Manasalu Expedition

The Mountain of the Spirit

40 days

8163m

2 - 6

Hard

Autumn

Starts in: Kathmandu

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel, Lodges & Expedition Camps

Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), the eighth-highest mountain on Earth, is not a summit reached by physical strength alone. It demands patience, sound judgment, mental resilience, and absolute respect for the mountain.

Located in a remote region of the central Himalayas, Manaslu offers an authentic high-altitude mountaineering experience, far from the most crowded routes.

This expedition is designed for climbers seeking a true 8,000-meter experience, with a logical progression, structured acclimatization, and solid logistics.

It is not only about reaching the summit.
It is about learning how to move in big mountains, understanding the rhythm of the Himalayas, and becoming part of a responsible, human, and well-organized expedition.

With Crest Summit Treks, Manaslu becomes a mountaineering school, a personal challenge, and a transformative experience that goes far beyond the summit.

Highlights

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Climb Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) — the eighth highest mountain in the world.
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Experience a true Himalayan 8000-meter expedition.
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Journey through the remote and untouched Manaslu region.
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Climb with an experienced Sherpa-led expedition team.
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Enjoy breathtaking views of Manaslu and the surrounding Himalayan giants.

Itinerary

1
Arrival in Kathmandu
1299 m
2
Kathmandu | Preparation, briefing & welcome dinner

Full day dedicated to organization and preparation:

• Official expedition briefing and review of the overall plan
• Equipment check and final recommendations
• Possibility to rent mountaineering gear in Kathmandu (at the client’s expense)

In the evening: welcome dinner and official team presentation organized by Crest Summit Treks.

Hotel
3
Kathmandu → Besishahar | Road transfer

Drive west across Nepal. Overnight in lodge.

6
4
Besishahar → Dharapani (1,300 m) | Road transfer

Mountain road to Dharapani.

1300 m
5 h
5
Dharapani → Tilije (2,300 m) | Trek
2300 m
6 h
6
Tilije → Bhimthang | Trek
3590 m
6 h
7
Bhimthang | Rest & acclimatization
8
Cross Larkya La Pass (5,215 m) → Samdo (3,875 m)
10 h
9
Samdo → Sama Gaon (3,780 m) | Trek
3 h
10
Sama Gaon → Manaslu Base Camp | Trek

Arrival at Manaslu Base Camp and start of expedition life.

Lodge / Expedition Camp

4 h
9
Climbing period & summit attempt

Climbing period & summit attempt

Days dedicated to the expedition:

• Acclimatization at Base Camp
• Rotations to Camp I / Camp II / Camp III
• Glacier travel and safety training
• Fixed rope climbing
• Strategic waiting for weather windows
• Summit attempt when conditions are favorable

The exact rotation and summit strategy are adapted according to weather, team condition, and safety priorities.

Expedition Camp

33
Base Camp closure & return

Day 33 – Base Camp | Camp dismantling

Day 34 – Base Camp → Sama Gaon

Day 35 – Sama Gaon → Namrung (2,550 m)

Day 36 – Namrung → Philim (2,300 m)

Day 37 – Philim → Machha Khola (1,330 m)

Day 38 – Machha Khola → Kathmandu | Road transfer

Day 39 – Kathmandu | Debriefing, rest & farewell dinner

Day 40 – International departure

Hotel / Lodge

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ Flights & Visa
• International flights
• Nepal entry visa fee

🛡 Insurance
• Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)

🎒 Personal Equipment
• Personal climbing equipment (boots, down suit, harness, crampons, ice axe, etc.)

💰 Personal Expenses
• Wi-Fi, charging batteries, hot showers, laundry
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

🍽 Meals in Kathmandu
• Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except the two included dinners)

🏨 Extra Accommodation
• Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early arrival or delays

🚁 Rescue & Medical
• Emergency rescue and helicopter evacuation costs
• Medical expenses and hospitalization

💸 Tips & Bonuses
• Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa (recommended minimum USD 1,200)
• Tips for guides, Sherpas and expedition staff

🎥 Filming Permits
• Camera, filming or drone permits

📦 Additional Services
• Any service not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section

Included

🚐 Transportation & Logistics
• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu by private vehicle
• Ground transportation Kathmandu – Arughat – Kathmandu by private jeep according to itinerary

🏨 Accommodation in Kathmandu
• 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (3★ or similar) on Bed & Breakfast basis
• Welcome dinner and farewell dinner with the expedition team

🎟 Permits & Documentation
• Manaslu Expedition Climbing Permit
• Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
• Restricted Area Permit
• TIMS Card
• All government paperwork and expedition documentation

👥 Expedition Leadership & Staff
• Experienced expedition leader
• Government Liaison Officer including logistics, accommodation and salary
• Base Camp manager, cooks, kitchen staff and support team

🧗 Climbing Sherpa Support
• 1:1 government licensed high-altitude climbing Sherpa per climber
• Sherpa salary, equipment, food and insurance included

🏕 Base Camp Infrastructure
• Individual member tents
• Dining tent, kitchen tent and communication tent
• Toilet and shower tents
• Tables and chairs

High Camp Services
• High altitude tents for upper camps
• Cooking equipment, stoves and fuel
• Food for higher camps

🧗 Route Fixing Team
• Professional Sherpa rope fixing team for the Manaslu climbing route

🫁 Oxygen Support
• 2 bottles of oxygen (4L) per climber
• Oxygen mask and regulator

🩺 Medical & Safety Equipment
• Expedition first aid kit
• Pulse oximeter monitoring
• Emergency oxygen

📡 Communication & Weather
• Satellite phone at Base Camp
• Walkie-talkie communication system
• Professional expedition weather forecast service

🍽 Meals
• Three meals per day during trekking and expedition

🎒 Luggage Transport
• Porters for personal equipment during the trekking approach

🏅 Summit Certificate
• Official Manaslu summit certificate issued after successful ascent

Trek details & Safety

Essentials

Difficulty level

The Manaslu Expedition (8,163 m) is a highly demanding high-altitude ascent requiring prior experience in major Himalayan expeditions.

The normal route follows glacial terrain and sustained snow slopes where climbers progress using crampons, ice axe, harness, and fixed ropes in several sections of the mountain.

The summit push is typically carried out from Camp IV using supplemental oxygen, helping to support safer performance in extreme altitude conditions.

This expedition requires excellent physical condition, strong endurance, and proven experience on 7,000 m peaks or comparable high-altitude expeditions.

Altitude Awareness

This expedition reaches extreme altitude up to 8,163 m, where oxygen availability is significantly reduced.

The program follows progressive acclimatization rotations between high camps in accordance with Himalayan expedition protocols.

At these elevations climbers may experience symptoms such as headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and increased sensitivity to cold in the hands and feet.

Our high-altitude Sherpa team and mountain guides continuously monitor climbers’ condition throughout the expedition to ensure safe acclimatization management.

Guide & Sherpa support

All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.

Packing list

8000m Expedition – High Altitude Packing List

General Note: The quantity of items is personal, but total weight should be minimised for safety and efficiency.

Clothing System

Base layers (thermal tops & bottoms)• Mid layers (fleece / insulated jacket)

Outer layers (waterproof jacket & pants)

Expedition down suit (summit suit)

Footwear

Hiking boots (approach to Base Camp)

Triple mountaineering boots (required above Base Camp)

Hand Protection

Liner gloves

Insulated gloves

Expedition mittens

Head & Face Protection

Warm hat, balaclava, buffs

Glacier sunglasses (Cat.4)

Goggles

Technical Gear

Harness, helmet, crampons

Ice axe, jumar, descender

Carabiners & safety lanyard

Sleeping System

Sleeping bag (-40°C)

Sleeping liner

Sleeping mat

Backpacks

70–90L expedition pack

30–40L summit packPersonal Equipment

Headlamp + batteries

Thermos & bottles

Sunscreen, hygiene items

Quick-dry towel

Inflatable pillow

Wide-mouth bottle (night use)

Health & Safety

First aid kit

Medication

Electrolytes

Documents

Passport

Insurance

Cash & copies

Final Note: All equipment should be tested before expedition.

Safety Measures

Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.

Oximetry monitoring

First aid kit

Emergency oxigen

Travel insurance requiered

Important travel information

Important travel information

Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Crest Summit Treks always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.

More information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

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What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

Wayne Storey

Island Peak Climbling

Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills.

Otávio Marcacini

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!

Martin legault

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

Professionnal guide
Big experience
Have a respect every place during the treck
Everything is on control with Pasang.
I recommended a 150%

Stephen Tindall

Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp

I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what ever trip you plan with him you will not be disappointed.

Jesen Lodge

Island Peak Climbling

Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. Pasang Tendi was our guy. One of the nicest and hard working blokes you’ll ever meet. Awesome guide! Porters aside!