Conquering Dreams: The Manaslu Expedition Experience

4th Oct, 2024

In 2012, a 45-year-old mountaineer from the Czech Republic named Lukas Novak found himself standing at the base of the towering Himalayan giants, having just completed the Everest Base Camp trek. The breathtaking views and the raw majesty of the mountains ignited a spark within him—a longing to reach new heights, both literally and figuratively. Inspired by the towering peaks surrounding him, Lukas envisioned climbing an 8000-meter peak. After returning to his home in Prague, he reached out to Kedar Neupane, Managing Director of Actual Adventure Treks and Expedition, eager to join an upcoming expedition to Manaslu.

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The Preparation

In the spring of 2025, after months of training and preparation, Lukas flew to Nepal. From the moment he arrived, the warm hospitality of the Kathmandu locals and the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas captivated him. He eagerly attended a group meeting at Hotel Moonlight, where he met a diverse group of climbers from different parts of the world: Sarah from the Netherlands, Marko from Slovenia, Jana from Slovakia, Pierre from France, Ania from Poland, Rohan from India, and David from Israel. Each climber brought their own stories, dreams, and ambitions, creating a vibrant tapestry of camaraderie and shared passion for adventure.

The Expedition Itinerary

September 1-2, 2025: Arrival in Kathmandu
Lukas arrived in Kathmandu, where he settled in at Hotel Moonlight. The team gathered for briefings and equipment checks.

September 3, 2025: Drive to Besishar
The journey began with a scenic drive to Besishar, where the lush landscapes and terraced fields revealed the beauty of rural Nepal.

September 4-5, 2025: Trek to Samagaon
The group started their trek, passing through charming villages, lush forests, and witnessing the breathtaking views of Manaslu in the distance.

September 6, 2025: Arrival at Manaslu Base Camp
The team finally reached Manaslu Base Camp, where they began to acclimatize and prepare for the summit. Excitement filled the camp amongst the climbers, who started to form tight bonds over meals and shared stories around the fire.

September 7-20, 2025: Acclimatization and Preparation
The following days were dedicated to acclimatizing. Lukas and his team set their sights on Camps 1, 2, and 3. Every ascent brought its own challenges, but Lukas thrived in the beauty of the mountains. The experience strengthened the team spirit, with everyone encouraging one another.

September 21, 2025: Rest Day
Anticipation hung in the air as the team took a crucial rest day, mentally and physically preparing for the summit push. Lukas felt a mix of excitement and nervousness; the mountain awaited.

The Summit Attempt

On September 22, the climbers set out to reach the summit. However, halfway up the trek, Lukas began to feel unwell. A nagging illness swept over him, causing doubts to creep into his mind. Despite the fatigue and the fear of failure, he resolved to fight through the sickness. The summit of Manaslu represented not just a physical challenge, but a culmination of dreams and aspirations he had nurtured for years.

After a tough couple of days battling with weakness, Lukas found himself gearing up again for the final summit push. On September 25, against all odds, he stood atop Manaslu, 8,163 meters above sea level. Overwhelmed by the beauty and challenge of the Himalayan peak, he exclaimed, “The mountains are beautiful, but they are not easy.” The achievement filled him with profound respect for the mountains and the journey.

Reflection and Recommendations

After descending safely back to Base Camp, Lukas took his time to reflect on the expedition. His experience with Kedar Neupane and Actual Adventure was nothing short of exemplary. He couldn’t help but recommend them to any adventurer considering a similar journey:

Professionalism: Kedar and his team displayed exceptional professionalism, ensuring that all aspects of the expedition were meticulously planned and executed.
Support System: The camaraderie fostered by the guides created an incredible support system that encouraged climbers during difficult moments.
Safety Measures: The emphasis on safety, particularly during acclimatization and summit attempts, made climbers feel secure.
Culinary Delights: The food provided was another highlight, catering to diverse palates and boosting morale throughout the trek.

As Lukas returned home to the Czech Republic, his heart was forever captured by the allure of the Himalayas. The experience had changed him, and he decided that climbing would not just be a hobby; it would become a lifelong passion. With the lessons learned on Manaslu, he was now prepared for whatever mountains lay ahead, knowing each ascent would come