Manaslu

Manaslu

Manaslu (मनास्लु) or Kutang is a mountain massif located in central Nepal (about 64 kilometers as the crow flies from Annapurna), in the Himalayan mountain range, whose highest peak reaches 8,163 m asl, representing the 8th highest mountain in the world.
This massif has two secondary peaks, the East Pinnacle (7,992m) and the North Summit (7,157m).

Etymology –
The name “Manaslu” comes from the Tibetan language. It is a word composed of two components: “Mana” (མ་ན་): This word means “soul” or “spirit” in the Tibetan language; “Ila” or “Yul” (ཡུལ་): This word means “mountain” or “land” in the Tibetan language.
Hence, the overall meaning of ‘Manaslu’ in Tibetan is ‘Mountain of Soul’ or ‘Mountain of Spirit’.

Geographic Features –
Mount Manaslu is a majestic mountain located in the Gandaki Pradesh region of Nepal in the central Himalayas.
At 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), Manaslu is the eighth tallest mountain in the world.
Manaslu is located in northwestern Nepal, in the Gandaki region, about 64 kilometers east of the famous Annapurna mountain.
The mountain is part of the Manaslu National Park and forms an important conservation area that is home to rich biodiversity and wildlife.
Manaslu is part of the Himalayas, a complex mountain system formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This process has led to the formation of the Himalayan arc, characterized by towering peaks and deep valleys.
The ascent of Manaslu is a demanding challenge and requires a good level of physical fitness and mountaineering experience. Despite this, it is a favorite destination for adventurous and experienced climbers.
In addition to the direct ascent of the mountain, it is possible to do the “Manaslu Circuit”, a famous trek that circumnavigates the mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views and a unique cultural experience thanks to encounters with the different local ethnic communities.
The region surrounding Manaslu is characterized by deep valleys, lush coniferous forests, rushing rivers and towering glaciers. The environment varies greatly along the trek and ascent route.
The area has an alpine climate with short, cool summers and severe, cold winters. Weather conditions can be very changeable and can affect climbing and trekking opportunities.
The Manaslu region is inhabited by diverse ethnic communities, such as the Gurungs and Tamangs, who have a rich cultural heritage and unique traditions. During the trek, travelers can experience their hospitality and learn about their customs.
Due to its remote location and logistical challenges, Manaslu has been less crowded than other mountains in the Himalayas. However, in recent years, interest in climbing and trekking in the region has grown, leading to the need to preserve the local environment and culture through sustainable tourism practices.

Historical Notes –
Mount Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world and is located in the Manaslu region of the Nepalese Himalayas. Below are some historical notes regarding this majestic mountain:
1. First Ascent: On May 9, 1956, a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and made up of some climbers, including Gyalzen Norbu (a Sherpa), was the first to successfully climb Manaslu. This event marked the first time a team reached the summit of an eight-thousander without the use of supplemental oxygen.
2. Subsequent events: After the first ascent in 1956, many other expeditions have attempted to climb Manaslu. The mountain has been the subject of numerous attempts, some of which have been crowned with success, while others have encountered difficulties or even tragedies.
3. 2015 Nepal earthquake: On April 25, 2015, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal including the Manaslu area. This event caused considerable damage and led to the temporary closure of normal climbing routes.
4. Popularity: Over the years, Manaslu has become a popular destination for mountaineers and adventure hikers, but due to the technical challenges and altitude-related difficulties, it remains an ambitious challenge for many.
5. Security and Access Control: To protect the delicate ecosystem of the area and ensure the safety of climbers, the Nepalese government has introduced restrictions on access to the mountain. Climbers must obtain a permit and enlist in an authorized expedition before attempting to climb Manaslu.
6. Accidents and Tragic Losses: Over the years, Manaslu has seen some serious accidents and loss of life. The extreme altitude, unpredictable weather conditions and challenging nature of the mountain make the ascent very risky and require proper preparation.
Mount Manaslu is one of the most prestigious and alluring peaks in the Himalayas and continues to exert a strong appeal among climbers from all over the world. However, the ascent comes with significant challenges and requires careful planning and adequate preparation to ensure a safe and successful climb.

Ecosystem –
The ecosystem in and around Mount Manaslu is diverse due to the different altitudes and climate zones found in the region.
In the lower areas we find subtropical forests and agricultural lands. The vegetation includes species such as oak, chestnut, spruce and rhododendron. There are also crops such as rice, corn and wheat as the local people practice agriculture in these areas.
As you ascend, you will find temperate forests with coniferous species such as pine, fir and cypress. The rich vegetation and higher altitude attract various species of birds, mammals and other animals.
At higher altitudes the forests become more sparse, giving way to scrub and grasslands. These areas are home to various herbivores and small mammals, such as the Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr and pika.
At higher elevations you will find glaciers, high mountain lakes and rocky terrain. The vegetation is sparse and mainly limited to lichens and mosses. This area is home to species adapted to extreme conditions, such as the snow leopard, yak and various mountain birds.
On the high peaks and ridges of Mount Manaslu the conditions are extremely severe and only very specialized organisms are found, such as certain types of bacteria and lichens.
The Manaslu region is also an area rich in biodiversity, and numerous species of plants and animals have been identified in the area. However, human activity including tourism and climate change present challenges for the conservation of the ecosystem and wildlife in the area. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to protect this unique and fragile ecosystem. Sustainable tourism management and promotion of conservation practices are essential to preserve the natural beauty and biological richness of Mount Manaslu and its surroundings.

Flora –
The region surrounding Mount Manaslu is rich in flora and fauna due to its location in the Himalayan region. Here is an overview of the flora that can be found in the Mount Manaslu area:
1. Coniferous forests: At lower elevations, generally between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, coniferous forests are common. In this area you can find species of pine, fir, cypress and juniper.
2. Hardwood forests: between 2,500 and 3,500 meters of altitude, hardwood forests become more predominant. These forests consist of species such as oak, chestnut, maple, rhododendron and birch.
3. Subalpine forests: As you climb above 3,500m, forests give way to subalpine grasslands and shrublands. Rhododendrons are particularly notable in this area, making for spectacular colorful landscapes in spring.
4. Alpine meadows: At higher altitudes, generally above 4,000 metres, the vegetation becomes sparser and alpine meadows and high mountain grasslands predominate.
5. High Mountain Plants: Above 5,000 meters, plant life becomes even more scarce due to the extreme conditions of high altitude and low temperatures. However, some hardy plants, such as mosses, lichens and small alpine flowers, can survive these harsh conditions.

Wildlife –
The fauna of this region is rich and diverse thanks to the variety of habitats it offers, ranging from subtropical forests to alpine areas.
The fauna of Mount Manaslu includes a variety of mammal, bird, reptile and insect species. Some of the species that can be found in the area are:
1. Mammals: The area is home to several species of mammals including snow leopard (Panthera uncia), red panda (Ailurus fulgens), musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and langur gray (Semnopithecus schistaceus) .
2. Birds: The region is a paradise for bird watchers, as it is home to a large number of species, such as the Nepal danfe (Lophophorus impejanus), mountain grouse (Lophophorus lhuysii), snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus ), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and Lidth’s monal (Lophophorus lhuysii).
3. Reptiles: Although reptiles are less visible, some species can be found in the region, such as the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and various species of snakes, lizards and turtles.
4. Insects: The diversity of insects on Mount Manaslu is staggering, but many of them can be difficult to spot due to the low temperatures at the higher elevations.
It is important to note that wildlife in high mountain areas can be fragile and vulnerable, so it is essential to take steps to preserve and protect this unique ecosystem and its inhabitants. Undoubtedly, the wildlife of Mount Manaslu is one of the outstanding natural attractions for the mountaineers and trekkers who visit this Himalayan region.

Environmental Protection Actions –
Given its ecological importance and growing popularity among mountaineers, various measures have been considered for the environmental protection of the area.
Some of the conservation actions that have been taken or proposed for Mt Manaslu include:
1. Limitations on the number of permits: To reduce the environmental impact and protect the fragility of the ecosystem, the Nepalese government may have introduced limitations on the number of permits issued each season to climb Mount Manaslu. This can help control the flow of climbers and preserve the area.
2. Waste management rules: Plans are in place to manage the waste generated during the Manaslu expeditions. This could include requiring climbers to bring their own waste down or implementing programs for on-site waste collection and management.
3. Environmental awareness campaigns: Campaigns have been launched to raise awareness among climbers, tour operators and local communities of the need to protect the natural environment. These campaigns aim to encourage sustainable practices and educate about best trekking and climbing practices.
4. Partnering with local communities: Engaging local communities in ecotourism and sustainable development can help protect natural resources and provide incentives for conservation. This could include sharing tourism revenues with communities, promoting sustainable development projects or providing employment opportunities for locals.
5. Environmental Monitoring: Researchers and government agencies can carry out environmental monitoring activities to assess the impact of mountaineering and tourism on the Mt. Manaslu ecosystem. This data can be used to take corrective measures and adapt retention policies.
6. Adoption of sustainable climbing techniques: Climbers and guides can be encouraged to use sustainable climbing techniques to reduce impact on surrounding areas. This may include camping in designated areas, using portable toilets and implementing environmental impact minimization practices.
7. Wildlife Conservation: Mt Manaslu is also inhabited by abundant wildlife including the very rare snow leopard and other species. Conservation projects have been proposed to protect these vulnerable species and their habitats.
These are just some of the actions that can be taken to protect the environment of Mount Manaslu. Conservation of the natural environment is key to protecting the Himalayas and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of this unique region.

Guido Bissanti