Clone of Are You Everest-Ready?

  • Are You Manaslu-Ready?

    The CTSS Expedition Readiness Test

  • At 8,163 meters, Manaslu is the world's eighth-highest peak and one of the great Himalayan expeditions in its own right. Six weeks in a remote corner of Nepal, moving through technical terrain at extreme altitude, with a Sherpa team that knows this mountain deeply. It's a serious undertaking and a remarkable one.

    For climbers with Everest on the horizon, Manaslu is also the smartest investment you can make. Nepal's proposed legislation requiring a 7,000-meter summit within Nepal before an Everest permit appears increasingly likely to become a reality, and the qualifying climb must occur in the season before. Manaslu satisfies that requirement and then some, while putting you on Everest better prepared than most.

    Our CTSS Everest Readiness Test will help you measure where you stand across the six areas that matter most: fitness and endurance, technical skills, big mountain experience, expedition mindset, gear systems, and your No Dckheads* factor.

    Instructions: 

    • For Sections 1 - 5, rate yourself on each statement from 1 (Not at all true) to 5 (Absolutely true).

    • For Section 6 (Pre-Requisites & Experience), check all that apply. Each selection adds points toward your total. In addition, please add addition details about your experience below so we can make recommendations tailored to you. 

    • Your answers will be scored automatically, giving you a result out of 100 points and showing which category you fall into.

  • Section 1: Fitness & Endurance

    Manaslu is a serious 8,000-meter expedition. You need to be able to sustain long physical days, 8+ hours on the mountain, repeatedly at altitude. Traditional gym routines aren't enough; your training has to mirror what you'll actually be doing.

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  • Section 2: Technical Skills

    Manaslu requires solid cramponing skills and familiarity with glacier and fixed-line climbing. You will be moving on steep snow and ice, through technical terrain, at extreme altitude. Experience is required.

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  • Section 3: Expedition Mindset

    Manaslu is six weeks in a remote and rugged Himalayan environment. The mountain decides the schedule. Patience, adaptability, and psychological resilience are not optional, and the summit is never guaranteed.

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  • Section 4: Gear Systems

    At 8,000-meters, every system has to work. Your boots, down suit, glove setup, and layering system must be tested and dialed before you arrive. Gear failures at altitude can end a climb or cause serious injury.

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  • Section 5: No D*ckheads Factor

    Six weeks at altitude will test even the strongest relationships. Manaslu is no place for egos. The best teams operate with humility, mutual support, and a genuine desire to see each other succeed.

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  • Section 6: Big Mountain Experience:

    Manaslu is an intermediate-to-advanced expedition. Previous experience at altitude on glaciated terrain and in expedition-length environments is expected.

    Check all that apply:

  • I have completed an Ecuador Volcanoes program (Cotopaxi, Cayambe, and/or Chimborazo) or climbed other large glaciated peaks that involve extensive cramponing and rope team travel.*
  • I have climbed Denali, Vinson, or an equivalent lengthy high-altitude expedition that requires weeks in a tent at altitudes of 16,500 ft / 5,000 m.*
  • I have climbed Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, or an equivalent 7,000-meter (or more) peak to gain experience at extreme altitudes.*

  • Ready to see your score?

    Enter your email address below to unlock your Everest Readiness results, along with a personalized plan for your next steps.

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