Mount Manaslu is also known as Kampunge, the 8th highest mountain in the world at 8,163 metres above sea level. It is a part of the Nepalese Himalayas, in the west-central part of Nepal. Its name, which means “mountain of the spirit”, comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning “intellect” or “soul”. Manaslu was first climbed on May 9, 1956 by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu, members of a Japanese expedition. It is said that “just as the British consider Everest their mountain, Manaslu has always been a Japanese mountain”.
Manaslu is the highest peak in Gorkha District and is located about forty miles east of Annapurna. The mountain’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions, and culminate in a peak that towers steeply above its surrounding landscape.
The Manaslu region offers a variety of trekking options. The popular Manaslu trekking route of 177 kilometres skirts the Manaslu massif over the pass down to Annapurna. The Nepalese Government only permitted trekking of this circuit in 1991. The trekking trail follows an ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river. Enroute, 10 peaks over 6,500 metres are visible, including a few over 7,000 metres. The highest point reached along the trek route is the Larke-La at an elevation of 5,106 metres.
Manaslu Conservation Area has been established with the primary objective of achieving conservation and sustainable management of the delimited area, which includes Manaslu.
Trip Description
18 Days in Nepal
Activity – Trekking
Country – Nepal
Group Size – 2 to 12 people
Arrive On – Kathmandu, Nepal
Departure from – Kathmandu, Nepal
Max-Altitude – (5106m)
Transportation – Private vehicles
Trip grade – Strenuous
Area – Manashlu Region