Chulu Far East Peak Climbing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will need to go through customs. 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 a 4-star hotel in a private vehicle. Once you are refreshed, you will receive a briefing on the itinerary. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, where you can taste an authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

On the second day, you’ll have a hearty breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, you will be transferred to our office for the required documentation for the climb to Chulu Far East. You will also be introduced to your crew members and other trekkers who will join you on the trip. In the afternoon, a half-day sightseeing tour will be organized, during which you will take a memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour.

The day’s tour begins with a visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple, where you can witness sacred Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, cremation ceremonies at the ghats, the golden-roofed temple, and sacred sadhus (ascetic monks). Afterward, we’ll drive towards Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa, where you can witness the massive white dome crowned with Buddha’s all-seeing eyes and prayer flags. After spending a peaceful time in the Bouddhanath stupa, we’ll make our way towards the day’s final destination, a 2500-year-old Swoyambhunath Stupa. After the visit, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, we will gather at Tourist Buspark in Kantipath, then drive through the scenic Prithvi Highway. The route winds westward out of Kathmandu through the hills of Naubise and along the banks of the Trishuli River. The road passes through market towns such as Malekhu and Mugling, where buses often stop for tea or a meal, before continuing toward Dumre.

As the journey passes Dumre, the route becomes more peaceful with stunning scenery of terraced fields, small villages, and glimpses of snow-capped peaks in the distance. The drive is well-paved, making for a comfortable ride, while the final ride from Dumre to Besisahar can be rough and bumpy in places. The air grows cooler and fresher as the road drives slightly toward Lamjung District. As we reach Besisahar, we’ll check into the lodge. The day’s overnight and dinner are at Besisahar.

On the fourth day of the journey, we’ll continue our adventure towards Dharapani from Besisahar after breakfast. From Besisahar, we will catch a local jeep following the Marsyangdi River valley. We will pass through Bhulbhule on the way to Syange. We will pass through many ethnic villages on our way.

The initial phase of the drive is lush and tropical, with banana trees and rice paddies. The route passes through several settlements: Bhulebhule, Ngadi, Bahundanda, Jagat, Chamje, and Tal, each offering glimpses of local life and traditional Gurung and Magar culture. We can stop at the teahouses in Chamje for lunch. From Chamje, we will take a bumpy ride along a difficult road blasted by the Nepalese Army. We will reach Dharapani, where we will spend the night.

From the fifth day, we’ll begin our trekking journey. After the morning meal at Dharapani, we’ll make our way towards the day’s destination, Chame. Leaving Dharapani, the route ascends through dense pine, oak, and fir forests, with the sound of the river sounding below. The route passes through villages such as Bagarchhap and Danaque, where we can observe traditional Tibetan-influenced houses that reflect the region’s Buddhist culture.

A steep climb from Danaque leads to Timang, a beautiful village that offers astonishing views of the Manaslu range. From there, the route winds through hillside and dense woods before descending toward Thanchok and finally reaching Chame, the day’s destination. Chame is the district headquarters of Manang, a lively settlement lying between the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. Similarly, the village has comfortable tea houses, bakeries, and natural hot springs, where we can relax after a long day’s hike.

As usual, day six starts with a hot cup of tea and a hearty breakfast. We will start the trek on this day from the other side of the river. We will walk along the northern edge of the river and pass through the pine forest. Moving through several villages, we will reach Bhartang, famous for its apple orchards. We will follow a gradual ascent to the bridge.

The trail escalates uphill through pine forest to the top of Dhukur Pokhari hill. We will enjoy close-up views of Pisang Peak and b as we walk along the tree line. After descending from the ridge for over an hour, we will reach Pisang village. At the village, we will visit the local monastery and can climb to Upper Pisang to enjoy views of the Annapurna Range. Stay overnight at Pisang.

The day’s trek takes us from Pisang to Nawal, which is one of the most scenic sections of the Annapurna Circuit. The journey offers Himalayan views, spiritual serenity, and an introduction to the arid landscapes of the upper Manang region. The day starts after breakfast at Pisang’s lodge. Starting from Pisang, there are two route options: the lower trail that follows the Marsyangdi River through Humde, or the more scenic upper trail that passes through Ghyaru and reaches Nawal. We’ll take the upper route that climbs steeply through pine forests and dry, rocky terrain to reach Ghyaru.

We’ll take a short break at Ghyaru to take in the mesmerizing view of Annapurna II from the village. Continuing the trek, the path offers majestic views of the mountain ranges and the wide Marsyangdi Valley far below. After several hours of walking, we’ll get to Nawal, a picturesque village known for its traditional architecture, peaceful ambiance, and stunning views. In the village, we will explore the local monastery. There is also an old cave located above Nawal village, where we can explore if time allows. The day’s overnight stay is at the lodge in Nawal.

Day nine marks the first acclimatization day on the expedition to Chulu East Peak Climbing. Acclimatization on this day is crucial, as we have already trekked above 3,500 meters, where the risk of altitude sickness begins to increase. On the day, we follow the golden rule of Himalaya, “Climb high, sleep low,” by going on a day hike to Kangla Pass (5,320 meters) and returning to Nawal for an overnight stay.

The day’s hike begins early as we’ll leave Nawal before sunrise. The route to Kangla Pass starts with a steep climb above the Nawal village. The walkway passes through rocky paths, alpine vegetation, and occasional yak pastures. As we climb higher, the elevation increases with a barren landscape and thinner air. After several hours of ascent, the route reaches the Kangla Pass, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range. We can appeal our eyes with the sights of Mount Annapurna II, III, and IV, the Nilgiri peaks, and the Chulu massif, which are astonishing from the viewpoint.

We’ll enjoy the view while having a packed lunch. Afterward, we’ll make our way down to Nawal along the same route. By the late afternoon, we’ll reach our day’s destination, Nawal.

With the freshness of yesterday’s acclimatization, we’ll begin our ninth day’s journey. After breakfast at Nawal, we’ll leave the village taking the northward way with a gentle climb. The route winds through juniper bushes, alpine meadows, and yak pastures. Along the way, we can see herders or small yak shelters, but human settlements are rare. The trail may be difficult at times, as it continues through rocky terrain.

As the path climbs higher toward the Chulu Base Camp, the surrounding peaks appear ever closer. The base camp lies in an amphitheater of mountains, glaciers, and scree slopes. As there are no houses, we’ll set up a tented camp with a cooking area. Breakfast and dinner will be at the tented camp at Chulu Far East Base Camp.

The tenth day takes you closer to your final destination. We’ll leave Chulu Far East Base Camp after finishing the morning meal. Before starting our day’s walk, we’ll check our climbing equipment. The trek begins with a climb over rocky moraines and glacial debris. The landscape is harsh, but stunning, with views of snow and ice in every direction. As the trek ascends, the landscape transitions from alpine meadows to high-mountain desert with loose scree, frozen streams, and patches of glacial ice.

As the trek continues, the air becomes thinner, which makes every step challenging. Despite the physical challenge, the peacefulness and the overwhelming beauty of the surroundings motivate us to continue our walk. Reaching Chulu Far East High Camp feels so satisfying and relieving. We will set up our camp on a rocky platform near a small lake and spend the night at Chulu Far East High Camp.

This is the day that we had been anxiously waiting for. We will wake up at around 2 AM and, after a light breakfast, begin our journey to the final destination, Chulu Far East Peak. Starting from High Camp before dawn, we begin the walk under a star-studded sky, equipped with crampons, ropes, and ice axes. The climb is challenging and requires careful navigation across steep snow slopes and icy ridges, with gradients sometimes exceeding 40-45 degrees.

Reaching the summit of Chulu Far East is a moment of victory. Many climbers also get emotional upon reaching their destination after their hard journey. No matter how hard the journey was, all your pain will vanish within a second when you reach the top. We’ll take a moment to congratulate ourselves and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings, with a 360-degree panorama of Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range.

After following the straight path at the beginning, the trail soon becomes steep as we pass through rocks. We need to use climbing equipment such as fixed ropes and manropes, an ice axe, and crampons. Once we reach the summit of Chulu Far East Peak, we will enjoy the views of Mount Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu West Peak, and Himlung Valley towards the north. After capturing memories with the camera, we will head down to Base Camp for an overnight stay.

Day twelve is kept as a spare day, also known as a buffer or contingency day. It is an extra day, kept either at the Base Camp or High Camp. Weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, and the spare day ensures that sudden snow, wind, or poor visibility does not harm the expedition schedule or safety. However, if everything goes as per plan, and if the spare day is not needed, we can skip it.

After attempting to reach the ultimate destination, the Chulu Far East summit, it’s time to return. After breakfast at the Base Camp, we’ll make our way to Manang. From Chulu Base Camp, the trail descends steeply at first through rocky terrain. After a few hours of trekking, the route joins Nawal’s well-marked route. The route offers a refreshing change of scenery after days spent at higher altitudes.

From Nawal, the route continues downhill along the Marsyangdi Valley. Continuing the trek, the route passes through charming villages and eventually leads to the day’s destination, Manang. Located below Thorong La Pass in Annapurna Conservation Area, Manang is inhabited by Gurung and Lama ethnic groups in flat-roofed houses. We’ll enjoy a warm meal and spend the night at the Manang lodge.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will leave Manang and follow the path up to Tenki. Leaving Manang, the trail climbs above the Marsyangdi River Valley, passing through juniper forests and alpine shrublands. As you reach Tenki, we can stop to appreciate the view of the Himalayan peaks. The icy faces of Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak are astonishing from the village.

As we continue our trek from Tenki, we’ll reach Yak Kharka, the day’s destination. In the village, we can see herds of yaks grazing in the open meadows, giving Yak Kharka (“yak pasture”) its name. The village is a perfect resting point before continuing our walk to Thorong Phedi and Thorong La. We’ll stay overnight and have dinner at the lodge of Yak Kharka.

This is going to be a short, easy trek that will take about 3 hours. We will follow the descending path with scenic views of the mountains. After almost an hour, we will reach Ledar. The trail ascends from Ledar along the eastern edge of the Jorsang River. Following the lower path, we will get to the river.

We will cross the river on a wooden bridge and reach the tea shop. Following the narrow path, we will reach Thorong Phedi, a small settlement at the base of Thorong La Pass. The surrounding views and the silence of the high Himalayas make the location ideal for overnight stays and for preparing for the adventurous Thorong La Pass. Stay overnight and have a meal at Thorong Phedi.

After summit day to Chulu Far East, the sixteenth day is another most challenging day that takes you to the highest pass of the Himalayas, Thorong La. The day begins before sunrise. After a quick tea, the porters will arrange packing, and then we will climb through the steep slope to reach the high camp. The pathway climbs steeply at first through rocky, barren terrain, where the thin air and freezing temperatures make the hike challenging.

As the sun rises, the surrounding peaks of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Thorong Peak, and Chulu West glow golden, offering awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas. From the vantage point of Thorong La, the snow-capped Himalayas to the east and the arid view of the Mustang Valley to the west are surreal. We’ll appreciate our hard work of reaching there, enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna Circuit from the location, and make our way down to Muktinath. Day’s overnight stay and dinner are at Muktinath.

Early in the morning, we’ll visit the Muktinath temple, a holy site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means “the Lord of Salvation” and, in Sanskrit, translates to “the Lord of Liberation.” There is also a Jwala Mai temple where the fire burns eternally. After a visit to the temple, we will descend from the hill and follow a path through dry, vegetation-free terrain.

We will reach the bank of the Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni. We will visit the monastery, have lunch in the village, and continue walking to Jomsom the same day. We will stay overnight at Jomsom to catch the next morning’s flight. We can also drive a Jeep from Muktinath to Jomsom; it will take about 1.5 hours, with an overnight stay and dinner in Jomsom.

An early morning flight will take us from Jomsom to Pokhara. Jomsom is also known as the Windy City, as strong winds blow after noon at Jomsom. So, it is wise to catch a morning flight. After landing at Pokhara, we will be transferred to the hotel from Pokhara Airport. After refreshment, we will organize a Pokhara Tour during which we will visit KI (K. I.) Singh Bridge, Mahendra Cave, Seti Gorge, and other exciting places. We will visit Phewa Lake in the evening before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

The nineteenth day marks the final day of the expedition to Chulu Far East, as we’ll leave Pokhara and fly towards Kathmandu. As per the flight schedule, we’ll transfer to Pokhara airport. As the plane ascends from Pokhara Airport, we’ll get magnificent views of Phewa Lake, with the reflection of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) glistening in the water below. Midway through the flight, the scenery shifts as the lush hills and river valleys of central Nepal come into view. As we land at Kathmandu airport, you’ll be transferred to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at your own. Overnight at Kathmandu’s hotel.

On the twentieth day, we’ll say goodbye to you. Based on your flight time, we’ll pick you up at from your hotel and drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport. After days of trekking through remote areas, crossing high passes, and experiencing Nepal’s amazing landscapes, warm hospitality, and the experience of climbing Chulu Far East, it’s indeed emotional to say goodbye. We hope you enjoyed the adventure and will remember us for your upcoming journey in Nepal. Safe Travels.