Mound Manaslu Is the highest mountain in the world. Just a
few hundred metres smaller than Everest, this is among the most interesting
mountain peaks in the world. And if you are a travel enthusiast or a mountain
lover, then this is the most visited mountain in Nepal. Like all the tall
mountain ranges of the world, mount Manaslu is located in the Himalayan range.
The Himalayas range lies in the South Asian region, mostly in a small part of
India and a large part of Nepal.
Mount Manaslu is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal.
Also bordering the Manang district, this mountain is about 60 km away from the
popular Annapurna Himalayan Range. About 200 km away from Kathmandu, on the
west-north, this is an interesting mountain peak of the world. Protected within
the Manaslu Conservation area, the summit of Mount Manaslu is 8,163 metres
(26,781 ft) above sea level.
The range of Manaslu is needed as the Mansiri Himal. The
name Manaslu indicates “mountain of the spirit” in Sanskrit. Manasa in Sanskrit
means soul or Spirit. Locals believe that this bounces and holds great
spiritual power, and those should be respected by everyone. There is a whole
big civilisation that has been around the mount Manasulu, and locals believe
that the mountain spirit will always save them.
How to get to Manaslu?
Manaslu is formed from the long ridges and valley glaciers
that spread over a large area. This means Manaslu can be reached from all
directions with the steep peak right in the centre. To see Mount Manaslu, you
will first need to drive to a point called Soti Khola/ Maccha Khola. Then, you
walk for the next 6 to 7 days to reach Manaslu Base camp. Normal adventure
seekers are only allowed to go up to the Manaslu base camp. If you want to go
any further, you will need a climbing permit and climbing expert to assist you.
On the way to Mount Manaslu, you will spend a week in
different villages such as Jagat, Namrung, Deng, Shyala Village, and Samagoun.
These 177 km of Manaslu Circuit trekking routes around Manasulu were previously used by salt traders who
imported day-to-day goods from Tibet to Nepal. Although the trekking route
starts from Gorkha along the Buddha Gandaki River, it eventually ends in
Dharapani, joining the traditional or Annapurna circuit trek. En route, ten
peaks over 6,500 metres (21,325 ft) are visible, including a few over 7,000
metres (22,966 ft). The highest point reached along the trek route is Larkya
La, 5,106 metres (16,752 ft).
Who claimed Mount Manaslu?
The initial ascent to the Manaslu summit was made by Shio
Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu on May 9, 1956. Since the initial climbing was made
in Japan, this mountain is still considered a Japanese mountain. It is said
that even the great climbers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary also failed to
climb this majestic mountain. After the first ascent, many Japanese and British
climbers successfully completed the climb to Manaslu. Up to 2020, around 400
tourists have already climbed Mount Manaslu, with around 10% of the fatality
rate. Due to the high fatality rate, it is considered a deadly mountain.
Although Manaslu climbing has been popular for a long time,
trekking around Manaslu was permitted only in the year 1991. After that, a
great number of trekkers have really recommended the traditional Manaslu
circuit trekking route. A two-day trek to Manaslu is a great adventure activity
for travellers who are coming to Nepal. Soon, it shall emerge as a perfect
replacement for the Everest base camp trek during the busy season.
