Just imagine you are climbing a mountain and there is a chance you might die on the way. Due to uneven trails and steep slopes, plenty of climbers die on Manaslu Mountain. Today, we will be talking about why Manaslu is known as the killer mountain and is so tough.
Highlights About Manaslu Mountain
Anyone who is planning to do the Manaslu circuit trek needs to be careful, but it is also one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Along with the risk, there are certain beautiful aspects about the place.
Some of the key features of Manaslu mountain include:
- Technical skills are the key to winning over the steep trails, icy slopes, crevasses, and tricky ridges.
- No crowd is present during the peak season of the Manaslu climb.
- Chance to witness the traditional Tibetan village like Samagaon, which provides the chance to immerse oneself in culture, traditions, etc.
- Beautiful views of mountains like Ganesh Himal, Annapurna
Where is Manaslu Mountain Located?
Manaslu is located in the Gorkha district of Nepal. This particular mountain falls in the Mansiri mountain range. The journey starts from the western central region of Nepal. This particular mountain region is 64 km east of Annapurna. If you are coming from Kathmandu, you will need to travel 120 km northwest to reach the destination. The distance between the Manaslu base camp and Manaslu mountain is 3363m.
Reasons Why Manaslu Is Known as the Killer Mountain
Manaslu is also called the mountain of spirits, as more than 84 people have lost their lives during the expedition. Just to be very clear, Manaslu isn’t the highest mountain in the world, but the tallest peak with an altitude of 8163m. However, it is very hard to reach the top.
The major reason for so many deaths is due to the uneven terrains along with the high altitude. Similarly, the weather keeps changing all the time. So the mountain climb success rate is only 60%. Frequent avalanches, snowfall, lower oxygen levels, along with the lack of air support in the climb, are some factors that make the trek tougher at this place.
Main Reasons for Death In the Manaslu Peak Climb
As easy as it might look on the internet, Manaslu Peak is one of the toughest climbs in the world. Even though NTB says that it is a safe climb, you need to be highly experienced to complete the trek. Having said that, there are some specific reasons why the death rate is higher in the case of the Manaslu climb. They are
- Unpredictable Weather Conditions
The major reason for so many deaths in the Manaslu climb is due to the unpredictable weather conditions, strong winds and sudden changes in temperature. However, the temperature remains as low as -30 degrees Celsius with the winds blowing at 100 kph, which is tough to beat for someone with less trekking experience.
- Chances of Avalanches
An avalanche is a common occurrence in the Manaslu region, which makes the overall risk higher. More than 30 people have lost their lives due to an avalanche. In 1972, 15 people died due to the avalanche, and another 11 during the 2012 incident. The unstable weather and snowy conditions make the chances of an avalanche in the steep slopes higher.
- Accident by Seracs
A big block of glacial ice that falls out of nowhere is called a serac. There is a major chance that a Serac can fall out of nowhere, which makes the overall risk of death pretty high. It was during 2021 that the falling Seracs caused multiple accidents, which was the problem. Climbers need to walk quickly in the high-risk area and also check for ice stability.
- Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a common problem at Manaslu. With the altitude hitting over 8000m, there is a common chance of Acute Mountain Sickness, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, etc. There is a 40% chance that you will suffer from altitude sickness during the climb to Manaslu Mountain.
- Falling
As risky as it may sound, falling is also another reason why there are so many deaths in the Manaslu region. The snow that settles in the region isn’t stable. Steep walks, slippery roads and narrow paths are the reasons for the trek being hard. A single mistake with wrong footing and you could fall 300m from the summit ridge and you can die.
Manaslu Climbing Routes
After coming this far and studying about the risks associated with the Manaslu circuit trek, it is our responsibility to talk about the Manaslu climbing routes. The trip to Manaslu Mountain starts from Kathmandu. A bus ride to Gorkha will start your overall journey.
The walk starts from Gorkha to Arughat, passing through Sundi Khola and Madi Khola on the way. Through the journey,y you will have to go through Pungen Gompa where you rest and prepare for the next day. It is the next morning, the journey to the Manaslu base camp along with the climb to Manaslu mountain that truly tests your patience, strength, and mindset.
Things You Need To Take During the Manaslu Trek
It doesn’t matter whether you are a first timer or someone with massive experience of trekking, certain things need to be taken care of if you are planning for the trek to the mountain.
- Necessary permits for the climb
- The right climbing gear for the trek
- The First Aid Kit needs to be kept handy.
- Use a proper guide to complete the Manaslu trek
- Physical and mental preparation strengthen the journey
- Acclimatize well rather than rushing to the top
Conclusion
Manaslu mountain climb is a tough task, but not impossible. With the help of the professional team and gear, you can easily climb the mountain or win it. But you need to be assured of what you are looking for.
From mental strength to physical fitness and proper assessment of the weather, you can easily climb Mount Manaslu. Interestingly, you will need to give more than 2 weeks of grit and determination if you want to complete this trek.
There is a risk associated with the Manaslu climb, but the number of climbers is increasing every year. Lastly, you need to be humble and respect the risks involved in the Manaslu climb.