Video: The Narrow Summit Approach on Manaslu

Last week I posted a story about controversy on Manaslu involving climbers receiving summit certificates even though they hadn’t reached the true summit of the mountain. That’s because a number of climber – particularly on commercial teams – are unwilling to make the treacherous last push to the top along a very narrow and dangerous ridge.

The video below, which was shot three years ago, gives you and indication of just how narrow that approach really is. As you’ll see, there isn’t much more than empty space surrounding the path to the summit. This would be scary under the best of conditions, but add a layer of snow and ice, and it truly becomes a test of will power. The views at the top are utterly breathtaking however.

Kraig Becker