Chulu West Peak Climbing -16 Days
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Chulu West (6,419 m/ 21,059 ft) is one of the most beautiful mountains of Nepal and among the favorite mountains for climbers and mountaineers.
Trip Overview
Chulu West (6,419 m/ 21,059 ft) is one of the most beautiful mountains of Nepal and among the favorite mountains for climbers and mountaineers. It is located in the northern part of the Manang District. Chulu West Peak Climbing takes you to the beautiful mountain district, Manang of Nepal. There are twin peaks in the Chulu ridge – the Chulu West and the Chulu East (6,584 m/ 21,601 ft). These peaks are a part of the Manang Himal system which in itself is a part of the even larger Damodar Himal range. The Chako Peak (6,687 m) lies to the north of the twin Chulu peaks.
The peak is encircled by rivers like Nar, Hulung, Phu, and Marsyangdi. The Kali Gandaki valley lies to the west, not far from the Chulu peaks. There are many confusions regarding the altitude of Chulu peaks and even regarding which peaks are in fact Chulu East and West peaks. This is because of the fact that the Chulu ridge peaks at many places which are similar in altitude and lead to confusion among climbers.
The Chulu peaks provide a stunning view of the mountains like Tilicho, Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. The trek starts from the mid-hills a bit further north from Besisahar, the district headquarters of the Lamjung district. Chulu West Peak Climbing walks along the banks of the gorgeous Marshyangdi river for most of the trek. The wide basin of the river is forested by trees like rhododendron, juniper, pine, fir, cedar, etc. In between these forests like wonderful villages like Chame, Manang, Kharsang, Mungji, etc.
These villages are settled by the Gurung, Tamang, Magar, and Sherpa people with the Gurung people constituting the majority of the population. These people have a unique culture and tradition which has remained intact for generations. The hospitality of the people of this region is impeccable and they consider guests as God-sent messengers. Most of the people of the region are Buddhists and we will also come across beautiful monasteries like Bodzo, Braka, and Lophelling.
The Chulu Ridge lies north of the valley of Pisang. Beyond the Chulu Peaks lies Thorong La Pass, which is one of the most adventurous high Himalayan passes in Nepal. The pass connects the district of Manang with the district of Mustang. We will enter the Kali Gandaki Valley in Mustang after crossing the Thorong La Pass. We will enter the Annapurna Sanctuary from Tatopani, which lies on the eastern mountains ridge surrounding Kali Gandaki Valley.
DETAILED ITINERARY
We will begin our tour with a drive to Besisahar, the headquarters of the Lamjung district which is located in the western part of Nepal. We will follow the Prithvi Highway up to Dumre from where we will head north towards Besisahar. The drive up to Dumre takes place along the banks of the Trishuli river. The Trishuli river originates from the valleys in the northeast part of Manang, our trek destination, and flows into the Narayani river.
After taking a 90-degree turn from Dumre, we will drive along the banks of the Marsyangdi River, which flows to our right in the opposite direction of our travel. We will see a large Hydropower Project in the Marsyangdi River as we approach the midpoint between Dumre and Besisahar. This is the second hydropower project we meet on the Marsyangdi river, with the first one encountered a few kilometers before we reached Dumre. We will stay at a guest house in Besisahar for the night.
We will begin our day with either a jeep ride or a bus ride from Besisahar. The blacktopped road ends after we drive for a short while from Besisahar. We will get introduced to the beautiful countryside with terraced fields and stone-topped houses. In between these villages lie wide stretches of forests that climb from the top of one hill to another as far as our eyes can see. The Marsyangdi river lies to our right and thunders down like a roaring lion.
There is a high suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi river just before we reach Chyamje. We will get off our couch and cross the suspension bridge. The village of Chyamje will provide us with some rest and tea. We will fill our bottles with hot water and then embark on a glorious trek towards the northern reaches of the Manang district.
The village of Tal welcomes us before we reach Dharapani. There is a beautiful waterfall near Tal where we can soak ourselves if we are interested. We will reach Dharapani after about five and a half hours of trek from Dharapani. We will rest at a guest house in Dharapani for the night.
We will begin our trek from Dharapani after breakfast. We will continue walking along the basin of the Marsyangdi River. We will see that the forest starts to get thinner and thinner as we move upwards. The western Himalayas of Nepal bears a close resemblance to its arid and surreal northern counterpart – the Tibetan Plateau. We will come across the villages of Danaque, Bagarchap, and Timing on our way to Chame.
We will reach a wide valley in the second half of the day. The valley is encircled by mountains like Manang, Tilicho, Pisang, Himchuli, and Chulu on all sides. At the heart of the valley lies the village of Chame, which is the largest settlement in the Manang district and also its administrative head. We will explore the village of Chame and rest at a guest house there.
We will embark on a gentle trek today towards Pisang through dense green forests at the banks of the Marsyangdi River which sweeps up like a carpet to the top of the surrounding hills and gets lost out of sight into adjacent valleys. We can encounter the national bird of Nepal – Danphe – at these heights during winter. If we are traveling in spring or summer the birds usually lay nest in the far northern reaches of the region which are situated at higher altitudes.
The little village of Barthang is situated on the ridge of the mountain and provides us with an opportunity to freshen up mid-trek. We will continue our journey further towards the village of Pisang after heading up from the Barthang. As we approach Pisang, the pyramid shape of the Pisang peak starts to get prominent. Pisang is a village located at the entrance of the Pisang valley. Pisang peak stands at the center of the valley. We will also get a spectacular view of other peaks like Chulu, Tilicho, Manang, and Annapurna from Pisang village.
We will begin our trek towards another trading center in the Manang district today – the namesake village of Manang. It is the second-largest village in Manang after Chame. The walk takes us through sporadic forests, grasslands, pastures, and arid mountainsides; the view changes so rapidly that we will be in awe of the possibilities of nature. If we are lucky then we can also encounter rare animals like the Himalayan blue sheep and the Himalayan tahr.
The Braka monastery lies on our way to Manang. It is the largest monastery in the district of Manang. Before we reach the Braka monastery we will see many Chortens, stupas, prayer flags, and mani walls on our way. Manang is a large village of closely tied houses. We will see traders and mule caravan jostling with pace along the thoroughfares of the village as we approach it. We will stay at a guest house in Manang for the night.
We will head towards the village of Yak Kharka today. The literal meaning of the name of the village is Yak Grazing pasture and you will see many yak grazing pastures in and around Yak Kharka. We will first come across the Jarshang river which we will cross via a wooden bridge.
We will now be moving further away from the Marsyangdi river because we will now turn full 180 degrees towards the Kali Gandaki river valley in the west, which we will enter via Thorong la Pass, before going full circle of the Annapurna Massif by entering the Annapurna Sanctuary from Tatopani, en route to Ghorepani.
Yak Kharka is a small village situated on the slope of the mountain. Herds of yaks will welcome us as we move nearer to the village. We can taste exotic Himalayan cheese and other dairy products in Yak Kharka. We will get a spectacular view of the twin peaks of the Chulu by the time we reach Yak Kharka. We will rest at a guest house in Yak Kharka for the night.
We will head towards the Chulu Base Camp today. We take the Thorong La Pass route from Yak Kharka at first. We will come across the small village of Ledar after walking from Yak Kharka. After walking for a short while from Ledar we will come at an intersection, from where the paths to Thorong La Pass and the Chulu Base Camp get separated.
We will take the path to the Chulu Base Camp which first goes over the ridge and then climbs down a little to show the majestic view of the Chulu Peaks. The Chulu Base Camp is located at a considerably high altitude compared to Yak Kharka and thus today’s part of the trek is one of the toughest, comparable with the ascent to Chulu west itself. We will either set camp or stay at a temporary teahouse in the Base Camp for the day.
We will spend the day at the Chulu West Base Camp. This will help us acclimatize for the further journey because we will be entering the altitude of above 5,000 m and 6,000 m in subsequent days. The base camp provides a wonderful view of the mountains like Chulu, Manang, Tilicho, Damodar, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.
We will learn how to use equipment like ropes, ice axes, and harnesses and take part in a team-building exercises. We will also learn how to communicate and coordinate effectively in the mountain slope. We will spend the night at the Base Camp.
Chulu High Camp is situated at 600 m higher altitude than the Chulu West Base Camp. We will take a slow but slippery walk towards the high camp following breakfast. The magnificent view of the Gangapurna peak along with gigantic peaks like Himchuli, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri is one to behold.
We will reach the Chulu West High camp after five hours of walking from Chulu West Base Camp. We will slide into our camps early because a strong and chilly wind blows in the High Camp after sunset.
We will wake much before sunrise today because our target is to summit the peak before the strong winds that blow in the mountains during mid-day. The climb must be done carefully because will need to lay ropes for the most part of the journey. Our team leaders and professional helpers will lead the way for us along the mountain slopes.
After we get to the top of the Chulu West Peak, we will see another prominent peak on the same ridge towards the east, which is the Chulu East Peak. There are numerous other peaks on the same ridge, which extends its way to the mountain in the Manang range. The Manang range goes further northwards to merge with the larger Damodar system of mountains. We will get a 360-degree view of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world from the top of Chulu peak. We will get back to the Chulu West Base Camp after the climb.
We will head towards the Thorong Phedi today. This part of the trek takes us up and down the same route, we walked yesterday and the day before up to the intersection from where the roads to the Chulu West Base Camp and the Thorong Phedi separate. We will once again come across the village of Ledar, this being the third time we have encountered the village.
As we head towards Thorong Phedi we will see snow covering most of the ground, with occasional patches of grassland and pastures being seen. If we are lucky then we can catch a glimpse of the Himalayan Blue Sheep in these areas. Thorong Phedi is situated at the base of the Thorong La Camp and will be our abode for the day.
This is the most challenging part of the trek after the ascent to Chulu West Peak. We will walk almost uphill from the base of Thorong Phedi along glacial slopes until we reach the pass. The pass is covered with prayer flags and signs rested there by travelers.
The Thorong La Pass connects the district of Mustang in the west with the district of Manang in the east. We will enter the Mustang district and head towards the village of Muktinath located on its eastern ridges. The temple of Muktinath and its famed 108 taps, bathing upon which is believed to wash away sins, is located in Muktinath.
We will drive along a road carved on the edge of high mountain cliffs today. Our target for the day is the village of Tatopani where lies the most famous natural hot water spring of Nepal. The road leading up to Tatopani provides one of the most thrilling driving experiences of your life.
We will rest at a guest house in Tatopani but before that, we will head towards the natural hot water spring and relax with a calming balm-like bath on the waters that are heated by the natural mountain system.
We will resume trek today and head towards the village of Ghorepani. Between Tatopani and Ghorepani are located sweeping green valleys of the Annapurna Sanctuary. We will walk across dense forests of rhododendron and cedar while being welcomed by chirping birds and shy animals who readily hide in bushes at the sight of humans.
We will reach the beautiful village of Ghorepani at the end of the trek. The village is settled by the local Gurung people and provides a great peek a boo into the history of the Gurung people. We will stay at a guest house in Ghorepani for the night. We also have the option of staying in homestays with the locals.
We will begin the day with a hike to the top of Poon Hill which is located near the village of Ghorepani. The top of Poon Hill provides a spectacular end-to-end view of mountains in the central and western parts of Nepal. It is ideal to reach Poon Hill before sunrise because the sight of the sun glistening against peaks like Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, HImchuli, etc. is one to behold for a lifetime.
We will get back to our hotel after enjoying the early morning view from Poon Hill. We will resume our trek after breakfast and head towards Nayapul, which is situated at the foot of the mountain. We will catch a bus from Nayapul and will be Pokhara bound with a three hour ride. We will rest at a hotel in Pokhara for the night.
We will go full circle of the Annapurna Massif, including the adventurous climb of Chulu West Peak today. We will board a tourist bus from Pokhara. Our trip will come back to square one as we reach Dumre.
We will drive back along the same route we took earlier from Kathmandu on the Prithvi Highway now. The bus will drop us at Kathmandu during mid-day. Our trip ends after you check back into your hotel.
Note above itinerary:
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Private Trip
Looking for personalized. We organize privately guided journey which is mainly designed to fit your taste and interest. Please fill out the form below to get started.
What to expect?
Price Includes
- All the ground transportation is as per the itinerary.
- Hotel in Kathmandu, inclusive breakfast at 3 stars level (1 night before trekking and 1 night after trekking).
- Meals 3 times a day( Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in trekking and climbing for you.
- Seasonable Local fresh fruits after dinner.
- Filtered water in trekking using (Katadyn Pocket Water Filter)
- Twin sharing a private comfortable room in trekking part and tented camp at climbing part.
- Trip Map.
- Domestic flight tickets from Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu, inclusive of taxes.
- First aid medical kit, Ox meter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
- An experienced, knowledgeable English Speaking Government license holder trekking guide and strong porter (1 porter for 2 people).
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, and local tax for Guide and porter.
- All necessary camping gear like two men’s tents, kitchen tent, kitchen equipment, and mattress while climbing period.
- Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All necessary paper works and national park entry permits.
- Climbing permit.
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
- Climbing equipment like ice axe, Ice crew, snow bar, and climbing rope.
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangements will be paid for by your insurance company.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All our government taxes, vat, local tax, and tourist service charges.
Price Excludes
- Extra accommodation and meals in Kathmandu (Except Farewell Dinner)
- All kinds of drinks (Hot/cold & alcoholic) in trekking.
- Personal equipment.
- Climbing boots, gaiters and jackets.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Extra personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, laundry, shower, excess baggage charges).
- Tips for trekking staffs and driver (Tipping is expected).
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.
Trip Info
The full board package includes your meals 3 times daily in trekking where as budget packages do not include meals. Please do let us know which package you would like to book we are here for your service.
TREKKING EQUIPMENTS, GEARS & SOME MEDICINES
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Light balaclava
- Warm wool hat
- UV protection one Sunglasses
- Head torch with extra batteries.
- Tshirts
- Shirts
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Thermal Vest
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Pullover
- Sports bras (women)
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Rain Coat
- Hand wear
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens or gloves.
- Long Under Wear
- Short Under Wear
- Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
- Warm Trousers
- Tracksuit pants
- Lightweight thermal trouser
- Fleece pants
- Cotton paints
- Thin inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or trail shoes
- Gaiters
- Micro spikes
- Camera and Accessories
- Phone
- Power Bank
- Solar Panel
- Travel Adapter
- Book
- Playing Cards/Games
- Journal and Pen
- Snacks and Specialist Food
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Pocket Hand Warmers
- Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Water purifier
- First Aid
- Passport and Copy
- Travel Insurance Details
- Trekking Permit(s)
- Waterproof Document Wallet
- Cash
- Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylactic tablets
- Blister treatment
- Rehydration powder
- Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Throat lozenges
- Diamox
- Duffel Bag or Suitcase
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
Good to Know
Q. Do you provide any gears for trekking?
Q. Can I rent or buy gears in Kathmandu?
Q. How much weight does porter carries?
Q. How much weight does airplane allow to Lukla?
Q. Can I take some more gears for paying extra charge?
Q. When Should I pack my gears?
Q. What equipment should I carry at Daypack?
Q. Can I store suitcase and other unnecessary gears in hotel in Kathmandu or at your office?
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc. For your kind information, we would like to give a list of the insurance companies, please inquire with them.
- USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
- Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia
- Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)
- Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe
- India: ICICI Lombard
ALTITUDE AND TEMPERATURE IN NEPAL
Altitude (in meter) & Temperature (in degree Celsius) in Nepal over 2000m/6056ft. Trekking areas are only situated over 2000meter in Nepal.
Altitude | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | ||||
March, April, May | June, July, Aug | Sept., Oct, Nov | Dec, Jan, Feb | |||||
Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | |
2000m -2500m | 27 | 5 | 29 | 9 | 25 | 2 | 20 | -2 |
3000m – 3500m | 12 | -5 | 20 | -1 | 17 | -2 | 14 | -7 |
4000m – 4500m | 10 | -7 | 14 | -3 | 12 | -7 | 7 | -10 |
4500m- 5500m | 9 | -10 | 12 | -5 | 10 | -15 | 5 | -20 |