Manaslu 8163 m
Mont of the year: april-may / september-october
Duration:
Scheduled departure: see SCHEDULED TRIPS or consult Avalco Travel
Manaslu is a truly complete 8000er because it offers all the different characteristics: long approach trek through splendid valleys, imposing glacier on the way up, short final ice and rock ridge to the summit. Its dominant position in the Kutang region makes it an exceptional view point above the nearby peaks of the Himalchuli, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, then Mustang Himal to the west and Ganesh Himal and Langtang to the east.
The normal route is on the north side; when in excellent condition, it is suitable for a ski or snowboard descent of medium technical level, paying attention to the many crevasses and seracs.
The Japanese normal route of 1956 includes 3 or 4 high camps and is a progression on a glacier with some steep passages where fixed ropes are usually installed. The conditions of the crevasses and the possible risk of avalanches must be carefully evaluated: as proven by the various accidents occured, thw whole face above 6000 m can be very dangerous, especially in post-monsoon season (september – october) after heavy snowfalls and wind.
As an approach, we propose the beautiful trek along the Buri Gandaki valley, from Arughat to Samagaon.
For the return, we propose a loop circuit, by ascending the Larkya La pass 5135 m and then the walking down the Marsyangdi valley, finally joining the classic Annapurna circuit.
The program provides full assistance (local transfers, tents, meals, transport of materials) to the Base Camp and back. It is also possible to get the full services for the high camps: climbing sherpa to the summit and return, porters, tents and food, cooking equipment and gas.
Upon request, we can provide all the logistics for climbing on other routes, for example the beautiful north-east ridge (Polish route 1984) or the Tyrolean-Messner route 1972 on the south-west face; or try new routes on the east side, or finally the challenging traverse from Peak 29 (Ngadi Chuli 7870 m and Thulagi 7056 m).
***** POSSIBLE VARIATIONS or EXTENSIONS on request *****
–> alternatives in case of abandonment of the normal route to Manaslu, due to avalanche hazard (within the area Manaslu -Larkya La): Manaslu South-West Tyrolean route 1972 (fom Thulagi glacier, long and challenging); Himal Chuli 7893 m from Hinan glacier, Rani Peak (orLidanay Peak) 6693 m from Chilung glacier, Panbari 6905 m, Himlung 7126 m;
–> Return by helicopter from Samagoan to Kathmandu;
-> Trekking circuit in reverse direction: walk uphill along the Marsynagdi valley and retrun via the Buri Gandaki valley;
-> Other peaks in the region: Himalchuli 7893 m, Bhauda Peak 6672 m, Chamar 7187 m in the nearby Sringi Himal, peaks of the Ganesh Himal group (four of which are over 7000 m);
-> Trekking program to Base Camp only.
Please contact us for any customized programme or special project.
Challenge: FITNESS 4 TECHNICAL 3 ADVENTURE 3
Accomodation: hotel, tea house, lodge, tents
Local transfers: domestic flights, minibus, jeep
Services included: climbing permit, TIMS trekking permit, park entrance permit, ski permit (only for ski mountaineering expeditions); transfers in Kathamandu from / to airport, hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu (4 nights), 2 dinners in Kathmandu, transfers from / to Kathmandu to / from the departure / arrival points of the trek, transport of gear with yaks and porters to / from Base Camp, assistance of sirdar, meals provided during the treks to / from Base Camp, services at the base camp (3 meals a day, double tents and mattresses, canteen tent, storage tent, kitchen, toilet), liaison officer (mandatory) , waste tax.
The following are excluded: entry visa to Nepal; food and services above base camp, meals not mentioned, extra nights in Kathmandu, personal climbing equipment, summit bonus sheroa (if used), tips, drinks and extras, extra baggage charges, garbage deposit and eco tax (if withheld), and anything else not mentioned as included.
The following are excluded: entry visa to Nepal; food and services above base camp, meals not mentioned, extra nights in Kathmandu, personal climbing equipment, summit bonus sheroa (if used), tips, drinks and extras, extra baggage charges, garbage deposit and eco tax (if withheld), and anything else not mentioned as included.
Optional services: flights to / from Kathmandu, helicopter return from Samagaon to Kathmandu; guided sightseeing tour and / or extensions in Kathmandu; single room hotel, transport of materials with porters to the high camps, services to the high camps (tents, food, gas, cooking gear); rental of satellite telephone and R / T radio; Solar Panel; use of the internet at the base camp; weather forecast service; assistance of a climbing sherpa or mountain guide to the summit and back; fixed ropes; supply of oxygen (cylinders and masks); insurance; other routes on the mountain or variants.
Special notes: In Nepal it is not allowed to carry out climningn expeditions as an independent organization. For logistics it is mandatory to be assisted by a local agency certified and authorized by the Ministry of Tourism. The partners we have chosen for our trips to Nepal operate with all the certifications established by the Nepalese authorities, pay taxes for the company and the staff, use certified local guides who are experts in the area, pay a reasonable salary to the staff and the related health and pension contributions, use quality gear for staff and participants, provide abundant, varied, and tasty meals, observe the rules of hygiene in the kitchen and bathrooms, observe good rules for waste disposal (which is fully returned to valley) and the best safety precautions.
Be aware: there are hundreds of agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara; however, many of them do not provide the sufficient quality standards of services, some do not have the necessary authorizations or work with falsified permits.
Be aware: there are hundreds of agencies in Kathmandu and Pokhara; however, many of them do not provide the sufficient quality standards of services, some do not have the necessary authorizations or work with falsified permits.
(photo galley: images courtesy of Avalco Travel, M.Caria, R.Bergamini, Cala Cimenti, Nepal Ski&Snowboard Foundation)
DAILY PROGRAMME
1st day
Arrival in Kathmandu. Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Meeting with the local coordinator. Briefing. Dinner and overnight.
2nd day
Control of documents and gear. Baggage preparation. Free visit to the city.
3rd day
Transfer by minibus (approx. 5 hours) along the Prithvi Highway to Arughat 900 m. Dinner and overnight in a lodge or tented camp.
4th – 9th day
Trekking along the Buri Gandaki valley, passing the villages of the Gurung ethnic group, with suspension bridges, Tibetan gompas, and cultivated fields in the lower valley, then pine forests and woods of orchids, juniper and rhododendrons in the upper part, up to the village of Samagaon 3390 m. The slow but continuous progression, following the rhythm of the porters and yaks, is ideal for optimal acclimatization. The high mountains of Ganesh, Sringi Himal towards Tibet and Kutang are gradually unveiled.
10th day
Rest day in Samagaon, a typically Tibetan high altitude village. Optional excursion to nearby Pung-gyen gompa.
11th day
Ascent to the Manaslu base camp, at an altitude of 4850 m.
12th – 34th day
Period dedicated to the ascent and descent of the mountain. For the normal route, 3 or 4 high fields are normally established: C1 at 5600 m, C2 at 6300 – 6500 m, possible C2.5 at 6800 m, C3 at 7400 m. The period includes the normal acclimatization period, the days of transfer of gear and equipment and setting up of the high fields, plus the days of reserve for bad weather.
35th day
Descent from base camp to Samagaon. Preparations for the return trek, or for a helicopter return (optional) to Kathmandu.
36th – 37th day
Return trekking, with crossing to the Dudh Khola valley via the Larke La pass 5135 m. Intermediate stops at Dharamsala 4490m, the highest Buddhist outpost in the region, below the pass; then walk down the valley till Dhorepani 1860 m where you join the Annapurna circuit coming from Manang.
38th day
From Dhorepani transfer by minibus to Kathmandu (total 6-7 hours). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
39th day
Free day in Kathmandu.
40th day
Transfer to the airport. Return flights.
Opt. ALTERNATIVE: RETURNING BY HELICOPTER:
36th day
Helicopter flights to Kathmandu (weather permitting), approximately 1 hour.
37th-38th day
Reserve days for the helicopter flight and / or free days in Kathmandu.
39th day
Transfer to the airport. Return flights.
BEWARE
The indicated programme may vary according to the provisions of the local authorities, the accessibiliy of the roads, and the conditions of the mountain.
REQUEST INFORMATION FOR
Manaslu 8163 m
Trip code: SP12059
Key Definitions
Trip dates, Duration, Departure
The period of time given in the trip description sheet is indicatively the most recommended for optimun conditions for the planned activities. Different periods are possible, especially during season with special climate situations. Duration is referred to the “standard” programme as per description sheet, however it could change according to the local conditions and/or the team’s requirements. If the trip is included in the Scheduled Trips list (yearly planner), the departure date is the one given in the planner; otherwise it will be decided according to the requests we have received. In any case we suggest to contact us for more precise information. In customized trips, departure date and duration are established according to customer’s request
Challenge scoring
By means of the scores given in the trip decsription sheet we wish to provide an indicative assessment of the challenges to be expected, divided in the following three categories:
FITNESS
Grade 1: adult performing a minimum sport activity (4-8 hours/week), or teenager in medium fitness conditions
Grade 2: adult performing sport activity (8-16 hours/week) or teenager in good fitness conditions
Grade 3: adult performing regular sport activity (16-20 hours/week) or teenager in very good fitness conditions
Grade 4: adult only, regularly performing sport activity and intense training (more than 20 hours/week)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Grade1: no prior experience in the activity is required, just a natural predisposition
Grade 2: prior experience in the activity as beginner to medium level
Grade 3: prior experience in the activity at medium to high level, with regular practice since min. 3-5 years
Grade 4: excellent technical skills with long experience in the activity (more than 5 years)
ADVENTURE:
Grade 1: no prior experience in adventure travel id required, just a positive attitude to adapt
Grade 2: prior, yet limited, experience in adventure travel, with a strong attitude to adapt and determination
Grade 3: prior experience in adventure travel including remote area and wilderness, or extreme wheather, or uncertainty in route finding
Grade 4: prior experience in adventure travel including remote area and wilderness, or extreme wheather, or uncertainty in route finding, strong determination to overcome unforeseen events
Accomodation
The type of accomodation as planned is indicated in the trip sheet (hotel, lodge, tents, etc..).
Transfers
The means of local transfers are indicated as planned (flight, bus, 4WD vehicle, ferry, etc.). Some changes are possible in relation to the actual availability on site and/or the terrain and wheather conditions.
Service included and Prices
We do not have a price list. Quotes are sent on request only. Details of services included, excluded, or optionally available, will be specified in the quote and confirmed at the time of booking. Prices depend on number of participants and on the specific requirements of the group. They will be definitely set at the time of booking after definiton of all trip details and confirmation of dates. Special prices can be granted according to number of participants, and/or for pre-established groups, clubs and associations, guides with own clients, active athletes, tour operators and travel agents, journalists, physicians, rescue operators, schools, staff of organization running an humanitarian or research project.