Manaslu is a mountain located in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is the eighth highest peak in the world, standing at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet) above sea level. The name "Manaslu" is derived from the Sanskrit word "manasa," which means "intellect" or "soul." In Nepali, it is pronounced as "mah-nahs-loo," with the emphasis on the first syllable.

The history of Manaslu's exploration and climbing dates back to the early 20th century, but it wasn't until 1956 that the first successful ascent was made by a Japanese expedition led by Toshio Imanishi and Gyalzen Norbu. Since then, Manaslu has become a popular destination for mountaineers, although it still sees fewer climbers compared to some of the other eight-thousanders due to its remote location and challenging climbing conditions.

In recent years, Manaslu has gained popularity as an alternative to Mount Everest for those seeking to climb one of the world's highest peaks. It offers a quieter and less crowded experience compared to Everest, with equally stunning views and challenging terrain. However, climbers must still be prepared for the extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions that are characteristic of the Himalayas.