Experience Level
Climbing Manaslu requires serious fitness, the ability to perform well at altitude, a mindset to be away from home for six weeks, and a desire for rugged adventure travel. Climbers need to be experienced with solid cramponing skills and familiar with glacier and fixed-line climbing. Prior experience on high-altitude peaks is expected. If you want to join this expedition but are concerned with your experience level, we can work with you to get you up to speed before the climb. Please let us know, and we will be happy to help.
Manaslu is still a very remote and rugged place, with few of the creature comforts we have come to expect in the West. So, don’t plan on being pampered with smooth roads, 5-star tea houses, and blazing-fast internet. We strive to provide our climbers with all the creature comforts possible, but at the end of the day, this is remote Himalayan travel and true adventure travel.
Physical Training
You need to be very physically fit and able to dedicate time to climbing-specific training in the lead-up to your expedition. Being in top shape will also ensure you enjoy your climb, feel good throughout, and get the most out of the experience.
It is vital that your training closely simulates what you will be doing on the mountain. Traditional gym workouts or general fitness plans often lack targeted focus. Instead, you need to emulate long physical days (8+ hours) in the mountains
We recommend that you:
- Start specific mountaineering training at least three months in advance
- Train at least 4-5 days a week for an hour or more
- Focus on high-volume but low-intensity training
- Don’t forget to include cardio, strength training, and stretching in your routine.
- A good goal is to be able to comfortably climb 1,500 vertical feet per hour with a 40lb pack.
- Schedule a few weekends where you can spend two or more consecutive full days. Multi-day hikes that involve carrying a pack with significant elevation gains and descents are ideal.
Mindset
Mindset and mental preparation are integral to your success on any peak. You should be prepared:
- To be away from home/work for the duration of your climb
- Have a desire for rugged adventure travel
- Be open to receiving and deferring to guidance, support, and advice from your guides/expedition leaders (even if you are an experienced mountaineer)
- Be comfortable having open conversations with your guides
- Be able to work well in a team environment by being supportive and respectful of fellow teammates
- Be humble, respectful, and considerate even under pressure