Chulu West Peak Climbing - 7 Days

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 your own program.