Mt. Manaslu Expedition (8,163m)

50 Days / 49 Nights Level: Extreme Climbing Altitude: 8,163m (26,763 ft) Best: Mar-Apr / Sep-Oct
Mount Manaslu Peak

The Mountain of the Spirit

Towering at 8,163 meters (26,763 ft), Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest peak on Earth. Derived from the Sanskrit word Manasa (meaning intellect or soul), it is globally revered as the “Mountain of the Spirit.” Situated in the Mansiri Himal within the remote west-central expanse of Nepal, this 8,000-meter titan is widely considered one of the most serious and rewarding alpine undertakings in the Himalayas.

Though first summited in 1956, the surrounding region remained entirely closed to foreigners until 1991. Today, it operates as a highly restricted zone, preserving an unadulterated, pristine wilderness that filters out commercial crowding. While Manaslu’s long ridges and glacial valleys offer multiple feasible approaches, the sheer altitude and sustained technical climbing demand absolute physiological discipline and elite mountaineering proficiency.

This elite 50-day deployment initiates with a strategic ascent through the plunging Buri Gandaki gorge. Under the direct supervision of Wonder Hikes Nepal’s veteran high-altitude Sherpa guides, climbers will establish a highly fortified Base Camp before executing a massive, 27-day climbing window. Success on Manaslu requires superior physical conditioning, robust mental fortitude, and a steadfast commitment to our rigorous acclimatization protocols.

What is Included

  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
  • Exclusive Climbing Permit for Mount Manaslu (8,163m) and Annapurna Conservation Area fees.
  • Full-board high-altitude nutrition and lodging during the trekking and Base Camp phases.
  • Elite Base Camp crew (1 Head Guide, 1 Head Cook, 1 Assistant Cook).
  • Dedicated porter support for transporting logistical gear from Arughat to Base Camp and back.
  • Daily allowances, equipment, and insurance for Government Liaison Officers and field staff.
  • Complete Base Camp infrastructure: high-altitude sleeping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, and store tent with tables and chairs.
  • Solar panel arrays for base camp charging and operational lighting.
  • Emergency Satellite phone access.
  • Welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine and cultural presentation.

What is Excluded

  • International Airfare and Nepalese Entry Visa fees.
  • Mandatory High-Altitude Climbing & Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Insurance.
  • Personal climbing gear, specialized high-altitude clothing, and sleeping systems.
  • Personal communication permits (Satellite phone/Walkie-Talkie).
  • Personal expenditures (bottled drinks, hot showers, laundry).
  • Gratuities and summit bonuses for Guides, Sherpas, and Expedition staff.
  • Garbage deposit fee (non-refundable if climbers fail to extract their expedition waste).
Days 01-03 Kathmandu: Arrival & Briefing
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, transfer to the hotel. Day 2 is dedicated to final expedition preparations and gear checks. Day 3 involves a mandatory official expedition briefing at the Nepal Ministry of Tourism.
Day 04 Deployment to Arughat
Overland drive via Dhading to Arughat, the historic starting point of the Manaslu circuit.
Days 05-08 The Buri Gandaki Ascent
Day 05: Trek from Arughat to Sotikhola (6 hours).
Day 06: Trek from Sotikhola to Machhakhola (6-7 hours).
Day 07: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (6-7 hours).
Day 08: Trek from Jagat to Ukawa.
Days 09-13 High Valley Acclimatization
Day 09: Trek from Ukawa to Ngyak (5-6 hours).
Day 10: Trek from Ngyak to Namrung (5-6 hours).
Day 11: Trek from Namrung to Syalla Village.
Day 12: Trek from Syalla to Sama Village.
Day 13: Strategic rest and acclimatization day in Sama Village.
Day 14 Base Camp Establishment
Final approach trek from Sama Village to Manaslu Base Camp. Logistics are established, and climbers prepare for high-altitude operations.
Days 15-41 The Manaslu Summit Window
27 Days of Vertical Climbing Operations. This massive window is utilized for establishing High Camps (Camp I, II, III, and IV), executing critical acclimatization rotations up and down the mountain, fixing lines, and awaiting the optimal weather window for the final push to the 8,163-meter summit of Mt. Manaslu.
Days 42-47 The Descent & Extraction
Day 42: Clean base camp and descend to Sama Village.
Day 43: Trek from Sama down to Namrung.
Day 44: Trek from Namrung to Philim Village.
Day 45: Trek from Philim to Machhakhola.
Day 46: Trek from Machhakhola to Sotikhola.
Day 47: Final trek from Sotikhola to Arughat.
Days 48-50 Return to Civilization
Day 48: Drive from Arughat back to Kathmandu.
Day 49: Leisure, rest, and souvenir shopping in Kathmandu. Expedition debriefing.
Day 50: Final departure transfer to the International Airport.