Manaslu Base Camp to Summit: Unveiling the Distance for Your Climbing Challenge

The climbing route from Base Camp (4800m) to reach the summit of Mount Manaslu Peak spans a total length of approximately 12.2 kilometers. The nearest settlement located near Manaslu Peak is the village of Samagaun, situated 1.9 kilometers from the summit. The police post stationed closest in proximity to Manaslu Peak is situated in Samagaun village, approximately 1.9 kilometers in distance from the summit. The closest health clinic to the peak is located in Samagaun, approximately 1.9 kilometers away.

When climbing tall mountains like Mout Manaslu, experienced climbers will establish a series of camps at increasing elevations known as Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3, and Camp 4 before the summit. These camps are used as places to rest and find shelter during ascents. Factors such as each climber’s individual pace, the weather, and the chosen climbing approach will determine the time and distance required to reach the summit.

Camp 1 (5600m – 5700m) and Camp 2 (6300m – 6400m) of the Mt. Manaslu Expedition present the most technical terrain due to their sections. Camp 2 remains situated in a flatter, safer area at an elevation of 6,400 meters above the icefall. The region also contains a snowy terrace where accumulations of snow collect.

The climb from Manaslu Camp 2 to Camp 3 is relatively short, taking approximately 3 hours to complete. Along the route, climbers will need to cross several crevasses, which are around half a meter wide and can be jumped easily. However, ladder crossings will not be found.

Mount Manaslu Camp 3 sits at an elevation of 6,800 meters, just below the col. This positioning provides protection from the harsh winds that frequently blow through the region. The section from Camp 3 to Camp 4 is the most extensive. In this long section, climbers will finally arrive in the death zone.

On this climbing section, steep snow must be traversed for 3 to 4 hours. An additional challenge is the 50-55 degree slope of the trail. As a result, this portion of the climb is considered quite difficult. After hours of climbing, Camp 4 is reached at an elevation of 7,400 meters.

From Camp 4, the journey continues toward the summit of Mt. Manaslu. It takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to reach the summit. Climbers will begin the ascent the night before sunrise and arrive at the mountain top between 8-10 am. After summiting, the descent back to base camp begins early in order to travel to Samagaon from there.

How to Reach Manaslu Base Camp?

Reaching Manaslu Base Camp involves a scenic journey that begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Here’s a breakdown of the general way to get there:

1. Fly to Kathmandu: There are several international airports with flights connecting to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM).
2. Arrange Permits and Logistics: Manaslu Base Camp Trek lies within a restricted area, so acquiring a Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory. You can obtain this through a trekking agency in Kathmandu or online beforehand. They can also help you arrange transportation and accommodation throughout the trek.
3. Drive to Soti Khola or Arughat: From Kathmandu, you’ll embark on a scenic 7-8 hour drive by jeep or bus along the Araniko Highway. The journey follows the Trishuli River and Marsyangdi River valleys, offering glimpses of rural Nepal and the mountains ahead. The typical starting points for the Manaslu Trek are Soti Khola or Arughat.
4. The Manaslu Trek: The Manaslu Base Camp Trek is a well-established route, typically completed over 12-18 days depending on your pace and acclimatization needs. The trails wind through villages, terraced farmlands, rhododendron forests, and high-altitude yak pastures. There are several teahouses and lodges along the way where you can spend the night.

How High is Mount Everest?

Mount Manaslu towers at an impressive height of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. This makes it the eighth-highest mountain in the world!

Where is Mount Manaslu? What does it look like?

Mount Manaslu is located in the Mansiri Himal sub-range of the Himalayas in Nepal. Situated approximately 64 kilometers east of Annapurna and 121 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, Mount Manaslu possesses a striking, nearly pyramidal form that renders it visually distinctive. Its towering south face, rising nearly three thousand meters from base to summit, is especially impressive. Glaciers and deep valleys adorn the mountain’s slopes, further enhancing its dramatic appearance.

How much does it cost to climb Manaslu?

Climbing Manaslu is generally considered less expensive than Everest, with expedition costs ranging from US$12,500 to US$20,000 or even more. The following factors affect the cost:

• Permits: Manaslu requires a climbing permit, which costs between US$1,800 and US$2,000 per person for a 30-day expedition. There is also a separate Manaslu Conservation Area Permit for approximately US$30.
• Expedition Services: Most climbers utilize guided expeditions that handle logistics, provide support from guides and porters, and include essential equipment in their packages. The experience level of the guides, team size, accommodation standards (at base camp and above), food quality, and amount of included supplemental oxygen all influence the price.
• Expedition Outfitter: Different expedition companies will offer varying service packages at different price points. It is important to compare what is included in each before booking.
• Additional Expenses: Some expeditions may not include everything. Additional factors to consider include personal climbing gear, gratuities for guides and porters, satellite phone calls, additional food or drinks, and miscellaneous personal expenses.

The following outlines potential cost ranges depending on the level of service:

• Budget Expedition: US$12,500 – US$15,000. This may include basic accommodations at base camp, group climbing gear, and support from a Nepali guide team. Additional equipment rental or purchase and some extra expenses would likely be necessary.
• Standard Expedition: US$15,000 – US$18,000. This offers a more comfortable experience with better quality food and tents at base camp. It usually includes more climbing gear and may include some supplemental oxygen.
• High-End Expedition: US$18,000+. These expeditions often have smaller teams with more experienced guides, more amenities at base camp, more advanced climbing equipment, and extensive use of supplemental oxygen.

How Difficult is Mount Manaslu Summit?

Manaslu Peak is a challenging 8000-meter mountain to climb. It requires a higher level of technical climbing skills compared to other 8000-meter peaks like Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. The mountain also contains many technical sections.

Manaslu is often seen as training for even more difficult peaks such as Everest. Climbers must be in exceptional physical shape with strong mental preparation. The high-altitude conditions test endurance. Some challenges include:

Acute mountain sickness is common due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. Above 8000 meters, climbers can lose ability to think clearly. Supplemental oxygen and gradual acclimatization through multiple camps are necessary.

Temperatures drop significantly with every 100 meters of elevation gain. Near the summit, temperatures are around 50 degrees Celsius lower than at sea level. Frostbite is a risk, requiring warm protective gear.

The terrain is brutal with falls and crevasses a danger. Even small mistakes can lead to falls on steep icy ridges. Teams must rope up for safety and check gear carefully when traversing at night or on glaciers with hidden crevasses. Falling climbers can be rescued by tied teammates.

In summary, Manaslu Expedition requires advanced skills and careful management of challenging high-altitude conditions and terrain to safely reach the summit. Strong physical fitness and mental preparation are essential given the risks.