Chulu West Peak Climbing - 22 Days

Today is dedicated to ensuring you are fully prepared for your Chulu West Peak climbing expedition. Our expert team will conduct a thorough equipment check, followed by a comprehensive briefing covering the expedition plan and a detailed review of the climbing route with our experienced advisor. This crucial day allows you to clarify any questions and build confidence before our journey into the mountains begins.

Your Annapurna Circuit adventure kicks off with an early morning scenic drive to Besisahar (Lamjung district), taking about 6-7 hours, on a private vehicle.

The journey starts on the well-paved Prithvi Highway, winding through lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and charming rural villages. You'll often follow the Trishuli River, enjoying glimpses of Nepali life. At Malekhu, you'll stop for lunch and continue driving along the scenic route with views of distant Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Machhapuchhre.

After breakfast at Beishsar, you'll change to a 4x4 as paved roads giveway to a dirt track and follow the Marshyandi River all the way to Chame. The scenic 4-5 hour drive takes you past waterfalls and lowland villages. Before road expansion, treks started from Besiahar but now the trail and the road overlaps and isn't a plesant hike.

Your trek today takes you through a beautiful pine forest, with the Annapurna range growing ever closer. You'll pass through fascinating rock formations and enjoy increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. The trail leads you to Upper Pisang, a traditional village perched high above the valley, offering spectacular panoramic vistas of Annapurna II and Annapurna III.

Today's trek is particularly scenic as you enter the dryer, more arid landscapes of the Nyeshang Valley. You'll witness a dramatic change in vegetation as the treeline recedes, replaced by high plateaus. The views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and Chulu East are constant companions. Your destination is Manang, a large and historically significant village, where you'll spend two crucial nights for acclimatization.

This is an essential day dedicated to acclimatization, allowing your body to adapt to the increasing altitude. You'll embark on an invigorating excursion to Gangapurna Lake, a stunning glacial lake fed by the Gangapurna glacier. This hike provides not only breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks but also crucial 'climb high, sleep low' acclimatization, preparing you for the higher passes ahead. You can also visit the Chongar viewpoint for wider panoramas.

With your body well-rested and acclimatized in Manang, you'll gradually ascend to Churi Ledar, prioritizing acclimatization.

You'll trek through diverse landscapes, starting in alpine terrain, moving into a dense pine forest, and ultimately reaching your destination. The trail takes you past Manang, then up a climb to Tenki, the last village before Thorong La Pass.

Next, you'll reach the picturesque village of Ghusang, known for its mountain views and welcoming teahouse. You'll pass Mani walls, small teahouses, and cross a bridge before arriving at Yak Kharka, famous for its yaks and pastures. You’ll finally reach Churi Ledar by crossing a glacial stream and a steady, gradual climb.
 

You rest and prepare for the Chulu West Peak climbing.

The trail to Chulu West Base Camp from Churi Ledar starts with a steady ascent. Though not demanding, the altitude can challenge your stamina. You'll move at a steady, deliberate pace across the rugged landscape, allowing ample opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible vistas that unfold as you approach Base Camp.

After a pass at 4,740 m, the trail levels out to a pasture at the foot of a scree hill. At the base camp, your climbing guide will brief you about the trail and provide crucial training that includes ice walking, use of crampons, carabiner, ice-axe, basic self-rescue, and knot tying practice for the upcoming challenge. 

Today, you'll ascend to Advance Base Camp. The trail initially leads you north of the pasture on a gentle incline, then transitions into a scree field, subtly contouring along the hills. After climbing a rockface on a fixed rope, the trail is dominated by loose slates. where you'll establish your camp on a sheltered ledge. This strategic spot offers stunning views overlooking Chulu West’s summit and a steep rock face providing natural protection from the elements. Just around the bend, at 5,111 meters, lies a rock band that you will cross tomorrow, en route to High Camp.

Today, you'll tackle one of the most challenging section on the Chulu West expedition, the rock band which forms a col on the ridge of the mountain and requries the used of fixed ropes. Just across the rock band a dramatic valley will open up, revealing a panorama of magnificent peaks surrounding you. After successfully crossing the second pass through a steep rock face, the trail gently climbs through a scree field until you reach the Chulu West Glacier at 5,450 meters. From this point, you'll don your crampons, as your ascent continues across permanent ice on the north-west shoulder of Chulu West. The route then gradually ascends, leading you to a high alpine saddle (col) at approximately 5,500 meters. Here, a pristine, elevated plateau unfolds, where you will establish your High Camp, strategically positioned for your summit attempt amidst serene views of the Annapurna and peri-Damodar range, and the Thorung La pass.

You start early in the morning up a scree trail until you reach the crampon point. The rest of the route to the Chulu West summit is on ice and snow on a ridge. The climb is slow and ardous but equally rewarding with panoramic views all along. Afterwards, you'll descend to Chulu West Base camp.

This day will act as a buffer day incase of bad weather or other unforseen circumstances that might halt your summit push.

You'll retrace your steps back to Ledar, and continue on the Annapurna Circuit Trail to Thorong High Camp. Tomorrow, you'll go across the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) to arrive at Muktinath.

You'll begin your ascent before dawn, trekking steadily upwards to reach the prayer-flag-adorned summit. From the pass, you'll be rewarded with truly breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, stretching endlessly. The descent is long and gradual, leading you through the arid, almost lunar landscapes of Mustang to Muktinath, a significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, where you can find rest and spiritual solace.

From Muktinath, you have the option to trek or drive to Jomsom. If you choose to trek, you'll embark on a scenic path that leads through the unique village of Lupra, offering a glimpse into a more traditional way of life in Mustang. The landscape continues its arid, desert-like character, defined by the deep Kali Gandaki gorge. Alternatively, a shorter drive provides a quicker transfer to Jomsom, a larger town in the Mustang district known for its apple orchards and strong winds.

You will either fly or drive to Pokhara (depending upon the weather and the package you've booked).

You have the day at leisure to explore its many attractions; visiting the stupas and waterfalls or simply relaxing in one of the many cafes along the lakeside, reflecting on your epic Himalayan adventure.

You have the day at leisure to explore Kathmandu. In the evening, you're invited to join Himalayan Ecstasy for a farewell dinner celebrating your trip in Nepal.