Chulu West Peak Climbing

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will await you with a board with your and our company’s names. As you finish all formalities at the airport, you will meet our team members. Our representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel safely.

After checking in at a hotel, you can freshen up and rest. In the evening, you can come to our office for the journey briefing. However, we are okay with visiting your hotel as well.

The journey to Chulu West peak climbing began with a warm breakfast at your hotel and driving towards Chame from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu to Chame follows the Prithivi Highway alongside the Trishuli River. The condition of the road from Kathmandu to Besisahar is paved and well-maintained. However, the road becomes rugged from Besisahar to Chame with a gravel road.

You’ll have a scenic drive on a bus from Kathmandu to Besisahar. From Besisahar, you’ll change the transportation and drive towards Chame on a shared jeep. A bus from Kathmandu takes 4-5 hours to get to Besisahar. Navigating through the traditional villages of Dharapani and Jagat and terraced fields while following the Margsyandi River, you’ll get to Chame at 2710m. The drive from Besisahar to Chame takes another 4-5 hours in a jeep. Your dinner and overnight stay are at the tea house of Chame.

With the chirping sound of birds and crisp air, you will wake up in the Annapurna region. After finishing a hearty meal, the trekking journey begins towards Pisang. Leaving Chame, trekkers start waking alongside the river of Marsyangi river and green fields before trekking through the dense forest of Pine. You’ll reach Bhratang village with a one-hour hike, known for its apple farm. From there, the journey continues with a stunning view of mountain peaks and reaches the day’s final destination, Pisang, at 3300m.

The trek from Chame to Pisang takes 5-6 hours and covers approximately 14km. The trail passes through beautiful landscapes, from pine forests to rivers and unobstructed mountain vistas. The trekking paths involve gradual ascent and descent and some steep ascent. Your overnight stay and dinner are at the tea house of Upper Pisang.

With an early breakfast, you will set foot for Manang, which has a view of the Annapurna massif. From Pisang, there are two different routes to reach Manang; one is via Humde, and another is via Ghyaru and Nawal village. However, we’ll take a route through Ghyaru and Nawal village.

A tough, steep climb from Pisang takes you to Ghyaru village, which provides gorgeous views of Mount Annapurna and Pisang Peak. Another gentle walk from Ghyaru takes you to Nawal village, where you’ll have lunch. After lunch, the trail leads to Braga village, famous for Baga Gompa, which is 500 years old. A short hike from Braga village takes you to Manang at 3540m. The trek from Pisang to Manang takes 6-7 hours. Your night’s meal and night stay is at the tea house of Manang.

The fifth day is acclimatization and exploration day at Manang village. Altitude-related issues are a concern as you get to 2500m, and Manang is already above 3000m. Thus, Manang is the ideal place for acclimatization.

There are two different Manang villages; one is Upper Mannag, and the other is Lower Mannag. While staying at Lower Manang, you will visit numerous monasteries on the acclimatization day. On the day, you will have a short hike to the area 500m above the lower Manang. You will go explore Bojo Gompa and Bravel Gompa to acclimate. Mountain peaks, including Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himalayan Peak, are superb during your hike.

Some people also prefer to go to Milerapa Cave for a day hike; however, we don’t suggest you go there as it is a long distance away. Similarly, some people like to visit the frozen lake (also known as Gangaurna Tal) and hike up to the forest above the lake on the acclimatization day. From there, you can appreciate the view of Pisang Peak and Chulu East.

Moreover, on acclimatization day in Manang, trekkers can interact with locals and learn about their culture and traditions. After a short day hike, you will return to your tea house in Manang for overnight accommodation and a night meal.

With the fresh energy of the previous day’s acclimatization, you’ll enter Ledar village at 4200m. You will depart from Manang after a pleasant morning meal at the tea house. To continue their journey to Ledar, trekkers must check their permits at the ACAP office in Manang. The trail follows Thorung Khola until Yak Kharka and Kone Khola before reaching Ledar.

As you leave Manang and climb, the mesmerizing mountain views, meandering rivers, lakes, and beautiful settlements will amaze you. Passing through Thangki, you will reach Gunsang village and take a short break there. Then, the walk continues with spectacular vistas of snow-covered peaks. After crossing the suspension bridge several times, you’ll reach Yak Kharka and the day’s destination, Ledar. The trek from Manang to Ledar takes 4-5 hours. Overnight lodging and dinner are at Ledar’s tea house.

The challenging part begins on day seven. After breakfast at Leder, you’ll hit the trail and move towards Chulu West Base Camp, at an elevation of 4900m. The trek from Ledar to Chulu West Base Camp consists of a steady ascent with some steep sections.

Indeed, the trek includes high altitude challenges, yet the close view of Mountain peaks upon reaching the Base camp will reduce all the tiredness faced during the walk. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges will surround you as you reach the final destination. As there are no settlements in the Base Camp, our team will fix a tented camp for your night stay, and our cook will prepare food for you. It takes 5 hours to reach Chulu West Base Camp from Ledar.

The eight-day hike is the final point before climbing to the summit of Chulu West Peak. You’ll start hiking towards High Camp from the Base Camp of Chulu. The trek involves a steep climb with sections of open scree and rocky paths, making it relatively challenging. The higher you climb, the more rugged the landscape becomes, but with the motivating sight of Mountain ranges.

A 5-6 hour climb with stunning views of the Annapurna ranges, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, and Lamjung Himal takes you to High Camp at 5530m. Your night stay is at a tented camp.

The day is the most awaited in the expedition as it takes you to the summit of the Chulu West. The day is long and adventurous, so be ready for the excursion. With a packed lunch, you’ll head towards Chulu West summit early in the morning. The trail ascends to the technical sections requiring crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes.

Reaching the summit at 6419m provides a feeling of triumph. The sun rises, and its rays on the mountain ranges will create a magical moment. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges will congratulate you on your achievement. You can take time to enjoy the spectacular beauty there. After appreciating the beauty of the summit of Chulu, you will descend to Chulu Base Camp. The trek is about 9-10 hours long. Your overnight stay is at a tented camp in a base camp.

Our tenth-day excursion begins with a hearty morning meal at Chulu Base Camp, made by our cook. After breakfast, the journey descends from base camp via rocky paths. Enjoying the majestic views of the surrounding peaks and transforming landscape, a 5- 6 hour walk takes you to Phedi via Ledar. Your dinner and overnight rest are at the village of Phedi, at 4450m.

The day takes you to the most significant pass in the world, Thorong La, at 5413m. However, the final destination of the day is Muktinath village. You’ll start your hike early in the morning before sunrise. The trek from Phedi to Thorung La includes a winding trail. From Phedi, the trail moves to High Camp via a rocky and steep trail.

The challenges increase from High Camp due to the high altitude and steep rise. However, the sunrise view of breathtaking mountain peaks will give you a feeling of accomplishment upon getting to Thorong La. The mountain peaks of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Manaslu, and other surrounding peaks are mesmerizing from the summit of Thorong La.

After enjoying the view from Thorong La, you’ll descend to Muktinath at an elevation of 3800m. Muktinath’s warmer temperature and lower elevation provide relief after the adventurous walk. The trek from Phedi to Muktinath via Thorung La takes 7-8 hours. Overnight lodging and Supper are at Muktinath’s tea house.

Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800m) is a popular returning route on the Annapurna circuit. In the morning, you will visit Muktinath temple and have breakfast. After finishing a morning meal, you’ll start climbing down to Kagbeni. The trail descends through beautiful small settlements, including Jharkot and Khingar.

On the way, you can see ancient monasteries and traditional Tibetan-style houses. Also, the walking section offers a pleasant view of numerous mountain ranges. The trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni takes two and a half hours. Your overnight and evening meal is at Kagbeni’s tea house.

You’ll say goodbye to Kagbeni and descend towards Jomsom village. Your descent begins after a warm breakfast at Kagbeni. The trail from Kagbeni to Jomsom follows the riverside of Kaligandaki and offers an astonishing view of the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge. Ekle Bhatti and Marpha are notable villages you will pass through before reaching Jomsom. It takes 2-3 hours to reach Jomsom from Kagbeni, overnight, and dinner at Jomsom.

With a warm breakfast, you go will to Jomsom airport. Saying goodbye to the Annapurna area, you’ll fly to Pokhara from Jomsom. The flight provides a bird’s gaze view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The 25-minute flight takes you to Pokhara. You will have much time during the day to utilize it to visit the nearby areas of Pokhara, including Lakeside. You can enjoy your evening meal at the hotel/restaurant of Lakeside— the night’s stay is at Pokhara’s hotel.

Say goodbye to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast. You’ll drive back through Prithivi highway, enjoying a view of rural villages, winding roads, and green hills. During the drive, you can also enjoy the meandering river of Trishuli. A 6-7 hours drive takes you to Kathmandu.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you can relax at your hotel and roam around the nearby areas in the evening. Then, have dinner and overnight stay at the Kathmandu hotel.

The expedition to Chulu West peak climbing ends, and it’s hard to bid you farewell. If you have time, you can take another trip. Otherwise, with the hope of meeting you again, we will drop you off at the airport for your onward destination after breakfast at the hotel.

Note: Check-out time is noon. (noon)