About Chulu West Peak Climbing

The Himalaya of Nepal is the world’s most exciting destination for climbing. 414 peaks are open to mountain climbing in Nepal and summiting a Himalayan peak can be an adventurous challenge and exhilarating experience of a lifetime.

Chulu West Peak (6,419 mt / 21,060 ft) was first climbed by a Japanese team in 1952. It is located in one of the most magnificent areas of the Himalaya, the Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit has long been one of the favorite destinations of trekkers from all over the world. The Annapurna Region receives more trekkers than any other region of Nepal and is famous for scenic natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Along the way to Chulu West Peak, you will experience magnificent scenery along the eastern valley of the circuit, following the lush Marsyangdi River valley up into the highlands with staggering mountain views. The summit of Chulu West Peak offers an astonishing panorama of the surrounding peaks and beyond into remote valleys in Nepal and Tibet. Chulu West Peak is more technically Tilicho Lake is challenging than nearby Chulu East Peak and one of the most challenging of the 33 Trekking Peaks. It would be best to have experience with ropes, crampons, ice ax, and a harness, and we will refresh you on the use of equipment. Chulu West will be demanding and should be attempted only by people fit and acclimatized to high elevation.

The Annapurna Circuit is entered by an enchanting weeklong hike from the lowlands. Our team assembles in Bhulbhule and together we ascend through the Marsyangdi River valley on an unforgettable hike up to Chulu West village.

Chulu West towers to the north above the Manang Valley and is part of the Damodar Himal Range. We usually establish three camps after leaving the last settlement of Leder. The West Camp is around 4,900 mt / 16,076ft, Camp I is about 5100 mt / 16,732 ft and High Camp is 5,530 mt / 18,160 ft. From High Camp, most people make it to the summit and return to Camp I in a day. When the timing is right we push for the summit along the northeast ridge. Along the way up and on top of the mountain, we enjoy an unforgettable sunrise that lights up the Himalaya with marvelous views of the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri (world’s 7th highest peak, the Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu (world’s 8th highest peak) and more!

Following the thrilling achievement, we have options to return the way we come in or to continue on and enjoy the rest of the Annapurna Circuit including Thorang La with optional side trips to Tilicho Lake, Mesokanta Pass, Naar, and Phu villages and more including Upper Mustang, Mansalu, and Tsum Valley.

Along the journey to Chulu West Peak, we include adequate rest days in the trek to ensure acclimatization. On these days, we take the chance to explore the beautiful surrounding area while we become accustomed to the altitude.

The Chulu West Peak timetable is planned by veteran climbers with special attention to season and safety. We always adhere to the highest safety standards and ensure that this trip is designed for comfort and well-being, especially by following a graded ascent with proper acclimatization.

There are no set departure dates for Chulu West Peak although the best time to climb for reliable weather and views is March through May followed by September through November.

Chulu West Peak includes camping and is fully supported. You carry only a light pack, and we will arrange a crew of porters and sometimes mules to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

Please contact us anytime with questions and concerns and for booking. Let us know your preferred schedule, and we will arrange a climbing trip according to your timetable. We look forward to guiding you on the adventure of a lifetime to the top of the Himalaya!

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Climbing / Trekking preparation day (Sightseeing Optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1,430 mt.). Driving 8-9 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 4Chamje to Dharapani (1,860 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 5Dharapani to Chame (2,670 mt.). Walking 4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 6Chame to Pisang (3,300 mt.). Walking 5 ½ hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 7Pisang to Manang (3,540 mt.). Walking 5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 8Rest day in Manang for acclimatization & exploration. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 9Manang to Ledar (4,250 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 10Ledar to Chulu West Base Camp (4,950 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Chulu West Base Camp to High Camp (5,600 mt.). Walking 5-6 hours. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12High Camp to Chulu West Summit (6,419 mt.) and back to Base Camp. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 13Chulu West Base Camp to Ledar. Walking 4 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 14Ledar to Thorang Phedi (4,450 mt.). Walking 3 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 15Thorang Phedi to Muktinath (3,800 mt.) via Thorang-La pass (5,416 mt.). Walking 7-8 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 16Muktinath to Marpha (2,670 mt.). Walking 6 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 17Marpha to Tatopani /Hotspring, (1,189 mt.). Driving 4-5 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 18Tatopani to Ghorepani (2,835 mt.). Walking 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 19Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3210 mt.) to see 220 degree panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range and sunrise, trek to Tadapani (2,520 mt.).Walking 5 ½ hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 20Tadapani to Syane via Ghandruk (1,920mt.). Walking 5-6 hours and drive to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 21Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Driving 7 hours by tourist bus. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 22Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 23Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
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What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Four nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu and one night in Pokhara (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary.
  • Tea-house and tented camp accommodation during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport,insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Climbing Permits and Conservation Area entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, bar bills, drinks and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and personal climbing gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness and et cetera.
Departure note

Please Contact us for a suitable departure date for you.

Useful Information

Essential Gears from Climbing
Climbing Boots, Harness, Jumar, Crampons, Ice Axe, Tapes / Sling, Karabiners, Ice Screws, Gaiters, Snow Bars, Deadmen, Ascenders, Descenders, Figure Eight, Rope for Climbing, Snow Hammer, Helmet (Crash Hat), Sleeping Bag, Head lamp, Swiss Army Knife etc.

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking/climbing in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the climbing days. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst fare well dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking and Climbing Crew

An experienced and government licensed climbing guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 4 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment in service. Generally one porter is provided for every two clients who carries between 15 to 20 kg. However in a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipments such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipments, fuel and all consumable goods has to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you dont' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Chulu West Peak Climbing is a technical challenging activity which is fit for those who has ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking up hill and down hill in a day carrying personal day pack. Climbing days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Chulu West Peak Climbing is high altitude adventure which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trip. Some time mental aspect also play vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise few weeks prior to the trip is better and some technical skill is required for this climbing. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Chulu West Peak Climbing. Where normally days are sunny, temperature is perfect, sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. Winter (December to February) is not recommended for this trip.

Ground Transportation

Highway in Nepal are safe, however sometime transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We therefore advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, High Camp Adventure can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.