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Chulu West Peak Climb is one of the thrilling and adrenaline rushing sports in Nepal. Many visitors come here every year to experience this amazing feeling. Chulu west peak climbing is one another one of the famous climbing peaks located in Annapurna region. The first ascent to Chulu West in 1952 by a Japanese Expedition team, Chulu West lies to the north of Annapurna above the Manang Valley and is the highest of the peaks. The Chulu west peak base camp is situated in a small valley north of Manang, off the main trail to the Thorang La pass. At Chauri Lather we take a narrow, steep trail up to a Base Camp at 4800m. From there we climb steep, rocky ground to a high camp at about 5300m. There is no technical difficulty involved in reaching the summit, but progress can be slow as the slopes are vulnerable to avalanches in certain conditions.
It will provide not only the first hand climbing experience but also an opportunity to have magnificent views of Himalayas lying around such as Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu east and the east-side Himlung valley among others. There are several peaks lying around the areas forming a part of Chulu. Sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two trekking Chulus (East and West) as the group comprises four peaks, two to the east and two to the west. To add further confusion, Chulu West may also be called Chulu Central. Chulu West lies to the north of Annapurna above the Manang Valley and is the highest of the peaks.
The trekking to this peak climbing begins from Besishahar, Bulbule whereby you will reach by some 8-hour drive from Kathmandu, then head up to Chamche, Pisang and reach to Yak Kharka and then continue to base camp and finally reach to Chulu West. The overall journey awes us with the magnificent views of lush green valleys, verdant and dense forests and the stunning mountain views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (6441), Annapurna (8091m), and other Himalaya peaks. Meandering through a diverse topography throughout the trip, we can’t help but be amazed by such diversity in natural wealth and cultural heritage. You may need to use different trekking gears to climb up the mountain under the guidance of the experienced trekking guide. Also, one must be in good physical condition as the climb goes through some challenging steeps. Marveling upon the view atop the Chulu West peak, you head to Muktinath after passing Thorong-La pass (5416m).
The trekking starts with the ride from Kathmandu to Jagat which is about 8 hours. This ride gives you some insight of the rural people; their lifestyle and their culture.
You will have one and half an hour rocky trail walk to reach at Chamje village, which is a small village settlement with primary school surrounding by bamboo bushes.Your continuing journey leads with crossing a suspension bridge in Marshyangdi river just right after you left Chamje and you will see the waterfall, rocky lands and trails with passes a small tea shop and enter to Manang district just before the Tal village. This is a beautiful village situated on a river bank with a beautiful waterfall view. You will cross the river and continue walking through the cliff way right above the river and reach our overnight camp at Dharapani village.
From Dharapani an hour walk you will reach Bagarchhap. The first view of Mt. Annapurna II can be visible closely from this beautiful town. This day you will negotiate a few steep forested landscapes, along with several landslides on route, remember to look up though, as you will receive some sensational views of major Himalayan peaks. This day you will encounter some typical Tibetan village’s en-route before reaching Chame (2670m). Chame is the district headquarters of Manang and it is one of the beautiful Himalayan towns with views of the Mt. Lamjung and Annapurna II can be seen closely.
The trek begins through a forested steep and narrow valley. After crossing a river on a long bridge at 2910 meters, you can look at the view of the Towering Paungda Danda rock face beginning to appear. From here, the trail climbs to Pisang.
Today you will continue through the drier upper part of the Manang district, cut off from the full effect of the monsoon by the Annapurna Range. People of this region herd the yaks & raise crops for part of the year. They also continue to enjoy special trading rights gained way back in 1784. Leaving Pisang, you will have alternate trails north and south of the Marsyangdi River which meets up again at Mungji. The southern route by Hongde, with its airstrip (3325m) which involves less climbing than the northern route via Ghyaru, though there are better views on the trail that follows the northern bank of the river. From Mungji, the trail continues past the picturesque but partially hidden village of Bryanga (3475m) to nearby Manang (3540m).
Today you will spend a day acclimatizing in Manang. The whole day you will spend doing some fine day walks and over viewing the magnificent views around the village & the day time is best to gain altitude. There are many places to visit around. The village of about 500 flat-roofed houses is the picturesque set amongst some spectacular scenery -Annapurna II, Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) to the South – Tilicho (7132m) and the Grand Barrier to the West – Chulu West (6583m) and Chulu East (6059m) to the North. At the end of the day, you will return back to your accommodation & have a night rest.
After a wonderful exploration at Manang village this morning you will head towards the Yak Kharka leaving the trail off to Tilicho Lake on the left corner and continue a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement set at 4110m. You will have a gradual ascent towards a little hill and way goes more right behind the hill and reach Yak Kharka for Lunch and an hour further walk will reach at Leather. Reminder time may hike up to a little hill for the good give of the surrounding mountain and from here you can see the good view of Chulu.
You will start your real expedition day after breakfast and we head up to Base Camp with all the crews to the northern valley of Leader. You will walk though in the grass line and from the scenic ridge and reach at base camp.
This day, after breakfast you will pack up your gear and head to high camp for the overnight. Walking with rough trails up to high camp and definitely feel the sort breathing to get here take 3-4 hrs walk and set up your camp to high camp.
If the day is good, you will start to climb to the summit. The guide will give you support by fixing the rope and lead you to the successful summit of the Chulu west peak. You will have time to take pictures of success and to look around the Himalayan world in surrounding views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Throng peak, Chulu east as well some Tibetan mountain ranges and the below valley of Manang and Throng top. After a successful summit, you will go down to base camp.
Today, you will stroll back to Leader and rest of the time you may relax.
Another short day with high above makes your way to the foot of the pass, Thorong Phedi for the lunch stop. A small place although a busy settlement catering to the needs of trekkers and climbers. It is situated at the bottom of the Throng la and the trails continually step up to Thorong la afterwards.
You will start your climbing up to Throng top with a stopping frequent on the way. Finally reach Throng la take your memorable picture but can’t stay longer due to wind. Throng La pass (5416m) will be an unforgettable experience in your lifetime. However, the problem may arise due to the altitude and snow. The views from the trail and from the pass itself are outstanding high Himalayan scenes. Start a long descent to another part of the Annapurna and reach Muktinath.
Muktinath is one of the most important sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindu as well as Buddhists pilgrims. Travellers begin their day with a visit to Muktinath temple. From here you can appreciate the wonderful perspectives on Dhaulagiri. There are water gushes which channel into the stream running over the sanctuary. There is additionally a Buddhist Monastery close by. From here a path slides through the town of Jharkot where you can investigate the Jharkot religious community; this is both a Tibetan homegrown clinical focus and an old post. The hike proceeded back to Jomsom . The perspectives on the Kali Gandaki valley and Kagbeni town en route are genuinely overpowering. We pass by Ekle Bhatti and lastly show up at Jomsom.
The travelers will take a flight back to Pokhara. The remaining afternoon can be spent exploring the beautiful landscapes, lakes and hills of the city. You can also roam around the market area of the Pokhara in the night and get yourself immersed in the limelight of the city.
It is time to bid farewell to the Pokhara valley and take a bus ride back to the Kathmandu valley. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, river valleys and clear sky through the window of the bus before reaching the city.
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