Manaslu Expedition, 2011, October

In October 2011, Himalayan Trail Blazer organized a remarkable expedition to Manaslu, led by veteran mountaineer Ryan Waters. This journey was aimed at scaling one of the world’s great Himalayan giants—Manaslu (8,163 m / 26,758 ft), the 8th highest mountain on Earth. Known as the “Mountain of the Spirit,” Manaslu stands tall in the Gorkha region of Nepal, offering climbers both a physical and spiritual challenge.

Our team planned to ascend via the Northeast Ridge, a classic route that is particularly suited for the fall/post-monsoon climbing season of 2011. Unlike the more frequently climbed peaks such as Cho Oyu or Everest, Manaslu provides an environment that is both remote and pristine, making it a true Himalayan adventure. The approach itself is demanding—requiring a nine-day trek to reach base camp, traversing through lush valleys, traditional villages, and rugged alpine terrain before entering the high glacial world of Manaslu.

In recent years, Manaslu has gained increasing attention among international climbers. Political and logistical challenges surrounding Cho Oyu have prompted many mountaineers to consider Manaslu as a compelling alternative. For climbers aspiring to one day attempt Mount Everest or other 8,000-meter giants, Manaslu is often regarded as an ideal first 8,000-meter peak. It offers the chance to test endurance, technical skill, and acclimatization strategies in a less commercialized but equally formidable environment.

This expedition represents not only the pursuit of summiting one of the world’s highest mountains but also the spirit of adventure, resilience, and exploration that defines Himalayan mountaineering.