Manaslu, the Mountain of Spirits

At 8,163 meters, Manaslu is the eighth highest peak in the world. Located in the Gorkha region of Nepal, its name comes from the Sanskrit word manasa, meaning “spirit” or “soul.” This peak is both a place of legends and a major objective of modern mountaineering.

Altitude

8163 m

Localisation

28.550° N / 84.560° E

A more discreet but formidable giant

Less frequented than Everest or Cho Oyu, Manaslu offers a wilder and more technical experience. Its long and exposed northeast face has shaped its reputation. Today, it attracts both sporting expeditions and trekkers following the famous Manaslu Circuit Trek.

1950

First Reconnaissance

By a Japanese expedition, fascinated by the silhouette of the peak.

1964

First ascent

Carried out by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu (Japanese expedition).

1971

Korean Tragedy

An avalanche caused the death of 15 climbers and sherpas.

1983

First Female Ascent

Achieved by Junko Tabei, already the first woman to reach Everest.

2012

Deadly Avalanche

An avalanche struck Camp 3, causing the death of 11 climbers.

28.5498° N / 84.5597° E

Nepal

8 163 m

Elevation

1956

First ascent

15

Victims in the 1971 Tragedy

8th

Rank among the highest peaks in the world

A Japanese Peak

A Japanese Peak

Japanese climbers have always had a special relationship with Manaslu, being behind its first explorations and conquest.

A Mountain of Spirits

A Mountain of Spirits

For the local inhabitants, Manaslu is inhabited by deities, and every expedition must respect rituals and offerings.

The Neighbors of Manaslu

In the central region of the Himalayas:

Annapurna I

Nepal

8091 m

Shishapangma

Tibet (Chine)

8027 m

Cho Oyu

Nepal

8188 m

Manaslu embodies the meeting of spirituality and modern mountaineering.

For Norton Peak, it symbolizes the pursuit of a balance between human achievement and respect for nature.

From Arughat or Soti Khola

The approach is via the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a route renowned for its traditional villages and varied landscapes.

“Manaslu is not just a mountain; it is a soul that must be approached with respect.”

Nepali proverb

Discover other peaks

8586 m

Kangchenjunga

At 8,586 meters, Kangchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world. Located on the border between Nepal and India, it is also a sacred place for local communities, who consider it the home of protective deities.

Learn more

8188 m

Cho Oyu

At 8,188 meters, Cho Oyu towers over the border between Nepal and Tibet. Its name, meaning “Turquoise Goddess,” evokes the luminous reflections of its glaciers and eternal snows. Less feared than its neighbors, it has nevertheless left a mark on the history of Himalayan mountaineering.

Learn more

8126 m

Nanga Parbat

At 8,126 meters, Nanga Parbat dominates the western Himalayas in Pakistan. Nicknamed the “naked mountain” because of its ice-free slopes on some faces, it is also sadly famous for its tragic history, marked by many losses.

Learn more