Region
Annapurna
Grade
Modrate
Duration
21 Days
Accomodation
Hotel, Lodge, Camp
Group size
2 - 15 People
Best Seasons
(Sep-Oct-Nov) & (March-April-May)
Maximum Altitude
6419m
Trip Type
Budget Travel, Nature Walk, Weekend Trips

Overview

Chulu West, 6419m, is an exciting challenge for both experienced trekkers as well as amateur climbers. Although it is technically more straight-forward than peaks such as Chulu East, which has a sharp steep summit, Chulu West requires more stamina to make the long tough slog through the snow to reach the summit. Proper acclimatization is the key to endure the extended time required to complete this climb. Chulu West Peak’s location in the Annapurnas, it’s height and its moderate difficulty put Chulu up there as one of the best trekking peaks in Nepal. The summit view is incredible: to the South is the panoramic Himalayan range, and to the North are Tibet and China.

This trekking-climbing trip starts at Besi Sahar and follows the Mini Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail into the Marsyangdi Valley to reach the north side of the Annapurna Massif. We leave the Annapurna Circuit trail at Yak Kharka, beyond the village of Manang, to follow a yak trail into a barren uninhabited land with little vegetation. We will spend a couple of nights at the base camp of Chulu West to acclimatize and practice climbing techniques needed for the summit.

We make at least one, and possibly two, high camps and cover rugged terrain on rocks and frozen ice to reach the summit. The first part requires fixed ropes, but the final climb to the summit is long and gradual which is more tiring if the snow is soft. After enjoying the summit view, we return to the (lower) high camp on the same day. Leaving High Camp we descend to Thorung Phedi and then face another tough ascent to the Thorung La Pass, 5416 m, which touches the edge of the legendary Tibetan plateau. We then descend into the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki valley, reaching a famous pilgrimage site, Muktinath, where there are a number of Hindu and Buddhist temples.

Trip Profile

Mera peak climbing highest trekking peak in Himalayas
Expedition style tented climbing trip Mera
All person and group climbing gear Provided including the La sportiva climbing boots.
All camping gear including EXPED matrres
Full board meals prepared by expedition cook
Experienced climbing guide
Trek and climbing permit to Lukla flight.

Day 01 :

Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you'll meet and transfer for welcome dinner.

Day 02 :

Trip preparation day

After breakfast, we will meet to check your clothing and trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking boots). This evening will be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 03 :

Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat 1300m/7-8hours

We leave early in the morning to avoid traffic as the highways are usually full of traffic. We will get a beautiful view along the way next to some fast rivers which host adventurous activities such as rafting and canoeing. We will pass the Trishuli and Marsyangdi River as we reach the village of Jagat from where we will begin our trek. Overnight stay at a lodge at Jagat.

Day 04 :

Trek from Jagat to Dharapani 1860m/5-6hours,

After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Dharapani. Crossing small villages with quaint settlements and moving through fields, we will reach Dharapani. There is also a waterfall along this way, which is very popular among locals and tourists. We pass through villages like Chyamche, Tal, and Karte to arrive at Dharapani. Overnight stay at a lodge at Dharapani.

Day 05 :

Trek from Dharapani to Chame 2670m/5-6hours,

As we reach the first hour of the hour, we will be pretty close to getting the initial view of Annapurna II. We will be walking on some steep trails through forests and some rocky landscapes that run parallel to the Marsyangdi River. The prayer flags can be seen fluttering as we get the unique setting of Tibetan villages as we enter Chame. Overnight stay at a lodge at Chame.

Day 06 :

Trek from Chame to Lower Pisang 3200m/5-6hours,

Along the narrow steep trail, we will make our way to Pisang. The trail is through dense pine forests along the Marsayangdi River. We will be able to see beautiful apple orchards and small tea shops in the stone houses. We will cross a suspension bridge and get a view of the Pisang Peak (6091m) and other ranges of the Himalayas. Overnight stay at a lodge at Lower Pisang.

Day 07 :

Trek from Lower Pisang to Manang Village 3540m/5-6hours,

We will continue to ascend today to the village of Manang. We will notice a change in the scenery as this landscape becomes drier. We will also see fields of various crops swaying to the wind, and also witness Yaks grazing on the pasturelands. We can sense strong Buddhist faith in the area as the village welcomes us with a fair number of monasteries. Overnight stay at a lodge at Manang.

Day 08 :

Acclimatization Day and exploring village and lakes,

Acclimatization is key for successful completion of any trek. We will stay in Manang today and explore the surrounding areas. We will spend the day strolling around the village and take short hikes enjoying gorgeous landscapes. The village is a beautiful treat and has a cluster of flat-roofed stone houses. The Chulu East (6429m), Chulu West (6,419m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,454m) can be seen from the village. Overnight stay at a lodge at Manang.

Day 09 :

Manang to Leder [4200m/13,776ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

From Manang, we continue through alpine landscapes with high altitude vegetation and forests. A gradual ascent takes us to Yak Kharka and then to our camp. Our today's camp area is most used as the alpine pasture by the local people. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 10 :

Leder to Chulu West Base Camp [4900m/16,072ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

Today, we continue our trekking from Leder to Chulu West Base Camp. From the Base Camp, we can enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas. We may also like to discover the surrounding areas. At this point, we will set up our camp for overnight stay. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 11 :

Chulu West base camp to camp I [5100m/16,728ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

From the Chulu Base Camp, we continue hiking towards Camp I. The route is not that technical. But it would be better to remember that we are climbing on high altitudes. At this juncture we relish the magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna and Lamjung Himal. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 12 :

Rest & Acclimatization at Camp I

Today will be the rest and acclimatization day at Camp I. While we rest at camp I, the climbing leaders and other staff make way to Camp II and supply the equipment for the camp. Later, they return back to Camp I. We may rest and if interested walk around Camp I. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 13 :

Camp I to Camp II [5,530m/18,143ft]: 4 - 5 hrs

Today, we leave camp I and continue climbing the rock band to Camp II. The route is not that technical but we may have to use ropes, crampons, and ice-axe. We set up Camp II at 5,530m /18,143ft. Some visitors also attempt the summit directly from Camp I. However, since the climb is relatively straightforward from Camp II until the summit, we make an overnight stay at Camp II for proper rest and acclimatization. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 14 :

Summit Chulu West [6419m/21,055ft] and back to Camp I: 9 - 10 hrs

It is our summit day, and it is going to be a long day. Therefore, we would wake up much earlier today. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are so tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. After summit we return back to Camp I. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 15 :

Camp I to Leder: 5 - 6 hrs

From Camp I, our return path descends all the way to Leder. While descending, we enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna and other peaks. We make our overnight stay at Leder and celebrate the summit of Chulu West Peak. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 16 :

Contingency Day

There is no such guarantee that we can get quite favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. So this day is used as a contingency in case we are unable to summit the Chulu West Peak on the scheduled date due to bad weather conditions or some other reasons. Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough to make the ascent. Since. the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner.

Day 17 :

Leder to Thorong Phedi [4450m/14,596ft]: 3 - 4 hrs

Today, we will clean up the base camp and head for Thorong Phedi. It is going to be mostly an easy way to walk downhill. However, we should not forget that we are still in a high elevation area. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 18 :

Thorong Phedi - Thorong Pass [5416m/17,765ft] - Muktinath [3,800/12,467ft]-Jomsom [2,715m/8,910ft]: 7 - 8 hrs trek and 2 hrs drive

At the beginning, we will cross the famous high pass of Thorong La today. An early start is important to complete the mission. We will reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist after crossing the pass. Muktinath hosts a Vishnu temple and a monastery nearby demonstrating the religions harmony in Nepal. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra" or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. We enjoy the tremendous stunning views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom on a local bus. Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Day 19 :

Jomsom to Pokhara by flight

Upon the completion of morning breakfast, we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, our guide will escort us to the lakeside hotel. We utilize the rest of the afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While walking along the bank of Fewa Lake, one of the biggest lake in Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hours' walk to the World Peace Pagoda. In the evening, we engage in exploring around the lakeside. Included meals:Breakfast

Day 20 :

Pokhara ----Kathmandu 6 hours by bus

Today upon our breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It will be better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. We can spend the evening either leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Finally, we celebrate dinner together with Himalayan Glacier's trekking staff. Included meals:Breakfast Dinner.

Day 21 :

Departure——(Airport Drop)

We will take you to the international airport for your convenience. We wish you a happy journey traditionally and culturally of us nepalese and good-bye with a hope to see you again.

Travel Gear

Shoes

Almost all climbers use Italian OneSport shoes today. The One Sport company has been aquired by Millet – boots still looks the same but the brand tag is different.

Get them oversized (1-2 sizes). This is not your average weekend climbing trip and you need something where your toes have space to move freely, or you’ll get frostbite by rush delivery.

HotTronics make great heating pads and wires that can be used in your boots on your summit attempt. Michael Strynoe rebuilt the battery packs to give more power at a lower weight using AA Lithium batteries.

Crampons

Camp makes the ultralight titanium crampons. They are light, but considered not durable. We took our chances with them and they never broke on us.

Bring spares and carry one spare at the summit attempt. Secure them to the boots with steel wire if they keep falling of. There are however many brands of crampons around. Choose your favorites, remember only that ice climbing crampons differ from glacier crampons.

Clothes

You will need multi-layer clothing for climbing between BC and C3. The temperature changes dramatically when the clouds obscure the sun.

One or two layers of lightweight Gore-Tex over fleece will work well, since the layers will be easy to shed or add. Carry a lightweight down jacket at all times. Use a cap to protect your head in the sun. Wear water-resistant gloves in the icefall and a good pair of down mittens higher up. Carry a spare mitten on your summit attempt.

Use a heavy down suit for the summit. We wear it already from C2 on the summit attempt in order to save weight. If you choose to do that, move early in the morning or you’ll boil.

We have used down suites from both Mountain Hardware and North Face and they all worked equally well. Check that the hood will work together with the oxygen mask, covering your face properly. If possible, bring a spare down suit for cold nights in BC. Bring plenty of lightweight socks to change.

Face mask

Use a heat-exchanging, wired face mask for protection against Khumbu- cough. Use the mask already from Gorak Shep. You’ll get used to it and be protected right from the start. You should find the mask in stores for cross-country skiing. If you don’t, check the gear link list on this web site. The Finnish manufacturer is listed there.

Harness

North Face makes a great no-nonsense harness. Remove the stuff that you don’t need. Tie about half a meter of line with a carabiner for the fixed ropes. Forget screw carabiners, you want them big and simple at Everest. Make a knot halfway up the rope and hook up a jumar with another carabiner. Secure the jumar in the front to your backpack straps or at chest level when not in use, this being the easiest way to get hold of it. Use a repelling device or just a carabiner if you know the technique.