Manaslu South Face vs. North Face: How They Differ

Manaslu, if not heard, is the 8th highest mountain in the world, known for being an extreme climber’s favorite. Its summit lies at 8163 m (26,781 ft) and is considered the most interesting mountain. Unlike Everest, which can be summited from both the South face and North face, it has different stories. Let’s understand the Manaslu South Face vs. Manaslu North Face.

Located in the Gorkha district of northern Nepal, Manaslu lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area. The region is considered an important destination for trekking and mountaineering.

It has a large, complex topography with several distinct sides or faces. North Face, Northeast Face, South Face, Southwest/South-Southwest Face, and East Face are the basic terms while discussing Manaslu’s geographic orientation.

Its northern side is associated with the historic northeast face normal route for the summit. In contrast, the south side face is a much more technical face with a major route established by the 1972 AD Tyrolean expedition. Together, these different sides reveal different ridges, glaciers, and mountain landscapes.

​Understanding Manaslu’s North, Northeast, South, and South-Southwest Face Terminology

North Face vs Northeast Face

The North Face refers to the side of the mountain that faces north. Similarly, the Northeast Face is the section oriented between north and east.

These terms should not be treated as exactly the same thing. Himalayan Database specifically records the standard route as the Northeast Face (NE).

According to database records, the NE Face was used for the first ascent in 1956 AD and for numerous other expeditions.

South Face vs South-Southwest Face

These terms describe different orientations of the mountain’s broad southern side. A south face is a wall or side that points directly south. Likewise, a wall or side that points tilted slightly to the south, halfway between South and Southwest, is a South-Southwest Face.

The 1972 AD Messner route is often described as the South Face route, while more recent climbing literature may refer to it as the South-Southwest Face. Therefore, these terms should not be treated as completely separate mountain faces without checking the route and source being discussed.

Hence, Manaslu’s northern climbing side is more commonly described as the Northeast Face. Manaslu’s southern side is generally referred to as the South Face, although some climbing routes are also described as the South-Southwest Face.

​Where Are Manaslu’s South Face and North Face Located?

Manaslu’s different faces occupy opposite sides of the Manaslu mountain range in the Manaslu region of Gorkha, Nepal. They are connected to different valleys, glaciers, and approaches.

South Face is fed by the Pungen glacier and Thulagi glaciers and overlooks the valleys below. Areas around Samagaon and Pungen provide views toward the southern side.

From the northern side, Manaslu overlooks rugged, high-altitude landscapes. High-altitude alpine zones of Bimthang and the path toward Hampuk offer scenic mountain views along Manaslu Circuit Trek.

​Where is the South Face of Mount Manaslu?

Located on Manaslu’s southern massif, the South Face faces toward upper Nubri Valley. It links with Pungyen Glacier, as well as network of valleys and ridges that shape this side of Manaslu.

Pungyen Glacier is an important geographical feature on Manaslu’s southern and southeastern side of Manaslu. Historical climbing expeditions describe approaches from the south, with base camp established on the glacier’s moraine. Steep snow and ice slopes, exposed rock, ridges, and glaciated terrain cover most of the southern side.

​Where is the North Face of Mount Manaslu?

The northern side of Mount Manaslu is characterized by a rugged, high-altitude landscape dominated by glaciers and snow-covered peaks.

In particular, Manaslu Glacier plays an important role on the northeastern side. It extends from the mountain toward Birendra Lake and the upper Nubri Valley.

Budhi Gandaki River flows primarily from the eastern and northern slopes/sides of the Manaslu massif. The northern and northeastern slopes of Manaslu rise from areas around Birendra Lake and Samagaon.

​How does the orientation of the mountain change around the massif?

For trekkers trekking around the Manaslu massif, the mountain does not have a single fixed “front” or “back”. Its visible aspect changes depending on viewing direction and location.

Trekkers encounter the mountain’s northern and northeastern aspect from Samagaun and Manaslu Base Camp. Around the massif, the viewing angle gradually shifts towards eastern and southern sides. Although, north, northeast, and northwest are related, they refer to geographically distinct orientations.

These separate orientations provide a clearer and descriptive image of Manaslu’s geography, climbing routes, and the changing mountain views.

​Manaslu’s South Face vs North Face: A Quick Comparison

What Makes Manaslu’s South Face Geographically Distinct?

South Face is defined by its south-facing orientation, close relation to Pungyen Glacier, and surrounding terrain on Manaslu’s southern massif.

Together, the rugged combination of the exposed rocky sections, heavily glaciated terrain, steep snow and ice-covered slopes created a complex landscape. This gives the southern side a distinct character compared with the northern aspects.

​Shape and Physical Structure of the South Face

Manaslu’s South Face is made up of rock, snow, ice, and glacier features. It is closely connected with the Pungyen Glacier and the southern valleys. This creates a natural progression from valley → glacier→ steep slopes → ridges → summit.

​Glaciers and Ice Features on the Southern Side

​How Does the South Face Appear From Different Viewpoints?

The south face of Manaslu changes in appearance depending on the viewing location, angle, distance, and weather. A direct view from the southern valleys may show a combination of glaciers, snowfields, rocky slopes, and ridges. The views from the southwest may have different ridges.

Photographs from different valleys or heights can look quite different even when they show the same general southern side. This is why the terms south, southeast, and south-southwest can describe different viewing aspects.

​What Makes Manaslu’s North Face Geographically Distinct?

Manaslu’s north face is characterized by glaciers, snow-covered slopes, rocky ridges, and high-altitude valleys. It gradually connects with the northeastern and northwestern aspects through ridges and snowfields.

​Northern Mountain Profile and Surrounding Ridges

A northern mountain profile refers to how Manaslu appears when viewed from its northern side. It includes the visible outline or shape of Manaslu from this north, including its summit, snowfields, and ridges.

From the northern side, the mountain rises over a rugged landscape of glaciers, snow-covered slopes, and interconnected ridges. Several ridges extend from the summit and separate different slopes and glacial areas.

Places like Samagaun and Nubri region have a view of the mountain in layers, from valleys to steep slopes, ridges, and the summit.

​Glaciers, Snowfields, and High-Altitude Terrain

This side of Manaslu is a combination of a rugged, glaciated landscape of glaciers, snowfields, steep slopes, rocky ridges, and high mountain valleys. Seasonal snow, melting ice, and wind change the mountain’s surface.

Manaslu Glacier is an important feature of the northern/northeastern area. The surface remains covered with snow for long periods, especially at high elevations.

It is characterized by a steep, cold landscape including rocky slopes, ice, snow-covered ridges, and exposed mountain terrain.

​Why Does Manaslu Look Different From its Northern Side?

Manaslu looks different from the northern side because its appearance changes with the viewpoint, distance, terrain, glaciers, lighting, and surrounding areas.

Sun angle, cloud cover, snow conditions, and seasonal change can also significantly alter the mountain’s appearance.

Photographs of the same northern aspect look different because of the camera positioning, lighting, and weather.

The Manaslu Avalanche Zone

Mount Manaslu’s Northeast Face is one of its most avalanche-prone section. It contains heavily concentrated, and active serac formations, making it a prominent hazardous section for mountaineers.

Because of its steep and narrow shape, the North Face acts as a natural funnel for snow and ice. As snow and ice move through these narrow sections, they become faster and more concentrated. This makes the area highly prone to avalanche activity.

​How Do Sunlight, Snow, and Weather Differ Between Manaslu’s Two Faces?

Manaslu’s two sides can differ in sunlight, snow cover, and weather. These differences are not constant. Slope direction, elevation, season, wind, cloud cover, and surrounding terrain all influence local conditions.

Sunlight affects the melting of snow and surface temperature. With clouds, snowfall, and strong winds occurring at high elevations, the weather can also change quickly on both sides.

Therefore, the two sides are different parts of the same mountain and are exposed to similar climates.

​Does Snow Accumulate Differently on the North and South Faces?

Snow coverage depends on sunlight, wind, precipitation, elevation, and slope angle. Sun-exposed slopes may melt faster, while shaded slopes can retain snow longer. It changes with seasonal and individual slope conditions.

In the Northern Hemisphere, they generally receive less direct sunlight. This causes the snow and ice to remain for longer. By contrast, the south-facing slopes receive more solar radiation, which can increase melting and create more exposed rock.

​How Do Seasonal Conditions Change the Appearance of Both Faces?

Manaslu’s north and south faces change throughout the year because snowfall, temperature, wind, clouds, and precipitation change with the season.

• Spring: Lower slopes begin to show more exposed rock and terrain, and snow remains at higher elevations. Snow conditions vary depending on wind redistribution and slope exposure.
• Summer: Lower and middle slopes may appear greener while monsoon clouds and rain can block the higher parts of the mountain. They remain covered with snow and ice.
• Autumn: It provides clear weather and sharper views, with snow and ice visible mainly at higher elevations. This is one reason photographs taken in autumn can look quite different from those taken during summer months.
• Winter: Cold temperatures and snowfall increase snow and ice cover. Strong winds may redistribute snow unevenly. The cold conditions allow snow and ice to persist at high elevations. Most importantly, snow cover cannot reliably identify the north or south face.

​Manaslu South Face vs North Face: Climbing Routes and Historical Expeditions

Manaslu’s climbing history shows that its northern and southern sides have been climbed by different routes.

The northeast face is associated with Manaslu’s first successful ascent in 1956 AD by a Japanese expedition led by Yuko Maki. This route later became the mountain’s standard climbing route.

On the southern side, climbing history is more technical and became an important chapter in mountaineering history. In 1972 AD, a Tyrolean expedition led by Wolfgang Nairz established a route on the south-southwest face, with Reinhold Messner reaching the summit.

​Which Side of Manaslu Was Used for the First Successful Ascent?

The first successful ascent of Manaslu was from the northeast side. On 9 May 1956 AD, Gyaltsen Norbu Sherpa and Toshio Imanishi of Japan reached the summit.

Japanese expedition approached Manaslu through Manaslu Glacier and the northeastern route, establishing camps toward the summit.

Himalayan Database records this route as “NE Face”. So, Northeast Face is the most accurate term when discussing the first ascent.

​When Was Manaslu’s South Face First Climbed?

In 1972 AD, an expedition led by Wolfgang Nairz established a route to the south side of Manaslu. Reinhold Messner reached the summit alone after his fellow member Franz Jager turned back.

The American Alpine Club describes this as Manaslu’s third ascent and the first ascent of a new south-southwest face route.

Himalayan Database records the route as “S Face” while other climbing sources describe it as the south-southwest face.

​How Do the Climbing Challenges Differ?

Manaslu’s climbing difficulty depends on the climbing route chosen and not whether climbers trek from the north or south. Both sides are highly prone to strong winds, heavy snowfall, avalanches, poor visibility, and rapidly changing weather.

The north-east face route is characterized by high-altitude snow, glaciers, and crevasses. Snow conditions and weather block the route and increase avalanche risk.

As for the south-southwest face, this side has the Thulagi glacier. It presents hazards like seracs, crevasses, steep snow, ice, and challenging terrain.

Camps, fixed ropes, glacier crossings, equipment, and acclimatization also affect the Manaslu climbing route difficulty.

​How Can You See Both Faces of Manaslu?

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a scenic trekking route in the Manaslu region of Nepal and passes through lower villages such as Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng. Trekkers experience forested valleys, high mountain settlements, and traditional villages.

As the trail moves through Budhi Gandaki Valley, Samagaon, Samdo, and toward Larkya La, trekkers experience changing views of the Manaslu massif.

Views of Mount Manaslu begin from Lho and Shyala. From Lho, Manaslu rises noticeably above the valley. Shyala provides a panorama of Manaslu together with Himal Chuli and Ngadi Chuli.

Samagaon village lies in a broad alpine valley close to Manaslu and is commonly used as an acclimatization stop. This village offers close views of the massif, with side trips to Pungyen Gompa, Birendra Lake, and Manaslu Base Camp.

Along Samdo and Larkya La, the trekkers pass through changing views of the trail and offer a broad Himalayan panorama.

As the route approaches and crosses Larkya La, surrounding peaks such as Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, and Kang Guru become more prominent.

It is important to distinguish Manaslu from nearby peaks. Manaslu is the main summit of the massif, so not every prominent snow-covered summit is Manaslu. The Circuit offers multiple perspectives of Manaslu rather than a simple north-versus-south view.

​Where Can Trekkers See Manaslu’s Southern Side?

As the Manaslu Circuit Trek reaches upper Nubri Valley, trekkers encounter some of the clearest views of Manaslu’s southern side.

The areas around Lho, Shyala, and Pungyen Monastery gradually provide a closer view of the mountain.

Lho is one of the first major viewpoints. Here, the village lies along the main trail where Manaslu rises clearly above the valley, though nearby ridges may block its lower sections.

Shyala, the next village, provides a broader picture of Mount Manaslu along with surrounding peaks like Himalchuli and Ngadi Chuli.

A side trip to Pungyen Monastery leads toward the Pungyen Glacier Valley, where Manaslu rises above the glacial landscape, offering impressive views.

It is better to understand these viewpoints as different angles of the southern, southeastern, and eastern parts of the Manaslu massif rather than referring to all these as the south side.

​Can Trekkers See Manaslu’s North Face From the Upper Circuit?

The upper Manaslu Circuit offers changing views of the mountain from Samagaon toward Samdo, Dharamsala, and Larkya La. It is better described as changing views of the massif, rather than a guaranteed view of its exact true north face.

From Samagaon, Manaslu looks very close. Some sources call the visible side the north face, while others describe it as a glacier-covered side.

Trekkers get different views of Manaslu and surrounding peaks at Samdo. Beyond Samdo, toward Dharamsala and Larkya La, the focus shifts to a broader Himalayan landscape, including other Himalayan peaks.

What Are the Best Viewpoints for Photographing Manaslu’s Different Faces during Manaslu Trek?

Lho:

It is one of the first major photography points. The mountain rises above the village. Ribung Gompa, colorful prayer flags, and traditional houses add cultural and architectural details. This adds to the beauty of the mountain and makes it more scenic and distinctive.

Shyala:

Pungyen Monastery:

Samagaon and Birendra Lake:

Samagaon is the largest and most significant village in upper Nubri valley. Rather than serving only as a “rest stop” it acts as an imporatnt base for high-altitude acclimatization. It offers beautiful views of Manaslu, while surrounding landscapes add more to the mountain scenery.

Birendra Lake reflects the clear surrounding mountains on calm days. Hence, the lake, rocky terrain, and snow-covered peaks make it a good spot for landscape photographs.

Manaslu Base Camp:

The Manaslu Base Camp offers one of the closest views of Manaslu surrounded by glaciers, rocky slopes, ice-covered peaks, and high-altitude landscape.

The Base Camp offers a much larger and more imposing perspective of the mountain than from lower villages like Lho or Shyala.

​​Do You Need to Complete the Entire Manaslu Circuit to See the Mountain?

No. It is not necessary to complete the entire Manaslu Circuit Trek to see the mountain. Several villages and viewpoints along the route offer some of the most beautiful views of the Manaslu massif. You can return without crossing Larkya La or completing the full circuit.

To get a closer view of Manaslu and its surrounding glacier landscape, trekkers can take a side trip to Pungyen Monastery. This too requires additional time and suitable preparation.

A shorter trek can therefore provide impressive views of Manaslu, but it will not be the same as completing the full circuit. Trekkers are recommended to choose their itinerary according to available time, desired viewpoints, and current access regulations.

​What Should Trekkers Know Before Exploring the Manaslu Region?

Trekkers exploring the Manaslu region should prepare for high-altitude conditions even if their goal is sightseeing and not climbing. The Manaslu Circuit reaches an elevation above 2,500 m, so gradual acclimatization is very important.

Nepal Tourism Board advises trekkers to be aware of symptoms of acute mountain sickness above 2,500 m and to ascend gradually.

It is also recommended to visit the region during trekking seasons that are March-May and September-November. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, affecting both safety and visibility.

Trekkers should carry necessary waterproof clothing, suitable thermal layers, trekking shoes, sun protection, gloves, and a headlamp.

Manaslu is a restricted trekking region, so a licensed guide is particularly important. The Manaslu Circuit Trek requires restricted-area permits, and they must follow designated permit routes.

Trekkers should not leave marked trails to approach glaciers or mountain faces for closer photography.

Which side of Manaslu feeds the Manaslu conservation area?

The Manaslu Conservation Area is a protected mountain region in Gorkha district of Nepal. It covers the Manaslu Himalayan landscape, valleys, forests, rivers, and glaciers around Mount Manaslu.

Glacier-fed drainage from the Northern and Northeastern slopes is closely connected with the hydrological system in Manaslu Conservation Area. Snow and glacial meltwater from these slopes flow into local streams and eventually join the Budhi Gandaki River.

However, North Face is not the only source of water to the conservation area. Meltwater from southern slopes also contributes through their own glaciers and snowmelt. Both sides play an important role in the mountain’s surrounding hydrological system.