Mt. Chulu West Peak Climbing

Today, we take some time off to tour the UNESCO world heritage sites spread around the valley. Additionally, we also gather all the necessary permits and equipment from the trek. We begin our Kathmandu valley sightseeing starting from the Swayambhunath stupa. From here, we head towards the Pashupatinath temple. From this Hindu heritage, we head towards the local markets of Thamel crossing Kathmandu Durbar Square en route gathering all the necessary items for our journey.  

An early day as we make our way out of Kathmandu making our way towards Jagat. Through the winding bends of Prithvi Highway, we exit the massive hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. We then make our way along the raging Trishuli River. Heading north from Besisahar, we drive alongside the banks of Marsayangdi River all the way to Jagat.

Exiting Jagat alongside the Marsayangdi River, we continue our journey ascending through the lush green forests. After trekking for a couple of hours, we arrive at Tal village. After a short rest, we once again make way through fields of barley, rice, and potato heading towards the forests. Crossing a suspension bridge shortly after Tal, we enter the valley of Manang. Passing Karte, we enter the Dharapani village premise.

Making our way out of Dharapani, the hilly trail slowly ascends to Bagarchhap. Through the southern banks of Marsayangdi River, we make our way over to Danakyu. Beyond this village, the trail steeply climbs to a rhododendron forest. Following the crisscrossing trail through the pine forests, we reach a series of Mani walls adorned with prayer wheels indicating the entrance to Chame.

Through a series of Mani walls, the hilly trail quietly ascends through the fields of Buckwheat heading away from the hamlet of Chame. Reaching Telekhu after a short climb, we once again enter the lush green forests. As the views of Pangdi Danda slowly enters into the horizon, the journey reaches its final stretch. Enjoying the pleasant hilly landscapes, we make our way towards Pisang.

The day is a pleasant one as we begin our journey with mesmerizing views of Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna South (7,219m). Past small hamlets, the journey heads through a series of pasture lands. Later, the trail climbs on a steep ridge high above the Marsayangdi River to reach the village of Ngawal. Thereafter, we cross over to Braga and then onto the Manang village.

The first of our acclimatization days, today, we spend a day at Manang to let our bodies properly acclimatize. The village is well known for its stunning views of Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Annapurna IV (7,525m) alongside the Gangapurna (7,454m). Moreover, Manang also offers a chance to know the unique culture of the local Manangi people. For our acclimatization hike, we have a varied set of options including a journey towards the Gangapurna Icefall and the Milarepa Cave before heading back to Manang.

High above the tree line, the journey heads through the rugged Himalayan trail passing by the settlement of old Manang. Crossing the Marsayangdi River over a suspension bridge, we make our way down to Khangsar. Past Khangsar, the trail winds through a series of Chortens and alpine bushes continuously ascending to the crest adorned with prayer flags. A short walk from the crest brings us to the Tilicho Base Camp where we stop for the night.

Heading out of Tilicho Base Camp the journey steeply ascends through the glacial moraines alongside the Mt. Gangapurna (7,454m). Located at an altitude of 4,920m, Tilicho Lake boasts unparalleled beauty and stunning landscapes capturing the very best of Himalayas. The turquoise blue waters of the lake reflect the snowy summits of the Himalayas forming sights you have never seen before. Enjoying the tranquil atmosphere alongside the stunning Himalayan panorama we begin our descent back to the base camp.

Heading further north away from the base camp the Himalayan train slowly climbs out of the Marsayangdi Valley towards the Himalayan wilderness. Surrounded by alpine vegetation the trail climbs to the ruins of Old Khangsar high above the hamlet of Khangsar. Taking a brief rest we pick up the ascending route continuing on toward the old log bridge connecting Ghunsang and Yak Kharka. Overnight at Yak Kharka.

Making our way out of Yak Kharka, we continue our ascent through the rugged Himalayan trail towards Ledar. Past Ledar, we continue our ascent towards the Chulu West Base Camp. The steep journey, although challenging, offers beautiful views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range alongside the Chulu range. The scenery accommodates both Chulu East (6,584m) and Chulu West (6,419m).

Making our way through the Himalayan trail, we head for the High Camp. Trekking in complete solitude, we ascend the ridgelines crossing over glacial moraines while enjoying the Himalayan views all around. The steep ascent to the high camp is a challenging one and often requires technical know-how for safe navigation. Under the guidance of the team leader, we make our way to the camp located at an altitude of 5100m to set up camp for the night.

The most awaited part of the journey today we make our way over to the summit of Chulu West Peak (6,419m). We begin our journey carefully making our way through the icy ridgelines and snowy pathways. Midway through the trail, we are welcomed by a stunning Himalayan sunrise reflecting through the snowy summits of the Himalayas. Using ropes when necessary, we continue our journey to the summit and enjoy the Himalayan panorama of the Annapurna Range. Taking in the pleasant views of the summit, we make our way back to the base camp for the night.

Continuing our high altitude trek we begin our journey towards Thorung Phedi following the banks of Kone Khola. Exiting the base camp, the rugged trail descends swiftly through glacial moraines and icy pathways to reach a suspension bridge over the Kone River. Past the suspension bridge, we take on a small ascending journey reaching Thorung Phedi.

An early day as we begin our slow ascent from Thorung Phedi towards the Thorung La Pass (5416m). Climbing through the snow-covered tails we make our way towards the Thorung High Camp (4925m). Heading past the high camp, the trail gradually turns steeper to reach Thorung La Pass. The mountain pass is one of the most dramatic Himalayan passes and boasts the views of the Annapurna and Chulu Himalayan Ranges. Later, we begin our descent over to Muktinath.

The day begins with a pleasant journey heading over to the temple of Muktinath. The Hindu temple is one of the prominent heritages paying homage to Lord Vishnu. Making our way past Jharkot, we take in the arid Himalayan landscape descending towards Kagbeni. Through the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, the trail continues to descend towards Ekle Bhatti and over to Jomsom.

An early day as we make our way out of Jomsom flying over to the city of Pokhara. The flight heads past the high valley of Mustang over to Pokhara. Landing at Pokhara, we make our way directly to the hotel. After a brief rest and a lovely lunch in the city, you are free to explore the city on your own. Davis Falls, Mahendra Cave, and World Peace Pagoda are some of the famous attractions in the Pokhara Valley.

The final day of the journey and we make our way back to the capital city ending our adventure. Through the winding bends of Prithvi Highway, we once again head past the rural hilly landscapes to find the Trishuli River. Following the river, for the most part, the journey reaches Kathmandu.

Once again our representatives will drop you back to Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.