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october Himal: Manasalu
| FROM ISSUE # 155 (November 2008) | IN THIS ISSUE | |||
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Last month's Know Your Himal was Cho Oyu, and this month it is nearby Manaslu, only 10 km to the north. Manaslu is one of those eight thousanders that is wholly within Nepal, and is a part of the Gorkha Himal massif that sits at the eastern end of Manang Valley and to the west of the Budi Gandaki river. 
This year, Manaslu (8,163m) became an alternate expedition peak after the Chinese banned climbing on Cho Oyu. There have been only 33 ascents of Manalsu so far, compared to 2,600 on Cho Oyu. A record of 20 expeditions are on Manaslu this season, a mountain that was first climbed by the Japanese in 1956.
For the less adventurous, the Budi Gandaki trek that goes up the river and swings around Manaslu over Larkya Pass into Manang is one of the most adventurous and least 'touristy' hikes in Nepal today. Although arduous, the trek has spectacular scenery and shows a glimpse of Nepal as it used to be 50 years ago. The view of Manaslu from the bottom of the Budi Gandaki Valley with its unique summit pinnacle is an image that stays with you forever.
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Winner of September Quiz:
Snahya Basnyat
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Name the mountain marked by the arrow?
Send your answer to wavw[at]himalmedia.com with your name and contact address. The winner of the quiz will receive a shopping voucher worth Rs 1,000 from Singpore Enterprises, Khichhapokhari.