Chulu west peak climbing

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Chulu West Peak Climbing, in the Annapurna region, is one of the most beautiful climbing peaks in the whole Himalayas. Standing at an elevation of 6,419 meters/21,059 feet, Chulu West Peak is the most popular destination for mountaineers that offers stunning views of the massif Annapurna range. This particular peak in the Annapurna region offers an alternative to other popular and often crowded mountains like Thorong La and Annapurna I. 


Climbing Chulu West Peak is an exciting adventure that combines the stunning Annapurna Circuit trek for an even more breathtaking experience. Chulu West Peak climbing is a diverse trek that can be started from two ways such as Chulu West Peak from Syange and Chulu West Peak from Chame according to the time and interests of the trekkers or climbers. Despite this, some climber prefers to combine Chulu West Peak climbing as an expandable trip after the completion Manaslu Circuit trek, the trek begins from Dharapani. 


In addition to a thirst for adventure, climbers must possess excellent physical fitness and be able to walk for approximately 5 to 7 hours each day. We'll be following the trail that runs along the Marsyangdi River and heads toward the Manang Valley. Our next destination is Chulu West Peak. After reaching the peak, the journey continues along the circuit towards Jomsom via Thorong La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of 5,416 meters/17,769 feet above sea level. The trip rewards the climber with panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna II (7,937m/26,040 ft) and Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m/24,787ft), Chulu East Peak (6,584m/21,601ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134m/23,405ft), Tukuche Peak (6,920m/22,703ft), and Thorong La Peak (6,100m/20,013ft). 

 

Highlight

  • Stunning view from the summit of Chulu West Peak which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft), and Mt. Annapurna (8,091m/26,545ft).
  • Climb up to the height of 6,419m/21,059ft, summit of Chulu West Peak. ·
  • Explore and experience the Marshyangdi Valley, lower Mustang, and Gurung villages, and their cultures and traditions. ·
  • Combines with the most popular trekking trail Annapurna Circuit Trek·
  •  The sacred temple of Hindus and Buddhists, Muktinath temple.
  • Kali Gandali Gorge Valley.
  • Visiting Manang, Jomsom Bazaar, and Brakka monasteries along the way.

The combination of two adventurous activities such as trekking and mountaineering, the Chulu West Peak climbing trip offers stunning views of mighty eight thousanders like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Annapurna including other peaks such as Annapurna II and Annapurna III, Tilicho peak, Tukuche peak, Chulu East peak, and Thorong La peak. The trail passes through the barren but stunning Manang Valley, Gurung villages, and Marsyangdi Valley by experiencing the sacred temple – Muktinath, and Barakka monasteries. The journey leads toward one of the highest altitudes of Himalayan passes at 5,416 meters named Thorong La Pass which is also the highest point during the Annapurna Circuit trek.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syange

Day 2: Trek from Syange to Dharapani

Day 3: Trek from Dharapani to Chame

Day 4: Trek from Chame to Pisang

Day 5: Trek from Pisang to Manang

Day 6: Rest day at Manang

Day 7: Trek from Manang to Leder

Day 8: Trek from Leder to Chulu West Base Camp

Day 9: Acclimatization day in Chulu West Base Camp

Day 10: Chulu West Base Camp to Camp I

Day 11: Chulu West Peak Summit and overnight at Chulu West Base Camp

Day 12: Extra day for Weather 

Day 13: Downhill trek from Base Camp to Leder

Day 14: Downhill trek from Leder to Thorong Phedi

Day 15: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath and drive to Jomsom

Day 16: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. A day excursion at Pokhara.

Day 17: Farewell day of the tour


Chulu West Peak Difficulties

The difficulty level of Chulu West Peak climbing can vary depending on the route taken, weather conditions, and the climber's skills and experience of mountaineering. Climbing Chulu West peak requires good physical condition and a high degree of resilience as well as strong willpower and positive attitudes during the ascent.

With very reliable itinerary, proper acclimatization, and a highly skilled and experienced guide is required to make a successful trip. Reaching above the altitude of 3000 meters, the body needs a little time for adaptation. Staying well hydrated, consuming highly nutritious food, and acclimatization will adjust and recover your body.

After leaving the high camp, the toughest part of the alpine journey begins, as climbers have to navigate steep snow and ice surfaces. Summit day starts early, and reaching the top of Chulu is the ultimate goal, making it the most difficult and rewarding part of the journey. The hike will take over 10 hours on the summit day, starting from high camp and descending back after reaching the summit. Your physical training, willpower, mental strength, and grit will help you conquer the summit of Chulu West Peak.


Chulu West Peak Routes

After the preparation made in Kathmandu, the journey of climbing Chulu West Peak begins with a drive to Besisahar from Kathmandu covering a distance of 176.2 kilometers. After a drive on a local sharing Jeep to Chame, the trek finally starts in the direction of the lovely villages of Pisang before entering the highest valleys of Manang. We stay at Manang for two nights to allow for proper acclimatization and acclimatization and acquainting ourselves with the area.


After crossing the Manang, the next destination is the Chulu West Base camp passing the village of Leder. A day of acclimatization at base camp for adjustment of oxygen level and training for climbing and using the climbing gear which includes ice axes, crampons, and ropes by our experienced climbing leaders. On the next day, after observing the weather pattern, the real climbing starts at the summit of Chulu Peak covering rugged terrain on rocks and ice. The climb to the summit is a long and gradual one, and it becomes more tiring if the snow is soft. After taking in the view from the summit, we return to the base camp on the same day.

After a successful climb to the Chulu West Peak, they make our return following the Thorong Phedi crossing the Thorong La Pass (5,416m) to Muktinath – a sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple and then to Jomson on a local vehicle. We take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, and we make a one-day excursion to the beautiful city of Pokhara for refreshment and relaxation. The journey concludes with a scenic flight from Pokhara and marking a complete stop at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu on the next day.  


 

Itinerary

On the first day, we will pick you up from the hotels and leave Kathmandu in the morning for Syange by the tourist bus. The scenic drive takes around 130 kilometers on the west side of Kathmandu Valley. Nearly after 7-8 hours of driving, we reach Syange - the starting point of Chulu West Peak climbing. The road is not equally fine in all portions of our drive. The scenery of villages, rivers, farms, green forests, and beautiful mountains provides pleasure to the eye.  Eyes catching view of green hills and valleys, torrential and fast-flowing rivers, villages with old traditional lifestyles, farms fairly undisturbed by modern developments, terraced farming, and a pleasant view of the beautiful snow-capped mountains route will be the highlight of our today’s journey. We will explore the Syange in the evening time and stay overnight in the lodge/hotel.

After breakfast, today we hike from Syange to Dharapani. After crossing a large bridge near Tal, we enter the Manang district and then trek ahead through barley, rice, and potato fields and pine forests encountering beautiful views of the river below the village and attractive waterfalls. The trail continues steeply for some time, takes a dip, and rises again on the high hills to reach Dharapani. Marshyangdi River continues its roar while we trek past the Mani walls, the village of Kodo and we reach Dharapani, one of the big villages in the Manang valley. We will stop our journey and take a rest overnight in the lodge/hotel of Dharapani.

You will wake up early in the morning and observe the beautiful view of sunrise from the hill. The trek continues from the path covered with rhododendron and pine forests to Bagachap and Danque villages and then to Tamang village. The trail passes through the narrow forested gorge and past the view of the waterfall, you will reach another village of Danakyu. On the way the stunning views of the Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu (8,163m/26,781ft), Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Following the trail, we enter the beautiful region with dense forest, cross small tributaries, trek past a waterfall and walk over steep stones and traverse through a couple of Tibetan settlements such as Thanchow and Koto to reach Chame. It is a beautiful valley and the administrative center of the Manang District. Overnight at Chame.

After breakfast, the adventurous trek begins and leads us to the steep and narrow path through a very dense forest that will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face. The route passes through beautiful alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the Marsyangdi River upstream with short ups and down hills to Bhratang village, you will be closer to the mountainous region. Ahead of this boundary between the Manang area to the north and the Gurung area to the south, the trail follows the river and ascent to Manang Valley and Lower Pisang after crossing a river and then to Upper Pisang which offers a more scenic view. You can experience change in landscape and vegetation, where the terrain becomes arriver and vegetation sparser. After continuing through these wonderful sites we finally reach Pisang. Overnight at Pisang.

On this day you will hike to Manang. The hike is very interesting as the trail now enters into the dry and arid region of Manang district which falls in the rain shadow areas thereby receiving scanty rain in the summer and snow in the winter season. The trail passes through woodland with short uphill and views of staggering Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna Chulu’s, and Pisang Peak. As the walk leads to Hongde village, the tree lines disappear for barren, landscapes with a cold, dry arctic climate. After 4-5 hrs of the hike, you will reach Manang. There is a large Monastery in the Manang. We stay at the lodge/ Hotel of the Manang.

Today is the rest day in order to adjust your body with low temperature, high atmospheric pressure with low oxygen level. You can have a lovely view of the sunrise from Manang. The Manang is known as one of the deserts of Nepal that attracts most tourists to visit annually. You will explore the culture, traditions, customs, and people on this day by hiking around Manang. The Bhojo Gompa, Gaganpurna Lake, the small and old monastery at Braga, and the office of the Himalayan Rescue Association to get information on altitude sickness. The environment around the valley is cold and the dry climate creates a much harsher environment. After exploring the Manang for a short time, you will return to hotels or teahouses for overnight. 

After a one-day rest at Manang, the journey begins towards the Leder. The hike continues towards Ghunsang village on the uphill path to Yak Kharka in order to reach today’s destination. The trail passes through alpine landscapes with high-altitude vegetation, greenery, and forests to the Ghunsang village with an amazing view of mountains and a beautifully arranged teahouse. The trail goes along the Mani walls, small tea shops, and a bridge over a small rivulet you shall ascent to Yak Kharka, the village with open pasture lands for the Yaks. After a short time of hike from Yak Kharka, you will reach Leder. Overnight at Leder. 

After having a beautiful view and fresh air of Leder, the hike continues for the Chulu West Base Camp from where you can have a view of the Annapurna Himalayas. The view of the Annapurna Himal and Chulu West Peak is stunning from the Chulu West Base Camp. We will set our tent in the base camp and end the day with the amazing sunset over the Annapurna range. Overnight in the tent at Base Camp.

On this day we will learn the basic knowledge of mountaineering. Without any information or any basic knowledge of mountaineering, you can’t climb the peak as the peak lies at a higher altitude, and without any guidance, climbing will be extremely difficult. You will stay at the base camp and take a rest and prepare for next summiting day.

After taking basic training you will start climbing to the high camp in the peak and the snow rock band to the high camp. The route is not that technical but you may have to use ropes, crampons, and an ice axe. You will be camping at a High camp (5,500m/18,150ft) for a overnight in the tent from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the snow capped mountains.

It's the day of summiting, you will climb the top of Chulu west peak which is very enjoyable and adventurous. Therefore, you will wake up much earlier today as you have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail to reach the top but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are amazing which makes you fall in love with the place over the horizon than on our trail. Once you will reach the top, the feelings will be incredible as you have just conquered a peak. Don't forget to capture this beautiful moment and an amazing view of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gaganpurna Peak, and Lamjung Peak. From the top, we slowly return back to the Base and capture a beautiful view of the sunset in the evening. Overnight stay at the base camp.

This day is considered an extra day because the weather at the high altitude is unpredictable and can change at any minute. It will be very hard to climb the peak in bad weather. It is very dangerous so; it is considered an extra day of the weather.

After having an adventurous and memorable mountain climbing journey, you will descend to Manang village. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurnas and other peaks on the downhill trail before reaching Leder. It will take around 5-6 hrs to reach Leder and overnight stay at Leder.

In the morning, you will get the magical sunrise view. You will explore around Leder and move for the downhill trek to Thorong Phedi. You can encounter an agricultural stander of the people living nearby the village. Mostly, the trail goes through an easy way downhill. You will reach Thorong Phedi after 3-4 hours of downhill hike. Overnight stay at the lodge/hotel of Thorong.

Today you will drive to Jomsom, passing through the Thorong La, Muktinath, and Vishnu Temple exploring the Muktinath temple on the way. It is an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. You can have an amazing view of Dhaulagiri Peak from Muktinath. After exploring the monastery and the temple, you will take the local bus to reach Jomson after a 1-hour of scenic drive. Overnight stay in the lodge/Hotel in Jomsom.

After breakfast, you will take a flight to Pokhara in the morning. You can have a beautiful view of the hills and panoramic mountain views of the Annapurna range from the flight.  After landing in the Pokhara, the sightseeing excursion begins by visiting the lakeside and the caves or boating around Fewa Lake. Fewa Lake is one of the best attractions for the tourist where you can see a clean shadow (reflection) of Fishtail Mountain in the lake. After a little excursion, we take a flight to Kathmandu. Overnight in the Lodge/Hotel.

On this day we have a small farewell program with Lunch in the hotel. You can enjoy the time by singing and dancing. We check out from the hotel and end our memorable Chulu West Peak Climbing Tour over there.

Included & Excluded Items in the Trip Package

Included

Excluded

Best time for Chulu Peak Climbing

The best time for climbing the summit of Chulu Peak are Spring and Autumn seasons. However, the Winter season (December, January, and February) is also a great time for Chulu West peak climbing if you are well prepared for the cold weather. The views of the mountains are crystal clear and routes are less crowded making the perfect time for climbing Chulu West Peak.


The Spring season falls in March, April, and May and the autumn season falls in September, October, and November. The seasons are characterized by stable weather conditions, including clear skies, mild temperatures, and low precipitation chances. The views of the surrounding mountains, landscapes, and valleys are also at their peak in these seasons making a more enjoyable and memorable climbing experience.


The Summer/Monsoon season which falls in June, July, and August is not recommended due to harsh weather conditions and heavy rainfall. Similarly, climbing is also not recommended in this season as there is a high risk of landscapes, avalanches, and weather-related hazards.


It is important to note that even in the best seasons for climbing, the weather can be unpredictable at higher altitudes or in the Himalayas. So climbers should always be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring appropriate gear and equipment. 


Preparations

Climbing the summit of Chulu West Peak is not easy, requires a good level of physical fitness and strength. You have to build your stamina, and positive attitude, and set your body and mind for the trek. Any kind of aerobic exercise like long hiking, cycling, and long-distance running should be done before 3 months from the beginning of your trip. For making the trip successful, be prepared well with the packing gears and the equipment required for mountaineering. You have to take the training to use mountaineering gears such as crampons, ice axe, and ropes. 


Packing List 

Proper mountaineering equipment and gears are essential to make the Chulu West Peak Climbing successful. 

  • A backpack to carry all the essential equipment

  • Warm and Waterproof Jacket

  • Warm mountaineering boots with a good ankle support

  • Crampons

  • An ice axe for balance and support in the event of a fall

  • Climbing rope for safety and support on steep terrain

  • Climbing harness 

  • Climbing helmet

  • Carabiners

  • Ascenders and Descenders

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn

  • Clothing items like liner socks, trekking t-shirts, short sleeves, thermal underwear, fleece sweaters, trekking socks, pants, a pair of gloves, a down jacket, and a sunhat.

Note: We provide all the gear and mountaineering equipment required for trekking and climbing expeditions. 


Acclimatization

The high altitude of Chulu West Peak adds technical challenges for climbing. Every trekker and climber must acclimatize properly to adjust to the low oxygen level to minimize the risk of high altitude sickness. This involves gradual ascent, rest days, proper hydration, and consumption of nutrition to adapt to the high-altitude environment. As per the planned itinerary, we have two days of acclimatization at Manang (3,351m/10,914ft) on the 6th day and the high camp of Chulu West Peak (4,900m/16,090ft) on the 9th day. We take proper rest and let our bodies adjust in higher altitudes also the training for mountaineering usages of mountaineering equipment training will be provided to climbers on the rest day at the high camp of Chulu West Peak.  


Summiting Day

The most important day where you reach the top of the Chulu West Peak - the final destination of the journey. Before climbing, you go through the weather pattern to know whether the weather condition is favorable or not. After the training for Chulu West Peak climbing given by the mountaineering guide, the climb ascends toward the summit passing rugged ice terrains. From the top of the summit, the views of the stunning mountains and the landscapes below you are mind-blowing. The achievement of reaching the summit after training, and a long day of hard trekking - the feeling is indescribable. On this day, you walk around 10 hours from the base camp to the summit and descend back to the base camp. The trekking on this day is quite challenging but reaching the goal is the most pleasure and unforgettable moment of a lifetime. 


Permits

Chulu West Peak climbing requires three types of permits which are mentioned below:

  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit

  • Peak climbing permit from NMA (National Mountaineering Association)

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for climbing the Chulu West Peak. Anything can happen in the Himalayas regardless of your physical fitness, experience, preparations, and confidence. Before purchasing the travel insurance, make sure the insurance policy covers all the facilities which includes medical expenses, helicopter evacuation, repatriation, trekking, and climbing. It is advised to have the assurance that covers trekking or climbing activities up to 6,500 meters. Getting travel insurance means getting personal security for climbing so that you can complete your journey with peace of mind and worries.  


Guide and Porters

To conquer the summit of Chulu West Peak, highly professional guides and porters are crucial. Guides are knowledgeable about the route, terrain, and weather conditions and provide guidance and instructions on climbing techniques, and the use of equipment while climbing. Guides will ensure your safety throughout the climb and will be a perfect companion for a journey by providing support and assistance and also helping to remove language barriers with the local people. 


Porters are the persons who will carry your equipment, luggage, and backpacks so that you can have a comfortable climbing journey. They can carry up to a maximum weight of 10 to 15 kg of baggage items. 


Responsible Tourism 

We Bold Himalaya conducts a trekking or climbing expedition focusing on the principle Leave-No-Trace. While trekking, it is our responsibility to protect nature, local cultures, traditions, and customs and support their beliefs. We heartily request our clients to leave nothing except footsteps, the pristine remain untouched or unharmed focusing on the preservation and well-being of the community.


Drinking Water

Safe drinking water is available in the tea houses and the lodges throughout the trekking trail. They offer mineral water, bottled water, or boiled water for the trekkers for some extra charge. It is recommended to carry 2 or 3 water bottles for refilling purposes. Drinking water can be available through natural water resources like taps or springs but make sure to use a water purifier before drinking.


Food and Accommodation

There are various tea houses and lodges that offer basic accommodation facilities such as a twin-sharing room with attached bathrooms, beds, pillows, blankets, bed sheets, and mattresses. Tea houses and lodges offer local cuisines (Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari) with a shared dining table for all trekkers staying in the same tea houses. 


On the day at the high camp of Chulu West Peak, accommodation takes place in a tent, and food is cooked by the cook hired by the company.


Other Facilities

ATM and Money Exchange

You can easily find ATM and money exchange facilities in Kathmandu Valley as well as in the city nearby Syange. Before starting the trek, you need to withdraw enough money and carry Nepali Rupees as no ATM and money exchange facility is available at the higher altitude. 


Electricity

Teahouses along the trail offer electricity facility to the trekkers, where you can charge the electronics or electrical appliances by paying some additional charges. No electricity facility is available at the high camp, so it is advised to charge fully all your electrical appliances or carry power banks. 


Mobile Networks and Internet

In city areas or lower altitudes, you can get access to mobile networks by using Nepali sim Ntc and Ncell. The internal facility is offered in all the teahouses through the WiFi router to the climbers.


On the day of summiting Chulu West Peak, the internet and mobile networking facility may not be available as you are walking around the Himalayas for around 10 hours. 


Altitude Sickness and its Preventive Measures

Chulu Peak Climbing, the journey leads up to an altitude of 6,419 meters/21,059 feet. Long days climbing in the Himalayas at low oxygen levels and high atmospheric pressure, the possibility of altitude sickness may come into existence for climbers. To avoid altitude sickness, it is essential to prepare abundantly which includes training, acclimatization exercise, and proper guidance.


The symptoms may include Nausea and Vomiting, headache, insomnia, and reduced performance and coordination. To prevent altitude sickness, stay hydrated, avoid smoking and alcohol, maintain a slow pace while trekking, focus on climbing high sleep low, and consume a high-calorie diet.













 

Accommodation

In city areas, you will accommodate in 3-star category hotels in Thamel areas. The 3-star hotels may be like a normal hotel in European countries but the hotels provide luxurious services. 


As you journey along the trail on Chulu West Peak Climbing, you will come across charming teahouses and lodges that offer a comfortable and eco-friendly atmosphere. The teahouses offer comfortable twin-sharing rooms with beds, warm blankets, pillows, bed sheets, and mattresses. The rooms are facilitated with attached toilets and bathrooms in most of the teahouses. 


During your stay at the high camp of Chulu West Peak, you will be accommodated in tents. 

About Meal

During your stay in Kathmandu, you will be provided with delicious meals according to your choices. In the Hotel and Lodge, there is a wide variety of food options available for you to select from and enjoy. 


While trekking, you will be provided three types of meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. 


For Breakfast, the menu includes pancakes, baked bread, fried or boiled eggs, porridge, muesli, Tibetan bread, and a cup of tea, coffee, and hot chocolates for beverages.


For Lunch, the menu includes a traditional Dal, Bhat, and Curry (rice, lentils, and vegetables), flavorful pasta, MoMo (dumplings), sandwiches, fried rice or crispy fried noodles, and fresh fruits and salads for dessert.


For Dinner, local cuisine is Dal, Bhat, and Curry (rice, lentils, and vegetables), curries chicken, as well as vegetables, pizza, fried rice, Chapati, Thukpa, Pizza, Macaroni, and steamed bread, are served. The options for hard drinks are also available but it is not recommended for trekkers.


During your stay at tents in the high camp of Chulu West Peak, a cook offers you delicious food items such as pasta, noodles, and traditional Dal, Bhat, and Curry as well.


Climbing Chulu West Peak is not allowed unless you are accompanied by a guide authorized by the trekking company. You can trek independently up to the Base Camp of Chulu West Peak but you will compulsorily require a guide for climbing.

The Spring (March, April, and May) Autumn (September, October, and November) seasons are considered the best season for climbing the Chulu West Peak when the weather condition and temperature at favorable and the views are at their best during these seasons. 

The number of days required to complete Chulu West Peak climbing depends upon the trekking seasons, routes, and weather conditions. As per the planned itinerary, it takes around 17 days to complete the climbing including two acclimatization days at Manang and the high camp of Chulu West Peak. 

The summiting point for Chulu West Peak, at an elevation of 6,419 meters/21,059 feet. 

The altitude of Thorong La Pass is 5,416 meters/17,769 feet above sea level. It is also the highest altitude pass for Annapurna Circuit trekking.

During your climbing journey, the teahouses offer internal facilities through WiFi by paying some additional charges. You can communicate with your family and friends by getting internet access via WiFi while at Teahouses. 

The difficulty level of Chulu West Peak climbing depends upon the route taken, weather conditions, and fitness level of the climbers. The Chulu West Peak climbing is graded as moderate level difficulty, which means climbers with good physical stamina, basic mountaineering skills, and a capacity to walk for long periods can easily complete Chulu West Peak climbing.