- Overview
- Detail Itinerary
- Map
- Gallery
- Altitiude Sickness
- Equipments
- Departure Date
- Detail Price
Home › Peak Climbing › Chulu West Peak
As a result many climbing parties have mistakenly climbed one of these peaks thinking it to be Chulu East or West. It usually understood that with the permit to climb the East or West peak an attempt can be made to the nearby peak as well.
Chulu West peak is part of the Manang Himal, which is quite rightly included in the larger Damodar Himal, the eastern limit of which runs south from Chako and Peak 6687 in a north-to-south direction along the Hunlung Khola, Nar Khola and Phu Khola. To the south it is bounded by the Marsyangdi Khola and the Mesokanta La. There exists considerable confusion with regard to the name and location of the Chulu peaks and what summit actually constitutes Chulu West and Chulu East, since it is soon becomes apparent to anyone that has climbed in the range that several other summits close by, which are actually part of the Chulu massif, are not indicated on present maps of the area. For the sake of clarification, four summits can be included in the Chulu group, two of which are possible on the permit for Chulu West and two on the Chulu East permit. What is apparent is that the available trekking map is highly misleading.
A climb of one or both of these peaks combined with Nepal’s most famous Around the Annapurna trek make up for one of the most spectacular Himalayan trekking and climbing outings. Chulu West: The obvious approach to this peak diverges from the main trail to the Thorung La pass past the village of Manang and Base Camp is established in a small valley to the North. From base camp the route follows a subsidiary North-West ridge that leads up to the main peak. An attempt to the peak and return has be done in a single day as setting camp up on the slope above base camp is not easy. An attempt of Chulu Central peak (6,429m/21,060ft) just east of Chulu West.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in kathmandu airport. Drop to Hotel and Tour briefing.free hour and Welcome dinner in evening |
Detail Itinerary for Chulu West Peak
Day 01: Arrival in kathmandu airport. Drop to Hotel and Tour briefing. free hour and Welcome dinner in evening
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Your sightseeing trip will start at 9AM in the morning after your breakfast. We will provide a private vehicle and professional tour guide. Places we visit are Pasupatinath temple, Buddhanath, Monkey temple, Bhaktpur durbar square and Kathmandu durbar square. The afternoon includes a final briefing and preparations for the trek.
Day 03: You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway 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. All the local government offices are situated here. From here, you can see some of mountain peaks, natural sceneries surrounding the valley and the daily activities of local people. This headquarter is the centre from where the daily usable commodities are supplied to the different villages and numerous towns.
Day 04: 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. You can enjoy the sceneries and the local culture of Gurung community. After lunch, the trail goes steeply upwards to Bahundanda which takes about 2 hours. At this point, you can see the area surrounded by eye-catching scenarios with snow capped mountains.
Day 05: Trek from Bahundanda to Chamje (1410m.) which takes about six hours. A steep trail descends for early half an hour and then follows flat path through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Lali Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and you follow the winding mountain path down through Syange (1100m.) where there is a beautiful waterfall above it and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually, you descend to the stone village of Jagat (1330m.) situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. Now, the trail begins to observe small ups and down to Chamje through the forests.
Day 06: Trek from Chamje (1410m.) to Dharapani (1960m.) which takes about six hours. The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip could send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.) before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge and climb the short distance to the stone Kani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.), and our camp for the night.
Day 07: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2675m.) which takes about five and a half hours. As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marshyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path up to Timang. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where there are government offices, shops, and hotels. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.
Day 08: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3100m.) which takes about five hours. With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.
Day 09: Trek from Pisang to Manang (3440m.) which takes about five and a half hours. Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak (7145m.). Descending past Manang’s airstrip at Hongde (3320m.), you come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above you. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525m) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point you cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, you can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak [7145m].
After a short steep climb you reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region. You camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags, which adorn the houses.
Day 10: Rest day at Manang and hang in and around town. This is an important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous icefall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association [HRA] aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit. Moreover, you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier Lake to make your rest day a memorable one.
Day 11: 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. En route, you can see panoramic views all the day.
Day 12: 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 13: Trek from Chulu West Base Camp to Chulu West High Camp which takes about three hours. The path is steep up all the way. En route you can enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna range and Chhulu West.
Day 14: Climb Camp I (5400m).
Day 15: Climb Chulu West (6420m.) and return to Chulu West High Camp
Day 16: Trek from Chulu West High Camp to Chulu Letdar (4200m.) which takes about four hours. You descend all the way to Chulu Letdar. You are quite accompanied by the views of Annapurna range and Chulu West.
Day 17: 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. Afterwards the path is steep up to Thorong High Camp.
Day 18: 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 Thorung La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing you reaches the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it’s compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
Day 19: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2750 m.) which takes about three and a half hours. You now begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow path steeply down to Ekle bhatti, Trek along the kali gandaki river until Jomsom.
Day 20: Fly to Pokhara in morning and free/relax day in pokhara.
Day 21: Sighting seeing in pokhara in morning such as boating in fewa lake, visit devi’s water Fall and Gupteshor mahadev cave.And then Fly to kathmandu in afternoon.
Day 17: Final departure to airport by office car.
Chulu West Peak
Chulu West Peak
Altitude Sickness
Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. AMS rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to the lack of oxygen present at higher altitudes. At 5490 meters (18,000ft), there is just half the oxygen available as there is at sea level, while there is only a third available at the summit of Mount Everest. The itineraries of the treks of Itreknepal are designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness as much as possible, although individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined. What happens to the body during altitude illness? The body tries to adapt to having less available oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate. Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain, the lungs or both, creating mild to severe symptoms. Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms are usually resolved by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsen, descent to lower altitudes is warranted. If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms worsen, then it is also necessary to descend. More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, shortness of breath and coughing fits. These extremely dangerous symptoms are called high altitude cerebral edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours. Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition can rapidly prove to be fatal if ignored. Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various substances, and may be a problem at altitude. The following substances can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:
1. Alcohol
2. Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)
3. Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses
To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquid a day and avoid getting cold. Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial of acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.
To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:
1. A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers
2. Nausea and repeated vomiting
3. Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction
4. Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance
5. Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate,
crackles in breathing and shortness of breath
6. Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes
7. Swollen ankles and hands
8. Confusion
9. Convulsions
In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height. We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients. They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk. For more information, please contact your doctor or hospital.
Clothing
1. Down- or fibre-filled jacket for cold seasons (winter treks)
2. Pile jacket or jumper (sweater)
3. Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
4. Waterproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
5. Hiking pants
6. T-shirts or blouses
7. Underwear
8. Sun hat
9. Swimwear (optional)
10. Footwear
11. Trekking or running shoes
12. Camp shoes or thongs
13. Socks (polypropylene)
Other equipment
1. Backpack or daypack
2. Sleeping bag (optional)
3. Maps, compass & guidebook (optional)
4. Water bottle
5. Torch (flashlight) and batteries
Miscellaneous items
1. Toiletries
2. Towel
3. Laundry soap
4. Toilet paper & cigarette lighter
5. Pre-moistened towelettes
6. Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
7. Small knife
8. Sewing kit
9. Iodine, water purification tablets or filter
10. Medical & first-aid kit *
11. Duffel bag (if you have a porter)
12. For treks with longer stay above 4000m
13. Clothing
14. Insulated pants
15. Nylon windbreaker
16. Nylon wind pants
17. Long underwear
18. Woolen hat (or balaclava)
19. Gloves
20. Gaiters
21. Footwear
22. Mountain trekking boots
23. Socks (wool) to wear with boots
24. Socks (light cotton) to wear under wool socks
25. Down booties (optional)
Miscellaneous items
1. Goggles or sunglasses
2. Sunscreen for lips
3. Optional equipment
4. Photographic Gear
5. Camera & lenses
6. Lens cleaning equipment
7. Film (about 20 rolls)
8. Navigation Aids
9. GPS unit
10. Altimeter
11. Thermometer
Miscellaneous items
1. Binoculars
2. Books/magazines
3. Small duffel bag or suitcase (to leave behind in Kathmandu)
4. Padlock
5. Stuff sacks & plastic bags
Departure Date for Chulu West Peak
View Our Price List
Per person cost: US$ 1175
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 14 in one departure
Per person cost: US$ 1175
Group Size: Minimum 2, maximum 14 in one departure
What does our package tour price include?
1. Airport transportation
2. Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up & drop by private car/van/bus.
3. Standard accommodation in four/five star hotel in Kathmandu breakfast included. (3 nights)
4. Standard accommodation in two/three star hotel in Pokhara breakfast included. (3 nights)
5. Kathmandu and Pokhara city Tours by professional tour guide and private car/van/bus.
6. All your standard Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
7. All hot drinks such as tea, coffee during the trek.
8. Tea Houses/Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trek.
9. A local government license holder Trekking Guide during the trek.
10. The required number of trekking staff and Porters to carry your luggage during the trek.
11. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine for all trekking staff.
12. Necessary trekking permits and sight-seeing fee.
13. All the domestic flight as mentioned in itinerary.
14. Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu.
15. All our government taxes.
16. Official expanse.
17. Trekking Map of Everest
What does our package tour price include?
1. Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu
2. Your travel insurance (compulsory).
3. International airfare and airport departure tax.
4. Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue. You require 2 passport size photos.
5. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
6. Personal trekking Equipments.
7. Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected.)
8. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
