Chulu West Peak Climbing – 21 Days

Chulu West Peak is situated in the Annapurna and stands out as a great climbing destination for mountaineers and adventure seekers alike. Flaunting its snow-laden peak, it rises magnificently to mesmerize everyone raring to undertake the climb. Chulu West Peak Climbing is popular for its spectacular mountain landscape, trekking, and mountaineering opportunity and exposer of the mixture of ethnic culture of Nepalese society. While also serving as an excellent vantage point to behold the views of the Annapurna ranges, the cultural diversity and biodiversity throughout the duration of the journey are certain to fascinate you.

This trekking-climbing trip starts at Besi Sahar and follows the 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 Kharkha, beyond the village of Manang, to follow a yak trail into a barren uninhabited land with little vegetation. We spend a couple of nights at the base camp of Chulu West to acclimatizing and practice climbing techniques needed for the summit.

Chulu West has also been used as a climbing peak for preparing before summiting 8000 m peaks. Peak Climbing requires you to be physically and mentally fit as it requires a lot of physical effort as a well high level of stamina. 

Nomadic Nepal will arrange every detail of your Chulu West Peak Climbing; lodge accommodation, guides, food, as well as all the necessary climbing and camping equipment.

Best Season For Chulu West Peak Climbing

The best season for Chulu West Peak Climbing is from March to May (Spring) and from September to November (Autumn). However, winter is also a great time to climb if you are well prepared for the cold weather. In the crisp and cold month of December, the views of the mountains are crystal clear and there are fewer tourists around. The duration of the trip can be lengthened or shortened according to your preference. 

Chulu West Peak Climbing Highlights

• Chulu West Peak Climbing is technically straightforward.
• This climbing expedition is all about ascending Chulu West Peak (6,419m).
• Chulu West Peak is one of the highest Trekking Peaks.
• This climbing brings you across the amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek.
• During Chulu West Trekking you will have a wonderful experience of Gurung Culture and hospitality.
• This trek brings you across the spectacular and one of the most popular: Thorong La Pass (5,416m).
• Chulu West Peak Climbing incorporates the superb and fascinating views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Manaslu, etc.
• Chulu West Expedition includes historical and religious sites such as Muktinath.

Chulu West Peak Climbing Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,300m/4,264 ft

Day 02: Trip Preparation Day

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Syange/Jagat [1100m/3608 ft]: 8 – 10 hrs

We have to begin very early today as we need to go a long drive to reach our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7 am and nearly after 8-10 hours’ drive we reach Syange or Jagat (as per situation) via Besishahar. En route, we see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms, and beautiful mountain sceneries.

However, the condition of the road is not equally fine in all portion of our drive today. The road up to Besishahar is a coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and coarse though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding sceneries through the windowpane.

Day 04: Trek Syange/Jagat to Dharapani [1,960m/6,430ft]: 7 – 8 hrs

Upon our breakfast, we start our journey today in a relaxed way. We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail continues through barley, rice, potato fields, and pine forests. After passing the village of Kodo we will be at Dharapani, one of the big villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 05: Trek to Chame

Initially, the trail climbs up to Bagarchhap. The beautiful Himalayas like Lamjung Himal (6983m) and Annapurna II (7937m) come into our site. From here, the trail mostly ascends along the mule track through the dense forest of fir, pine, and oak and continues along the river bank to Chame. Chame is a small settlement area and also the headquarters of Manang District. Stay overnight at a Lodge.

Day 06: Trek to Pisang

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in the U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.

Day 07: Trek to Manang

Today we will enter into the Manang Valley. We will move along the route that passes through Upper Pisang via Geru village. Hiking on this trail offers you some spectacular views of the Himalayas. Beginning our hike form Pisang, we climb on an uphill trail for half an hour for reaching the top. Once we reach the top, we will stop at the ridge to get our first view of Manang Valley. The view of the valley from here is mind-blowing. We will be able to have a closer view of Humde town with its short airstrip and the considerable peaks that include Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, Tilicho, Chulu east, and on the back Pisang top.

During our trek, we can also visit the Barge Monastery- the largest monastery in the region. As we continue hiking further up, we will pass through several wonderful villages before we commence to the biggest village of the region, Manang. Manang and Mustang, the semi-arid region of Nepal are also known as deserts of Nepal.

Day 08: Manang: Rest

It is a must to spend a day acclimatizing when you go to a high altitude. It is essential to avoid altitude sickness and to ensure a successful summit climb. Hence, today we will spend a day at Manang for acclimatization. You can go for a day hike from Manang either to Parken Gompa Monastery or Chongkor Hill. Among these two sites, Gangapurna Lakeside (Chongkor View Point) offers beautiful views and highly recommended. Though it is a rest day, we strive to adjust the higher altitude and explore the Himalayan assets.

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Ledar via Yak Kharka

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 today’s camp. Our today’s camp area is mostly used as the alpine pasture by the local people.

Day 10: Leder to Chulu West Base Camp [4900m/16,072ft]: 4 – 5 hrs

After having breakfast today we will move on a rather easy trail towards Chulu West Base Camp. It takes around 5 hours of a trek through alpine forest and delicate landscapes for us to reach the Base Camp from Ledar. Once we reach the base camp we can enjoy the stunning views of the pristine Annapurna Ranges. While our crew members are busy setting up the camps at the base camp, we can walk around the base camp to explore the things around the base camp. We can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the surrounding landscapes and alluring peaks.

Day 11: Chulu West base camp to camp I

Now we are in the high altitude region. Our next destination will be Chulu West Peak Camp I. Although the route to the Camp I is not technically challenging we have to carefully place our footsteps as the trail is slippery and a small fault may result in serious casualty. Even though the trail is quite troublesome because of the high altitude, we can enjoy some overwhelming views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Lamjung Himal along the way to the base camp.

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 staffs 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.

Day 13: Camp I to Camp II [5,530m/18,143ft]: 4 – 5 hrs

After spending a full day at Camp I, we will steadily climb towards Camp II. This section of our trek is a little more difficult as we have to move along the rocky trails. We continue hiking towards Camp II crossing the rocky region slowly and cautiously. Although the climb today doesn’t involve many technical parts, in some places we may have to use ropes, crampon, and ice-axe. We stay at camp II and get prepare ourselves physically and mentally for the most-awaited Chulu West Peak Climbing the next day.

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. There is no technical difficulty in reaching the summit but progress can be slow depending on snow conditions. The climb from camp II to the Chulu West Peak Summit is straight forward. After summiting, we return back to Camp I.

Day 15: Trek from Camp I to Ledar

Today we will move back to Ledar following the same trail. While descending, we enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurnas and other peaks. We make our overnight stay at Leder and celebrate the summiting of Chulu West Peak.

Day 16: Contingency Day

There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. So this day is used as a contingency in case if we are unable to summit the Chulu West Peak on the scheduled date due to bad weather condition 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.

Day 17: Trek from Ledar to Thorong Phedi [4600m/15092ft]

Today, we clean up the base camp and head for Thorong Phedi. It is going to be mostly an easy way to walk downhill. Along the trail, you can enjoy the stunning views of Mt. Gudang, Mt. Syagang, Thorong Peak, and Mt. Khatungkan. However, we do not forget that we are still in high altitude areas.

Day 18: Cross Thorong La [5416m] to Muktinath – Jomsom

Today is one of the most significant days for all of us. Today, we will climb the Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Our main destination is the Thorong La Pass High Camp. An early start is important to complete the mission. We reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists after crossing the pass. Muktinath hosts a Vishnu temple and a monastery nearby demonstrating the religious 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 the Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom on a local bus.

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 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 afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While walking along the bank of Fewa Lake one of the biggest lakes of 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 the lakeside.

Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu: 6 – 7 hrs

Day 21: Final Departure