Avalanche-Induced Closure of Manaslu Climbing Season
The 2026 autumn climbing season on Mount Manaslu, Nepal’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), has been abruptly concluded due to severe weather conditions and fatal avalanches. Despite a record number of climbers and extensive preparations, the season ended without a single summit achieved.
Record Participation and Initial Preparations
This season saw unprecedented interest, with 422 foreign climbers from 35 expedition teams obtaining permits to ascend Manaslu. The Department of Tourism reported a total of 441 climbing permits issued for the autumn season, with Manaslu accounting for the majority. (thetourismtimes.com)
Expedition teams commenced acclimatization rotations and equipment transport to higher camps. The rope-fixing team successfully established the route up to Camp III, facilitating these activities. (thetourismtimes.com)
Challenges and Fatalities
However, the season was marred by heavy snowfall and strong winds, leading to increased avalanche risk. On September 16, an avalanche struck the slope above Camp III, impacting the rope-fixing team’s progress. In response, additional Sherpa support was deployed to expedite the route-opening task. (thetourismtimes.com)
Tragically, on September 20, an avalanche at Camp III resulted in the deaths of German climber Dhruba Jyoti Guha and Nepali guide Phursemba Sherpa. The avalanche buried their tent under approximately seven feet of snow, leading to their fatalities. (everest-times.com)
Season Conclusion
By September 22, major expedition operators canceled their summit operations due to persistent snowfall, unstable snow conditions, and a high risk of avalanches. The rope-fixing team had reached the summit on September 17, but adverse weather prevented climbers from progressing beyond Camp III. (en.himalpress.com)
With forecasts predicting continued heavy snowfall, the likelihood of any climbers reaching the summit before the season’s end in early October is slim. The 2026 autumn climbing season on Manaslu has thus concluded without a single summit achieved.
Highlights:
- Récord de montañistas a la espera de coronar el Manaslu, Published on Monday, September 14