Manaslu, sometimes referred to as Kutang I or Peak 30, holds the title of the world's eighth tallest mountain, reaching a height of 8,163 meters or 26,781 feet. Found within the Mansiri range in the Nepal Himalayas, its coordinates are 28° 33' 01" North and 84° 33' 42" East.
On May 9, 1956, Toshio Imanishi and Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa became the first to reach Manaslu's summit successfully. The mountain's name originates from the Sanskrit word "manasa," which means "intellect" or "soul." This awe-inspiring peak can be found in Thoche, Dharapani, and Samagaun Village Development Committee regions in Manang and Gorkha Districts of Nepal's Western Development Region.
Samagaun is the closest village to Manaslu, just 1.9 km away. The nearest police presence is also located there. Meanwhile, Dhadingbesi hosts both the Armed Police Force and army posts at a distance of 118.2 km. Healthcare services can be found at the health post in Samagaun.
Two caravan routes lead to Manaslu's base camp. The first one starts from Gorkha and goes through Khanchok, Deurali, Gumda, Jagat, Philim, Bihi, Namrung, and Samagaun before reaching base camp. The second route commences in Dhadingbesi and passes Arughat, Jagat, Philim, Bihi, Namrung, and Samagaun before arriving at base camp. The former route spans 120.6 km while the latter covers a distance of 120.1 km. From base camp to the summit, climbers face a challenging climbing route of approximately 12.2 km and need around 65 days to conquer the peak.
Climbing royalty fees for Manaslu are subject to both climber nationality and season. Nepalese climbers pay fees of NRs 10,000 in Spring, NRs 5,000 in Autumn, and NRs 2,500 in Winter/Summer. Foreign climbers pay USD 1,800 for Spring ascents, USD 900 in Autumn, and USD 450 in Winter/Summer.
Surrounded by a striking landscape, Manaslu continually lures climbers from all corners of the globe. It offers a unique vantage point for experiencing the majesty of the Himalayas, making it an essential destination for any aspiring mountaineer.