Mount Manaslu: The Eighth-Highest Peak in the World

Mount Manaslu, also known as Kutang or Kampunge, rises to 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level, making it the eighth-highest mountain on Earth. It lies in the Mansiri Himal range of the Nepalese Himalayas, in west-central Nepal, about 64 kilometers east of Mount Annapurna.

The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning “soul” or “intellect,” often interpreted as the “mountain of the spirit.”

Geographic and Administrative Setting

The mountain spans across Nepal’s Gorkha and Manang districts within Gandaki Province. The village of Samagaun, located near the base of the mountain, serves as the primary gateway to Manaslu Base Camp. 

Characterized by towering ridges, steep slopes, and deep valley glaciers, Manaslu dominates the Mansiri Himal subrange. Its varied topography allows multiple climbing routes, with the northeast ridge being the most widely used.

Climbing History

The first successful ascent of Mount Manaslu was achieved on May 9, 1956, by Japanese climber Toshio Imanishi and Sherpa Gyalzen Norbu. 

Since then, Manaslu has earned a reputation as one of the more challenging Himalayan peaks. For Japanese climbers, it holds special significance, much like Everest once did for the British.

Climbing Challenges and Risks

Climbing Manaslu is considered technically demanding, with sections of steep ice, snow, and rock requiring advanced mountaineering skills and the use of ropes and harnesses. At the summit, oxygen levels drop to about 40% of those available at sea level, making altitude sickness a significant risk. 

Since the first ascent, more than 80 climbers have lost their lives, primarily due to avalanches, falls, and high-altitude complications. The 2012 avalanche remains one of the mountain’s most tragic incidents.

Main Routes

• Northeast Ridge – The standard route, with several established camps. The final push begins from Camp 4 at 7,450 meters.

• Southeast Face – A less-frequented, technically challenging route requiring greater climbing expertise.

A typical expedition takes about two months, including acclimatization and approach.

Permits and Access

Climbing Manaslu requires multiple permits, including:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (for extended treks)
• Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit (if trekking to Tsum)
• Chumnubri Rural Municipality Entry Permit 

Trekking routes often begin from Gorkha or Dhadingbesi, with trails passing through villages like Jagat, Philim, Namrung, and Samagaun before reaching Base Camp.

People of the Manaslu Region: Culture and Traditions

The Manaslu region is home to diverse ethnic communities, with the Nubri and Tsum Valley people being the most prominent. These groups share close cultural ties with Tibet due to their geographic proximity and centuries of trade and migration across the Himalayas.

• Religion and Spirituality: Tibetan Buddhism is deeply rooted in daily life. Monasteries, chortens (stupas), and prayer wheels are common across villages. Mani walls carved with Buddhist scriptures line many trekking paths, reflecting the spiritual devotion of the locals.
  

• Festivals: Key celebrations include Lhosar (Tibetan New Year), marked with vibrant dances, feasts, and prayers, and other Buddhist festivals observed in monasteries such as Mu Gompa in Tsum Valley.
  

• Lifestyle: Villagers primarily rely on subsistence agriculture, herding yaks and sheep, and seasonal trade. Barley, potatoes, and maize are staple crops, often prepared as traditional dishes like tsampa (roasted barley flour).
  

• Architecture: Stone-built houses with flat roofs, often clustered for protection against harsh winters, are typical. Homes frequently incorporate prayer flags, symbolizing blessings for peace and prosperity.
  

• Cultural Identity: The people of this region have preserved their language, dress, and rituals despite modernization. Traditional attire includes woolen robes and handmade ornaments, while local hospitality reflects a deep sense of community.
  

Visitors trekking through the Manaslu Circuit gain not only spectacular mountain views but also an immersive cultural experience, walking through centuries-old villages and monasteries where traditions remain strong.

Trekking Around Mount Manaslu

The Manaslu Circuit Trek

Beyond mountaineering, the region is famed for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a scenic route offering breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and cultural encounters with fewer crowds than Annapurna or Everest.

• Duration: 12–14 days

• Distance: ~180 km (112 miles)

• Starting Point: Machha Khola (869 m / 2,851 ft)

• Ending Point: Tilije (2,300 m / 7,546 ft)

• Highest Point: Larkya La Pass (5,106 m / 16,752 ft)

• Best Seasons: March–June and September–November

• Accommodation: Teahouses and guesthouses along the route

• Permits Required: RAP, MCAP, and ACAP

Trek the Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal. The trek covers 180 km (110 miles) and involves 6–7 hours of hiking per day through villages, forests, and the Larke high pass.

View Trip

Trek Highlights

• Close encounters with Mount Manaslu’s striking massif near Base Camp

• Panoramic views of Himalayan giants including Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal

• Crossings of dramatic landscapes such as the Budhi Gandaki Gorge

• Visits to remote Buddhist monasteries and culturally rich villages

• Side trips to Samdo Village and the Tibetan border

• Opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including snow leopards

The trek is moderately strenuous, with steep ascents and descents, and requires good physical conditioning. 

Acclimatization stops, particularly in Samagaun, allow trekkers to explore side trails while adapting to high altitude.

Conclusion

Mount Manaslu offers a rare combination of thrilling mountaineering challenges and one of Nepal’s most rewarding trekking experiences. 

Whether scaling its icy ridges or walking the quieter trails of the Manaslu Circuit, adventurers are drawn to this “mountain of the spirit” for its majesty, solitude, and cultural depth.