KATHMANDU: Preparations for Nepal’s autumn mountaineering season have moved into a new phase on Mt. Manaslu, with the Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN) rope-fixing team opening the climbing route and fixing ropes to approximately 200 metres above Camp I.

The route-fixing work was completed on Tuesday, September 1, allowing expedition operators to begin transporting equipment and supplies to Camp I and make further preparations for the climbing season.

The development comes as expedition operators step up preparations for autumn climbs despite the devastating Bhotekoshi floods of August 26, which severely affected tourism businesses, travellers and support workers in the Rasuwa-Nuwakot corridor.

Manaslu, at 8,163 metres, is expected to be one of the main focuses of Nepal’s autumn climbing season, with around 400 foreign climbers anticipated to attempt the mountain. The number is expected to be boosted by China’s closure of mountaineering on Cho Oyu and Shishapangma for 2026.

Expedition agencies have already begun moving logistics to Manaslu Base Camp, while foreign climbers have started arriving in Kathmandu for their autumn expeditions.

The EOAN rope-fixing team has been working on establishing the route ahead of the arrival of expedition groups at higher camps. With the route now fixed above Camp I, operators can proceed with the next stage of transporting supplies and equipment and organising camps.

Major expedition operators, including Seven Summit Treks, 8K Expeditions, 14 Peaks Expedition, Satori Adventure, Imagine Nepal Treks, Elite Exped, Glacier Himalaya Treks, Himalayan Guides Nepal, Shangri-La Nepal Treks and Asian Trekking, are among those preparing for the season.

The Department of Tourism has also begun issuing permits for autumn expeditions. The government charges a royalty of USD 3,000 per foreign climber for Mt. Manaslu during the autumn season.

Expedition operators expect summit attempts on Manaslu to begin around the third week of September, depending on weather, route conditions and progress in establishing higher camps.

The reopening of the route above Camp I marks an important operational step for the autumn season, as Nepal’s mountain tourism industry seeks to maintain expedition activity while continuing to deal with the wider impact of the recent floods.