Genuine Reviews on :

Chulu West Peak Climbing

  Nepal

Duration

24 Days

Tour Type

Trekking ,Climbing

Group Size

2+

Accommodation

Tea house/Lodge /camping

Meal

Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner

Max. Altitiude

6200 m

Best Season

Sep-Nov/Mar-May

Departure from

Kathmandu

Hightlight

  • Ethnic villages of Thakali, Bhotia and Manangese
  • Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition
  • Wildlife and vegetation of Annapurna Conservation Area Project
  • Chulu West Peak
  • Crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m)
  • Braga Monastery and Muktinath Temple pilgrimage tour
  • Pokhara City Tour
  • Adventurous sports in Pokhara

Overview

Chulu West Peak climbing is one of the most valuable lifetime experiences one can ever have in life. Chulu West (6,415 m) is one of the two Chulu Peaks including Chulu East (6,584 m). Both are Nepal trekking peaks of Annapurna region located in the Manang Valley.

Doing this trip is a wonderful experience of teahouse and camping trekking in Annapurna region. The local cuisines of the Manang Valley, known as the Thakali Dish is a must-taste food during Annapurna Circuit trek.

The ethnic villages of Thakali, Bhotia and Manangese are visited during Chulu Peak climbing. You visit the very ancient Braga Monastery to Muktinath Temple. Muktinath Temple is the common sacred shrine for both Hindus and Buddhists. The famous pilgrimage site, Muktinath is an evidence of religious tolerance in Nepal.

The ecological diversity of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) are the rewards of this trip. You will see different species of birds and animals while walking along the dense pine, fir, oak and rhododendron forests.

Chulu Peak climbing follows Thorung La Pass trek beginning from the Marsyangdi River Valley to the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The snow-white peaks of Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7m422m) and Langtang region make the ascent even livelier.

You fly from Jomsom to the Lake City Pokhara enjoying the aerial view of the Himalayas. The lakes, green hills, bizarre landscapes of Upper Mustang region are equally captivating while in flight.

Chulu West Peak Climbing Difficulty                               

Chulu West Peak is one of the NMA “B” peaks that requires good technical knowledge. To beat the Chulu West Peak climbing difficulty, you must know how to use crampons, harness, ice axe and ropes.

From the base camp to High Camp, it is not much difficult but the route from High Camp to the Chulu West Summit is quite challenging. The steep trail is icy and slippery; above all with some gorges and crevasses. You need to use ropes to ascend and descend without any accident.

It is not recommended for the beginner trekkers as it is more challenging than other trekking peaks like Yala Peak climbing or Pisang Peak climbing. For the ones having the previous high passes trekking and peak climbing in Nepal, it is not a big problem.

To better cope with Chulu West Peak climbing difficulty, you must book this trip with the experienced tour operator. Such a tour operator provides you with the professional climbing guide who has already done dozens of expeditions as well.

Among such professional local tour operator, Nepal Trekking Routes is the one which not only assists you complete your mission but also takes care of your safety! We provide the well-experienced Sherpa guide who can take all the preventive measures to avoid the possible accidents during the expedition.

Chulu West Peak Climbing Cost

To assist you calculate the overall cost of Chulu West Peak Climbing, let me talk about the individual topics you have to pay for.

First is the trekking permits cost which is different for the free individual trekking (FIT) and the restricted area trekking (RAT) regions. You need a special permit to visit the restricted area, and you must be accompanied by a registered guide. The special permit cost is different from one region to another.

For this Peak climbing, you need TIMS Card, ACAP Entry Permit and Chulu West Peak Climbing Permit respectively. TIMS Card costs USD 20 while ACAP Entry Permit cost is USD 30.

The cost of peak climbing for Chulu West is different in different seasons. In spring, you have to pay USD 250 as it is the best peak-climbing season in Nepal. Likewise, if you do this trip in autumn, the cost is USD 125 whereas in summer and winter, the cost is far low, i.e. USD 70 only.

The services of food and accommodation also play a vital role in determining the overall Chulu West Peak climbing cost. It is tea house + camping trekking, so, you don’t find all the luxury to choose these services all the times.

Likewise, from Jomsom, you can fly or drive to Pokhara via Beni, the gateway to Guerrilla trek or Upper Dolpo trek. And, while returning from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you have choice of roadway or airway. Definitely, the fare of air ticket is higher than bus or jeep ticket!

Last but not least, you may not combine Thorung La Pass trek if you have a short holiday or want to spend low budget.

In a nutshell, it’s all up to you how much you want to pay for Chulu West Climbing cost!

Chulu West Peak Climbing Permits

Chulu West Peak is an NMA “B” peak located in the Annapurna Massif vicinity. You need to have three documents as Chulu West Peak climbing permits. They are TIMS Card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Entry Permit and Chulu West Peak Climbing Permit respectively.

As you have to book Chulu West Peak climbing package with a local tour guide, you don’t have to worry about them. The agency is responsible for managing all these legal documents. However, you have to submit the following documents to the agency for the Nepal trekking permits:

  • Copy of passport having at least 6 months’ validity
  • Two passports sized photos
  • Fees in either US Dollars or Nepalese Currency
  • Rough itinerary of the region you are trekking around
  • Sometimes you may have to wait for more than normal duration.

Itinerary

The guide of our agency takes you for Kathmandu tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar, Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath Stupa. The guide makes the schedule or you can suggest which cultural site you want to visit first.

 

After you return from day tour, meet the team leader who will give you brief information about Chulu West Peak climbing. It’s high time you manage climbing gears. Some of them should be bought while others hired. The team leader helps you further for the management of climbing gears.

You formally begin the journey of Chulu West Peak climbing from Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit trek. After having breakfast, you drive along the Prithvi Highway enjoying the splendid view of Manaslu region and Ganesh Himal Range.

 

From Dumre, a town just below Bandipur, the Queen of Hills, you take a right direction. The road runs above the Marsyangdi River banks. From Besisahar, you follow the dusty and bumpy off-road to reach Khudi.

Drive to Besi Sahar [820m] We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the rough road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar for 6 hours.

Witnessing the stunning view of Himalchuli and Manaslu, you walk along the Nadi Khola and then the Musi Khola. By crossing a suspension bridge, you reach Bahundanda, the rural area described by John Wood in his Microsoft to Bahundanda.

 

Enjoying the excellent view of the Marsyangdi River Valley,  you follow a rather steep trail. By crossing the river, you finally reach in Syange.

By walking past the dense forested lands of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the trail leads you across Jagat and Chamje. Moving further through the forests, you enter in to Manang district. You end up today’s trek at Tal Village. It is a beautiful village having traditional houses painted in different colours.

Following the steep trail, you cross the Marsyangdi River and reach Dharapani Village, where Manaslu Circuit trek route joins Annapurna Circuit trek.

 

Moving ahead, you walk past some natural waterfalls and reach the police check post of Upper Koto (Kodo). Getting your permits checked, you continue the trip relishing the view of Annapurna and Langtang region. At the end of the trek, you stop at Koto, the junction to Nar Phu Valley trek.

Walking along the steep hill for a while, you reach Chame, the administrative center of Manang district. Then after, the track takes you across pine forests and Tibetan Khampas settlement area. At last, you stop at Pisang, the beautiful village at the bottom of Pisang Peak (6,091m).

Following the route that takes across Upper Pisang and Geru, you continue the trek. The scenery of the Himalayas, green forests and barren hills pushes you towards higher elevation. And, you end up the walking at Manang Village, a beautiful village having all types of modern amenities. Visit the Braga Monastery, the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist shrine of the entire Manang district.

Walking along the steep trail that goes past the alpine forests of ACAP, you finally reach Yak Kharka. As the trek is short, take a visit around the village by enjoying the view of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak

You begin today’s trek after breakfast towards Chulu West Base Camp. The steep trail takes you past Letdar Village, another stop during Annapurna Circuit trek. Today’s trip stops at the base camp of Chulu West (6,059m).

Keep walking around the tented camp to better adjust yourself with the high altitude. You will enjoy the astounding sight of Annapurna Massif and Chulu West itself. It is here the Sherpa guide gives you refreshment training. He trains you to use the climbing gears and use the most effective climbing techniques to beat the difficult section.

It is a free day around Chulu West Base Camp so that you can acclimatize properly in the high altitude. Visit around the campsite and enjoy the alluring view all around. Practise to use climbing gears and learn some techniques from the team leader as well. Have enough rest, water and food so that the further ascent will be easier.

Following the left hand skyline ridge, you cross a glacial pass and reach Chulu West High Camp. As the trail is steep and icy, walk slowly close to the team leader. After setting the campsite, you have enough time for the final physical and mental preparation to climb the summit of the peak.

To  avoid the strong winds in the morning and capture the sunrise view of the majestic mountains, you begin the trip after the midnight. It is the most difficult section as it is steep, icy and have some crevasses. Moreover, you have to move higher with the help of the head torch. Therefore, be very careful throughout the journey.

 

Once you reach the top, the silvery mountains all around above the clouds dazzle your eyes for the first few moments! You will see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Tilicho peak. Capture the moments in the camera and the brain as much as you can!

 

Then, you carefully trek down towards the base camp via High Camp.

Keeping an extra day in the proposed itinerary will be a wise decision. It is because if the weather remains bad, you can’t climb from the base camp to High Camp and the Summit as well. Or, maybe you don’t feel quite confident to ascend higher and think to spend one more day for acclimatization!

Witnessing the breathtaking view of Annapurna Massif and other surrounding peaks, you descend towards Letdar from the base camp. As it is a short trekking day, you don’t have to hurry but walk leisurely by enjoying the scenery of the Manang Valley and the Marsyangdi River Valley. Here, you can celebrate the successful mounting of Chulu West Peak with your team!

Walking along the downhill trail is comparatively easier than the other days. However, the precaution should be taken as you are still in the high altitude and the trail may be slippery. Traversing through the Jarsang Khola Valley, finally, you stop the trek at Thorung Phedi (the bottom of Thorung La Phedi: 5,416m).

Wake up early so that you can climb up the highest pass of Annapurna Circuit before the sun reaches its maturity. Following the steep trail that remains most of the time icy and slippery as well as some loose rocks in some section, you reach Thorung La Pass (5,416m).

 

Once you reach the pass beautified by the colourful prayer flags, you will really forget the hardships of the ascent! The scenery of the Himalayas, the Marsyangdi Valley, Manang Valley and the barren hills of Upper Mustang appear in their most pleasant form!

 

Then, you gradually trek down towards Muktinath Temple, among the most popular pilgrimage sites of Nepal. It is a sacred site for both the Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims that every year thousands of people from the Indian sub-continent visit this shrine. The 108-watersprouts and the natural flame that never burns out are the most striking features of this pilgrimage site.

 

Now, you have accomplished the most challenging part: Chulu West Peak climbing and Thorung La Pass trek. So, why not you make some celebrations!

In the morning, you take a visit of Muktinath Temple where you find a large number of pilgrims offering their worship. Then, you walk past Jarkot and  reach Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang trek.

 

Waking further along the Kali Gandaki River Valley and enjoying the apple orchards of Mustang region, you move ahead being watched by Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m). Then, you reach Jomsom at the end of the trek.

A short flight takes us to Pokhara from Jomsom. Once in Pokhara, we’ll tour around Pokhara valley, covering Fewa Lake, Devi’s Waterfall, a museum, a Tibetan refugee settlement, Gupteshower Cave, and more. The placid Fewa Lake is the highlight of Pokhara, as are the crystal clear mountains seen from the lakeside and nearby hills. You can also travel to Pokhara from Mustang by bus driving along Beni Jomsom Highway as well.

This is the day for exploring the Lake City Pokhara. Boating on the Phewa Lake; visiting Begnas Lake, Devi’s Fall, etc. are some activities you can do here.

 

If the time and itinerary favours, you can also try out some adventure activities in Pokhara. Sarangkot is the best spot for sunrise and sunset view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. You can also do paragliding, zip flying, hot air ballooning in Pokhara.

 

In the evening, experience the nightlife of the Lakeside by enjoying the food and drinks of your choice!

From Pokhara to Kathmandu, you can fly only in 25 minutes by enjoying the aerial view of the Himalayas, green forests and plains. The snowcapped peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Range.

 

When you land at the Kathmandu Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel. In the leisure time, go for shopping around Thamel Bazar. The handicraft products of Nepal are good gifts for your people back in the home country.

 

In the evening, you are invited to farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant. Enjoy the typical Nepali food and cultural shows.

As per your flight schedule, the representative takes you to the Kathmandu Airport.

Note: You can also end up your journey after climbing Chulu East Peak. For this, you can descend to Chame and take a jeep directly to Kathmandu or Pokhara as well. Or you can also extend it to Annapurna Royal trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek or Annapurna Sunrise View trek.

Inclusion/Exclusion

  • Three nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on B/B basis;
  • Pick up and drop from Kathmandu airport to airport.
  • 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with a cup of tea or coffee) during the trek and climbing period.
  • Full board Accommodation of Lodges, Guesthouses in Twin Sharing Bases during the trek and tent will be available during the climbing period
  • All camping equipment in Base camp;
  • 25 Kg bageges during trekking (with porter or yaks);
  • Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary;
  • Trekking Permit (National Park entry fee)
  • TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System) Permit
  • Climbing permit for Mera peak
  • Necessary staff during the trekking and climbing period With Experience Guide and Porter.
  • Necessary experienced Government license holder Climbing guide during climbing period as per group size
  • Facility of Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all trekking staff.
  • Group medical supplies (First Aid medical kit will be available)
  • One tent will be available in the Base camp for 2 people on shared basis;
  • High altitude food and all climbing crew will be available above base camp.
  • Necessary fixed and dynamic ropes will be available during climbing period
  • necessary kitchen crew will be available in base camp
  • All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
  • Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary)
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu before departure.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
  • Personal accident insurance or helicopter rescue.
  • Airfare international flights
  • Nepal’s entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
  • Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot shower.
  • Alcoholic beverages, Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, Internet.
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • All kind of Personal Expenses
  • Ice fall fees Rubbish Deposit (sharing with other member) if applicable.
  • Wake talkies filming permit.
  • Any others expense which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
  • Tips, gifts, souvenirs.

FAQ's

Chulu West Peak is 6,059 metres high from the sea level.

To climb Chulu West Peak from Pokhara, you need around 12 days whereas from Pokhara, it takes 10 days. If the weather is fine, you can reach to the summit from base camp in 2 days. Nevertheless, you should manage 1 day as contingency day to cope with the bad weather if any.

You need the climbing gears as stated in the table below:

Fixed Rope Climbing Rope Tent Crampons
Altimeter Watch Ice Axe Sleeping Bag Waterproof Trousers
Gas Stove Gas Fuel Ascender (Jumar) Mattress
Figure 8/ Descender Carabiner Tape Slings Harness
Helmets Ice Screw Belay Gloves Ski Goggles
Headlamps Trekking Poles/ Ski Poles Snow Shovel
Large Thermos Water Bottle Mountaineering Jackets
Cooking Pots and Equipment Mountaineering/ Climbing Boots
Climbing Backpacks

It is possible to climb Chulu West Peak in all four seasons of the year except in excessive rainfall and snowfall. Nonetheless, the best season for Chulu West Peak climbing is spring and autumn because the weather remains stable and supportive for traversing above 5,000m. Moreover, the scenery of the surrounding also looks very attractive due to strong visibility.

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$1990 /person

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