Manaslu Expedition Map

22 Dec 2024 Prakash Devkota

Manaslu Expedition Map

The Manaslu expedition is one of thrilling Himalayan endavor which promises a journey filled with thrills, challenge and unapparelled beauty. This alpine mountain peak elevating at an altitude of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), the eight highest snow-clad wonder on the planet is not just a climber’s dream. But expedition to this mountain is also a test of endurance and mountaineering spirit where the raw Himalayan beauty meets the challenge of high altitude climbing. Central to the scaling adventure of this majestic peak referred to as the ‘Mountain of the Spirit’ is the Manaslu expedition map, a tool that transforms the rugged terrain of the mountain into a well-defined pathway. This expedition map is more than just a marking of the lines and symbols. In-depth, it is actually the lifeline for the climber, which provides clear insights into the critical landmarks along the route, potential hazards and safe haven when things go south.

From providing you guidance across the challenging glaciers and crevasses to highlighting the major acclimatization stops in the picturesque villages the Manaslu climbing map ensures that every step you take is calculated and safe. In this article we will unravel all the details related to this expedition map, from the key sections’ enroute, natural features and rest points to planning and tips for using the maps. So, stick with us till the end in an exploration of how this humble yet powerful tool transforms the Manaslu expedition into a well-charted path of discovery and achievement.

Manaslu Expedition Map

Key Sections of the Manaslu Expedition Map with Elevation Details

Kathmandu arrival and hotel transfer

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m/ 4,593ft

After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our team will welcome you to the airport terminal. From there, a swift transfer will follow toward your hotel at the core part of the city. Get some rest and you can visit our office to gather more information about the climb. You will have the chance to meet your climbing guide and crew at the farewell dinner on this day.

Climb preparation, briefing and last-minute shopping

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m/ 4,593ft

It’s time to start packing for the thrilling mountain expedition. Make sure that you have every trekking and mountaineering essential for the journey. If you have time, you can explore some of the UNESCO Sites in the city.

Driving from Kathmandu to Dharapani

Dharapani Elevation: 1,963m/ 6,440ft

Elevation Gain: 563m/ 1,847ft

You will get started with the exhilarating Manaslu Expedition map and a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani. Enjoying the views of high hills, terraced farms and beautiful settlements on the banks of cascading Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, you will head toward Dumre. Then, the driving trail stretching across Besisahr will finally bring you to Dharapani.

Dharapani to Tilje trek

Tilje Elevation: 2,300m/ 7,545ft

Elevation Gain: 337m/ 1,105ft

From this day onward, you will begin the trekking part of the journey. You will begin your journey traversing across  Marsyangdi River and following the motor road. Going further, the winding trail through rhododendrons and pine forests takes you to Tilje Village.

Trek to Bimthang

Bimthang Elevation: 3,590m/ 11,778ft

Elevation Gain: 1,290m/ 4,232ft

On the Manaslu expedition map, you will actually follow the anticlockwise route of the Manaslu Circuit Trek. From Tilje, you will keep walking through the rhododendron and pine forests. You will pass through beautiful small settlements, Karche Pass and Yak Kharka to reach Bimthang.

Acclimatization day in Bimthang

Bimthang Elevation: 3,590m/ 11,778ft

Before continuing with the expedition route, you will take an acclimatization day here. The next part of the trek is a high Himalayan pass, so you need proper rest before crossing it. Pinkar and Nyamlo Lakes are popular acclimatization hike destinations on this day. You will be able to enjoy the views of Kaechakyu, Salpundanda and Ponkar Glaciers from the vantage points.

Cross Larkya La Pass to reach Samdo

Larkya La Pass Elevation: 5,106m/ 16,751ft

Samdo Elevation: 3,875m/ 12,713ft

Elevation Gain: 1,516m/ 4,973ft

This day’s journey takes you across Larkya La Pass. The trail through serene pasture and grass moraine leads to the steep summit of the pass. Panoramic views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Cheo Himal, Manaslu, Kang Garu and other surrounding peaks are simply exceptional from here. You will then make your descend to Samdo via Dharamsala.

Samdo to Sama Gaon

Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780m/ 12,401ft

Elevation Loss: 95m/ 311ft

On this day’s navigation, you will move across the old mani walls and terraced field to the bank of Budhi Gandaki River. The lush forest of birch, juniper and fir opens up the path to wide serene pastures. You will then reach Sama Gaon, the closet village to Manaslu Base Camp.

Trek to Manaslu Base Camp

Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700m/ 15,419ft

Elevation Gain: 920m/ 3,018ft

The initial part of this trail is steep and goes through the lush woodland of rhododendrons, fir and juniper. Then, following the northern moraines of Manaslu Glacier, you will head toward the base camp. Your crew will set camps at a safe location and you will prepare for your scaling adventure.

Manaslu Base Camp






    Climbing period (Day 10 to Day 30)

    Manaslu Summit Elevation: 8,163m/ 26,781ft

    Elevation Gain: 3,463m/ 11,361ft

    Manaslu is one of the major 8,000 peaks in the world, with its own set of challenges. So, following the Manaslu expedition map to the summit takes time. Climbers will take time to acclimatize across the high camps on the mountain: Camp I (5,700m/ 18,701ft), Camp II (6,400m/ 20,998ft), Camp III (6,900m/ 22,638ft) and Camp IV (7,300m/ 23,950ft). After enough practice traversing technical slopes and sufficient acclimatization then only the climber will attempt a summit push.

    Preparation for the return trek

    Manaslu Base Camp Elevation: 4,700m/ 15,419ft

    Elevation Loss: 3,463m/ 11,361ft

    After completing the summit and descent to the base camp, it is time to prepare for the return trek. The crew will clean up the base camp, manage waste and sort out mountain climbing gear. You also need to check your personal gear and manage your packing for the return journey.

    Manaslu Base Camp to Sama Gaon

    Sama Gaon Elevation: 3,780m/ 12,401ft

    Elevation Loss: 920m/ 3,018ft

    Leaving the base camp, you will begin your short trek back to Sama Gaon. Exiting the glacier moraines will take you to the trail of rhododendrons and fir forests back to Sama Gaon. This will be a cozy night far away from the alpine snow after a long mountain expedition.

    Trekking to Namrung

    Namrung Elevation: 2,550m/ 8,366ft

    Elevation Loss: 1,230m/ 4,035ft

    Instead of returning to Samdo and crossing the pass, from this day onward, you will move along the main Manaslu Circuit Trekl route. The descending trail across beautiful Tibetan Buddhist culture-influenced settlements such as Sho and Lihi Village will bring you to Namrung.

    Namrung to Philim Village

    Philim Village Elevation: 2,300m/ 7,545ft

    Elevation Loss: 250m/ 820ft

    The gentle downhill trail from Namrung passes through the lush rhododendron, bamboo and oak forest. You wil trek across the Ghap Village, Bihi Phedi and Deng Village to reach the bank of the Budhi Gandaki River. A short walk from here through millet fields and Ekle Bhattu will then take you to Philim, which is a Gurung village.

    Trek to Maccha Khola

    Machha Khola Elevation: 1,330m/ 4,363ft

    Elevation Loss: 970m/ 3,182ft

    On the last day of this trek, you will reach the beginning point of the standard Manaslu Circuit Trek. Relishing the lush scenery and vibe of the spiritual trail across Tibetan Buddhist settlements, you will reach Jagat. Then, the trek across Louri, Doban and Tatopani will bring you to Machha Khola.

    Drive back to Kathmandu from Machha Khola

    Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400m/ 4,593ft

    Elevation Gain: 70m/ 229ft

    Parting way from from the Manaslu region, you will commence your drive back to Kathmandu. This day’s beautiful drive through the rolling hills and crusading Trishuli and Marsyangdi will bring you back to Kathmandu. With this, you will finish the complete navigation of the standard Manaslu expedition map.

    manaslu-expedition

    You May Like: How many people have climbed Manaslu?

    Key Landmarks and Features Highlighted on the Map

    Notable Natural Features

    The Manaslu expedition map marks the prominent glaciers, ridges and crevasses which are very crucial for safe navigation. Larkya Glacier is one such striking feature that dominates the route and requires technical expertise for safe navigation. The northeast ride route that leads to the summit is marked for the climber so they can follow a safe ascent. Similarly, the avalanche-prone zones are highlighted on the map to help the climber avoid potential hazards.

    For the trekking part as well, the map marks the prominent natural structures such as Larkya La Pass. Manaslu Glacier on the route to the base camp, Pinkar and Nyamlo Lakes and Kaechakyu, Salpundanda and Ponkar Glaciers are some major natural landmarks on the map.

    Villages or Rest Points Leading to the Base Camp

    During this expedition, you will follow the resting points across beautiful settlements of the region. High-altitude settlements like Sama Gaon and Samdo are standard points for acclimatization and re-supply of mountaineering equipment. The settlements across the trail also offer great cultural exposure.

    Resting at these beautiful settlements is a way to learn about and appreciate their beautiful culture, tradition and lifestyle that are massively influenced by Tibetan Buddhist practices. Other popular stops along the route, like Louri, Doban and Tatopani, Philim, Bimthang, Tilje, Jagat and Dharapani Villages, are also properly marked. This will help the adventurers to properly set the trekking distance on a single day, resting point and where to plan acclimatization.

    Wildlife and Vegetation Zones Marked on the Map

    The Manaslu expedition Map stretches across the protected Manaslu Conservation Area. This Himalayan conservation zone is has an area of 1,663 sq.km. (642 sq. mi.). Established in 1998, it houses 33 species of mammals, 100 species of birds and over 2,000 species of plants. This map highlights the biodiversity hotspot throughout the trekking trail.

    The lower part of the map features lush forests such as rhododendrons, oak and fir. The landscape then transitions to alpine meadows as the altitude increases. Rare and popular Himalayan wildlife, such as red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, etc, are noted in the conservation area. These natural hotspots are often marked in the expedition maps, which encourage eco-sensitive travel to the mountaineers. At the same time, it also offers climbers a chance to appreciate the alluring natural highlight of the region.

    Manaslu Expedition

    Don’t Miss: How long does it take to climb Mount Manaslu?

    Planning with the Map

    Using the Map to Chart Acclimatization Days and Rest Stops

    The elevation gain in the Manaslu climbing demands a proper acclimatization schedule to prevent altitude sickness. So, with the help of the Manaslu expedition map, climbers will be able to plan strategic rest points along the route. The high-altitude settlements like Samdo (3,875m/ 12,713ft), Sama Gaon (3,780m/ 12,401ft) and Bimthang (3,590m/ 11,778ft) are key acclimatization destinations in the route.

    Similarly, the acclimatization routes and shorter hikes are often detailed in the map which is crucial for the body’s adaptation to the newer altitudes. With the proper understanding of the map, the climbers can also set the walking pace and rest stops. Depending on the capabilities, the map provides an edge to the climbers so they can efficiently customize their trip plan.

    Identifying Potential Hazards

    A Manaslu climbing map also helps identify risk-prone areas such as landslides, avalanches, and crevasses. From the trekking trail to the scaling part, the expedition map helps climbers to safely navigate across the diverse landscape being aware of the potential hazards. During the trekking part, it  helps the climber to learn about altitude gain, steep trails, landslide prone areas, wildlife encounters, etc.

    As for the scaling adventure the map clearly marks the glaciers route, crevasses, avalanche prone areas, technical segments, etc. Knowing about these potential hazards in advance helps the climbers to take necessary precautions during the expedition.

    Coordinating Logistics

    Maps are an invaluable tool for logistics. During the expedition, it helps climbers to understand the resupply points and areas where the equipment is dropped. Manaslu Base Camp (4,700m/ 15,419ft) serves as the main logistic hub for the Manaslu expedition. But, understanding the intermediate stops marked on the map can also help climbers to distribute their supplies more efficiently.

    Beyond those, the maps also have marked emergency evacuation routes that often lead back to safer lower-altitude points during the climb. Similarly, for the trek as well, the maps feature safer lower-altitude villages and medical posts. Thus, with the help of this logistics support, climbers will be able to prepare themselves for unforeseen circumstances.

    Learn More About: Manaslu Climbing Success rate

    Tips for Reading and Using the Map Efficiently

    Understanding the Marking

    For proper and safe navigation, it is crucial to understand the different markings on the map, such as contour lines, scale and altitudes. The contour lines on the map also indicate the the shape of the land and the elevation of different areas. It also indicates the slope of the terrain which helps the climbers to gauge the steepness of the terrain. On the map, if the contour lines are closely spaced, it means that it is a steep ascent.

    On the contrary, wider contour lines represent gentle or flat terrain. Likewise, the altitude marking helps climbers to prepare for the transitions along the route. This helps them to ensure they are ready for the increasing altitude and challenges it to behold. Or if they need to take some time to adapt before switching to higher elevation.

    Cross-Reference Tools and Map

    With the huge leap in cutting-edge technology, the GPS is now the reliable guidance system for mountaineering. While the Manaslu Expedition map does provide an overview, modern GPS devices enhance the accuracy of the guidance. Even though it is important to cross-reference between the map and GPS to ensure that the climber remains on the correct path. This is especially important in the region where the trails are not clearly visible due to snow or shifting terrain on the slopes.

    Importance of Redundancy

    Although GPS and other navigational tools are very helpful, you also need to consider the fact that technology may fail in extreme conditions. Under the freezing climate on the slopes, the technology may not always be reliable. Thus, it is necessary to have a physical map as a backup. Laminated maps resist the damage from the alpine weather and rough handling. Carrying multiple copies of such physical maps will ensure that climbers will always have a reliable reference, even during emergency situations.

    Manaslu Expedition Map






      Commons Mistakes When Using Maps

      Misintereption of Scale and Distance

      Inaccurate interpretation of the scale and distance on the map can lead to underestimating the time and effort that is required for the particular segment. Missing out on the contour lines and altitude gain of a seemingly short distance on the map may require much more time and effort. So, in order to avoid any kind of inconvenience, it is important to understand the clear marking for each segment and what it involves.

      Over-Reliance on Digital Maps

      Yes, digital tools are very convenient and efficient. However, they are prone to failure under extreme conditions. So, it is really risky for climbers to depend solely on digital tools. Under unfavorable weather, the devices may malfunction, or extreme cold may deplete the battery really fast. That’s why it is also important to be adept with the traditional navigation method using the physical map.

      Neglecting Cross-Check with Local Guides

      Although the expedition maps are detailed, they may not always include the temporary or recent changes along the route. In such instances the local guides bring invaluable knowledge whether it is about the weather conditions, trail closures, or new hazards along the route. Thus, it is very crucial to cross-check the recent changes with the local guides. By avoiding these kinds of mistakes, the climbers can ensure a safer and more successful expedition.

       

      avatar

      Prakash Devkota

      Managing Director and Team Leader

      Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.

      He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.

      Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.

      ×