KATHMANDU: At least 120 foreign climbers along with more than 100 climbing Sherpas successfully scaled the world’s eighth highest peak in western Nepal in the autumn climbing season, according to expedition organisers.

Chang Dawa Sherpa, Expeditions director at Seven Summit Treks shared that at least 69 climbers including 38 foreign members from his company climbed Mt Manaslu (8,163 m) this season. Among the summiteers, a team of Chinese climbers led by Wang Ping (Sula) successfully scaled Mt Manaslu on Saturday. “Cai Yanjuan, Cui Zhouping, Gexi Yangchu, He Honghu, Lou Rijia, Qui Zu, Rui Junjian, Zhou Yan, Ze Yong and Zhang Yang along with Mingma Thinduk Sherpa, Tendi Sherpa, Phurba Dorchi Sherpa, Tenzen Sherpa, Phurtenze Sherpa and Tashi Sherpa reached the summit point,” he said.

According to him, this is the first 8,000-metre peak expedition led by Sula on Mt Manaslu. “The team leader has gained 100 percent success in his first bid,” he added.

Rishi Bhandari, Managing Director at Satori Adventures shared that at least 16 climbers including eight Sherpas from his company scaled Mt Manaslu. “Team leader Albu Radu Cornel from Romania, French climber Matter Francois Marie, Randall Matthew James, Coopwood Madrones and Springer Robert Karl from US, Mc Gill Jeannette Elizabeth from South Africa, Japanese Yamagata Taro and Bethell Brian David Glen from Canada climbed the mountain,” he said, adding that the Sherpa climbers who stood atop the peak included Mingma Temba Sherpa, Mingma Tenji Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, Pasang Ongchu Sherpa, Pas Dawa Sherpa, Pema Tshiring Sherpa, Ang Dorji Sherpa and Bhumira Gurung.

At least 12 members of China Dingfeng Adventures Manaslu Expedition handled by Asian Trekking stood atop the mountain, according to climber/sirdar Dawa Steven Sherpa. “Gong Shujie, Gu Jian, Hu Juan, Mao Hongtao, Tang Gun, Tong Jun, Wong Kuok Weng, Xie Wei, Yang Yonglin, Zhang Situo, Zhou Xinyong and Kenji Kasahara along with Dawa Steven Sherpa, Naga Dorjee Sherpa, Pemba Tshering Sherpa, Gyaluk Sherpa, Tsering Thundu Sherpa, Nawang Tenjing Sherpa, Shera Gyalzen Sherpa, Samden Bhote, Pasang Sherpa, Pasang Rita Sherpa, Sonam Tshering Paldorje Sherpa, Tshiring Tashi Sherpa, Pemba Tshering Sherpa, Ki Dorjee Sherpa and Samir Jung Thapa scaled Mt Manaslu this season.”

Pasang Sherpa, Chairman at Pioneer Adventures, informed that at least 28 climbers including 15 foreigners scaled Mt Manaslu while Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, Managing Director at Imagine Treks and Expedition, said that nine foreigners along with 10 climbing Sherpas from his company stood atop the peak last week.

Nima Namgyal Sherpa, Chairman at Kaitu Expedition, said that 18 climbers including nine foreigners scaled the mountain. Namgay Sherpa, Chairman at Grand Himalaya Treks informed that 12 foreign climbers along with 10 climbing Sherpas successfully climbed the peak. Makalu Extreme Treks, Mountain Experience, Prestige Adventure, Mount Treks Nepal and Nireka Adventure among others have also organised Mt Manaslu expeditions this season. “We are still collecting the summit details,” Damber Parajuli, managing Director at Prestige Adventure, said.

According to the Department of Tourism, 192 foreign climbers representing 18 teams obtained climbing permits to attempt to climb Mt Manaslu this season.