Kathmandu : Seven Summit Treks, a leading Nepal-based adventure operator, has announced the Manaslu expedition via the Standard Route of the North Face, this autumn 2024 (September-October).

Led by renowned climber Chhang Dawa Sherpa, SST expresses commitment to providing expert guidance, safety and logistic support. With its extensive experience in high altitude expeditions, SST assures climbers of making the journey a success by providing high-quality services, including permits, transportation, meals and accommodations, and equipment.

“As our top priority is to ensure our clients’ safety,” said SST’s General Manager Thaneswar Guragai, adding, “our experienced team and meticulous planning ensure a safe and rewarding ascent.”

This expedition serves as excellent preparations for more demanding climbs like Mt. Everest in the spring, ensuring climbers of invaluable experiences and enhancement of their mountaineering skills.

With extensive climbing expertise, Chhang Dawa, the board director and expedition manager for SST, provides expertise to the expedition. His record-breaking achievements included the first K2 winter ascent by 10 Nepali mountaineers in 2021 under his leadership and being the youngest climber to conquer all 14th peaks above 8000 metres at the age of 30.

Manaslu

At a height of 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level, Mt Manaslu is located about 64 km east of Mt Annapurna in the ridges of Mansiri Himal in the Gorkha district of Nepal. Popularly known as the “mountain of the spirit’, the mountain is called Mt Kutung in Tibet.

The first known attempt of the peak was made by a Japanese expedition in 1952, but resulting in failure. The mountain was eventually climbed for the first time on May 9, 1956 by a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu. The team consisted of Imanishi, Norbu, and six Sherpa climbers. They climbed the mountain via the North West Face.

The climb requires a high level of physical fitness, technical climbing skills, and experience in high-altitude mountaineering. It is also important to properly acclimatize to the altitude, have the right gear, and be prepared for the risks of avalanches, landslides, and other potential hazards. Despite challenges posed by these potential risks, standing atop the peak presents a lifetime reward with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.