Manaslu hero

Your First Eight-Thousander

Serious climbers earn their entry to the world above 8,000 metres here — in autumn, on the eighth-highest mountain on Earth, away from the traffic that defines the bigger names.

01 — DOSSIER FACTS

ALTITUDE8,163m
DIFFICULTYExtreme
GROUP SIZE4 – 12
DURATION35
BASE CAMP4,837m
LEAD GUIDEIFMGA
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02 — Overview

The Quiet Giant, where the Himalaya still feel wild.

Manaslu is where the question 'could I climb an eight-thousander?' gets answered honestly. High enough to demand everything altitude can ask, technically moderate enough to let a prepared mountaineer focus on that demand, and set in the quiet Gorkha hills. Thamserku has organised 48 expeditions to Manaslu since the 1990s, including Jean-Christophe Lafaille's historic first solo ascent in 2000. We are direct about the mountain's character. Manaslu carries avalanche-prone slopes, and managing that hazard through route choice, camp placement, and the discipline to wait is the core of how it is climbed well. The summit itself matters too. For years, commercial ascents commonly stopped at the foresummit rather than the true top. We climb to 8,163 metres.

Mansalu Specs

Max Altitude

8,163m

Destination

Mansiri Himal, Gorkha, Nepal

Season

Autumn (Sept–Oct)

Duration

35 Days

Fixed Departure

3rd Sep - 7th Oct 2026

Group Size

4 – 12 members

Difficulty Level

Extreme · Sustained exposure

Edition

A–E

Sherpa Support

1:1 Sherpa-to-member ratio

Lead Guides

IFMGA/UIAGM-certified lead guides

Route

Northeast Face (standard)

Prerequisite

Documented 6,000m+ experience; expedition-life competence; reviewed individually.

03 — Why This Expedition

Manaslu is for those ready to enter the 8,000m world with discipline.

Acclimatisation Strategy

Carefully sequenced rotations between Base Camp and the higher camps, paced to build the body to 8,000m while avoiding avalanche-exposed terrain wherever the route permits.

True-Summit Commitment

We climb to the true summit at 8,163 metres, beyond the foresummit and across the exposed ridge traverse that many commercial expeditions have chosen to skip.

World-Class Guiding

IFMGA/UIAGM-certified lead guides with extensive 8,000m experience, supported by a dedicated 1:1 personal climbing Sherpa ratio from Base Camp to summit and return.

Comprehensive Oxygen System

Four 4-litre bottles per member and three 4-litre bottles for each Sherpa, with premium masks and regulators staged strategically across the higher camps.

Hospitality Across the Journey

Five-star Kathmandu hotel before and after the climb, comfortable lodges through the Gorkha approach, and heated private tents with full amenities at Manaslu Base Camp.

Safety and Ethical Standards

Comprehensive medical kit, Gamow Bag, standby rescue Sherpa team, helicopter contingency framework, Leave No Trace policy, and guaranteed gratuities and summit bonuses for crew.

04 — Program

Standard Itinerary

01 Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m). Private transfer, hotel check-in, welcome briefing 5-star HotelB
02 Expedition preparation, official briefing5-star Hotel B
03 Drive to Dharapani (1,800m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
04 Trek to Surki Khola (2,700m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
05 Trek to Bhimtang (3,720m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
06 Acclimatisation in Bhimthang Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
07 Trek via Larke Pass (5,160m) to Samdo (3,872m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
08 Trek to Samagaun (3,540m) Enhanced LodgeB/L/D
09 Acclimatisation in Samagaun Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
10-12 Trek to Manaslu Base Camp (4,700m)Full Board
13–29 Base Camp training: technical orientation, oxygen systems, ladder crossing, rope techniques. Acclimatisation rotations (BC–C1–C2–C3–BC) and summit push window — Summit to BC descent Full Board
30 Trek to Samagaun Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
31 Trek to Namrung (2,620m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
32 Trek to Philim (1,585m) Enhanced Lodge B/L/D
33Drive to Kathmandu 5-star Hotel B/L
34 Leisure day in Kathmandu. Farewell dinner5-star Hotel B/D
35 Departure — airport transfer- B
Fixed Departures
3rd Sep - 7th Oct 2026

B — Breakfast · L — Lunch · D — Dinner

05 — Crafted Edition Standard

What's Included

Expedition royalty, climbing permit, conservation area entry, and restricted area permit fees

Garbage deposit, waste management, and stool transfer fees as per government regulations

Government-appointed liaison officer with full logistical support, transportation, meals, and accommodation

Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance for all Nepalese expedition staff

Contribution toward route fixing by veteran Sherpa teams

Reliable weather forecasting throughout the expedition

Official Government of Nepal summit certificate upon successful ascent

Expedition gear transport between Kathmandu and Base Camp using the most appropriate logistics support

Up to 70 kg of personal and expedition baggage carried by porters, mules, or yaks

Full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges throughout the trek

Hygienic meals, drinking water, and unlimited hot beverages during the trekking phase

Licensed English-speaking trek guide with porter support (1:3 ratio)

Complete high-camp logistics including tents, fuel, stoves, ropes, technical equipment, and high-energy provisions

Double-occupancy high-altitude tents for all summit camps

Dedicated kitchen and dining facilities at Camps 1 and 2 with hot meals and beverages

Certified lead guide (1:4 ratio) supported by a personal climbing Sherpa (1:1 ratio) from Base Camp to summit and return

Route support, emergency communications, and supplemental oxygen systems with premium masks and regulators

All Sherpa and support staff wages, equipment, food, bonuses, insurance, and route-fixing costs covered

Guaranteed crew gratuities and summit bonuses for guides and climbing Sherpas

Dedicated emergency response and rescue team on standby at Base Camp and designated high-altitude locations

Private airport transfers for all international and domestic arrivals/departures

Four nights' accommodation in a 5-star hotel on a single-room BB basis

Ground transportation Kathmandu–Base Camp–Kathmandu as per itinerary

Assistance with cargo handling and customs clearance

Two exclusive Thamserku Expedition duffel bags

Hosted farewell dining experience at a premium Kathmandu restaurant

Commemorative expedition souvenir presented upon program completion

Premium Base Camp with heated dining and relaxation domes, private tents, shower and toilet facilities, and full camp infrastructure

Freshly supplied international and Nepali cuisine, prepared by dedicated expedition cooks with beverages and member-exclusive bar service

Expert Base Camp chef and kitchen team with full logistical support

Salaries, equipment, food, clothing, and allowances for all Nepalese staff

Charging facilities, emergency satellite phone access, and Base Camp–high camp radio communication

Unlimited internet access at Base Camp

Pre-climb training covering oxygen systems, fixed ropes, ladder crossings, equipment use, and safety procedures

Comprehensive medical support, backup oxygen systems, and essential rescue equipment at Base Camp

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fees

Additional accommodation and meals in Kathmandu beyond the scheduled itinerary

Mandatory personal high-altitude travel insurance, including medical, evacuation, and trip interruption coverage

All personal climbing equipment and clothing

Filming, drone, and special documentation permit fees (available as an add-on service)

Any services, activities, or logistical support not specifically listed in the inclusions section

Mandatory Prerequisite

All applicants must have prior summit experience on a peak of 6,000m or above. Thamserku Expedition reserves the right to assess and verify each applicant’s climbing resume before confirming participation. Safety on the mountain begins with the selection process.

06 — Choose Your Philosophy

Manaslu in Every Edition

The details above describe the Crafted Edition — our curated standard. Every Edition below is available on Manaslu. Select one to begin designing your expedition.

Alpine Edition

A

Lean

Bespoke Edition

B

Personalized

Crafted Edition

CStandard

Peak-Performance

Definitive Edition

D

Flagship

Explorer Edition

E

Exploratory

FeatureAlpineBespokeCraftedDefinitiveExplorer
Expedition ConsultationProject dependent As required As required Upon expedition signupProject dependent
Kathmandu Services 5-star, Twin, BB (Customizable)5-star, Single, BB (Upgradable) 5-star Premium, FB
Trekking / LodgesStandard teahouse (optional upgrade) Enhanced Lodges Full Circuit Enhanced Lodges
Trek Guide Ratio 1:4 Guide 1:3 Guide 1:1 Private Guide
Luggage Allowance 60 kg 70 kg Up to 100 kg

07 — ROUTE

From Kathmandu to the summit. 7 points on the line.

Kathmandu1,400m
Base Camp4,837m
Camp I5,800m
Camp II6,400m
Camp III6,800m
Camp IV7,400m
Summit8,163m
ROUTE PHILOSOPHY

The North-East Ridge is the classic line — chosen for its established infrastructure and Sherpa familiarity. The approach through the Mansiri Himal doubles as natural acclimatisation, arriving at Base Camp with altitude already absorbed.

ACCLIMATISATION CYCLE

Custom rotation schedules with supplemental rest days calibrated for avalanche-prone terrain and the physiological demands above 7,500m. On our Manaslu Expeditions rotations are timed, rest days are deliberate.

SUMMIT WINDOW

Late September to early October provides the autumn window. Manaslu's avalanche terrain demands conservative timing — we monitor conditions continuously and will stand down rather than push into uncertain snow.

08 — FREQUENTLY ASKED — MANASLU

"Quiet answers, before you write to us."

A.01

Prior summit experience on a peak of 6,000m or above is recommended. We assess each applicant's climbing resume, fitness, and high-altitude history before confirming participation.

A.02

Manaslu offers a serious 8,000m experience with fewer climbers and a more remote setting. The North-East Ridge has sustained avalanche-prone sections that demand respect and conservative decision-making.

A.03

Manaslu's autumn window offers the most stable conditions for the North-East Ridge. The post-monsoon weather patterns typically provide clearer summit opportunities.

A.04

Manaslu's upper mountain includes avalanche-prone terrain above Camp II. Our route strategy, rotation timing, and Sherpa expertise are specifically calibrated to manage this risk. We do not push into uncertain conditions.

A.05

Manaslu is widely regarded as one of the strongest stepping stones to Everest — it provides genuine 8,000m experience, expedition logistics familiarity, and the altitude endurance needed for higher objectives.

READ ALL FAQS ON THE MAIN FAQ PAGE
Manaslu closing
09 — Configure

Design your Manaslu Expedition

Select your Edition, customize add-ons, and receive a detailed proposal with investment guidance — sent privately to your email within 60 seconds.

Design Your Expedition Response within 48 hours · Handled by senior expedition staff