Chulu West Peak Climbing (6,419m) - 20 days

Introduction to Chulu West Peak Climbing

Chulu West Peak is part of the Manang Himal, which are quite rightly included in the larger Damodar Himal, the eastern limit of which runs south from Chako and Peak 6,687 in a north-to-south direction along the Hunlung Khola, Nar Khola, and Phu Khola. To the south, it is bounded by the Marsyangdi Khola and the Mesokhando La. To the west, its limit is the Kali Gandaki and to the north the Parchekya La (5,447m/17870ft). 

Chulu West climb combined with Nepal's most famous “Annapurna Circuit Trek” trek makes up for one of the most spectacular Himalayan trekking and climbing outings. Allowing about a maximum of 20 days of completing this climb and trek. This trip is considered a technical trekking peak, which requires knowledge of mountaineering skills. The ascent of Chulu West can be made from Manang or ChuriLetdar through a narrow valley north of Manang situated off the main trail to Thorong La pass 5,416m.

The trek approach goes through the Annapurna Circuit, It is not overly difficult and the terrain passes through monsoon rain forest and rhododendron forest is one of the beautiful experiences. The mountain views are full of natural splendors with views of the Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III, South, Tent Peaks and others. This trek is regarded as one of the best trek that offers so much of distinct sensation.

Journey Outline

Chulu West climbing trip begins with driving from Kathmandu to Nadi via Beshishar towards the west of Nepal along the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. We might drive up to Chame if possible; otherwise, we can start our trek from Nadi bazar (small town) following the world’s famous trekking destination, Annapurna Circuit trekking. Once we reach Manang, “a typical Tibetan Buddhist town” we will do some acclimatization hiking or day rest. The next day continue following the Annapurna circuit trails to Lader and the following day to the base camp of Chulu West (4,350m) where our camping accommodation begins. We have allocated 3 nights 4 days for the setting the higher camps, summit attempt and descent to the base camp. Looking at the weather condition, we set the high camps and put some deposits of the tent & food and push for the summit attempt. After our successful summit of the peak, then we again continue the Annapurna trails crossing over the famous pass Thorang La Pass (5,416m) and continue until Jomsom via Muktinath, from there we take next early morning flight for Pokhara, and days layover, sight tours and an overnight halt at a nice and beautiful city Pokhara. Next morning flight to Kathmandu and continue as per the set plan.  

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

• Experiencing local cultures of Gurung, Thakali and Magar’s community etc.
• Trekking through Annapurna Circuit crossing over Thorang Pass (5,416m)
• Chulu West (6,419m)
• Climbing on the technical peak
• Mt Annapurna (8,091m)
• Breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)

Fitness Requirements 

Most of our trekking peaks are over 6,000m; therefore we count it as a tough trip. Your tough level of fitness is really important for this trek. So we strongly suggest preparing yourself for good physical fitness level. You do not need to be an athlete but a good level of overall fitness is important. Being fit will certainly improve your chances of reaching your chosen summit. As an indication, you should be able to walk 8 km / 5 miles with a maximum height gain of 800m / 2,000ft with a 10kg rucksack in 5 hours or less.
 
In order to get ready for this challenge, you need to be trained at least for about 4 to 6 months to prepare yourself as a strong candidate. You can go to the fitness center every morning for about 2 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack (i.e. 7kg, 10kg, 13 kg, 16kg and up to 20kg). Manage some time for cycling for a couple of hours for 3 or 4 times a week. However, during climbing, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue, etc. but take it as normal and just drink a lot of water (4 – 5 liters) every day. On this trek, you need to be able to hike 6 – 10 hours over hilly terrain up to 6,000m of altitude with a daypack. 

Value of Previous Experience

All of our trekking peaks climbing trips are accessible to experienced trekkers and those who have done some climbing trips in European mountains in order to take another challenge on the Himalayas Mountains. This trip will be helpful if you want to gain some knowledge about mountaineering and have a future plan to climb the BIG Mountains.
 
If you have any previous mountaineering experiences and well knowledge about playing with mountaineering gears, good with rock climbing and ice climbing will increase the chances of reaching the summit but previous trekking and mountaineering experiences are not mandatory and also doesn’t require any technical experience. Note that if you are participating in one of the technical climbing peak then you must have well knowledge about playing with mountaineering climbing gears (i.e. crampon with boot, Ice axe, harness, ropes, jumars, prussiks, abseiling, moving past knots, anchor, etc.).Crampons are used for maximum grip and harness and ropes are used for maximum safety during climbing. But for those who have no mountaineering experience and skill but have got tough level of fitness, you will have a basic training session by our guides about how to use the climbing gears during rest/acclimatization day. So we always make sure regarding the safety of the team and the successful climb of the peak.