Preparations for the autumn 2026 Manaslu climbing season have gained momentum, with the route-opening and rope-fixing team of the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN) completing route preparation and rope fixing up to Camp III on September 10, 2026.
The latest progress means expedition operators can now begin acclimatization activities for their climbers at Camp I, Camp II and Camp III, while also transporting essential equipment and supplies to the respective camps. EOAN has requested expedition operators to make the necessary arrangements and preparations accordingly as the climbing season progresses.
Route-Fixing Team Working from Manaslu Base Camp
According to Rishi Ram Bhandari, General Secretary of EOAN, route construction and rope-fixing work from Manaslu Base Camp toward the higher sections of the mountain is progressing. The team has already transported essential food supplies, tools, and other equipment required for route preparation to Base Camp. By September 8, the team had completed route opening and rope fixing up to an area slightly below Camp II. The work has continued despite challenging conditions in the high-altitude environment.
Poor Visibility and Changing Weather Slow Progress
Bhandari said that although route-fixing activities are progressing satisfactorily, changing weather conditions, cloudy skies and extremely poor visibility have created difficulties in maintaining the expected pace of work. Materials required for route construction have also been transported up to Camp II, while preparations are underway to move additional equipment toward the higher camps once weather conditions improve. The climbing and route-fixing teams are currently taking rest at Base Camp, according to EOAN.
Camp IV Route Targeted by September 13
If weather and mountain conditions remain favorable, the association has set a target of extending the route-fixing work up to Camp IV by September 13. However, EOAN said the timing of route preparation above Camp III will depend heavily on weather and snowfall conditions.
The section from Camp III to Camp IV and onward to the summit may not be completed immediately if conditions are likely to bring significant snowfall. Fixing ropes too early could result in them being buried under snow, creating additional difficulties for climbers and requiring the ropes to be managed or re-fixed.
Weather Conditions to Determine Further Rope Fixing in Manaslu
EOAN said it will therefore assess the weather and snowfall conditions before advancing the route-fixing operation toward Camp IV and the summit. The association emphasized that the work will be taken forward at the most appropriate time, considering both the safety of the route-fixing team and the practical conditions of the mountain.
With the route now prepared up to Camp III, expedition operators can proceed with acclimatization and the transportation of necessary equipment to the lower camps while awaiting further progress toward the higher sections of Manaslu.
