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.
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.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival (1300m), transfer to hotel &trip briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Necessary preparation and Final packing
You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3
Drive to Besishar (760m), 8hrs
After early breakfast, we will gather at Tourist Buspark, Kantipath and then drive through scenic Prithvi Highway with beautiful views of Nepal’s first cable car at Kurintar and Marsyangdi River to Besisahar. We will leave the main trail towards Pokhara at Dumre and follow the branched road to Besisahar. We will pass through several Gurung, Magar and other villages before we reach Besisahar which is the District Head Quarter of Lamjung. There is a huge market area in Besisahar. It has a subtropical temperature and one can find deciduous forest at Besisahar. Stay overnight at Besisahar.
Day 4
Drive to Dharapani (1,860m) 6-7hrs
From Besisahar, we will catch a local jeep and drive towards Dharapani. We will pass through Bhulbhule to Syange. We will pass through many ethnic villages on our way. Our journey continues through Jagatto Chamje. We can see traditional teahouses in Chamje. From Chamje, we will take a bumpy ride through a difficult road built by Nepalese Army by blasting rocks. We will reach Dharapani where we will stay overnight.
Day 5
Trek to Chyame (2,670m)5-6hrs
We will notice change in vegetation from Dharapani onwards. Temperature also drops down from this point. Leaving Dharapani behind, we will follow the raised path through pine forest to reach Bagarchhap which is the first Tibetan fashioned village that we will meet in our way. From Bagarchhap, we will climb uphill to Danake. Moving through the farm land, we will enter forest area. Enjoy the views of LamjungHimal, AnnapurenaII Mountain and other peaks and mountains. We will walk past Latamanang and Koto villages to reach Chyame where we will stay overnight.
Day 6
Trek to Pisang (3,200m)5-6hrs
We will start the trek on this day from the other side of river. We will walk along the northern edge of river and pass through pine forest. Moving through the dispersed villages, we will reach Bhartang which is famous for its apple garden. We will follow the gradually ascending path to bridge. The trail escalates uphill through pine forest to the top of DhukurPokhari hill. We will enjoy the close-up view of Pisang peak and Chulu peak as we walk along tree lines. Lowering down from the ridge over an hour, we will reach Pisang village. We will visit the local monastery and climb to the upper Pisang to enjoy view of Annapurna Range. Stay overnight at Pisang.
Day 7
Trek to Manang (3,540m) 5-6hrs
After an early morning tea, we will leave Pisang and walk through dense pine forest. We will enjoy the scenic views of surrounding Mountains as we walk through the forest to the top of the ridge from where we can get our first view of Manang valley. We will also get the view of Humde village and its small air-strip. Gangapurna Mountain, Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain, Tilicho Peak, Chulu East peak and Pisang peak also comes into view. We will proceed further to Humde village. The trail takes us uphill to Braga village. Depending on the time, we will visit Braga Monastery where we can see thankas and paintings. Climbing uphill for an hour, we will reach Manang where we will stay overnight.
Day 8
Rest & acclimatize day (3,540m)
This is the acclimatization day. We will utilize this day to take leisure stroll around Manang. Manang is a large village comprising of more than 500 houses. Manang allows unobstructed views of Annapurna II Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain (7,555 m), Gangapurna Peak (7454 m), Tilicho Peak (7132 m), Chulu West (6583) and Chulu East (6059 m) peaks. There also exists Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang where we can visit. Stay overnight in Manang.
Day 9
Trek to Ledar (4,200m) 4-5hrs
Early in the morning, we will leave Manang and follow the ascending path from Manang to Tenki village. Tenki allows views of close-up views of Annapurna Mountain, Gangapurna Peak and Tilicho peak. We will climb uphill through juniper bushes and arrive at the Valley of Jarsang River. The trail continues further toGhunsa village through meadow. Crossing the wooden bridge, we will walk along mani wall to Yak Kharka. An hour of walk from Yak Kharka will take us to Ledar where we will stay overnight.
Day 10
Chulu West Base Camp (4,350m)4-5hrs
Walking past the alpine vegetation area from Ledar, we will follow the scenic path with views of Annapurna IV Mountain, Annapurna III Mountain, Pisang Peak and Lamjung Mountain before arriving at Chulu West Base Camp. We will set our camp and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy the close-up view of Annapurna Range from Chulu West Base Camp and stay overnight.
Day 11
Chulu West High Camp(5170m) 4-5hrs
Climbing to Chulu West High Camp will be bit more challenging. It takes about 4hrs of difficult climb to reach High Camp. From High Camp, one can enjoy the panoramic views of Dhaulagiri Mountain, Manaslu Mountain, Gangapurna Mountain, LamjungMountain and Pisang Peak. Sherpas will set up a Camp while we can explore the surrounding. The guide will check on condition of gears of every climbers. Stay overnight at Chulu West High Camp.
Day 12
Chulu West Camp I (5800m) 5hrs
Although not a technical climb, the trail towards Chulu West Camp I is difficult. Go slow and steady to avoid High Altitude Sickness. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Lamjung Mountain and other peaks and mountains. Stay overnight at Chulu West Camp I.
Day 13
Climb Chulu West Summit (6419m), Lower Down to Base Camp 8-9hrs
This is the day that we had been anxiously waiting for. We will wake up at around 2 am and after taking light breakfast, we will begin our journey. We will climbthe rock band with the help of climbing equipment like crampon, ice axe and ropes. We will make a gradual ascend to avoid High Altitude sickness and reach to the summit before noon. After enjoying the epic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges including Gangapurna Mountain, Manaslu Mountain and other peaks and mountains from the summit, we will lower down to Base Camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 14
Spare day for summit push
Including a spare day in our itinerary makes sure that our trip goes according to plan even if we get delayed by unforeseen circumstances like bad weather and other factors.
Day 15
Trek to ThorongPhedi (4450m)6hrs
The return trek begins on this day. We will lower down from Base Camp and retrace the route back to Ledar. After brief rest at Ledar, we will continue our journey to ThorongPhedi where we will stay overnight.
Day 16
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m), Trek to Muktinath (3800m) 8hrs
We will start our trek early before sunrise. After quick tea, the porters will arrange packing and then we will climb through the steep slope to reach the top of Thorong La. We will enjoy mountain views and view of Kaligandaki valley and then we will lower down to Muktinath where we will stay overnight.
Day 17
Trek to Jomsom (2710m)5-6hrs
Muktinath is the holy temple that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the Lord of Salvation. Visit Muktinath temple to see 108 water sprouts. There is also a Jwala Mai temple where fire lights up eternally. We will lower down from the temple and follow the descending path through dry land with no vegetation. We will reach to the bank of Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni and head towards Jomsom. Jomsom is one of the major trade post that exists in ancient trade route used by locals to trade with neighbouring Tibetans.
Day 18
Jomsom to Pokhara Flight (25min), Pokhara TourO/N Hotel
An early morning flight will take us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Jomsom is also known as the Windy City as heavy wind blows after noon at Jomsom. So, it is wise to catch a morning flight. We will be transferred to hotel from Pokhara Airport. After refreshment, we will organize Pokhara Tour during which we will visit KI Singh Bridge, Mahendra Cave, Seti Gorge and other exciting places. We will visit Phewa Lake in the evening before returning back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 19
Fly to KTM (20min), free evening
We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokharawith aerial views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 20
Int’l departure for onward journey to home
You will be transferred to the Airport three hours before your scheduled flight. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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