Himalchuli is a huge snow-covered mountain of 7,893 m in the Mansiri Himal. It is the eighteenth highest peak in the world, and it dominates the first days of the Manaslu Circuit with its long, jagged summit ridge.
A wall of snow
Himalchuli does not have a single sharp point. It is a massif with several tops, and the main summit is 7,893 m (25,896 ft). From the lower valleys it looks like a wall. Its southern face is among the longest in Nepal.
Where it stands
The peak lies in the Gorkha district, in the Gandaki Province, in the same range as Manaslu and Ngadi Chuli. The Budhi Gandaki river flows to its east, and the circuit trail follows the valley.
First ascent
The first ascent was in 1960. Since then it has been climbed only a few times, because of its difficulty and the heavy avalanche danger.
Seeing it
Views are good from the lower part of the Manaslu Circuit, in villages like Machha Khola and Jagat. Clear mornings near Arughat give wide views. See the Manaslu Circuit guides.
Difficulty
The mountain is steep and exposed, and it needs a well-organised expedition. It is far beyond trekking peak level.
Relation to Ngadi Chuli and Manaslu
The massif stands beside Ngadi Chuli and the main peak of Manaslu. Together they form one of the great groups in Nepal.
Common questions
Can I see Himalchuli on the Manaslu Circuit? Yes. Is it climbed often? No. Is it higher than Annapurna II? No, Annapurna II is higher.
The start of the Manaslu journey
The Manaslu Circuit begins in warm, lower country along the Budhi Gandaki. As you walk north, the valley narrows and the mountains rise. Himalchuli shows itself in glimpses at first, between the ridges, and then in full from higher villages.
A restricted area
The Manaslu region requires special permits and a licensed guide. This helps to protect the area and the culture of its people. We arrange all permits for you.
Wildlife and forests
The lower valley has forests of oak and rhododendron, with many birds. Higher up, the terrain opens into alpine meadows. If you are lucky, you may see Himalayan tahr on the hillsides.
Time to go
Autumn is the main season, with clear skies. Spring offers rhododendron blooms.
More questions
How high is Himalchuli compared with Manaslu? About 270 m lower. Is it hard to see? From the lower circuit it appears in clear spells. Does the circuit go near its base? The trail runs well to the east, so you see it from a distance.
Photographing a big massif
A massif this wide is hard to fit into one frame. Use a wide lens early in the morning when the air is clear, and take a few overlapping images that you can stitch together later. Include a village or a bridge for scale, because the size of the mountains becomes clear only with something small beside them.
