Manaslu

Height: 8,163 m
Country:
Nepal flagNepal

Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), stands in the Mansiri Himal range of Nepal. Known as the “Mountain of the Spirit,” Manaslu is both a majestic and formidable peak, offering an enticing challenge for experienced mountaineers. Its ascent is typically approached via the northeast route, which requires a mix of technical skills to navigate the glacier and ridge sections as well as ample high-altitude endurance.

Although less commercialized than Everest, Manaslu has gained popularity in recent years as a more remote, yet achievable, 8,000-meter peak. The climb involves negotiating steep snow slopes, crossing crevasses, and setting up multiple high camps to acclimatize. Unlike some other 8,000-meter peaks, Manaslu offers a relatively stable weather window in the autumn season (September to November), which is the preferred time for most expeditions.

The mountain has a distinct mix of physical challenges and cultural richness, as the trekking route to base camp passes through traditional villages, giving climbers a taste of local life in the Gorkha region. While not as technically demanding as K2 or Kanchenjunga, Manaslu remains a serious undertaking and is an excellent option for those looking to step into the realm of 8,000-meter peaks with a slightly more accessible approach.

Prepare for an adventure climbing Manaslu. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)

These are pictures taken while climbing Manaslu. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Manaslu, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Manaslu. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Manaslu. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Manaslu. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.
What you can see from the summit of Manaslu. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Manaslu climb.

climm Everest
Everest
 AD
Nepal
$3,495
 8,849 m
climm Annapurna
Annapurna
 D
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$1,990
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climm Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu
 PD
Nepal
$18,500
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climm Dhaulagiri
Dhaulagiri
 D
Nepal
$10,449
 8,167 m