Jungles, pot holes and rest time – news in from Manaslu

Expedition: Manaslu Summit

Harriet Campbell

Word in from the mountain and this is how it’s been going…. make sure you scroll down for the very latest news.

The epic expedition started with a long crazy transfer over roads that were some of the worst the team has been on (that’s saying something!) to the start point in Aughat.

From there started an experience of Nepal that is different from anything even Rolfe has ever experienced in Nepal. Sticky, humid jungle trekking with breathtaking scenes of endless rivers, waterfalls, gorges and paddy fields. No glimpse of the white peak at this stage and so the notion that they will be climbing well over 8000m in a few weeks would have seemed pretty hard to imagine.

From Lho the team descended to the Damonan Khola before reascending through forests before emerging onto a large and rather desolate plateau at Shyaula, where they enjoyed incredible views of Manaslu, Himalchuli and more. Once over another ridge and across a canyon they picked their way through an expanse of moraine to emerge at the pastures of Samagaun (3,530m) that took them finally into the village itself with its large gompa, basic stores and houses – all situated at the foot of the Manaslu glacier. We’re told it’s ‘all incredibly cool and beautiful.’

Here in the shadow of the mountains the group will take a rest day and chill out – before heading up to base camp on Saturday.

It’s great to have communication with the team at this stage.  We were able to pass news to Jo that her dog (who is 13 years old) is pulling through. These small things when away from home can turn your day around and we always try to make sure that even thousands of miles from home everyone feels close to the news that matters to them.

Looking forward to the next update – wish them a safe and beautiful journey and we’ll let you know the news as we hear it.

Remember that we’re running our fantastic competition to win a Berghaus down jacket worth £240 for the duration of the Manaslu expedition. So hop over to our competition page – you’ve got to be in it to win it.

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