Chulu East peak climbing (6,584m) is one of the popular trekking peaks situated high above the Manang Valley in the Annapurna region. This peak is a part of the Mount Manang. Climb to Chulu East is technically difficult and challenging. One should be well equipped with the use of climbing equipment like: crampons, harness, and ice axe, tying knots and handling ropes. Most of the climbing expedition involves walking on rope while the crossing the glacier.
From the summit one can enjoy close- up views of the Annapurna range that includes Annapurna I, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Manaslu. In fact, there exists Chulu West and Chulu East in the Chulu massif of the Manang Himal and it creates a great confusion for the climbers with regard to the name and location of the peak. It is really difficult to ascertain which peak is Chulu East and Chulu West.
Only experienced climbers can differentiate the Chulu East. Many climbers are still confused regarding the exact location of these two peaks because there are 4 and more summits are seen in the same periphery, all the summits are not properly marked in maps of the area. As a consequence many climbers have mistakenly scaled one of these peaks assuming it to be Chulu East. Climbing to either Chulu East or Chulu West or both of these peaks is combined with Nepal’s most popular Annapurna Circuit trek and this trip makes up for one of the most scenic Himalayan trekking and climbing.
Overview
Chulu East Peak Climbing (6584m) is one of the most beautiful peaks located in the whole Himalayas. This beautiful peak lies in the Annapurna Mountain Range. Chulu East Peak Climbing is also part of the Damodar Himal. This peak is graded as a less technical peak. If you are thinking of this mountaineering adventure, we recommend you have some mountaineering experience. The knowledge about the use of mountaineering gears and equipment such as crampons, harnesses, ice ax, tying knots, handling climbing ropes, etc. is a must for this adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Chulu East Peak is one of the highly-rated trekking peaks in Nepal.
- Chulu East Peak is the straightforward trekking peak in the Annapurna region.
- Explore the beautiful Gurung Villages in Annapurna Region.
- Chulu East Peak Climbing trip is a combined trekking experience with the most popular Annapurna Circuit Trekki
- Chulu East Peak Summit climbers enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu Himalayan ranges.
Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Everest Alpine Trekking at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for gear preparation. In the evening, you will be briefed by your trek and climb leader about your trekking program the next day. In case you have fallen short of any trek and climb equipment that you may need, this time can be used to arrange for it.
After early morning breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along Trishuli River to the homeland of Central Himalaya including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The road offers an opportunity to have a view of rustic Nepal that comprises green hills, river, villages and snow-clad mountains at the backdrop. We will part our ways with the Highway at Dumre and choose the branched off route to Besisahar and continue to Jagat where we will stay overnight at a lodge.
Early in the morning, we will lower down from Jagat village and follow the winding path along the Marsyangdi River to the forest. A brief walk through the sprawling forest will take us to Chamje village (1430m) from where we will cross the river and continue walking along its eastern edge. The trail takes brief to ascend to the big village of Tal (1675m). Being clustered with tea houses and lodges, it will be a fine idea to take our lunch at Tal. Enjoy the lunch in a serene atmosphere with mesmerizing natural views of surrounding valleys at Tal and take gradual ascend to Karte village. We need to cross the river at several points and move past the valley and pretty tiny villages to arrive at Dharapani.
Leaving Dharapani, we will head west through the rugged trail to arrive at Marsyangdi River. We will follow the river uphill to Manang Valley. We will be blessed with mesmerizing views of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV Mountains. Trade with Tibetans is the chief occupation of locals in this region. Following the old trade route, we will climb uphill through the forested ridge of oak and maple to Dhanakyu (2290m). Moving further through the rock-strewn path, we will reach Latemarang village (2360m). Passing through the forested ridges, we will reach Koto (2590m). Descending trail from Kotho will take us to Chame (2670m) which is the administrative headquarters of the region. We will be greeted with views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II Mountain and Annapurna IV Mountain at Chame. Stay overnight at Chame.
Leaving Chame, we will cross over to the northern side of the river from where the trail stretches uphill through apple orchards to Bhratang village (2840m). This is marked as an old Khampa community. There will be a change in terrain from this point.
We will follow the rock-strewn path through the tapered valley that is covered in thickets. Exiting from the forest, we will meet the river which we will cross over a suspension bridge that is located somewhere above 3040m from sea level. We will get the first view of magnificent Paungda Danda which is the 1500 m wall of rock that stems up from the river. We will traverse the ridge decorated with prayer flags and stone cairns to arrive at Pisang. We will visit local gompa and stay overnight in a teahouse.
You will walk through Ghyaru and trek towards Ngawal, which is a beautiful village situated on the lap of Chulu peak with the backdrop view of the majestic Annapurna ranges. In the evening, you can head out to explore the nearby areas on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel in Ngawal.
Today we will hike to nearest viewpoints and gain elevation for proper acclimatization before retracing back for overnight.
From Ngawal, we leave the Annapurna circuit trail and move north towards our objective of climbing Chulu Far East. Moving up the gradual ascent with astounding views of Himalayas we reach Yak Kharka.
We trek towards Chulu East Base Camp from Yak Kharka following the trail of Chulu Gaon. You will trek through many quaint villages and beautiful landscapes with delightful views of several mountain ranges in the Annapurna region. Traversing through the beautiful glaciers, you will reach Chulu Far East Base Camp, where you will find an appropriate campsite to set up the camp.
You will receive a pre-climb training from our climbing guide on this day. You will get instructions on peak climbing techniques. You will also be taught how to use the climbing gears like ice axe, crampons, harness and ascender properly. You will learn how to use ropes while you move up and down.
Amid the scenic beauty of nature, you will head north towards the High camp. You will trek the uphill trail that offers the astounding view of mountains such as Chulu East, Chulu West, Pisang Peak, and Chulu East peak climbing, including the majestic vistas of the Annapurna valley. The trek to the High Camp takes about 4 hours.
Early morning, we leave the high camp with our head torches ON in a bid to summit Chulu East peak climbing. The climb is straight forward and non-technical but few exposed ridge and steep climb make it bit challenging. We follow the south-west route to the summit from the high camp. After a few hours of the climb, we reach the Summit. At the zenith, you will get to witness the majestic views around. After cherishing moments at the summit, you will return back to base camp.
After our first objective completed and achieved, we retrace all the way back to the main Annapurna circuit trail. We trek towards Manang which takes 3 hrs of walk and the rest of the day is free to rest and explore and town.
After morning tea, we will follow the narrow path to Tenki village (3620m) that locates above Manang. Taking brief ascent, we will head northwest up the valley of Jarsang River. We will head north and pass through a trail lined with juniper trees to reach Gunsang (3930m). We will walk through the alpine meadow. We get to see Gangapurna (7454m) and Annapurna III (7555m) Mountains from most of the point. We will descend to Yak Kharka where we will stay overnight.
We will leave Yak Kharka and follow the rugged trail to Letdar (4250m). From Letdar, we will follow the ascending trail to Jarsang River. Walking along the eastern edge of Jarsang river, we will ascend to Thorong Phedi (4450m). This small settlement got its name from its geographical position which translates as Base of Thorong Hill. We will stay overnight in Thorung Phedi.
We will begin the long climb to the top of Thorong La. Following the cattle trail through moraine and snow, we will reach the top of the pass in about 4hrs depending upon the weather condition and strength of climbers. The summit is festooned with prayer flags. We will rejoice the views of Kali Gandaki Valley to the west while we can get a view of Yakgawa Kang Peak (6481m) to the north.
Sharp descend from Thorong La will take us to Muktinath temple. The journey is rewarding with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Walkthrough the moraine path and grassy slopes to Jhong Valley. Walking further, we will reach Muktinath where we will stay overnight.
Muktinath holds religious significance among Hindu and Buddhist devotees. We will visit Vishnu temple and a Monastery. Later, we will descend to Ranipauwa village. The trail lowers down through barren hillside to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom.
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 15 minutes flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy tingling experience we will enjoy. On arrival at Pokhara airport, our guide will transfer us to the lakeside hotel. We use the rest of our time exploring the lake and then spend our overnight at our hotel down by the lake.
We will return to Kathmandu on this day. Kathmandu is separated from Pokhara by 200km. Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 5hrs to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara by bus. You will be transferred to the hotel where you will have a pleasant stay.
Enjoy a leisure day. You are on your own. Participating in a day tour in Kathmandu is a pleasant plan. You can also go for shopping in Thamel, a tourist hub where you can buy souvenir items like handicrafts and arts to your family.
Cost Includes
- PERMITS: All essential Permits.
- CLIMBING PERMITS: Peak Climbing Permit that is issued by NMA.
- PICKUP AND DROPS: Airport pickup and drop facility on both Domestic and International flights are included.
- CITY ACCOMMODATION: Three-star twin bed-sharing hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a Bed / Breakfast basis.
- WELCOME DINNER: Welcome dinner in a typical traditional Nepali restaurant.
- SIGHTSEEING: Half-day guided city sightseeing to two most sacred World Heritage Sites with a paid entrance fee.
- TAXES: All Government and Local tax.
- DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Domestic flights from JOMSOM / POKHARA and POKHARA / KATHMANDU.
- EQUIPMENT: Fundamental trekking gear like a sleeping bag with fleece liners, Primaloft jacket, Rain Poncho, Yak-Track, Trekking Poles, etc.
- CLIMBING EQUIPMENT: All climbing equipment including climbing boots.
- LODGING: Local Tea-house accommodation on a twin-sharing basis – A single supplement is provided on request OVER MINIMAL COST, however, depends solely on the availability.
- DRINKING WATER: Properly boiled hot water for drinking is provided every evening and morning – so it’s wise to have bottles equivalent to 3 liters or bottles along with a Rehydration Bag (camel bag).
- GLORIOUS FOOD: Meals (Lunch, dinner, breakfast with hot beverages) during the trek.
- CAMPING: Two-member tents facility and kitchen crew at Chulu Far East base camp with hot meals.
- TREK LEADER: An accomplished Trekking Group Leader (Legitimate Guiding License Holder) and assistant guide.
- CLIMBING GUIDE: Highly qualified CLIMBING SHERPA and his climbing Allowance
- PORTER: Strong Professional porters in 1:2 ratio.
- STAFF INSURANCE & ALLOWANCES: All Ground Staff and their Allowances + their insurance.
- SAFETY CONCERNS: Oxygen cylinders and an all-inclusive comprehensive medical kit on all trips + Satellite phone.
- COMPLIMENTARY TAKE AWAY: Take away the Nepal Pyramids duffel bag, T-shirt, Buff (multi-functional head-wear), and trekking Map.
Cost Excludes
- NEPAL VISA: A fee of $50 that is levied on a 30-day Nepali visa.
- INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: The cost of all international flights.
- PERSONAL EXPENSES: All personal expenses that may include Nepalese SIM card, internet, battery charging, hot shower, laundry, fizzy drinks, Alcohol, etc.
- EMERGENCY: A medical examination of any kind, High Altitude Evacuation over any circumstances, Air Evacuation and Rescues.
- DONATIONS: Donations of any kind.
- STAFF TIPPING: Tipping is entirely a personal matter, however, it’s a trekking culture.
- EXTRA NIGHTS: Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu on early arrival or Late departure.
- SANCTIONS: Permits or the letter of Authorization that is required for special Filming, big Drones, and Filming Cameras.
- INSURANCE: All-inclusive Travel or medical insurance is a must.
- EXTRA PORTER: Over request Extra Porter or Assistant is provided that may include the cost of $25 per day.
- OPTIONAL TOURS: Optional tours and sightseeing or any activities during free time.
FAQS
Chulu East Peak Climbing is situated in the Manang district of Nepal, in the Annapurna region. It is part of the Chulu Massif, which includes Chulu West and Chulu Central peaks.
Chulu East Peak Climbing stands at an elevation of 6585 meters,above sea level.
Chulu East Peak is considered a technically challenging climb. It requires mountaineering skills, including the use of ropes, ice axes, and crampons. Prior climbing experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
Yes, you need to obtain the Chulu East Peak Climbing Permit, which can be obtained in Besisahar or Chame. Additionally, you will also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
The best time to climb Chulu East Peak Climbing is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather conditions and clear views of the surrounding mountains.
The climbing expedition usually takes around 16 to 21 days, including acclimatization and trekking to the base camp. The duration can vary depending on individual fitness levels and acclimatization needs.
While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to hire an experienced guide and porter for the climbing expedition. They can provide guidance, carry heavy loads, and ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Along the trekking route, there are teahouses and lodges where you can stay. However, at higher altitudes, accommodation options are limited, and you may need to camp. It is advisable to carry your own camping gear.
Altitude sickness can be a concern during the climb, as Chulu East Peak climbing reaches a high altitude. It is crucial to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually to minimize the risk.
You will need basic mountaineering equipment such as ropes, ice axes, crampons, harness, helmet, and appropriate clothing for extreme weather conditions. It is recommended to consult with an experienced guide for a detailed equipment list.
