From the sixteenth day, we begin a daily routine of attempting to climb higher bases and return to the lower base camps. These attempts are very important for the Manaslu peak climbing expedition. A few days will be spent doing the same before we ascend to the higher camps in the Manaslu expedition route.
Base Camp to Camp I
After multiple days of preparation and acclimatisation training, we finally began the expedition by ascending from the base camp to Camp I. This section is the most easy compared to the higher section of the Manaslu Peak Climbing route. However, climbers must be careful when ascending over the glaciers, moraine, and ice steps. As you ascend higher, you will start getting even better views of the surrounding mountains. Camp I is where we rest for the night, located at an altitude of 5500m/18,040ft.
Camp I to Camp II
The route starts getting more and more technical as we ascend higher and higher. Climbers need to be ready with all the technical outfits, gear, and equipment required for the ascend on the snow-covered trails. Camp II sits at an altitude of 6,400m or 20,998ft above sea level and the trail from Camp I to Camp II goes from a longer section of vertical snow and ice.
The expert Sherpa guides will make sure to be ready with the preparation for the higher expedition. Climbers can count on them to set up fixed ropes for your safety, cut the little ice pieces to make way in snow-covered routes, and also make sure that you have no health issues at all. Within a few hours of walking from Camp I, we will reach Camp II. After that, the climbers need to set up their tents in the second camp to spend the night.
Camp II to Camp III
Another day and another camp to conquer which means that today, we will leave the second camp and make our way to the third camp on the Manaslu Expedition route. Camp III is located at an altitude of 6,900m/22,638ft above sea level. More technical sections, more risks, more thrills, and more adventure as we ascend higher and higher. Within about 5 to 7 hours of walking past the rugged, icy path, we finally reach camp II to camp III.
Camp III to Camp IV
This is the second last day before we reach the summit of the Manaslu mountain and on this day, the climbers will ascend from Camp III to Camp IV. Camp IV is located at an altitude of 7,450m/24,440ft above sea level. This section of the Manaslu Expedition package is highly technical and strenuous due to the extreme weather and climatic conditions. However, the Sherpa guides will be assisting the trekkers throughout the journey making it easier for them.
It takes about 5 to 7 hours for any climber to reach from Camp III to Camp IV depending upon their fitness and mental preparation. There are probabilities of snowfall on the route and the trail is completely hidden inside the thick layer of snow. Therefore, climbers must follow the Sherpa guides strictly as they lead the path. As we reach the fourth camp of the Manaslu Expedition, it will be a proper rest for the climbers. The Sherpa guides will also prepare food for them and the tents will be prepared for a safe and sound sleep at such a high altitude.
Camp IV to Manaslu Summit and Back to the base camp
From the fourth camp, we set off on the final ascend of the entire Manaslu expedition package. Within this day, the climbers will find themselves on the top of the eighth tallest peak in the world, Mount Manaslu (8163 meters). Once you reach here, you can check the surrounding environment and notice a lot of other peaks peeking at you from beneath the clouds. A 360-degree view of just snow-covered peaks, rocks, clouds, and not even a single sign of greenery. This is where climbers know what white beauty means as they look around themselves.
After taking many pictures, and videos, and spending some time at an altitude of 8163 meters above sea level, we return on the same track. The gradual descending journey takes us to the fourth camp, third camp, second camp, first camp, and finally to the Manaslu Base Camp. It takes almost a week for us to reach from the summit to the base camp.
