Where Is the Top? Drone Images Settle the Manaslu True-Summit Question
| Event date | Late September 2021 |
|---|---|
| Location | Manaslu summit ridge (fore-summit vs. true summit) |
| Type | Major historical event; route and records |
| Verification | Verified |
| Status | Resolved; most commercial teams now aim for the true summit |
For years many commercial climbers photographed their “summit” on Manaslu from a fore-summit a short distance below and before the true high point, which sits at the end of a narrow, corniced ridge. Research published by 8000ers.com had already raised the issue, but the question became impossible to ignore in autumn 2021.
A team led by Mingma Gyalje Sherpa (Mingma G) reached the true summit by a variation that drops off the fore-summit, traverses and then climbs steeply to the top. Drone footage flown by Jackson Groves, who himself stopped at the fore-summit, showed clearly how far apart the two points are. Since then, most operators have fixed ropes to the true summit, and the difference matters to anyone claiming all fourteen 8,000-metre peaks.
Sources
- Explorersweb — "Mingma G Makes It! Manaslu True Summit Video"
- Mark Horrell — drone photos of the summit of Manaslu
- Outside — "The Debate Over Manaslu's Summit Is Over"
Last reviewed 29 September 2026. Written in Merolog’s own words from the sources listed; where sources disagree, each figure is attributed rather than merged. Spotted an error or a newer figure? Leave a comment on this entry.