Chulu West Peak Climbing

Trip Facts
Trip Type:	Trekking and Peak Climbing
Grade:	Moderate Trekking & Technical Climbing
Max Altitude:	6,419 m/21,060 ft
Accommodation:	Tea House During Trek & Tented Camp During Climbing
Transportation :	Private Vehicle/ Flight
Group Size:	1 To 15 People
Duration :	19 Nights/20 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Climb Chulu West (6,419 m) and witness Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Damodar Range, Manaslu and other peaks.
Classical Trek to the most Diverse Annapurna Region and it's Wilderness
Witness Manaslu Range, Gangarpurna, Pisang Peak, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak and many others
Trek Into Thorong- La Pass at 5,416 m, Marshyangdhi Valley and Kali Gandaki Valley
Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple, Buddhist Monasteries and World's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge and enjoy several Waterfalls

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar/Kudi (800 m/2,625 ft)-7 Hours

Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m/4,395 ft)-6 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m/ 6,430 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,710 m/ 8,890 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Pisang (3,300 m/10,830 ft)-6 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,520 m/11,550 ft)-6 Hours

Day 09: Rest Day in Manang for Acclimatization

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,040 m/13,255 ft)- 6 Hours

Day 11: Trek to Chulu West Base Camp (4,930 m/16,175 ft)-6 Hour

Day 12: Trek to Chulu High Camp (5,530 m/18,143 ft)- 5 Hours

Day 13: Acclimatization at Chulu High Camp

Day 14: Summit Day (6,419 m/21,060 ft) and Return to Base Camp- 8/9 Hours

Day 15: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,200 m/13,780 ft)-5 Hours

Day 16: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,770 ft) & descend to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) 8 Hours

Day 17: Visit Muktinath Temple and Trek to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-6 Hours

Day 18: Fly to Pokhara-20 Minutes

Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Chulu West (6,419 m) in Manang Himal is the part of Damodar Range which was first Summited in 1952 by Japanese Team. There are Chulu West, Chulu East and Chulu Centre as a part of Chulu Massif. Centre peak is rarely operated for commercial climber and is similar to Chulu West. Chulu West is considered as the best peak to climb in the Annapurna Region and demands good physical condition and technical skills. From the summit, we get the panoramic views of Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range, Nilgirl Himal, Other peaks and Tibetan plateau.

Climbing Chulu West Peak starts with the scenic drive to Besisahar, and we trek along the Marshangdhi Valley following the Annapurna Circuit Trail. Either we can start our trek from Besisahar or from Jagat or Dharapani depending upon your time. We pass the several beautiful villages of Dharapani, Taal, Chame, Pisang with the view of diverse geography and allows us to admire many beautiful waterfalls. From Manang, we can directly trek to Yak Kharka, our base for the climbing or visit Tilicho Lake which needs extra couple of days and to Yak Kharka. From Yak Kharka, we trek to Chulu West Base Camp and to High Camp before finally submitting the Chulu West. After the summit, we have options either return back to the same trail or cross Throng La Pass (5,416 m) and trek down to Muktinath and to Jomsom.

Chulu West Peak is technical and need fixing ropes and other climbing equipment. The best season is Spring and Autumn. During our adventure, we stay at Tea Houses/Lodges till Yak Kharka and stay few nights at Tented Camp at Base Camp and High Camp.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing trek and peak climbing. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive to Besisahar/Kudi (800 m/2,625 ft)-7 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to Besisahar or Kudi along the Trishuli and Marshyangdhi River. Optional- Once we reach Chauradi, you can enjoy White Water Rafting at Trishuli River for 3 hours with beach lunch. On the middle of the way to Pokhara, from Dumre, we start driving to Besisahar on right. Besisahar is the main town of Lamjung district where your trekking permit is examined for the first time. Kudi is 30 minutes more drive from Besisahar. Kudi offers us the first glimpse of Manalsu Range.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kudi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Trek to Jagat (1,340 m/4,395 ft)-6 Hours

After breakfast, we start our trek by passing Nagdi village and a suspension bridge over Nagdi River. Nagdi is settlement of families originally from Manang Village while Taranche immediately above it, is a Gurung Village. After lunch, we follow the river of Syagne. Syangne is located at the suspension bridge crossing. A waterfall offering challenging bathing is just a few minutes from the village. The trails leads to Jagat, is a village of people with Tibetan Stocks.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jagat.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Dharapani (1,960 m/ 6,430 ft)- 6 Hours

Our trail continues towards the east bank of the Marsyangdhi River, climbing gradually except where it is necessary to cross steep ridges. The valley suddenly opens into a large plateau. In this picturesque setting at the foot of a large waterfall, is the village of Tal (1,650 m). Tal is populated by Gurungs and Tibetans. And you enter to the Manang District. In Manang, this district is called Gyasumda. From Tal, the trail rises steeply initially and then rises and falls as it cuts across mountain side to Dharapani.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Dharapani.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Chame (2,710 m/ 8,890 ft)-6 Hours

From Dharapani, our trail climbs over a forested ridge across the river from Thonje, a large village in Gyasumda (Manang), and then reaches Bagarchap (2,170 m). There is a well maintained Gompa in the upper part of the village containing many Tibetan Buddhist painting and carving. The trail now turned west into the Manang Valley. To the south, it provides a glimpse of Annapurna II and to the east, Manaslu valley. The route continues to Chame, the administrative headquarter of the district. In Chame, you may consider to enjoy Natural Hot Spring.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chame.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Pisang (3,300 m/10,830 ft)-6 Hours

We start on the trail which leads us to a small settlement of Taleku and cross a bridge to the sparsely Bartang. This former Khampa settlement is now orchard and marks the traditional boundary between the Manang area to the north and the predominantly Gurung area to the south. On the trail, we will follow rock walls to climb. After crossing the River on the north bank of Marshangdhi, we arrive at Pisang Village. From Pisang, we see the Annapurna II and Pisang Peak.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Pisang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Manang (3,520 m/11,550 ft)-6 Hours

Our path rises gradually and then more steeply from Pisang to crest of a ridge overlooking the Upper Manang valley. We follow the trail down to the flat valley floor and the Ongre. Shortly after Ongre, a bridge crossing over the Sabche River gives us a view of amphitheater formed by Annapurna III and IV. After crossing one bridge, the trail passes by Braga, a village built impressively into a cliff wall. From Braga, it is a short walk to the Manang Village from where you see prominent peaks like Gangapurna to the right of the glacier and Annapurna III to the left.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Rest Day in Manang for Acclimatization

The day must be spent in Manage village and the vicinity to acclimatize for the higher elevations to be encountered towards Thorong La Pass. There are many opportunities for interesting day excursions from Manang. It is possible to climb the ridge to the north of the village for excellent view of Annapurna IV, Annapurna II and Glacier Dome (7,193 m) or to descend from the village to the glacial lake to the foot of the huge Icefall descending from the northern slopes of Gangarpurna.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Manang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,040 m/13,255 ft)- 6 Hours

After leaving Manang, our path climbs up till we reach the hamlet of Tengi (3,642 m). From here it takes about an hour to reach Gunsang (3,850 m). From here it’s another one hour forty-five minutes uphill to Lattar (4,250 m). These Himalayan pastures are domains of Yak, a bovine of Tibetan origin, reared for its wool, milk and to transport goods. The Thar, a kind of wild goat that lives in herds, is also found here. Yak Kharka as it name means Yak Grazing fields. We can see lots of Grazing Yaks and some time group of Himalayan Thar around. From Yak Kharkha, we see the magnificent view of Annapurna III.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/ Lodge in Yak Kharka.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Chulu West Base Camp (4,930 m/16,175 ft)-6 Hour

Today we leave Yak Kharka and trek towards Ledar. Then we walk through the dense alpine forest. Before arriving at the Base Camp, we follow a trail that ascends on the steep and rough terrain. Base Camp offers the best views of mountain vistas. In the evening, our climbing team will show you some climbing skills and using ropes, harness and other climbing equipment.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Chulu West Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Chulu High Camp (5,530 m/18,143 ft)- 5 Hours

Today’s trail is little technical and challenging as we are trekking to High Altitude. We walk on rocky trail and might need to use ropes, crampons and ice-axe. We rest entire day and do the final preparation.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in High Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Acclimatization at Chulu High Camp

We stay extra night either at Base Camp or High Camp for the acclimatization.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in High Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Summit Day (6,419 m/21,060 ft) and Return to Base Camp- 8/9 Hours

Today is the great day as we are going to make the victory of Chulu West Climbing. We start early in the morning before the sun rise and negotiate with icy ridges using climbing equipments. From the top of the Peak, we will have the panoramic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Lamjung Himal, Gangaupurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Himal, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Mt, Manaslu and many other peaks along with the Tibetan plateau. After spending few times at the summit, we descend to Base Camp.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Chulu West Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,200 m/13,780 ft)-5 Hours

Today we trek on the East bank of Jarsang Khola to reach Thorong Phedi. Thorong Phedi means ‘foot of the hill’ and it is situated at a height of 4,200 m on a small hill overlooking a high plateau.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Thorong Phedi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,770 ft) & descend to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) 8 Hours

Our trail becomes steep immediately after leaving Phedi, switch backing up moraines and following rocky ridges as it ascends to the pass. The trail although steep, is well defined and easy to follow. The only complications to the crossings are the high elevation and the possibility of snow. The pass is marked with its traditional Chortens. The view from the trail and the pass itself are excellent high Himalayan scenes, the entire Great Divine with the Annapurna and Gangapurna to the south, the barren Kali Gandaki Valley and the peak of Thorong Tse in the north. The trail begins to descend in snow in winter, which gives way to interminable switchbacks down the steep rocky moraine. Finally, the moraines reach grassy slopes and the we finally descend to Muktinath.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 17: Visit Muktinath Temple and Trek to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-6 Hours

In the morning, we will Muktinath Temple, a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In one of the Temple complex, a sacred fire and spring of water glows from the ground. It is believed that who takes a bath in 108 taps within the premises suppose to be pure. After visiting Temple, we may walk down to Jomsom with beautiful landscape crossing Jharkot and Kajbeni to Jomsom. Or we have option of driving on beautiful blacktopped road.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 18: Fly to Pokhara-20 Minutes

After early breakfast, we walk to the Jomsom Airport for 20 Minutes flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, either you may rest entire day or in the late afternoon, you may consider for quick sightseeing of Pokhara City. In the evening, you may walk around The Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

After relaxing morning, we drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon and fly back to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, we will host farewell dinner to mark the great success of your Chulu West Peak Climbing.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 20: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland Arrival transfers and departure transfers with Office Representative.
3 Nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
1 Night Accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast and applicable taxes.
All Inclusive Annapurna Circuit Trek (12 Days) with breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee.
4 Nights Tented Camp, Experienced Trek Guide, Cook and Kitchen Team, porters and other necessary support team for Climbing.
Permit Fees for Chulu West Peak Climbing with all necessary paper works.
Climbing Guide and Climbing Assistant for Chulu West Peak Climbing.
Oxygen Cylinder for Emergency Use and Garbage Deposit.
High Experienced Trek cum Climbing Guide with Climbing Assistant.
Group Equipment for Climbing.
Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu by flights with all necessary transfers.
Kathmandu/Besisahar drive by Private Vehicle as per the group size.
Comprehensive First Aid Kits and Duffel Bag.
Meals, Accommodation and Insurance for Trek and Climbing.
All necessary permits for Annapurna Circuit Trek(ACAP and TIMS)
24/7 Assistance from Kathmandu Office.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fee, USD 50/- for 30 Days.
Personal Equipment for Climbing.
Personal nature of expenses like bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Tips to Guides and Porters (It is not mandatory but highly recommended).
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.