MANANG: Naso Rural Municipality in Manang has launched a preliminary study to explore a new trekking route for climbing Mount Manaslu, aiming to identify a shorter and easier western approach to the 8,163-meter peak.
The study, coordinated by the rural municipality with support from the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), seeks to revive the historic Bhimthang route, which was used during the first successful ascent of Manaslu in 1956 by Japan’s T. Imanishi and Nepal’s Gyalzen Norbu.
Currently, climbers access Manaslu from the east via Arughat and Samagaun in Gorkha. The proposed alternative route would begin from Besisahar in Lamjung, pass through Dharapani, Tilche, Guwa, Suti Khola, and Yakkharka, and reach Bhimthang before joining the existing path at Camp Three—around 6,000 meters.
According to Naso Rural Municipality Chair Dhan Bahadur Gurung, if proven feasible, this route would become the shortest and most economical approach to any 8,000-meter base camp in Nepal.
Preliminary surveys, involving local guides and climbers, have collected photos and videos for analysis, though further technical assessment is required to evaluate risks such as landslides and snow conditions.
Bhimthang, located at 3,700 meters, already has 11 hotels capable of accommodating about 500 trekkers, while the entire trail hosts around 30 lodges.
Gurung expressed optimism that the study will confirm the viability of this historic route, opening a new, efficient pathway for future Manaslu expeditions and potentially boosting tourism in Manang and Lamjung.
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