Manaslu

Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet), rises in Nepal’s remote Gorkha region. Its name—"Mountain of the Spirit"—reflects local reverence, though avalanches and serac falls give it a 35% fatality rate. First summited in 1956, its long ridges and hidden crevasses challenge even seasoned climbers. The surrounding Manaslu Conservation Area shelters snow leopards and Himalayan tahr, while the annual trekking circuit offers breathtaking views. A quieter alternative to Everest, it balances serenity with deadly stakes.