What’s Happening in Himalaya? Full Update from 8,000m Peaks

The 2025 Himalayan climbing season is underway, and the activity across the region’s highest peaks is already shaping up to be dramatic and unpredictable. While some mountains are bustling with climbers, others see more limited activity as teams plan their rotations and await approvals.

Manaslu, Photo: Siddhartha Sen

Manaslu: The Center of Activity

Manaslu is currently the busiest Himalayan 8,000-meter peak. Between 170–200 climbers are expected this season, although precise tracking is difficult due to a lack of official reports from Nepal’s Department of Tourism. Among the largest and most organized groups, Seven Summit Treks currently has 62 climbers on the mountain, supported by experienced guides.

The route is progressing rapidly, with ropes now fixed above Camp 3. The Rope Fixing Team (RFT) designated by the EOAN is expected to reach the summit by September 18, giving climbers a better chance to organize summit attempts efficiently while reducing delays, which are already beginning to occur.

Key Team Updates on Manaslu:

• Imaginenepal completed the first rotation, spending two nights on the mountain and reaching 6,600m.
  
  
• Autonomous climbers from Estonia – Kunnar Karu, Taavi Kruut, and Argo – spent September 8-12 on the slopes, reaching 6,500m after rotations between C1 and a low C2 at 6,150-6,300m.
  
  
• 7summitsclub, led by Alexander Abramov and Andrey Berezin, ascended to C1 on September 12, returned to Base Camp, and left again for a two-day rotation at C1-C2.
  
  
• agaadventures_ plans to reach C3, including the father-daughter duo Tony and Adri Brownlee, who aim to summit without supplemental oxygen.

With so many climbers on Manaslu, the mountain promises a busy and dynamic season, offering plenty of action and photo opportunities from the slopes.

Everest: Limited but Focused Activity

Meanwhile, Everest sees a more modest level of activity. Notably, skier Andrzej Bargiel has reached C1 and is scouting routes for his descent, while Tyler Andrews is attempting to break his Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the mountain. Other Everest teams have not yet reached higher camps, making updates easier to follow compared to the crowded slopes of Manaslu.

Mount Everest, Photo: Tom fly

Other 8,000m Peaks: Dhaulagiri, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma

The season is quieter on other Himalayan giants:

Makalu: Only 2 climbers are active so far.

Dhaulagiri: At least 3 teams are preparing rotations.

Cho Oyu: Teams are actively pre-acclimatizing while awaiting Chinese authorities’ approval to enter Tibet.

Shishapangma: No major updates yet, though some operators hope to move there after finishing on Cho Oyu.

As always, climbers must navigate uncertain border approvals and permits, making careful planning and acclimatization essential.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Himalayan season is shaping up to be exciting, unpredictable, and highly competitive, especially on Manaslu, where climbers push their limits. Meanwhile, other 8,000-meter peaks are quietly preparing for their summit attempts, awaiting ideal conditions and regulatory clearance.

Whether you follow the crowded slopes of Manaslu or the solitary ascents on Everest, Dhaulagiri, and Cho Oyu, this season promises plenty of drama, stunning visuals, and memorable achievements in the world of high-altitude mountaineering.