Chulu West Peak Climbing

Chulu West Peak Climbing

  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Region
    Annapurna
  • Duration
    18 Days
  • Transportation
    Tourist bus & Flight
  • Max Height
    6419m.
  • Activities
    Chulu West Peak Climbing
  • Trip Grade
    Adventure/Expedition
  • Accomodation
    Tea House/Camping
  • Group Size
    01
  • Best Season
    Sep - Nov & Ma to May
  • Meals
    B. L. D.
  • Start / End Point
    Beshi Sahar to Pokhara

Trip Overview

Chulu West Peak Climbing in Nepal is an enticing and adventurous expedition. At an altitude of 6420 m from the sea, the peak offers great mountaineering wilderness experiences. The mountain is the part of Manang Himalayan range and is on the outskirts of the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek route. Leave your footprints at the top of the snowy peak mountain located in the splendid Annapurna region of Nepal. If you would like to venture to the top of the mountain less climbed or less crowded, it is an ideal choice. The expert team of Sherpa from Nepal High Trek ensures great safety and success rate. The route to the top of Mt. Chulu West is probably the most scenic and mesmerizing. Relish the chance to witness the glorious mountain vistas of mountains like the Annapurna Himalayan range, Himlung, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Nemjung, Thorong, etc.

The journey of Chulu West Peak Climbing follows the itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. However, you can find an alternative route to the Chulu West Base Camp via Thorong La Pass. Some of the climbers prefer to start their climbing trip from Jomsom not from the usual route of Besisahar. The choice is yours. Nepal High Trek can knit the itinerary as per your preferences. However, the route of the mountain changes every climbing season. Therefore, consult with our Sherpa and travel planners before finalizing the route to the base camp of the mountain. Climbers leave the Annapurna Circuit Trek route from the village of Ledar. Until this village, the activities are pretty much the same. Please check our Annapurna Circuit Trek package for more details until this point.

How long does it take to climb the mountain?

The number of days required for the Chulu West Peak Climbing depends on the trekking season and weather conditions. Normally, it takes about 16 – 20 days to complete the trip. There have to be numerous acclimatization and rest days. Remember that the weather conditions in the mountain region of Nepal are very unpredictable. Therefore, allot 2 – 3 days as a reserve day.

Best Season to do Chulu West Peak Climbing

The most appropriate time to climb mountains in Nepal is during the spring season. The months of March, April, and May are considered as the best time to scale these snowy mountains. However, post-monsoon time is also fairly okay to climb the mountains. The months of autumn like September, October, and November are also the appropriate time to climb the mountain. During this time of the year, the weather conditions in the region are fairly clear and stable. There are very less chances of precipitation and climbers can get the spectacular scenery of surrounding landscapes.

Please note that an excellent season to climb can also become bad due to the extremely unpredictable nature of the mountains. Climbers need to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances and weather fluctuations. Winter season is highly not recommended along with the monsoon season. There is a high chance of snowfall during winter and the risk of landslides is very high during the monsoon season.

Climbing Difficulty on Chulu West Peak

The difficulty level of Chulu West Peak Climbing is fairly difficult. Climbers must have sound physical fitness, technical skills, and prior experience in climbing high-altitude mountains. There are some mountains in Nepal that don’t require prior climbing experience. However, Chulu West is different. Climbers have to spend overnight above five thousand meter altitude for at least 2 – 3 nights. Therefore, proper acclimatization and skills are a high necessity. Moreover, the trail is steep and requires climbers to use crampons, ice axe, ropes, etc. The reward of being at the top is so satisfying but climbers should not underestimate the level of hardship that they need to endure while climbing the mountain.

What is the training and physical preparation needed for climbing?

As mentioned earlier, the climbing is technical. Therefore, climbers have to take 3 – 4 days of training. They need to know knowledge of crampons, ice axe, and rope walking. Wall climbing exercises, cycling, running, and walking help to prepare physically. At least one month prior to the expedition, get in shape.

Travel Insurance, Safety, Tipping, and Climbing Success Rate

You must get Travel Insurance beforehand in order to get the climbing permit from Nepal Government. Don’t think of going solo. Yes, some people have attempted it but it is not advised. There are numerous crevasses and every season the route changes. Therefore, always go with the guide. Even if you want to climb alone, take a guide with you. Don’t attach a rope with the guide, go solo but get accompanied. In doing so, the staff will be expecting the tips too. The climbing success rate of Nepal High Trek is hundred percent till now. Our travel planners and Sherpa always prepare itineraries after the latest update on the trail condition. There are enough acclimatization breaks and experienced support crew members. Having clear weather is not only a factor for the success rate. You must be with the expert team to guide you to the top of the mountain.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Route Vs Jomsom Thorong La Pass Route

There is so much debate among climbers about the trailhead for the expedition. The normal route for the Chulu West Peak Climbing is from the regular Annapurna Circuit Trek route. However, some mountaineers over years have suggested the Jomsom Thorong La Pass route as the best way to get acclimatized. While traveling from the Thorong route, climbers will have already spent two nights above five thousand meter altitude before reaching the base camp of Chulu West. However, from the Annapurna Circuit Route via Ledar also the itinerary consists of numerous acclimatization days. Moreover, Pisnag Peak Climbing is another popular and challenging climb in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

The biggest advantage of doing Chulu West is the panoramic view of the mountains. Climbers can extend their journey by doing the round Annapurna trek too. Therefore, plan and consult with the travel planners of Nepal High Trek before deciding on the style of an itinerary that you require for the climbing expedition.

Details Itinerary

Upon our arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be warmly greeted by a representative from Nepal High Trek. In the evening upon our reception, Nepal High Trek will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal: Dinner.

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Nepal High Treks briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us with an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight at Kathmandu.

We have to begin very early today as we need to go a long drive to reach our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7 am and nearly after 8-10 hours’ drive we reach Syange or Jagat (as per situation) via Besishahar. En route, we see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. However, the condition of the road is not equally fine in all portion of our drive today. The road up to Besishahar is a coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and coarse though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding sceneries through the windowpane. Overnight stay at Syange or Jagat Guesthouse.

Upon our breakfast, we start our journey today in a relaxed way. We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail continues through barley, rice, potato fields, and pine forests. After passing the village of Kodo we will be at Dharapani, one of the big villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.

Today, we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on the route on the west. On the way to Chame, we encounter with the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. Chame is the administrative center of the Manang District.

There are two routes that we can follow today. If taken upper route (Nepal Everest Base Camp Treks recommends), i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, the sceneries will be outstanding. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today onwards. The cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. We pay our memorable visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude will be better to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days will be a very challenging and tiring trek for us with the rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from the acclimatization point of view. We make an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Varga, a small old village with a monastery. At this juncture, we also make our short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.

From Manang, we continue through alpine landscapes with high altitude vegetation and forests. A gradual ascent takes us to Yak Kharka and then to our today’s camp. Our today’s camp area is mostly used as the alpine pasture by the local people.

Today, we continue our trekking from Leder to Chulu West Base Camp. From the Base Camp, we can enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas. We may also like to discover the surrounding areas. At this point, we will set up our camp for an overnight stay.

From the Chulu Base Camp, we continue hiking towards Camp I. The route is not that technical. But it would be better to remember that we are climbing at high altitudes. At this juncture, we relish the magnificent views of Annapurna II and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Lamjung Himal.

Day 11: Rest at Acclimatization Base Camp

Today, we leave camp I and continue climbing the rock band to Camp II. The route is not that technical but we may have to use ropes, crampon, and ice-ax. We set up Camp II at 5,530m. Some visitors also attempt the summit directly from Camp I. However, since the climb is relatively straightforward from the Camp II until the summit, we make an overnight stay at Camp II for proper rest and acclimatization.

It is our summit day, and it is going to be a long day. Therefore, we would wake up much earlier today. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. After the summit, we return back to Camp I.

Day 13: Camp I to Lader 5-6 hours

It is our summit day, and it is going to be a long day. Therefore, we would wake up much earlier today. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. After the summit, we return back to Camp I.

Today, we clean up the base camp and head for Thorong Phedi. It is going to be mostly an easy way to walk downhill. However, we do not forget that we are still in a high altitude area.

In the beginning, we cross the famous high pass of Thorong La today. An early start is important to complete the mission. We reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists after crossing the pass. Muktinath hosts a Vishnu temple and a monastery nearby demonstrating the religious harmony in Nepal. For the Hindus, the region is a “Muktikhsetra” or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. We enjoy the tremendous stunning views of the Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom on a local bus.

Upon the completion of morning breakfast, we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, our guide will escort us to the lakeside hotel. We utilize the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While walking along the bank of Fewa Lake one of the biggest lakes of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hours’ walk to the World Peace Pagoda. In the evening, we engaged in exploring the lakeside.

Today upon our breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It will be better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. We can spend the evening either leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping. Finally, we celebrate dinner together with Nepal High Trek & Expedition trekking staffs.

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today, Nepal High Trek & Expedition escort us to the airport for our flight time. Approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from Nepal High Trek& Expedition will escort us to the airport and bid farewell greetings. On our way to home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in a wonderful country like Nepal.

  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • Kathmandu Besishahar -Syange by local transportation.
  •  Jomsom to Pokhara flight.
  •  Pokhara to Kathmandu transport in a tourist bus
  • Three nights in a 3-star hotel boutique hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Teahouse/Lodge and tented accommodation during trekking and climbing session
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara and all meals in the mountain
  • All ground transportation as per the itinerary by private vehicles.
  • All necessary staffs with experienced English speaking climbing and trekking leader (guide), cook, assistant climbing leader ), Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter), other helpers as per requirement for the climbing section including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  •  All necessary paper works; trekking permits and Chulu West climbing permit
  • NHT’s Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Group Mountaineering climbing and camping equipment for climbing part -very high-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware tents for camping and kitchen, dining, toilet tents, mattresses, kitchen equipment
  • Exclusive Medical Kit Bag
  •  All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes on:

  •  Nepal Visa fee.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure
  • Early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  •  Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Personal climbing guide if requested
  • Tips for guides and porters

Annapurn Trip Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Client Reviews

Similar Trips

  • Inquiry