원정 개요

BC at normal site
C1 on NE ridge
C2 at normal C3 on NE Ridge.

Didn't go to NE Col but went directly up from 5650m on normal route via line through icefall and crevasses and steep slope but shorter (would not want to carry heavy losses here). No one else on the mountain at this time. 4th May started for top from C2 at 2:30 am in little wind, hard snow and full moon. 10:30 am on summit via traverse around false summit done far to right and then back left to true top. Could see body of Swiss from '95 (Joos expedition). Had problem to get to C2 in afternoon in whiteout snow falling and being blown around. Viesturs had insisted on taking words on ascent at traverse and they made descent "much easier"; had to wait from time to time for weather to clear briefly. Got to C2 at 2:20 pm and stayed night there despite intention to go lower. Down to BC 5 May.

"Were very happy about climbs," says Viesturs. "It was a real adventure" with no one else around much of the time doing our route. Climbing Manaslu, having good climbing conditions, perfect weather.