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Peak Climbing

Chulu West Peak Climbing

Posted by: Admin | Date: February 13, 2010

Chulu East and Chulu West are the two famous peaks for climbing in Annapurna Region. Among the two, Chulu West is the highest one. It is also called Chulu Central. This peak was first ascended in 1952 by a Japanese Expedition Team. It lies to the north of Annapurna above the Manang Valley. The Base Camp for the climb is situated in a small valley to north of Manang, one of the trails to Thorang La. We take a narrow and steep trail to the Base Camp (5300m.) from Chauri Lather. From the Base Camp, we trek towards the High Camp (5300m.). It is a matter of fact that there is no technical difficulty involved in reaching the summit; however, the pace can be slowed as the slopes are vulnerable to avalanches in certain areas.

Fact File

Elevation: 6584m.
Region: Annpurna/ Manang valley
The route: Kathamndu-Pokhara-Bensishahar - Humre /Manang
Best season: Sept. to Nov. & April to May
Facility: Teahouse lodges and camping
Program duration: 24 Days

Climbing Itinerary:

Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dumre and then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marshyangdi River to Besisahar (823m.). It takes almost six hours. Beshishahar is the district headquarters of Lamjung district.

Day 02: Trek from Beshishahar to Bahundanda (1305m.) which takes about six hours. The first part of the trail passes thorough flat level along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours.

Day 03: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) which takes about six hours.

Day 04: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) which takes about six hours.

Day 05: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which takes about five and a half hours.

Day 06: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) which takes about five hours.

Day 07: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) which takes about five and a half hours.

Day 08: Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorong La.

Day 09: Trek from Manang to Yak Kharka (4350m.) which takes about three and a half hours. Now, the trail ascends gently all the way to Yak Kharka passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) village.

Day 10: Trek from Yak Kharka to Chulu West Base Camp (4700m) which takes about four hours. You ascend the rocky and dry land all the way. The panoramic views of Annapurna range compensate for the trekking through bare land.

Day 11: Trek from Chulu West Base Camp to Chulu West High Camp which takes about three hours. The path is steep up all the way.

Day 12: Climb Camp I (5400m).

Day 13: Climb Chulu West (6420m.) and return to Chulu West High Camp

Day 14: Trek from Chulu West High Camp to Chulu Letdar (4200m.) which takes about four hours.

Day 15: Trek from Chulu Letdar to Thorong High Camp (4800m.) which takes about five hours. Till Thorong Base camp the path is rocky and you trek through gradual ascend path.

Day 16: Trek from Thorong High Camp to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes about eight hours. You start early today for your crossing of Thorong La [5416m].

Day 17: Trek from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2895 m.) which takes about three and a half hours.

Day 18: Trek from Kagbeni to Marpha (2650m.) which takes about five and a half hours.

Day 19: Trek from Marpha to Kalopani (2530m.) which takes about six hours.

Day 20: Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1189 m.) which takes about six and a half hours. The trail descends steeply up to Rukse Chhahara (Rukse Waterfall) which is amazing to look at.

Day 21: A rest day at Tatopani to enjoy the natural hot spring bath.

Day 22: Trek from Tatopani to Ghorepani (2853 m.) for about seven hours.

Day 23: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill (3180m.) to Hille (1475m.) which takes about five hours. Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m.) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m.), Tukuche Peak (6920m.), Nilgiri (6940m.), Varaha Shikhar (7847m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m.), Annapurna South (7219m.), Annapurna III (7855m.), Machapuchere (6993m.), Annapurna IV (7525m.), Annapurna II (7937m.), Lamjung Himal (6931m.) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks.

Day 24: Trek from Hille to Nayapool (1050m.) via Birethanti which takes almost three hours and drive from Nayapool to Pokhara which takes about one and a half hours.

Day 25: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. Or, you can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.