Chulu West Peak(6,419m) Climbing – 20 Days

Your Chulu West Peak Climbing journey starts from Kathmandu. After landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will complete immigration and customs formalities. A visa on arrival is available for most nationalities, but itis best to have your forms filled out in advance and carry cash for the visa fee to speed up the process. Upon exiting the airport, look for a representative from our company holding a sign with your name. They will transfer you to the hotel.

In the afternoon or evening, you’ll meet your climbing guide and the other members of the expedition (if you have chosen a standard package) for a trip briefing. The meeting covers the itinerary, what to expect on the trek and climb, and safety protocols.

On your second day of the journey, your expedition guide will collect your climbing permits from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). You will meet with your guide to go over the final equipment list. This is your last chance to rent or purchase any missing gear, such as crampons, harnesses, ice axes, or insulated jackets, from the trekking shop in the Kathmandu district.

We also offer a half-day guided sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kathmandu. You can visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath. By evening, your backpacks are ready, logistics are complete, and the team is prepared to drive towards the mountains the next morning.

The drive begins early in the morning to avoid city traffic and get a head start on the long journey ahead. The initial part of the drive follows the Prithvi Highway, which lies beside the Trisuli River. You’ll pass through small towns like Muglin, Kurintar, and Malekhu, and observe the daily life of the people.

Midway through the journey, you’ll stop for lunch at a roadside restaurant. It offers an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy a tasty meal. The landscape changes as you approach the Annapurna region. After approximately 8 hours, you’ll arrive in Besisahar. It is the administrative headquarters of the Lamjung district and a primary gateway for the Annapurna Circuit trek and Chulu West Peak Climbing. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a local hotel/lodge, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night peacefully.

Following a night’s rest in Besisahar, day 4 of your Chulu West Peak climbing expedition involves a drive to the village of Dharapani. This section of the journey is completed in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, such as a jeep. While local buses also travel this route, a private jeep is usually included for a more direct, less crowded experience.

From Besisahar, the drive continues north along the Marsyangdi River. The road beyond Besisahar is rough, with sections of gravel, dirt, and rock. Your driver will navigate the road safely, ensuring you don’t encounter any problems along the way. Snow-capped mountains like Manaslu and Lamjung Himal (6,983 meters) start appearing as you continue forward.

After a moderate drive, you’ll arrive at the village of Dharapani. Dharapani is an important crossroads on Annapurna region trekking routes. For those coming from the Manaslu Circuit, it marks the end of their trek. For those on the Annapurna Circuit (including the Chulu West expedition), it is the official entry point into the Manang district.

After leaving Dharapani, you’ll cross the Marsyangdi River and pass through Tibetan-style villages like Bagarchhap and Timang. The view of Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II becomes clearer as you gain altitude. Moving forward towards Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District, the trail becomes more scenic and open. The sound of the Marsyangdi River follows you through the entire trek. Apple orchards appear along the way near Koto, which is known for its local apple brandy.

Upon arrival at Chame, you can go for a visit to a natural hot spring. Many trekkers soak here to soothe tired muscles after a day of hiking. The village also offers many services, including a health post, shops for resupply, and various teahouses with basic accommodation. You can rest here and prepare for tomorrow’s trek to Pisang.

The trek from Chame to Pisang begins with a walk beside the Marsyangdi River. As the path opens up, you can see the Paungda Danda rock face. It is a huge, curved cliff, one of the most beautiful geological formations in the Annapurna region. The view of Pisang Peak, Annapurna II (7,937 meters), and Annapurna IV (7,525 meters) becomes clearer as you move higher along the trail.

Continuing, the trail climbs towards Dhukur Pokhari and then heads to Lower and Upper Pisang. The higher you ascend, the drier the landscapes become. This is a clear sign that you’re entering the rain-shadow zone of the Himalayas. The view from Upper Pisang is the Marsyangdi Valley and the peaks of the Annapurna range. The day ends with a healthy meal and comfortable sleep.

The seventh day is a scenic trek from Pisang to Manang. From Pisang, there are two routes to Manang, and you’ll opt for the more scenic high trail. The trail climbs to a maximum elevation of around 3,730 meters at the village of Ghyaru before descending to Manang. You can see beautiful vistas of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Just before reaching Manang, you can explore the Braga Monastery, the largest monastery in the Manang district.

The other trial is the low trial. It is shorter and easier than the high trail, which takes around 3-4 hours. This trail follows the road and the Marsyangdi River. It offers a quicker and less strenuous option if you are feeling the effects of altitude. The views are not as beautiful on the high trail, but you’ll still pass through a pine forest and a village.

By afternoon, you reach Manang, a key acclimatization village before climbing Chulu West Peak. Manang has guesthouses, teahouses, and shops to restock supplies. The village is an important stop for rest and preparation for higher altitude trekking in the coming days.

This day is a crucial acclimatization day in Manang, as your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air at 3,540 meters before proceeding to higher elevations. Instead of a full day’s rest, the best practice is to “climb high, sleep low” to help your body adapt. The first activity you’ll do is attend a lecture at the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Aid Post. You’ll learn essential information about recognizing, preventing, and treating Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from a volunteer doctor with the HRA.

After attending the class, you can explore nearby viewpoints. Walking toward Gangapurna Lake, which lies close to the village, provides a chance to observe glacial streams. From specific points, Annapurna II and Tilicho Peak are clearly visible. You can also visit the Praken Gompa, Braga monastery, and mani walls in Manang village during the day.

Take a break at local teahouses that serve barley bread, lentil soup, and yak butter tea, which help maintain energy and hydration. This light trekking and cultural exposure support both physical and mental preparation. By evening, you are better adjusted to the thin air and ready for the challenging days ahead toward higher passes and the peak.

Leaving Manang behind, the trail heads northwest along the Jharsang Khola Valley. The air feels thinner, and vegetation becomes sparse, with only shrubs and dry grasses. The path climbs above the Marsyangdi River and offers clear views of Annapurna III and Gangapurna.

The route passes Tanki Manang and continues upward towards Gunsang (3,950 meters), where you can stop for a short break. From this point, you’ll get the first view of the Chulu range, including Chulu West Peak. The climb becomes slightly steeper as it approaches Ledar. After arriving and settling in, you’ll have time to rest and begin mentally preparing for the upcoming climb. Your guide will provide additional information about the route for the next stage of your journey.

The trek from Ledar to Chulu West Base Camp begins early in the morning. Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit trail behind, the route heads into a more glacial valley. The peaks of Chulu East (6,584 meters) and Chulu West (6,419 meters) are visible throughout the trek. The trail climbs towards the base camp, where the Marsyangdi Valley originates, and the trail turns rocky and icy.

The thin air and steep ascent may make your journey difficult, but the view of Annapurna III, Tilicho Peak, and Thorong Peak (6,144 meters) keeps your spirit high. By afternoon, you’ll reach Chulu West Base Camp. Unlike the teahouses you’ve used so far, Chulu West Base Camp is a camping experience.

Your support crew will establish a camp with dining tents, sleeping tents, and a kitchen tent. The temperature can drop significantly at 4,350 meters, especially at night. You’ll need to use a cold-weather sleeping bag and be prepared for a freezing environment.

The climb towards High Camp starts early to avoid strong afternoon winds. The trail is steep and follows a rocky, frozen path, often covered with scree and ice. In some seasons, like spring, you might encounter deep snow. Your experienced Sherpa guides will fix ropes on the steeper sections for a safer ascent.

As the trail ascends, the environment turns harsh and silent. High Camp lies on the flat section just below the snowline. From here, you can clearly see the summit ridge of Chulu West – the goal that now feels within reach. The evening at high camp is quiet and cold. You’ll rest early, conserving energy for tomorrow’s trek.

The climb from Chulu West High Camp to Chulu West Camp begins before sunrise, when the snow is still firm and stable. The route ascends over icy ridges, and you’ll be roped together for safety. The air is thin, and each step feels heavier, but the view of the Annapurna range and Chulu East motivates the team.

At around 5,600 meters, the group reaches Chulu West Camp I, a temporary stop before the final summit push. The campsite lies on a small, flat snow terrace where you can see Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. The winds pick up quickly at this height, so the tents are secured with ice anchors. Sherpas will melt snow for water and prepare meals to fight the cold.

The evening is silent, but you’ll feel tense under anticipation. You’ll double-check your crampons, ropes, and headlamps for the early-morning ascent. The temperatures drop far below freezing point, so always cover yourself with layered clothing. Tomorrow marks the critical summit day- the day that your entire journey has been leading up to.

The summit day begins before dawn with an early-up call, often between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., to take advantage of the most stable weather and snow conditions. You’ll use technical mountaineering gear, including crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and fixed ropes set by the climbing guide. The final push is physically demanding due to the steep slopes and the thin air at high altitude.

As dawn breaks, you’ll see the horizon totally orange over the Annapurna range, with peaks like Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna shining in the early morning light. Reaching the summit of Chulu West is an emotional moment. The top offers panoramic views of the Himalayas – from the Dhaulagiri range in the west to the Manaslu range in the east.

By late afternoon, you’ll return to Chulu West Base Camp. The descent requires careful navigation, as tired legs and the challenging, high-altitude terrain can increase the risk of slips. The goal is to descend all the way back to the Chulu West Base Camp (around 4,800 meters), rather than staying at a high-altitude camp.

Here’s a breakdown of how Day 14 as a spare day might play out.

Scenario 1: Using the spare day for the summit push. If bad weather, poor snow conditions, or a team member’s health prevented the summit bid on the scheduled day, Day 14 would become the new summit day. The day would follow the same schedule as the original plan, starting early in the morning with a climb to the summit, then descending to the lower-altitude camp.

Scenario 2: What happens when the spare day isn’t needed? If the summit attempt was successful on the scheduled day, you can use this day to get more rest at a lower elevation, like Base Camp, after the long summit day. This spare day can also be used to mitigate other delays, such as poor weather blocking the Thorong La Pass or preventing a flight from Jomsom.

This day is dedicated to descending from the climbing portion of your trip and rejoining the main Annapurna Circuit Trail. You’ll follow the Marsyangdi River and retrace your steps from Base Camp to Ledar before continuing to Thorong Phedi.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Thorong Phedi, located just below Thorong La Pass. The lodge accommodations here are basic and often crowded during peak season. You can rest here, check gear, and prepare for the next day’s early ascent to the pass. This stop gives time to acclimatize slightly before moving higher towards the pass and falling back towards Muktinath.

The day begins before dawn, often around 4 a.m., to avoid the strong winds that can pick up later in the day on the pass. You’ll set off with a headlamp and a trekking pole, following the guide. The climb is steady and physically demanding due to the high altitude and thin air. Your pace will be slow, and you may need frequent short breaks to catch your breath.

Reaching the pass takes several hours. From the top, you can see Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri Massif, Annapurna I, Machhapuchre (6,993 meters), and Himalchuli (7,893 meters). The pass is marked by colorful prayer flags and chortens, reflecting Tibetan Buddhist culture. After celebrating your next achievement and taking photos at the top, the equally challenging descent begins. You’ll notice the change in landscape as you enter the semi-arid Mustang region.

By afternoon, the trail reaches Muktinath, a sacred village for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims and trekkers gather near the temple, while lodges and restaurants provide rest and hot meals. After checking in and relaxing, you can explore the famous temple complex and its eternal flames.

After a long, challenging summit day and the Thorong La Pass crossing, Day 17 is focused on the journey to Jomsom (a significant town in the Mustang region). You’ll have an option to trek or take a jeep. If you choose to trek, you have to follow the Kali Gandaki River up to Kagbeni. The trail mainly descends and is relatively easy compared to the pass crossing. From Kagbeni, you’ll walk on a dusty, unpaved road that takes you finally to Jomsom.

If you choose the jeep ride, your journey will take 1-2 hrs. Opting for the jeep saves time and energy and provides more rest. While much faster, the bumpy, off-road drive can be less comfortable than trekking. You can choose your preferred option, while many go for a jeep ride for a quicker journey and extra time to relax.
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Due to the strong winds that generally occur in the afternoons, flights from Jomsom to Pokhara are scheduled for the morning. You’ll be transferred to the Jomsom airport for your short flight. This 20-25 minute flight offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon landing in Pokhara International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest and take a hot shower.

After settling in, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the beautiful Pokhara city. The main tourist area of Pokhara is situated along the shores of Phewa Lake. You can stroll, rent a boat for a paddle to the island temple (Tal Barahi), or find a comfortable cafe or restaurant to relax and enjoy the scenery.

For a short hike, you can visit the World Peace Pagoda. From there, you can see the Annapurna range, the lake, and the Pokhara Valley. This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate your Chulu West summit and successful expedition with your climbing team. Lakeside Pokhara offers a beautiful nightlife with live music and plenty of food and drink options.

After breakfast in Pokhara, you’ll board a morning flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers an aerial view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Marsyangdi and Kali Gandaki rivers, and terraced hills below. This is the final chance to see the Himalayan peaks from the air before returning to the city.

After arriving in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation, packing, and sightseeing around Durbar Marg and Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can also shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and trekking gear as a memory of their journey.
In the evening, guides will review departure logistics, check flight details, and assist with any last-minute arrangements. This day is finally the end of your Chulu West Peak Climbing journey.