...The Summit Begins on Manaslu...
After two great rotations and some well deserved rest our Manaslu team are rolling out of Base Camp today for their summit bid (approximately 4 days up/1 day descent)
The lines are fixed to the summit and there is a very good weather window coming our way, low winds and high pressure boding well for the team, of course we'll continue to monitor it closely and adjust in real time as needed.
Today they will head to Camp 1 and tomorrow up to Camp 2.
As with all summit bids, it's helpful to keep in mind that no news is actually good news, it just means our team are head down and focused on climbing this spectacular Himalayan gem.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Basecamp Bliss...
The Manaslu team are chilling at Base Camp recovering and resting and planning their summit bid, living in relative luxury between their dining dome and hang out dome with our Everest chef Kumar whipping up some great meals.
They'll be watching the weather forecast intently now with the long term forecast looking positive. A little precipitation at lower altitudes but overall shaping up for an ideal summit window with low winds and clear skies on the horizon.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Second Rotation Complete...
The team have completed a successful second rotation tagging Camp 3 and spending 2x nights at Camp Two. They are now safely back to Base Camp.
They'll enjoy some nice weather over coming days as they rest and ready themselves for their upcoming summit bid.
Once the ropes are fixed and the weather allows our team will begin their move to the top of Manaslu.
Some great pics from Guide Tendi.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team on the Move...
Today the team are moving up to Camp 1 on their second rotation, it's a little damp but worth pushing through a bit of cloud for the clear weather window that lies ahead in coming days.
The plan is to sleep at Camp 2 for two nights, (the 18th & 19th) climb upward to Camp 3 and spend the night of the 20th there, before dropping back to Base Camp on the 21st.
Upon completion of this rotation, they will be ready for the summit bid and well acclimatised. Back at Base Camp, they'll spend a good few days resting, preparing and packing before picking their summit window and going for it.
Team is strong, healthy, happy and doing great! We'll keep you updated on their progress.
Cheers
CTSS Team
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...ZZZzz at Camp 1...
The team are back safely at Base Camp resting after their first successful rotation up the mountain.
They slept soundly at Camp 1 and reported climbing strong and feeling great. They had spectacular weather, picking it perfectly before the rain settled in at Base Camp upon their return, so it's a good opportunity to rest and recover eat some of Chef Kumar's delicious food.
The plan is to start their second rotation tomorrow if the rain eases (or take another rest day)
Their second rotation will see them back to Camp 1, then moving beyond to at least to Camp 2, possibly even Camp 3. They will spend 3x nights up high before dropping back down again.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Puja & Progress on Manaslu...
Our team at Manaslu is moving up.
They held their Puja (blessing ceremony) as planned on the 12th September. A Tibetan Buddhist ritual, the purpose of the Puja is to ask the mountain deity for safe passage. Following the Puja, the team can begin their climb and in celebration made a foray halfway up to Camp 1 to acclimatise and further stretch the legs.
Today they are heading up to 6000m and taking advantage of this nice little weather window we have 13th & 14th by sleeping at Camp 1 before dropping back down to Base Camp tomorrow.
The route to Camp 1 traverses a fairly gradual glacier with a steeper section just below camp, perched on a ridge at the foot of where the real climbing begins in earnest.
Their plan is to rest for at least a day or two back down at Base Camp before progressing again up the mountain.
All safe and well on Manaslu.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Base Camp...
The last leg of the trek is here - The scenic bounce up to Base Camp. The team are leaving Sama village now on their way. They are in good shape and feeling positive.
Today the trail begins in forest, before a steep ascent up to the moraine. Their effort is rewarded with magnificent views of the glacier, the turquoise lake, Manaslu and the surrounding peaks from all sides.
The trek is approximately 4-5hours.
They will hold their Puja on the 12th of September and if the weather permits, they will start climbing from the 13th!
...Samaguan...
The trek is nearly complete with the team now resting in Samaguan. (aka Sama village) Samagaun (4,300m - approx 11,500ft) is the jumping off point to Base Camp and the last outpost. Stunning, it is surrounded by beautiful vistas of the Himalaya.
With some rest and acclimatization for 2days, the team will now ascend to Base Camp. A solid day up to 4,800m (15,750ft). For the struggle they are rewarded with beautiful views of the Birendra Taal glacial lake.
From there, the real climbing begins!
...The Trail to Manaslu...
Our Manaslu team have well and truly begun their trek to the mountain yesterday reaching Goa. Today they are hiking to Bimthang which is the last village before Larkya La which is one of the longest passes in Himalaya and a great opportunity to acclimatize as the team will hit 5,106m.
Guide Tendi reported that they've enjoyed some really nice weather so far and enjoyed trekking through the villages and visiting a few monastries. Yesterday they recieved a precious blessing from a monk who spent 6 years in retreat in a small monastery in the village.
Cheers
CTSS Team
...Manaslu Team on the Move...
The CTSS Manaslu Team is now cleared to leave Kathmandu, negative PCRs and permits in hand and they are on the road to Beshisahar. Tomorrow they will take a jeep out to Dharapani and then start their hike into the mountain.
It feels good to be officially underway and enroute to the mountain.
Cheers
CTSS Team
