KATHMANDU: Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters) is seeing a surge in climbers this season, with the Department of Tourism reporting that 493 individuals across 41 teams have received permits for the expedition. Out of the 579 permits issued for 11 different mountains, Manaslu accounts for the highest number of participants.
Anil Prasai, chief of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP), noted that the base camp is currently crowded with climbers, Sherpas, guides, and support staff. Local tourism entrepreneur Dawa Nurbu Lama attributed the record turnout to the government’s mandatory requirement for climbers to scale an 8,000-meter peak before attempting Mount Everest, prompting many to use Manaslu as a training ground.
However, the climbing season, which initially appeared promising, is now facing significant challenges due to erratic weather. Bodhraj Bhandari, president of Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition, stated that heavy snowfall starting on the night of Sept. 18 has made the upper sections of the mountain and base camps hazardous. With further rain and snow predicted from Sept. 24-25, authorities have urged teams to remain on high alert.
Bhandari stated, ‘Due to the fear of worsening weather, climbers are rushing. Some are even considering abandoning their expeditions.’ He added that teams might be forced to return to safety or suspend activities depending on the weather conditions. The future of the current climbing window depends on meteorological improvements and the safety of the routes. Since its first ascent in 1956, approximately 3,000 people have successfully climbed Mount Manaslu.
