Chulu West Peak Climbing - 18 days

Welcome to the land of the Himalayas, Nepal. As you land at the Tribhuvan International airport in the capital city of Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the views of distant mountains and green hills. After completing the formalities at the airport, head to the terminal, where our representatives from Third Rock Adventures will welcome you. They will transfer you to a hotel in Thamel, which is located only 5 km away from there.

A tourist hub, Thamel has lots to offer in terms of multi-cuisine restaurants, massage centers, pubs, authentic Nepali clothing stores, and more. After relaxing at the hotel, you can head out to enjoy the lively streets. Alternatively, visit our office located near the hotel. In the evening, devour the authentic Nepali welcome dinner.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, as per the guide's suggestions, we will begin the preparations for the trek, which will include documentation and getting permits from the authorized tourism office. The Chulu West peak climbing trip would require technical climbing gears. Most of the group climbing equipment is covered by us; however, if there is any personal trekking or climbing gear that you would want, then feel free to hire or purchase it from a nearby trekking store in Thamel. Additionally, you can hire down jackets and other warm clothing from these stores.

After completing your preparations, you can opt for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu city as there are several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square located nearby Thamel in Basantapur/Freak Street. Visit the Hanuman Dhoka Museum, temples in the courtyards, and narrow alleyways. From there, head on to Swayambhunath Stupa, a Buddhist religious site located in the western hills of Kathmandu. Enjoy the sunset and the wide-angle views of the city from high above. If time permits, you can also visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples, and Boudhanath stupa, the biggest spherical stupa in Nepal.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

This day marks the start of our tour to Chulu West peak. Early in the morning, we will take a drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani village, located in the Annapurna region of western Nepal. The road trip will take you on the blacktopped Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli river on the initial phase of the drive. For the latter half of the ride, the road is bumpy and follows the Marsyangdi River. Along the way, you will witness a drastic change in scenery from city life to village life, dams, waterfalls, hills overlapping hills, and mountains cocooning valleys.

After the long and tiresome drive, you will take much-needed rest in Dharapani. It is a small village with warm and welcoming people. The roads are paved with stones, and there are terraced fields.

Overnight stay in Dharapani.

Today is our first trekking day, which will begin from Dharapani village up to Chame. There is a change in scenery as you walk past traditional villages and walk through alpine meadows. The route initially follows to Timang village for about 2 hours. You will cross a bridge initially and pass by a waterfall, then take a zigzag way up to granite cliffs. After eventually winding up at Timang village, meander through thick pine forests, waterfalls, and small settlements up until you reach Koto. There is a checkpoint at the entrance to Koto where you should show your permit to the officials.

After a short while, you will reach Chame, a big village with many hotels and lodges. It is also the headquarters of Manang district, which is why it attracts many locals as well.

Overnight stay in Chame.

Today's route is very exciting, with varied scenery and experiences. We begin with a trek from Chame to Bhartang. On the way, you will follow the river and pass green fields into the dense pine forest. In Bhartang, visit the apple farm with a chic cafe where you can try some freshly squeezed apple juice. Continue your trek to Dhukur Pokhari with the views of an amazing waterfall cascading down the high cliff face. Crossing a bridge through the pine forest, scenes of the distant Annapurna range will come into display.

From there, take a downhill hike to Lower Pisang as you pass by rivers, waterfalls, and grass fields. You will witness thick-coated cows and yaks grazing in the area near the stone houses.

Overnight stay in Lower Pisang.

You will trek to Upper Pisang, which is only about 100 meters higher than Lower Pisang. You will be walking on stone steps crossing narrow alleyways and wooden buildings and lodges. The village is surrounded by views of Annapurna II and adjoining mountains. After taking some rest in Upper Pisang, head to Ghyaru. The scenery gets better and better after each step, but the trial is tougher than the other days. Pass by beautiful Mani walls with inscriptions and mantras written on them. The village of Gyaru seems to be stuck in time, with ancient stone tablets making up alleyways and houses.

From Ghyaru descend to Ngawal village with a welcome sign and fluttering prayer flags. After soaking in the jaw-dropping views of the valley from Ngawa, we head on to Braga village with a snakey trail which is easier. It would be best to visit the beautiful Braga monastery, which is popular among tourists and locals. After the brief visit, continue to Manang village, which is only a 30 minutes walk. The path is dry and sandy, but the mountain views of Marsyangdi flowing beside it are amazing. Manang is home to a huge Buddhist settlement. The town seems to be stuck in time with amazing stone houses, narrow alleyways, and a couple of hotels and lodges in the base.

Overnight stay in Manang.

After the long trek, it is time to take some rest and acclimatize in Manang. Getting acclimatized is important to prevent altitude sickness caused by the rise in altitude. Also, it is important to spend a day understanding this beautiful and mythical village.

After having breakfast, you can hike up to the Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), which is the main tourist attraction of Manang. Although the lake seems to be closer to the village, it is 8km away. There is an elevation gain of about 1,100m as well. As per the name, the lake is frozen most times of the year. There is a stupa on the shore of the lake.

Alternatively, if you wish to relax on this day, then you can hike up higher to a viewpoint in the village from where the ice lake is visible. Visit the local stupa and interact with the locals to understand their culture and traditions.

Overnight stay in Manang.

After early morning breakfast in Manang, we head to Leder. As you ascend above the treeline, the views of open slopes come into display. A gradual ascent will take you to Yak Kharka, where you can make a brief stop. Passing by high-altitude vegetation of birch trees, you will reach Leder shortly after midday. Leder offers a camping site in the wide pastures, and there aren't many settlements in the nearby areas. After taking some rest, you can hike up to the nearby viewpoint to enjoy the views of high-standing mountains and also acclimatize.

Overnight stay in Leder.

The trail becomes tougher as the altitude sees a rise and the terrain becomes rugged. Following a steep path, you will make an ascend on the rough terrain. On the way, you will witness prayer set up by the locals to worship the Buddhist gods. The campsite at Chulu West Base Camp is rocky and windy. However, the views of surrounding mountains are well with the stay.

Overnight stay in Chulu West Base Camp.

Pack up your belongings early in the morning and ascend Camp I. the terrain is dry and rugged, with stone steps in some parts. The need for proper trekking poles and shoes is needed in these steep climbs. The atmosphere may be windy and misty.

Overnight stay in Camp I.

Today is the second rest and acclimatization day of the entire trip. Acclimatization is important on this day to get your body accustomed to the high rise in altitude of almost 1000m from the earlier day. On this day, you will receive climbing training from the climbing leader. The leader will demonstrate the use of essential technical climbing gears such as harnesses, crampons, ice ax, ropes, and more. If you have any queries regarding the climb, please ask the leader, who will clarify it. This is an important day to prepare for the ascent to Chulu West peak starting from tomorrow. From Camp I, you will witness the views of the Annapurna range and Thorong Peak.

Overnight stay in Camp I.

The climb has begun from this day onwards as we head to Camp II. Early in the morning before dawn, we do the climb to avoid excessive wind during the day. As you head above, the way becomes steeper and snowy. Follow the rope laid out by the team and follow the instructions of your climbing leader as well. Taking small steps, you will reach Camp II, where you will stop for the night.

Overnight stay in Camp II.

The most anticipated day of the trip is here as you will be heading to the top of Chulu West Peak after two days of climbing. To avoid the harsh wind during the day, take an early morning climb, even before dawn. Follow the instructions of the climbing leader. The team has already set up the ropes, and the team will assist. You might experience shortness of breath as you climb higher, but remember to take small steps. After the challenging ascends in the steep snowy path, you will reach the summit of Chulu West Peak!

Take some rest to enjoy the amazing views and successful climb. At the summit, you will be in union with the clouds. On a clear day, the surrounding Annapurna II, III, IV, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Gangapurna, and Chulu East peaks can be seen. The sun slowly pouring over these mountains will give them a golden tinge which is the best view of the entire trek. In addition, you will also witness the east-side Himlung valley. After taking pictures and enjoying the triumph, slowly head back to camp I. As the terrain is sloppy, you have to take small careful steps. You will pick up all your belongings from Camp II and move below to Camp I.

Overnight stay in Camp I.

After breakfast, you will take your steps back to Manang. The descent is much easier and quicker than the ascend. The initial leg of your trek will lead you to Leder. Passing by the alpine terrain with minimal treelines, gradually trek back to Manang village. Along the way, enjoy views of the mountains which will not be seen from hereon.

Overnight stay in Manang.

Contingency day has been reserved if there is any delay in climbing to and from Chulu West Peak due to bad weather or any other physical issues. As the weather in the Himalayan region is uncertain, you might have to wait a day extra to let the mist pass as you would certainly want to witness the amazing surrounding mountains from the peak. If everything is as scheduled, you can use this additional day anywhere during the trip for exploration.

You bid farewell to the lovely Manang village and the Annapurna region as a whole on this day. You will pack up your belongings, say goodbye to the friendly locals and drive off to Kathmandu. The drive is amazing, with views of the blue and swiftly flowing Marsyangdi river down below in the first half of the trek. Upon reaching Besisahar, have a much-needed Lunch, then drive off to Kathmandu. Witness views of vast terraced fields, hills, and scattered settlements along the Prithvi Highway.

The scenery changes as you reach Kathmandu. Tall buildings and houses will eventually replace the views of mountains and hills. You are transferred to your hotel in Thamel for the night.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

This free day is set aside for delays during the climb or trek from and to Chulu West Peak. Trekking in the Himalayas will have an uncertainty of weather conditions causing these contingencies. If everything goes as scheduled, use this day for a cultural sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley.

As suggested by your guide, you can visit any of the numerous cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu. Tour Patan Durbar square, one of the three Durbar Squares in the valley, situated in the center of the Lalitpur district, south of Kathmandu city. Visit the Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bhawani Temple, Bhimsen Temple, and more.

Alternatively, you can also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in Bhaktapur District, east of Kathmandu. Check out Lion's gate, Golden gate, Bhairav Nath Temple, Nyatapola temple, and more with high religious and historical significance.

Explore the streets of Thamel in the evening to buy some souvenirs like Nepali caps, dreamcatchers, Dhaka clothing, Thangka paintings to take back home. 

Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After the exciting Chulu West peak climbing trip, it is finally time to say goodbye to the beautiful country of Nepal. Depending upon the departure time, you are taken to the international airport terminal, where our representatives will bid farewell in hopes of meeting again.

As you board your flight, you will recollect your trekking memories of the amazing Annapurna region and the jaw-dropping views from the top of Chulu West peak. If you wish to have a similar climbing or trekking experience, then you can contact us at any time.