Manaslu: Because Climbing 8,163 Meters Sounds Like a Great Idea… Until It’s 3 AM and You Can’t Feel Your Nose

The Manaslu Expedition was my first time climbing above 8,000 meters. It sounded cool when I signed up “world’s 8th highest mountain,” they said. “Less crowded than Everest,” they added. “Great views!” they promised.

What they didn’t mention? Frozen fingers, weird toilet situations, and eating cold noodles at 3 AM while wondering why I ever left my warm bed.

Still… I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

So, Why Manaslu?

At 8,163 meters, Manaslu is the eighth-highest mountain in the world (Nepal Mountaineering Association, 2024). It's popular for climbers who want a real challenge without the Everest traffic jam.

In 2023, more than 600 climbers took on the Manaslu Expedition (Himalayan Database). Most of them made it up. Some probably still can’t feel their toes.

Gear: The Good, The Bad, and The Itchy

What I thought I’d need:

• A few jackets

• A nice camera

• Protein bars

What I actually needed:

• Everything warm ever invented

• A down suit that made me feel like a marshmallow

• Baby wipes (trust me)

Also, pack duct tape. I don’t know why, but someone always needs it.

The Fear Is Real

On summit night, I was wearing 4 layers, 2 gloves, and 1 fake smile. My brain said “You’ve got this.” My legs said “We quit.” My nose? Gone. Somewhere in the wind.

But there’s something wild about being so high up, above the clouds, watching the sun rise over the Himalayas. It makes all the pain feel small for about five minutes until the next ice patch.

Food Review: Cold Noodles, 2 Stars

The food on the mountain is… well, food. It exists. It’s warm for 30 seconds, then it’s ice again.

At high camp, I tried to eat a noodle cup. It froze halfway through. I still have no idea how that’s scientifically possible.

The Quiz (for Fun & Honesty)

Should You Climb Manaslu or Just Take a Nap Instead?

• Do you enjoy cold, thin air and hard beds?

• Does walking uphill for 3 weeks sound like a vacation?

• Do you think frostbite is a fun story starter?

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more, congrats, you’re as weird as the rest of us. See you on the mountain!

Final Thoughts

The Manaslu Expedition is not easy. It’s high, cold, and sometimes miserable. But it’s also one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done.

If you want adventure, challenge, and a story your friends will roll their eyes at forever, this is your peak.

My advice? Bring snacks. Don’t forget the duct tape. And enjoy the view you earned it.