Overview
Join us on our first expedition to an 8,000m peak, the next step for climbers ready to move beyond 6000m and 7000m expeditions. As Ireland’s most trusted expedition company, with over 20 years of experience leading high-altitude expeditions, we are excited to introduce our first 8,000m expedition. In recent years, our founder James McManus has dedicated his climbing career to summiting 8,000m peaks without supplementary oxygen. Combined with his background in Sport Science and expertise in training and performance, the time is right for Earth’s Edge to bring this level of expedition to our community. Best practice for climbing at extreme altitude has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Our approach reflects these changes. Rather than relying on a heroic effort on summit day, we focus on preparing properly in advance and climbing in a way that conserves energy and supports recovery throughout the expedition. This expedition follows a gradual acclimatisation strategy designed to minimise stress before the summit push. We travel to and from Base Camp by helicopter, conserving energy for the climb itself. At Base Camp, each climber has their own private box tent for rest and recovery, along with a dedicated dining dome for the Earth’s Edge team. From the first briefing to summit day, we are with you every step of the way.
Why Climb Manaslu with Earth’s Edge
Success on an 8,000m peak is determined long before you arrive in the Himalaya. Every climber receives personalised training advice from James McManus, drawing on his experience climbing 8,000m peaks and his background in sport science. Our goal is simple. To help you arrive in Nepal physically prepared and ready for the demands of high altitude. Before departure, climbers are invited to take part in both a training day and a training weekend in Ireland. These sessions cover training, equipment, pacing, and expedition strategy, while also building the team that will climb together in the Himalaya. An experienced expedition doctor will be based at Manaslu Base Camp throughout the expedition, providing medical oversight and monitoring acclimatisation as climbers prepare for the summit push. From the moment you sign up, you become part of the Earth’s Edge team. Each climber receives an Earth’s Edge team jacket ahead of departure, a practical piece of kit designed for the mountain and a reminder that your journey begins long before you arrive in Nepal. Our commitment to care defines how we travel. We operate with smaller group sizes, build stronger teams, and work closely with the communities who make our expeditions possible. As a proud Irish B Corp, we are dedicated to protecting the planet and supporting local staff through fair pay and responsible practices.
Climbing Manaslu. The Route to the Summit
Standing at 8,163m, Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and one of the most sought-after objectives in high-altitude mountaineering. Located in the remote Mansiri Himal range of Nepal, close to the Tibetan border, it offers a classic Himalayan expedition with vast glaciers, high camps, and an unforgettable summit. Our expedition follows the normal route on the North East face of the mountain. From Base Camp at approximately 4,700m, the route climbs steadily through glaciated terrain to a series of high camps established along the Manaslu Glacier. These camps allow climbers to gradually acclimatise as the expedition moves up and down the mountain in preparation for the summit push. Camp I is typically established at around 5,700m, with Camp II positioned higher at approximately 6,400m. Camp III sits at roughly 6,800m on the upper slopes of the mountain and serves as our highest camp. From Camp III, climbers begin their summit push in the early hours of the morning. The route climbs steadily towards the summit ridge before reaching the highest point of Manaslu at 8,163m. From the summit, the mountain offers extraordinary views across the Himalaya, including neighbouring peaks of the Annapurna range and the Tibetan plateau beyond. Manaslu is often considered a logical first step into the world of 8,000m mountaineering, and many climbers choose it as their first 8,000m peak after gaining experience on mountains above 6000m. While technically less demanding than some Himalayan giants, it remains a serious high-altitude challenge that requires patience, careful acclimatisation, and strong teamwork throughout the expedition.
Our itinerary is intended as a guideline and may be adjusted depending on weather conditions, snow conditions, and the wellbeing of the team.
Required Experience
Climbing Manaslu is a serious high-altitude expedition that requires previous mountaineering experience, strong fitness, and the ability to perform in a demanding mountain environment. This expedition is best suited to climbers who have already climbed 6000m peaks, and ideally a 7000m peak, and who are comfortable spending extended periods at altitude. Participants should be confident using basic mountaineering equipment, including crampons, harness, belay device, ascenders, and fixed ropes, and have experience moving efficiently on glaciers and steep snow slopes. A winter skills course prior to the expedition is strongly recommended. In the months leading up to the expedition, each climber receives personalised training advice from James, helping ensure they arrive physically prepared for the challenge. If you are unsure whether Manaslu is the right next step for you, the Earth’s Edge team will be happy to discuss your experience and advise accordingly.
Manaslu Expedition Costs & What’s Included
Your Manaslu expedition with Earth’s Edge is designed to be carefully supported from the moment you sign up to the moment you return home. As Ireland’s most trusted expedition company, we focus on preparation, safety, and community, ensuring every climber feels confident and well looked after throughout the journey.
Your expedition cost includes:
Expedition Leadership & Medical Support
- The expedition is led by James McManus, founder of Earth’s Edge and an experienced high-altitude mountaineer.
- A qualified expedition doctor based at Manaslu Base Camp throughout the climbing season.
Preparation Before You Travel
- Personalised training advice from James in the months leading up to the expedition.
- A training day and training weekend in Ireland covering equipment, pacing, and expedition strategy.
- Ongoing pre-departure support and advice from the Earth’s Edge office team.
- An Earth’s Edge team jacket, sent to you ahead of departure as a practical layer for the mountain.
Accommodation, Meals & Logistics
- Four nights in a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu in a single room.
- Welcome dinner on arrival and a celebratory dinner at the end of the expedition.
- Accommodation in tea houses in Sama Gaun (twin sharing).
- A private box tent at Base Camp for rest and recovery.
- A private heated dining dome at Base Camp exclusively for the Earth’s Edge team.
- High mountain tents during the climbing phase.
- All meals throughout the expedition.
- Helicopter transfers to and from Base Camp.
- 60 kg luggage allowance to and from Base Camp.
- High-speed Starlink internet at Base Camp.
Mountain Infrastructure & Climbing Support
- Manaslu climbing permit and all government expedition fees.
- An experienced high-altitude Sherpa working 1:1 with you.
- Three bottles of supplementary oxygen with masks and regulators.
- Training in Base Camp on oxygen systems, ice walls, and ladder techniques.
- Professional weather forecasting to support summit planning.
Responsible & Ethical Travel
- Fair working conditions and living wages for local staff.
- A commitment to responsible travel as a proud Irish B Corp.
Payment Information
To secure your place, a €1,999 deposit is required at the time of booking. A part-payment of €5,000 is due six months prior to departure, with the remaining balance payable by instalments or in full. All fees must be paid no later than three months before departure.
Flights
We will provide a recommended flight itinerary to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu once your booking is confirmed. You are, of course, welcome to choose alternative flights and make your own way to Kathmandu in time for the expedition briefing on Day 1.
Itinerary
Day 2
Arrive in Kathmandu - 1400m
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Arrival in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. After transferring to the hotel, the team has time to rest and settle in before the expedition begins. Overnight hotel.
Day 3
Preparation Day in Kathmandu
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Today we hold our expedition briefing, review equipment and visit the rental shop before departure for the mountains. This is also an opportunity to explore Kathmandu and make any final preparations.
Day 4
Helicopter to Sama Gaun (3,541m)
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A spectacular helicopter flight takes us deep into the Manaslu region. We land in the mountain village of Sama Gaun where we begin our acclimatisation.
Day 5
Rest in Sama Gaun
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A day spent acclimatising at altitude. Optional hikes and short climbs around the village help the body adjust before moving higher.
Day 6
Rest in Sama Gaun
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A day spent acclimatising at altitude. Optional hikes and short climbs around the village help the body adjust before moving higher.
Day 7
Sama Gaun to Base Camp (4,700m)
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A steady 5hr trek brings us to Manaslu Base Camp, our home for the coming weeks beneath the mountain’s towering north-east face.
Day 8
Rest in Base Camp
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Time to settle into Base Camp life. We rest, organise equipment and prepare for the first rotation on the mountain.
Day 9
Rest in Base Camp
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Time to settle into Base Camp life. We rest, organise equipment and prepare for the first rotation on the mountain.
Day 10
Rotation to Camp I (5,500m)
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Our first climb onto the mountain. We ascend to Camp I before returning to Base Camp to continue acclimatisation. 6 hrs climbing
Day 11
Rest in Base Camp
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Another rest day at Base Camp. We rest, organise equipment and prepare for the second rotation on the mountain.
Day 12
Rest in Base Camp
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Another rest day at Base Camp. We rest, organise equipment and prepare for the second rotation on the mountain.
Day 13
Rotation to Camp 1 (5,500m)
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Our second rotation on the mountain. We ascend to Camp I for the night. 4-5 hrs climbing.
Day 14
Acclimatisation Climb about Camp I
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An early start sees us climb higher above Camp I before descending back to Base Camp. 8-9hrs climbing.
Day 15
Rest in Base Camp
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Several days of rest and recovery at Base Camp. Weather, conditions and team acclimatisation will determine the exact timing of the summit push.
Day 16
Rest in Base Camp
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Several days of rest and recovery at Base Camp. Weather, conditions and team acclimatisation will determine the exact timing of the summit push.
Day 17
Rest in Base Camp
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Several days of rest and recovery at Base Camp. Weather, conditions and team acclimatisation will determine the exact timing of the summit push.
Day 18
Rest in Base Camp
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Several days of rest and recovery at Base Camp. Weather, conditions and team acclimatisation will determine the exact timing of the summit push.
Day 19
Rest in Base Camp
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Several days of rest and recovery at Base Camp. Weather, conditions and team acclimatisation will determine the exact timing of the summit push.
Day 21
Climb to Camp 2 (6,400m)
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We continue climbing higher onto the mountain, establishing ourselves at Camp II.
Day 22
Climb to Camp 3 (6,800m)
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We continue climbing higher onto the mountain, establishing ourselves at Camp 3.
Day 23
Summit Day (8,163m)
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Summit push in the early hours of the morning. After reaching the summit of Manaslu, we descend all the way back to Base Camp.
Day 24
Spare Summit Day
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Extra days are built into the itinerary to allow flexibility for weather conditions and summit opportunities.
Day 25
Spare Summit Day
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Extra days are built into the itinerary to allow flexibility for weather conditions and summit opportunities.
Day 26
Spare Summit Day
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Extra days are built into the itinerary to allow flexibility for weather conditions and summit opportunities.
Day 27
Spare Summit Day
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Extra days are built into the itinerary to allow flexibility for weather conditions and summit opportunities.
Day 28
Base camp to Sama Gaun
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We descend from Base Camp back to the village of Sama Gaun. 3-4 hrs trekking.
Day 29
Helicopter to Kathmandu
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A scenic helicopter flight returns us to Kathmandu where we check back into our hotel.
Day 30
Leisure Day in Kathmandu
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A well-earned rest day to relax and explore the city. We gather for a celebratory dinner in the evening.
Facts
About Mount Manaslu
Mount Manaslu rises to 8,163m and is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Located in the Mansiri Himal range in north-central Nepal, the mountain sits close to the Tibetan border and dominates the remote valleys that surround it.
The name Manaslu comes from the Sanskrit word “Manasa”, meaning spirit or soul. The mountain is sometimes referred to as the “Mountain of the Spirit”, reflecting the deep cultural and spiritual significance that the Himalaya hold in the region.
Manaslu was first climbed in 1956 by a Japanese expedition, and the mountain has long held a special connection with Japanese mountaineering. Today it remains one of the most sought-after objectives for climbers looking to step into the world of 8,000m mountaineering.
The surrounding Manaslu region is one of the most remote parts of Nepal. Traditional villages, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and high Himalayan landscapes give the expedition a strong cultural dimension alongside the climbing challenge.
Sherpa Support & Himalayan Climbing Culture
Successful Himalayan expeditions depend on the experience, strength, and knowledge of the Sherpa community.
High-altitude Sherpas are among the most skilled mountaineers in the world, with generations of experience working and climbing in the Himalaya. Their expertise in navigating glaciers, managing logistics, and supporting climbers at extreme altitude is central to every successful expedition.
On the Earth’s Edge Manaslu expedition, each climber is paired with an experienced high-altitude Sherpa working on a 1:1 basis during the climbing phase. This partnership allows climbers to move efficiently on the mountain while benefiting from the guidance and support of someone who knows the terrain intimately.
We believe Sherpas should be treated with the same respect and professionalism as any member of the expedition team. Our approach prioritises fair working conditions, proper equipment, and responsible expedition practices that support the people who make Himalayan climbing possible.
Manaslu as an 8,000m Expedition
For many climbers, Manaslu represents the step into the world of 8,000m mountaineering.
While still a serious high-altitude challenge, the normal route on Manaslu is generally considered less technically demanding than some other Himalayan giants. This makes it a logical objective for experienced mountaineers looking to attempt their first 8,000m peak.
Success on Manaslu depends less on technical climbing ability and more on proper training, careful acclimatisation, strong endurance, and sound decision-making at altitude. Climbers must manage long days above 6,000m, move efficiently between camps, and conserve energy for the summit push.
For those who reach the summit, the reward is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Himalaya, with sweeping views across the Annapurna range and deep into the Tibetan plateau.
Certified B-Corp
Certified B-CorpEarth's Edge is a certified B-Corp. In fact, we are the highest scoring B-Corp in Ireland. We are passionate about sustainable travel, bettering the lives of the people connected with the company and minimising our environmental impact.
