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Where is Mount Manaslu Located?

Where is Mount Manaslu Located?

One could share many interesting facts about Mount Manaslu. One of which is that it is the 8th tallest mountain globally. Where is Manaslu located? Mount Manaslu is very big; it stands at an astounding 8,163 meters above sea level. It is the eighth tallest mountain globally. Locals refer to it as the ‘Mountain of the Spirit. It is because there is more to its size: it has character, the kind that feels almost spiritual. Many people switch with it, and even though it is difficult because it is challenging, lots of people like to climb it. Oh, and I must add that if you want to catch a glimpse of the entire area from above, it’s a perfect place. Just imagine whoever has a passion for mountains; it is like they have been given a dream picture come true.

Where is Mount Manaslu Located?

Where is Mount Manaslu? Manaslu is another well-known name that is quite familiar to mountaineers since this is the world’s eighth-tallest mountain located in northern Nepal in Gorkha District. Indeed, as measured from the base, it occupies the eighth position of the world’s most famous mountains. Mount Manaslu is one of the Himalayan ranges that falls under Mansiri HIMAL the great Himalayan sub-range; this mountain is located 64 km to the east of Annapurna range.

There are no tourist facilities and infrastructure developed around Mount Manaslu yet like Everest. The area is still not very popular among tourists and adventurers either. As a result, the scenery and the overall feeling that one has while being in the area and observing the mountain and surrounding territories is spectacular. The mass is surrounded by the Manaslu Conservation Area established in the same year of 1998, and it protects several plants and animals such as snow leopards, and so on.

Where is Manaslu Located?
A beautiful monastery with Mount Manaslu in the background.

Where is Mount Manaslu located in map of Nepal?

Mt Manaslu in map of Nepal is located in the Gorkha District of Nepal. Mount Manaslu is situated in the Western Development Region of Nepal, spreading across the Thoche, Dharapani, and Samagaun Village Development Committees. The Gorkha District is part of the Gandaki Zone in the western region of Nepal. The region around Mount Manaslu includes several villages, such as Samagaun, Samdo, and Lho, which local ethnic groups like the Gurungs and Tibetans inhabit. These villages give trekkers a glimpse into the traditional life and culture of the region.

Trekking in Manaslu region Nepal

Many people have had dreams of trekking in Manaslu, which is now possible due to the increasing demand for adventure. Some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the area include how many treks are in the Manaslu region. Some of the major treks in the Manaslu region include:

1. Manaslu Circuit Trek:

Manaslu Circuit Trek around Manaslu is one of the famous trekking destinations in Nepal. It circles all around Manaslu mountain. It also has a variety of terrains, from plains with vegetative growing space to mountainous terrains with high altitudes. This trek also offers a taste of the local culture and customs of the area.

Manaslu nepal
Larke la Pass with Himalayan Masters.

2. Tsum Valley Trek:

The TSUM Valley trek is among the more significant treks. It lets you experience the isolation of Tsum Valley while enriching your Spiritual experience by visiting the many ancient and beautiful Buddhist monasteries along the trek. The view of Ganesh Himal and the Sringi Himal ranges is daunting. The trek is one of the most virgin treks in Nepal, which has seen little tourism activity. It offers a tranquil and original Himalayan tourism experience.

Also learn more about the Mount Everest Trek.

3. Rupina La Pass Trek:

Another familiar trekking route in the southern part of the region is the Rupina La Pass Trek, which is rich in tough treks and overlooks the scenic beauty of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. The trek is over the Rupina La Pass, where one experiences the beauty and grandeur of Nepal’s high mountains and valleys.

4. Manaslu and Annapurna Circuit Trek:

This trek combines the trek around the Manaslu with the trek around the Annapurna massif. Given the difference in the trail, it is longer and more diverse. It introduces you to some of the region’s most dramatic terrains through the two international passes of Thorong La and Larkya La.

Out of the 4 treks mentioned above, The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a famous trek in the Manaslu region.

Manaslu mountain facts

Here are some of the most interesting facts about Mount Manaslu:

Eighth Highest Mountain:

Mount Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain globally, at 8,163 meters or 26,781 feet above sea level. It is situated in the Mansiri Himal, which is part of the Greater Himalayas in west-central Nepal.

First Ascent:

Its first successful climb was on May 9, 1956, when a Japanese expedition headed by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu made it the first mountain with an altitude of more than eight thousand meters to be climbed.

Name Meaning:

The term Manaslu is emanated from the Sanskrit Manasa, which means intellect and soul. It also has the local name Mountain of the Spirit.

Climbing Difficulty:

Mount Manaslu is actually one of the toughest 8,000-meter peaks one can attempt to conquer. Additionally, it is associated with many fatalities; several climbers die in accidents such as avalanches and falls.

Conservation Area:

The region surrounding Mount Manaslu is preserved in the Manaslu Conservation Area, formed in 1998. It spans an area of 1,663 square kilometres and harbours several plant and animal species within its forests.

Mount Manaslu deaths

The death rate of Mount Manaslu is 9 people per 100 climbers who succeed in reaching the summit. The Summit of Manaslu is the eighth-highest peak in the world in terms of height, which was first climbed in 1956 when more than 88 people died during an attempt at its summit. Manaslu has a mortality rate of about 10%, which ranks Manaslu as one of the most dangerous 8,000m mountains to ascend. Some of the reasons that lead to high fatalities when climbing the mountain include avalanches falls, and the fact that the mountain is located in a remote area; thus, any mishap may result in difficulties when attempting to rescue the climbers. Nevertheless, Mount Manaslu is still a popular attraction for those mountaineers who aim to scale the challenging peaks.

Mount Manaslu avalanche

2022 Avalanche:

Almost two years ago, in September 2022, a serious avalanche swept the slopes of Mount Manaslu, and 13 climbers died there. The accident occurred as the climbers were on the slope, intending to move upwards. An up-and-coming guide from Nepal, Anup Rai, was also found dead from the avalanche in 2022 Manaslu.

Additional Avalanches:

Small avalanches occurred on Mount Manaslu in 2024 as well, registering several other calamitous occurrences that remain an unforgettable part of the mountaineering journey. An avalanche flowed above Birendra Lake in 2024.

Mt Manaslu avalanche video

Video Credit: Hindustan Times YouTube.

Why Manaslu is called Killer Mountain?

Standing at 8,125 meters, Manaslu is indeed called the “Killer Mountain” as it is one of the highest among several tall mountains that claim climbers’ lives. The highest peak out of all these measures is up to 8,163 meters or 26,781 feet, and it comes with a tough environmental test, unforgiving weather conditions, persistent avalanches, and steep climbing routes. These dangers have escalated various times, resulting in many accidents and even deaths; hence, it is called scary. Taking a trip on Manaslu requires total skills and experience in mountain climbing to ensure that the climber reaches the end of the adventure safely.

How was Mount Manaslu formed?

Like the other mountains in the Himalayan range, Manaslu was formed as a result of the interaction of two tectonic plates, the Indian and Eurasian plates. Continental collision is the geological process that started approximately fifty million years ago and is perhaps still in progress. Since the Indian plateau is shifting northward, the Indian plate collides with the Eurasian plate; consequently, the crust of the Earth lifts up in various areas to form folds. This great force and folding created the spectacular mountain giants, including Mount Manaslu or Kailash, which make up the Himalayas today. The process also contributed greatly to the formation of valleys and gorges around the mountain. Third, cliff and edge face features have also been created due to the process of glacial movements over millions of years to give Mount Manaslu its breathtaking shape.

What type of mountain is Manaslu?

Mount Manaslu is part of the Himalayas in Nepal and is one of the eight-thousanders, this being a term used to describe the 14 mountains with peaks at least 8,000 meters or 26200 feet high from sea level. More particularly, the star mountain of Mount Manaslu is the world’s cluster 8 mountain that is 8,163 meters or 26,781 feet tall. Despite offering wonderful and captivating views of the surrounding landscape on the upper part, it has a very rugged and snowy struggle gradient and bad climbing conditions.

Manaslu mountain base camp

Manaslu Mountain Base Camp is a stunning but difficult place to visit. It is found in Nepal’s high Alpine geographical area on the towering Himalayas Mountain Range. Manaslu Base is at an altitude of approximately 4,800m/15748ft. It is the initial point for climbers aiming at the Mount, the world’s eighth-highest mountain. Getting to the base camp is as exciting as the hike with the stunning and ever-changing scenery. Including forests, mountains of terraced fields, and small welcoming villages. They give an insight into the life of people in the area.

manaslu nepal
Small beautiful cottages on the way to Manaslu Circuit Trek.

The treks here also get higher. The trekkers get a splendid view of peaks made of snow, rivers formed by glaciers, and calm and serene valleys. The base camp is situated at the edge of a desert, and towering mountains cover all sides. As the climate rises significantly and days pass with harsh conditions. Climbers share food, and friendships with other climbers and local porters. The Manaslu Base Camp is much more than being a home base for climbers. Also a point of view of a world of mountains. It is where one can capture glimpses of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritages.

Mount Manaslu height

Manaslu, which stands 8,163 meters (26,781 ft) high, is the world’s eighth-most-precipitous peak. This Himalayan mountain, also known as “the Mountain of the Spirit”. Manaslu was first summited by a Japanese expedition team commanded by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu on May 9 1956. It hence stands as a more individualistic neighbour to Everest or other more industrialized mountains for climbers. It passes through various features. Such as subtropical forests, terraced rice fields, temperate pastures, glaciers, moraines, and volumes of terrains, which depict evidence of the region’s biodiversity and civilization.

How far is Manaslu from Kathmandu?

Mount Manaslu is roughly 100 kilometres distance or 62 miles away from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. It normally takes 6 to 8 hours by road from Kathmandu to Arughat or Soti Khola. It is the beginning of the trek to the Manaslu region. Then, the trekkers proceed for a four to six-day trek into the Manaslu Conservation Area. This passes through several beautiful villages, temperate forests, and steep hills to reach the mountain’s base.

Why is Manaslu Famous?

Mt. Manaslu has many attractions that make it famous in several ways. It is the eighth tallest peak in the world, at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It is thus a tough climb for climbers, which is why it is on many climbers’ lists of must-climb mountains. As opposed to Everest, which is more commercialized, Manaslu has a relatively remote and challenging feel to it.

Geographic features are another attraction since the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers different terrains, including subtropical forests, fields, meadows, valleys, and glaciers. This trek also allows trekkers to have a close view of the mountain and the other mountains. Still, the cultural aspect adds a plus to the choice of the Manaslu region for trekking enthusiasts.

Where is Manaslu Located?
Donkeys grazing in Manaslu region.

Various ethnic groups, communities, cultures, and local ways of life can also be easily encountered by trekkers passing through remote villages. Another is the Manaslu Conservation Area, which aims to conserve the region’s biodiversity and provide an environment-friendly option for trekkers and mountaineers.

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Author

Swostika is a content writer at Himalayan Masters as well as a travel enthusiast. She loves to travel and learn about different cultures and people. With a love for writing, traveling, and embracing diverse cultures, she is on a journey to explore and inspire through words.

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