# Record crowds stuck at Manaslu as heavy snow delays summit

> 480 climbers wait at base camp as persistent snowfall and avalanche risk force teams down from higher camps.
- Title: Record crowds stuck at Manaslu as heavy snow delays summit
- Summary: 480 climbers wait at base camp as persistent snowfall and avalanche risk force teams down from higher camps. 480 climbers are stranded at Manaslu base camp…
- Keywords: manaslu, nepal, mountaineering, himalayas, expedition operators association nepal, pemba sherpa, gelje sherpa, mingma g, weather delays, avalanche risk, summit attempts, 8k expeditions
- Source: Gripped Magazine — https://gripped.com/news/heavy-snow-on-manaslu-hampers-summit-pushes
- Author: gripped
- Published: 2026-09-19T13:08:19+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: manaslu, nepal, mountaineering, himalayas, expedition operators association nepal, pemba sherpa, gelje sherpa, mingma g, weather delays, avalanche risk, summit attempts, 8k expeditions
## 480 climbers stuck at base camp
Snow and strong winds have trapped a record 480 foreign climbers at Manaslu base camp. They descended from higher camps after persistent snowfall began Friday.
## Route opened, then weather turned
The rope-fixing team reached the 8,163-meter summit Thursday, opening the route. But bad weather immediately forced everyone back down.

> More climbers were supposed to head for the summit today, but the weather turned foul
## Avalanche buried fixed ropes
An avalanche above Camp III swept away sections of fixed rope three days before the route was completed. Some tents have collapsed under the snow.

> some tents have collapsed under the snow
## Congestion concerns mount
A similar number of high-altitude guides and support staff are accompanying the 480 climbers. Recent photos show long lines on sections of the route.
## Bay of Bengal system looms
Climbers are watching for a weather window around September 21 to 23. A developing system over the Bay of Bengal could bring more snow to the Himalayas.

> Heavy snowfall is possible during this period, or there could be no effect at all, depending on its eventual track
## Forecast remains uncertain
The cyclone's track may change in the next five to six days. It may not affect the mountains at all, depending on how it moves.

> It may not affect the mountains at all. It depends on how it moves.
## Key takeaway

480 climbers are stranded at Manaslu base camp due to heavy snowfall and avalanche concerns, waiting for a weather window around September 21-23.