Useful Information
Manaslu Northeast Col Route
Manaslu Base Camp (4,800 m)
Situated on a rocky moraine, Manaslu Base Camp offers exceptional views of the Himalayas. Before pushing towards the summit of Mt. Manaslu, you will spend a few days on the base camp to acclimatize yourself. We will be setting our permanent tents here on the base camp. The groups will be equipped with all the necessary equipment for survival. During your stay at the base camp, you will go on frequent hikes and also learn to properly use the climbing gear.
Camp I (5,700m)
It takes around four hours to reach Camp I from the base camp. The trail is composed of mixed terrain and includes many crevasses. Likewise, you have to cross short ice sections, grassy slopes, rock slabs, and moraine. The trail is divided into three parts; the first is climbing over the moraine, which takes an hour, then you reach the crampon point, and moves towards the glacier portion. There are two Camp I- Lower Camp I and Upper Camp II, which is at a distance of 100 meters.
Camp II (6,400m)
The route to Camp II is quite technical. You will be encountering the heart of the icefall. The trail includes many steep ice sections, two ladder crossing, and steep snow climbing. The total time takes around five hours to reach Camp II from Camp I. Camp II is located above an icefall on a snowy terrace.
Camp III (6,800m)
Camp III is at the shortest distance from Camp II and takes around two to three hours to reach. There will be a few crevasses on the way, but does not require ladder crossings. The fixed rope is set by the team leader. Even though the trail feels easy this time, the exposure to cold, light & wind makes the journey tough.
Camp IV (7,500m)
From Camp III to Camp IV, it is going to be a long and strenuous climbing day. You will be approaching the death zone. The oxygen level begins to decline as the elevation increases, which makes the walk difficult. You have to climb 50º-55º steep snow for around three to four hours. This part of the route is also prone to avalanche, so you have to be extra careful.
Summit (8,156m)
The big day. You will begin ascending towards the summit of Mt. Manaslu around 1:00 AM. Early ascent will make sure you reach the summit on time and return safely. There's a false summit below the main summit, which is reached through an exposed ridge. The early section of the trail is not technical. You climb through numerous basins with short headwalls. Upon reaching the summit, you get to see surreal views of the Himalayas.
Manaslu Expedition difficulty & Altitude Sickness
Manaslu Expedition is a strenuous climbing journey. You have to be a professional climber and possess technical climbing & ice-climbing knowledge to be part of this expedition. The terrain is mixed and involves numerous crevasses, steep snow walk, grassy slope, moraine, rock slabs, etc. You have to be physically and mentally strong to reach the summit.
Altitude sickness is always there while Manaslu Expedition. We will spend enough days on the base camp and move gradually towards the summit, making several camps on the way. Our professional team will look after your health and check the vitals every few hours. We are also equipped with supplemental oxygen that will come handy at a high altitude.
Best time to go on Manaslu Expedition
Spring- March to April and autumn- September to November is the best time to climb Mt. Manaslu. Spring has a well-made snowy trail and frozen scenery, while autumn makes the trail at the lower altitude covered with a range of flora.
Food & Accommodation during the Manaslu Expedition
During the climbing period, you stay overnight in tents. All the tents and necessities are carried by the crew members. We offer high-quality single sleeping tents to each member of the group and shared dining & washroom tents. Likewise, while passing through villages, you stay overnight in a teahouse that usually offers pretty basic services.
Food will be cooked and served by the crew members while camping. We offer an extensive menu to our guests and make sure they are getting all the nutrients. Likewise, you will get meals as per the menu of the teahouse while spending overnight there.
Electricity & Communication
Solar electricity is mostly available throughout the villages. Charging facilities may or may not be available. We will have fuel and solar lights during the camping. Do carry extra batteries and a solar charger for your electronic devices. Due to remoteness of the region, the cellular network might not be available all the time and especially from base camp onwards. The team leader will be equipped with a satellite phone.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must to join the Manaslu Expedition. Even though with all our efforts and measures, there can be unseen events, which we have to be prepared for. Therefore having travel insurance will come handy and keep you safe during emergencies. Your travel insurance must cover things like air evacuation, medical bills, hospital bills, flight cancellation, etc.
Environmental Measures
We carry sustainable and eco-friendly products with us during the Manaslu Expedition. Likewise, we make sure not to leave our waste behind on the trail and clean the base camp before leaving it. We also run a small organization that funds education expenses for children from backward mountain families.
