I ascended the true summit and absolute highpoint of 8163m Manaslu on September 21st, 2023 with a commercial expedition organized by Imagine Nepal, and 1:1 guided by Pasang Dawa ‘Pa Dawa’ Sherpa. I did not use supplemental oxygen at any time during my ascent or descent.
Below are photographs from my climb, organized by date. For a detailed written trip report, take a look here.
Manaslu
Manaslu’s East Pinnacle, from Basecamp.Manaslu’s East Pinnacle, from 6650m Camp 3.Manaslu, cloaked in rainbow and cloud.
September 2nd – 7th: Approach Hike
Distant mountains, Manaslu TrekSunset, Manaslu TrekLarke Pass, ~5100mA herd of deer at ~3000mStupa, Manaslu TrekGlacial Lakes nearby SamagaunSunrise, Manaslu Trek
September 8th – 18th: Basecamp, Acclimation Rotation to 6650m Camp 3
Glacial Lake, Basecamp Approach from SamagaunFirst views of ManasluManaslu, above BasecampManaslu’s East PinnacleRainbow and cloud over ManasluIcefall above Camp 1Icefall above Camp 1Icefall above Camp 1Icefall above Camp 1Ice Step below Camp 2Ice Step below Camp 2Ice Step below Camp 2View from Camp 2Basecamp, far belowApproaching Camp 3East Pinnacle from Camp 3Camp 3Camp 3Pa Dawa at Camp 3View from Camp 3View from Camp 3View from Camp 3Camp 3View from Camp 3Camp 1Manaslu from above BasecampManaslu from above BasecampHelicopter Rescue, BasecampHelicopter Rescue, BasecampBasecampLooking down at Camp 1 and Basecamp
Sunrise, ~7300mApproaching Camp 4Summit Crown from Camp 4Summit Crown from 7430m Camp 4
September 21st: 7430m Camp 4 to 8163m Summit
Summit DayPacked light for the summitMe, on Manaslu’s true summitSummit DayFinishing my Coca Cola at ~8000mPa Dawa and I, on Manaslu’s true summitPa Dawa and IPa Dawa on the true summitSummit crown, from ~7900mPa Dawa descendingClimbers descendingClouds moving in, as we descendSummit Day, ~8000m
The Cloud Ocean 