Manaslu lies in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It resides in the Mansiri Himalayan range with coordinates 28.5497° N and 84.5613° E. These coordinates pinpoint the highest point on Mount Manaslu, which stands at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. It lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, a protected region. You will pass through the Manaslu region on your way to the mountain. The best time for the Manaslu expedition is either spring or autumn.
Table of Contents
Surrounding areas and landmarks
Surrounding areas and landmarks, Mt Manaslu is truly stunning, and its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage are a testament to its beauty. The Manaslu Conservation Area, home to diverse flora and fauna, protects this region. Nearby peaks like Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli add to the majestic landscape. The area is dotted with charming villages like Samagaon and Samdo. You can experience local Tibetan culture and hospitality in these villages.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a popular route for trekkers. Manaslu circuit trek offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the life of the mountain communities. Trekkers cross the challenging Larkya La pass, which stands at 5,160 meters. Glaciers like the Manaslu Glacier and rivers like the Budhi Gandaki carve through the valleys, creating dramatic and picturesque scenery. This region is not just for climbers but for anyone who loves
Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate around Manaslu differs from the climatic zones. In tropical and subtropical zones, the average temperature in summer and winter varies from 31°C to 34°C and 31°C to 34°C. Similarly, the temperature in the Climatic zone varies between 22°C to 25°C in summer and from -2°C to -6°C in winter. During winter, the temperature will drop below 0°C in the climatic Zone. Additionally, the average annual temperature falls between 6°C and 10 °C in the subalpine zone.
Let’s discuss the different seasons and their weather conditions in the Manaslu region.
Mount Manaslu experiences a typical high-altitude Himalayan climate, which varies significantly with the seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from -6°C to 10°C (21°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes, while it remains much colder higher up.
Weather: Spring is one of the best times for climbing. The weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and moderate winds. Snow conditions are generally good for climbing.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August)
Temperature: Warmer temperatures, with daytime temperatures at lower altitudes ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Weather: This season brings heavy monsoon rains, making the trails slippery and increasing the risk of landslides. Visibility is often poor due to clouds and mist. This is not a popular time for climbing.
Autumn (September to November)
Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from -3°C to 12°C (27°F to 54°F) at lower altitudes, getting much colder higher up.
Weather: Autumn is another favorable season for climbing. The weather is stable, with clear skies and little precipitation. It’s the most popular time for expeditions due to excellent visibility and ideal climbing conditions.
Winter (December to February)
Temperature: Extremely cold, with daytime temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F) at lower altitudes and much colder at higher altitudes.
Weather: Winter brings heavy snowfall and harsh conditions, making climbing challenging. High winds and avalanches are common. This season is not ideal for climbing due to severe weather conditions.
General Climate Characteristics
Precipitation: The region receives significant snowfall during the winter and monsoon seasons. The annual precipitation can vary greatly but is typically high due to the monsoon rains.
Distance of Mt Manaslu from Kathmandu
The journey from Kathmandu to Mount Manaslu involves a combination of road travel and trekking. If we combine both, the journey from Kathmandu to Mount Manaslu takes around 45- 47 days and covers 220-250 km.
The journey begins from Kathmandu Valley with a drive to Arughat. From there, the trek expeditions proceed towards Sama Gaun. You will only reach Sama Gaun after nine days of trekking through the foothills of the Manaslu region. In Sama Gaun, you will have an acclimatization day before proceeding towards Manaslu Base Camp.
The trail after base camp is over a glacier, where you must cross some serious sections. Following this path, you will reach Camp 1. It will take 25 days to climb the summit from the base camp, and this 25 days also includes a few days of acclimatization. As you ascend, you will get used to the challenges of the Manaslu Expedition.
Manaslu Trekking Routes
Manaslu region takes travelers through some of Nepal’s most beautiful landscapes and cultural settings. The road distance from Kathmandu to the starting point of the trek, Soti Khola, is approximately 140 to 160 kilometers (87 to 99 miles). This part of the journey can take 6 to 8 hours by vehicle, depending on the road conditions.
From here, trekkers embark on a path filled with diverse landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The trek passes through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and terraced fields. Villages like Machha Khola and Jagat provide a glimpse into traditional Nepalese life. As you ascent, the scenery changes to alpine forests and snow-capped peaks. Samagaon, one of the key stops, is a traditional Tibetan village where trekkers often rest and acclimatize.
One of the highlights of the Manaslu trek is crossing the Larkya La Pass. At 5,160 meters, it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This part of the trek is challenging but incredibly rewarding. The descent from the pass leads to the beautiful Annapurna region, where the trek usually concludes. Overall, the Manaslu Trekking Routes are less crowded than other treks in Nepal. This allows for a more intimate experience with nature and local cultures. The Manaslu trek is a blend of adventure and cultural discovery.
Challenges of Climbing Manaslu Mountain
Climbing Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, is full of tough challenges. Mountaineers have to give their all to reach the summit of Manaslu. Here’s what makes this climb so hard:
1. High Altitude
- Extreme Heights: Manaslu reaches 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). The thin air makes it hard to breathe and can cause altitude sickness.
- Getting Used to Altitude: Climbers need days, if not weeks, to adjust to the height to avoid severe conditions like altitude sickness.
2. Unpredictable Weather
- Sudden Weather Changes: Weather on Manaslu can change quickly. Climbers might face high winds, heavy snow, or sudden storms.
- Freezing Cold: The cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia, making climbing even more challenging.
3. Technical Climbing Challenges
- Steep and Icy Terrain: The mountain has steep slopes and ice walls requiring climbing skills and tools like ropes and ice axes.
- Crevasses and Ice Towers: Navigating deep cracks and ice towers is risky, with the danger of falls and avalanches.
4. Avalanche Danger
- High Avalanche Risk: Some parts of Manaslu are prone to avalanches, especially after heavy snow or rapid temperature changes.
- Past Accidents: There have been fatal avalanches in Manaslu, showing how dangerous they can be.
5. Physical and Mental Endurance
- Physical Effort: Climbing Manaslu requires excellent physical fitness to endure long, tiring days of climbing and carrying heavy gear.
- Mental Toughness: The climb tests your mind too. Facing constant dangers, isolation, and long duration requires solid mental strength.
6. Health Risks
- Altitude Health Issues: Beyond altitude sickness, climbers can suffer from dehydration, respiratory infections, and extreme tiredness.
- Limited Medical Help: In case of an emergency, the remote location and harsh conditions make rescue hard and slow.
Conquering Manaslu is not just about climbing skills but also about preparation, endurance, and mental strength. The climb needs careful planning, proper adjustment to altitude, and solid support to reach the summit and return safely.
Conclusion
Know the answer to ” Where is Mount Manaslu Located. Before you embark on your journey of climbing Manslu. As one of the highest mountains in the world, Mount Manaslu demands mental and Physical preparation. Furthermore, Crossing the trails at higher altitudes with long ridges is not easy.
We hope this article helped you know the detailed location of Mount Manslu. In addition to that, I hope this article helped you know more about the Manaslu region in general.
FAQs
Is Manaslu harder than Everest?
No, Manslu is not harder than Everest.
Do you need oxygen to climb Manaslu?
With proper acclimatization, you can climb Manaslu without oxygen.
What is the success rate of Manaslu?
The success rate of Manaslu is 60%.
What is the meaning of Manaslu in Nepali?
The meaning of Manaslu in Nepali is “the mountain of the spirit”.
What is the death rate of Manaslu?
The death rate of Manaslu is around 9%.
