. Full expedition logistics with high camps required. Fall season (September-October) generally offers more stable weather than spring. Nepali permits required with restricted area fees. The eighth highest mountain on Earth. Often considered a stepping stone to Everest due to similar altitude and logistics. Sherpa support standard for most expeditions.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (65–85 L)
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Hardshell Pants
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Expedition Mittens
  • Trekking Poles
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axe
  • Helmet
  • Rope
  • Harness
  • Carabiners
  • Belay Device
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Oxygen System
  • Water
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Two-Way Radio
  • Emergency Bivy
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Glacier Glasses
  • Goggles
  • Down Suit

What to watch for

  • Crevasses
  • Avalanches
  • Icefall
  • Extreme cold
  • High altitude
  • Storms
  • Remote location
  • Glacier travel
  • Altitude sickness
  • Steep exposure
  • Technical climbing
  • High winds

Quests with Manaslu

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Manaslu?

Manaslu is 26,781 feet (8,162 m) tall. It is in the Himalayas, Nepal.

How does Manaslu rank among the Eight Thousanders?

At 26,781 feet, Manaslu is the 8th highest of the 14 Eight Thousanders. The highest is Mount Everest.

How hard is it to climb Manaslu?

The Northeast Face is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 20 miles with 11,033 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Manaslu?

Manaslu is an expedition: most climbers plan 6 – 7 weeks for the Northeast Face, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.

Is Manaslu dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.

Do you need oxygen to climb Manaslu?

Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the Northeast Face, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Manaslu?

Yes. At 26,781 feet, Manaslu is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.

When is the best time to climb Manaslu?

The usual climbing window is September to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Where can I check avalanche conditions for Manaslu?

Check the avalanche forecast at dhm.gov.np before any trip with snow on the route.

Can you hire a guide to climb Manaslu?

Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Manaslu include 8K Expeditions and Alpine Ascents.

Climb Manaslu with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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