Manaslu Expedition (8,163m) – Manaslu Region
A 38-day expedition to Mount Manaslu (8,163m), combining the Manaslu Circuit approach, acclimatization, full-board Base Camp services, and a supported summit attempt.
- Duration 38 Days
- Difficulty Extreme
- Group Size 12 People
- Max Altitude 8163m
- Region Manaslu
Overview
Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world, rising to 8,163m (26,781ft) in Central-Western Nepal. Its name means "the mountain of the spirit." The expedition is presented as a major stepping stone toward higher Himalayan objectives, including Mount Everest.
The expedition follows the Manaslu north-east Col route, approaching through Besisahar, Dharapani, Bhimthang, Larkya La Pass, Dharamsala, Sama Gaon, and Manaslu Base Camp before beginning the climbing period.
The climbing route includes Base Camp at approximately 4,800m, Camp 1 around 5,700m, Camp 2 around 6,400m, Camp 3 around 6,800m, Camp 4 around 7,500m, and the summit at 8,163m. The route involves glaciers, crevasses, steep ice and snow, fixed ropes, ladder crossings, and exposed high-altitude terrain.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,429ft) and transfer to hotel.
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Day 2 Expedition Briefing, Preparation and Permit Formalities
Expedition briefing, preparation, and permit formalities in Kathmandu.
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Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (823m / 2,700ft), taking approximately 6–7 hours.
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Day 4 Drive from Besisahar to Dharapani
Drive from Besisahar to Dharapani (1,860m / 6,102ft), taking approximately 5–6 hours.
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Day 5 Trek from Dharapani to Gowa
Trek from Dharapani to Gowa (2,510m / 8,235ft), taking approximately 5–6 hours.
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Day 6 Trek from Gowa to Bhimthang
Trek from Gowa to Bhimthang (3,590m / 11,778ft), taking approximately 5–6 hours.
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Day 7 Rest and Acclimatization Day at Bhimthang
Rest and acclimatization day at Bhimthang (3,590m / 11,778ft).
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Day 8 Trek to Dharamsala via Larkya La Pass
Trek from Bhimthang to Dharamsala (4,460m / 14,632ft) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m / 16,752ft), taking approximately 8–10 hours.
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Day 9 Trek from Dharamsala to Sama Gaon
Trek from Dharamsala to Sama Gaon (3,520m / 11,549ft), taking approximately 5–6 hours.
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Day 10 Rest and Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaon
Rest and acclimatization day at Sama Gaon (3,520m / 11,549ft).
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Day 11 Trek from Sama Gaon to Manaslu Base Camp
Trek from Sama Gaon to Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m / 15,748ft), taking approximately 4–5 hours.
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Day 12 – 33 Climbing Period for Mt. Manaslu
Climbing period for Mt. Manaslu (8,163m / 26,781ft), including acclimatization, movement between high camps, route climbing, and the summit attempt.
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Day 34 Trek from Manaslu Base Camp to Sama Gaon
Trek from Manaslu Base Camp to Sama Gaon (3,520m / 11,549ft), taking approximately 4–5 hours.
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Day 35 – 36 Helicopter Flight to Machha Khola/Arkhet and Drive to Kathmandu
Helicopter flight from Sama Gaon to Machha Khola/Arkhet and drive back to Kathmandu, with approximately 7 hours of driving.
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Day 37 Leisure Day in Kathmandu and Cultural Dinner
Free day to relax and shop in Kathmandu, followed by a farewell celebration dinner with a cultural program.
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Day 38 Final Departure from Kathmandu
Final departure from Kathmandu.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Experienced government-authorized high-altitude trekking and climbing Sherpa guides
- Trekking and mountaineering essentials for the expedition and Advanced Base Camp
- Walkie-talkies for expedition communication
- Up to 60kg of personal climbing equipment per person during flights and trekking
- TIMS permit for trekking and climbing in the Manaslu area
- Summit and top-out masks and regulators, plus emergency oxygen
- One experienced Sherpa guide per client and additional leader Sherpa for each expedition group
- Two 8-liter Poisk oxygen bottles per climbing member
- Official service charges, government taxes, and VAT
- Assistance with flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedures
- Tea house accommodation during trekking
- Kitchen, storage, dining, and toilet tents with tables, chairs, and cooking utensils
- Bonny Himalaya Treks T-shirt, pashmina, and brochure before departure
- Satellite phone for guides, with optional member use at US$3 per minute
- Daily weather forecast from Kathmandu office during climbing
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Arughat and back for members and staff
- High-altitude nutrition packages with EPI cooking gas and stoves
- Solar panels and generators at Base Camp for lighting and charging
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea and coffee during trekking
- Food and fuel for members and staff at all camps
- Icefall charges, summit rope costs, and Himalayan Rescue Association insurance
- Chef, cook assistant, helper, and Base Camp manager
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with traditional Nepali culture and cuisine
- Manaslu Conservation Permit
- Mount Manaslu climbing royalty and Nepal Government climbing permit
- Two-person V25 North Face tents at Advanced Base Camp and shared tents above ABC
- Four nights of Kathmandu hotel accommodation in the preferred category from tourist star to five-star
- Maps of trekking routes and peak climbing routes
- Gamow bags and first aid kits for the group and staff
- Dynamic and static ropes, ice screws, snow bars, and carabiners
- Transportation of food, equipment, and expedition supplies to Base Camp and return
- Surface transportation during trekking and in major cities as per the itinerary
- Fresh nutritious meals at Advanced Base Camp and Camp 2
- Health and medical consultation services at Base Camp
- Wages, equipment allowances, and medical and accidental insurance for staff
- Helicopter evacuation insurance for staff
What’s Excluded
- International flight ticket to and from Nepal
- All services not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section
- Tips or gifts for expedition support staff
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except the farewell dinner
- Personal climbing equipment and personal trekking or climbing gear
- Extra expenses caused by natural disasters, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, or government changes
- Mandatory summit bonus for climbing Sherpa guides after successful summit
- Additional staff beyond those specified in the package
- Personal clothing, packing items, bags, and personal medical kits
- Travel insurance covering emergency rescue, medical treatment, and hospitalization
- Additional services not mentioned in the included package
- Laundry expenses, personal tips, and personal items
- Packed food, snacks, drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, and energy bars
- Nepal tourist visa fee
- Landline, mobile phone, walkie-talkie, satellite phone, and internet usage
Highlights
- Professional Sherpa support: Experienced high-altitude Sherpa guides provide route support, fixed ropes, safety assistance, and summit guidance.
- Climb the world's eighth-highest mountain: Attempt the 8,163m summit of Mount Manaslu in Nepal.
- Manaslu Circuit approach: Approach Base Camp through Besisahar, Dharapani, Bhimthang, Larkya La Pass, Dharamsala, and Sama Gaon.
- Multiple acclimatization stages: Rest and acclimatization periods at Bhimthang and Sama Gaon are built into the approach.
- Fully equipped Base Camp: Personal tents, dining and kitchen facilities, shower and toilet tents, generators, meals, communications, and expedition infrastructure.
- Full-board expedition service: Comprehensive trekking, Base Camp, and high-camp support with dedicated Sherpa climbing guidance.
Essential Information
Manaslu is described as an extreme adventure requiring prior climbing experience. The source describes the mountain as moderately technical with PD+ to AD Alpine grading and significant objective dangers including extreme altitude, avalanches, crevasses, steep ice, snow slopes, and exposed terrain.
Four nights of Kathmandu hotel accommodation are provided in the preferred category from tourist star to five-star. Tea house accommodation is used during trekking, while camping is used at Manaslu Base Camp and during the climbing period.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during trekking and the climbing period. Fresh nutritious meals, food, fuel, high-altitude nutrition packages, tea, and coffee are provided for members and staff at the relevant camps.
- Mount Manaslu Climbing Permit: Mount Manaslu climbing royalty and Nepal Government climbing permit issued by the Department of Tourism.
- TIMS Permit: Trekkers' Information Management Systems permit for trekking and climbing in the Manaslu area.
- Manaslu Conservation Permit: Required for entry into the Manaslu conservation area.
- Personal climbing baggage: Up to 60kg of personal climbing equipment per person is transported during flights and trekking.
- Climbing ropes and hardware: Dynamic and static ropes, ice screws, snow bars, and carabiners are provided for route safety.
- Oxygen equipment: Two 8-liter Poisk oxygen bottles per climbing member, summit masks and regulators, and emergency oxygen are included.
- Mountaineering essentials: Trekking and mountaineering essentials are provided for the expedition and Advanced Base Camp.
- Camping equipment: North Face two-person tents, kitchen tents, dining tents, storage tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking equipment are provided.
- Personal climbing equipment: Personal climbing equipment must be arranged by the client.
Manaslu presents significant high-altitude risks, including extreme altitude, avalanche potential, crevasses, steep snow and ice, cold, wind, and reduced oxygen levels in the death zone. Acclimatization and professional Sherpa support are provided.
