 These peaks are part of the Manang Himal, which are 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. To the west its limit is the Kali Gandaki and to the north the Parchekya La (5,447m).
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.
Many climbers are confused as to the exact location of these two peaks as the range has 4 or more summits in the immediate vicinity which are unmarked in maps of this area. 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.
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. Allow about 21-26 days to complete this climb and trek.
Route of Chulu East:
The North-East Ridge is considered the normal route to climb this peak from a Base Camp on the moranis at 5154m. Most climbers make it to the top and back from Base Camp in one long day although some have, in the past, established a higher camp somewhere below the peak. Another subsidiary peak called Chulu Far East (6059m) may also be attempted from this approach.
Itinerary in Details (Chulu East Peak)
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu Airport (1345 meters)
Meet our airport representative and transfer to the hotel by private vehicle. Overnight at hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley.
Start the sightseeing trip at 9 am in the morning after breakfast. Where you will be provided with a Private vehicle and a professional tour guide. You will be visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Buddhanath Temple, Monkey Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The afternoon Includes a final briefing and preparation of the trek. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre 6 hrs
Then follow the narrow and paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar (823m.). 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. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 04: Trek to Bahundanda (1305m.) 6 hrs
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. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek from Bahundanda to Tal (1700 m) 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek from Tal to Bagarchap (2160m) 6 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Chame (2675m.) 7 hrs
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 upto 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. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08: Trek to Pisang (3100m.) 6 hrs
With Lamjung Himal (6893m) sparkling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. 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. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek to Yak Kharka (4350m.) 6 hrs
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. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek to Chulu East Base Camp (5140m) 5 hrs. Overnight at chulu easted Camp
Day 11: Rest day at Chulu East Base Camp to explore the surrounding. Overnight at chulu easted Camp
Day 12: Ascend High Camp of Chulu East (5600m). Overnight at chulu easted Camp
Day 13: Rest at High Camp. Overnight at chulu easted Camp
Day 14: Summit Chulu East and return the Base Camp 7 hrs. Overnight at chulu easted Camp.
Day 15: Trek to Manang and rest day at Manang and hang in and around town.
This is an important rest and acclimatization day before crossing the Thorung La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice-fall 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. Overnight at Guesthoue.
Day 16: Trek to Muktinath (3850m.) via Thorong La Pass (5416m.) 8 hrs
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 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. Overnight at Guesthoouse.
Day 17: Trek to Kagbeni (2895 m.) 3.30 hrs
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 Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan life style and culture. There is a monastery said to belong to 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang. Overnight at Guest house.
Day 18: Trek to Jomsom (2710m.) 3.30 hrs
Your trail passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through the Eklebhatti. The trail is windy after late morning. The river flows through broader course. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang and it is split into two towns and between these two towns passes through Kali Gandaki River. There is access of internet and banking facilities. From Jomsom, you can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peak. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 35 minutes.
The flights are available during the morning time. The strong breeze blows during the after and frequent change of the weather prevent the flight being landed and taken off in the afternoon. During the flights in morning, the sky looks very clear which makes you able to enjoy the splendid views of different mountain peaks.
Day 20: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus. 6 hrs
While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city.
You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes
Day 21: Transfer to international airport for your final departure.
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu international airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.
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