Chulu West

Highlights

Climb Chulu West and experience a classic Himalayan trek and climb. This expedition combines a trek of the Annapurna Circuit with an ascent of Chulu West at 6419m. This is a very enjoyable and remote trekking and climbing adventure. There are never any crowds on Chulu West which is very different to the Everest region. When we climb this mountain, it’s usually just us.

Starting up the glacier on Chulu West

You’ll take in stunning views of the entire Annapurna range right along this classic trekking route. Annapurna I, II, III & IV are just the beginning. Midway we detour to Chulu West Base Camp and then to advance Base Camp. Here we begin our 3-day climb of this seldom visited mountain.

Climbing Chulu West with us

The Base Camp location for this expedition is one the best in Nepal. We have a beautiful stream running right next to our camp coupled with spectacular views of Annapurna I. Our High Camp and Advanced High Camp locations also provide great views of the Annapurnas in every direction. From the summit you’ll marvel at uninterrupted views to the south across the main Annapurna range. These are in stark contrast to the Tibetan Plateau in the north. We then cap our climbing achievement with a trek across across the famous Thorong La (Pass) at 5416m. Views of Dhaulagiri at 8167m are stunning.

All our climbing itineraries include plenty of rest days allowing for safe altitude acclimatisation. We never take short cuts when it comes to our acclimatisation schedule. This is an ideal trek and climb for people seeking a challenging experience and is suitable for those that haven’t attempted mountaineering previously.

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Itinerary

High on Chulu West

Day 1
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and be transferred by Trek Climb Ski staff to your accommodation at The Radisson Hotel. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks hosted by your guides and Sherpa crew.

Day 2
A fantastic buffet breakfast at The Radisson followed by a morning sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. Afternoon at leisure. Our staff will be available in the afternoon to assist any guests that may need to make last minute purchases.

Day 3
After breakfast we leave Kathmandu and drive in our private bus along the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway. The drive is impressive and we take in a number of picturesque towns and villages along the way. We stop for lunch then continue on to Besisahar and then to the end of the road at Bhulbhule (846m) in the beautiful Marsyandi Valley. Overnight in Bhulbhule.

Day 4
Trek from Bhulbhule and ascend gently through Bahundanda and then onto Jagat at 1300m. Overnight at Jagat.

Day 5
Today we cross a number of streams (via suspension bridges) and enjoy a variety of changes in the scenery. Lush forests, stunning landscapes and waterfalls along the way to Dharapani at 1860m. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 6
From Dharapani to Chame at 2620m. Overnight at Chame.

Days 7 & 8
We spend the next 2 days trekking over steep forested ridges and passing through dense oak and maple forests. We pass the Manang District Administrative Headquarters and have our trekking permits stamped. On the way to Pisang we view the incredibe Paungda Danda rock face – 1500m of curved slab rock rising spectacularly from the river below. Views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak are impressive as we make our way to Manang at 3530m. Day 7 overnight at Pisang at 3190m. Day 8 overnight at Manang at 3530m.

Day 9
A rest and acclimatisation day in Manang.

Days 10 & 11
From Manang to Letdar at 4200m. Impressive views of Manaslu along the way and 2 nights at Letdar to assist with the important acclimatisation process.

Day 12
Today we head off the main trail and ascend some beautiful rolling hills to Chulu West base camp.

Days 13 – 16
We spend a day at base camp practising our climbing skills and acclimatising before moving over the next 2 days to high camp and then onto Chulu West camp one. The following morning we climb to the summit of Chulu West and then return to base camp for a well earned celebration with our guides and porters.

Days 17
A short but important walk to Thorung Phedi at 4450m in readiness for crossing the Thorung La the next day. Overnight at Thorung Phedi.

Day 18
Today we leave early and cross the Thorong La at 5416m. This is a challenging day but a highlight of the trip with incredible views across to Chulu West, Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri. A long descent follows the crossing down to Muktinath and we quickly appreciate the return to 3800m. Overnight at Muktinath.

Day 19
From Muktinath to Jomosom at 2710. Another solid descent this day with great views across to the barren landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. Much of today feels like we are travelling across a remote desert landscape and the busy town of Jomosom is a welcome sight. Overnight at Jomosom.

Day 20
From Jomoson to Pokhara via a scenic mountain flight. Overnight in Pokhara beside the beautiful Phewa Tal lake.

Day 21
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and re-check into The Radisson Hotel. Final night dinner and celebrations with our Sherpa guides. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 22
Trip concludes and all guests will be conveyed to Kathmandu International Airport to meet their respective flights.

What's included

Annapurna I from Chulu West Base Camp

3 nights accommodation at The Radisson Hotel (or equivalent) in Kathmandu with breakfasts

1 night accommodation in 3 star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast

Welcome dinner and drinks in Kathmandu

All ground transfers in Nepal

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (includes entry fees and guide)

Transport by private bus from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule

Flight from Jomosom to Pokhara (includes taxes)

Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (includes taxes)

National Park entrance fees, trekking and climbing permits

All meals while trekking and climbing

All lodge and tea house accommodation while trekking

All camping facilities while climbing

Exceptional leaders and guides

Porters to carry all personal and group equipment

Porter’s insurance

Emergency medical kit and gamow bag

All necessary personal climbing equipment (includes harness, ice-axe, boots, crampons, prusiks and carabiners)

Down jacket, sleeping bag and sleeping mattress

Complimentary Trek Climb Ski Nepal kit bag

All Nepalese tourist taxes and fees

Note: Tips for porters and guides are NOT included

Accomm + meals

This trip includes 3 nights at The Radisson (or equivalent standard) Hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night in a 3-star Hotel in Pokhara. During the trek you will stay in the best available lodges and tea houses along the route. You will be camping for the climbing portion of this trip.

This trip includes 19 breakfasts, 18 lunches and 18 dinners while you are trekking and climbing in the mountains. Morning and afternoon tea is also provided each day. Unlimited safe (thoroughly boiled) drinking water is provided each day you are in the mountains. A full buffet breakfast is included each morning of your stay at The Radisson Hotel and at our hotel in Pokhara. Trek Climb Ski Nepal also provide a complimentary welcome dinner with drinks in Kathmandu on the first evening of your trip.

We proudly employ an all you can eat food and fluids policy. Proper food intake and regular hydration are critical to safe altitude acclimatisation. In our opinion, trekking and climbing companies that leave food decisions and the purchase of food for their clients to manage (when trekking/climbing at altitude) are grossly irresponsible. Companies often do this because it enables them to advertise a much lower (but unrealistic) trip price. We can’t overstate the importance that adequate food and fluid intake plays in a safe and thorough acclimatisation strategy.

Gallery

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  Annapurna Circuit

  108 photos

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  Chulu West

  51 photos

Map

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Trip Dates / Book Now