Manaslu (Kutang)

Overview & Geography

Reaching 8,163m in the Gorkha District, Manaslu—'Mountain of the Spirit'—is the eighth-highest peak in the world, celebrated for its Japanese climbing legacy and rich Tibetan border culture.

Derived from the Sanskrit word 'Manasa' ('soul' or 'intellect'), Manaslu reigns over the Mansiri Himal. Known as 'The Japanese Mountain' because of Japan's pioneering 1956 first ascent (analogous to the British relationship with Everest), Manaslu is bordered by the dramatic Budhi Gandaki river canyon to the east and the Annapurna massif to the west. The Manaslu Circuit Trek around the peak is widely considered the finest teahouse wilderness circuit in modern Nepal.

Ascent History & Heritage

Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu reached the summit on May 9, 1956 under the leadership of Aritsune Maki, crowning years of Japanese reconnaissance. In recent years, Manaslu has become the primary benchmark 8,000er for climbers preparing for Everest.

Standard Route

Deep river gorges, Buddhist prayer wheels and chortens, Tibetan-speaking Nubri villagers, and soaring views of glacial séracs.