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Trekking in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal >> Annapurna Region Trekking >> Chuluwest Round Annaurna Trekking
This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The Southern slopes of Manaslu and, Annapurna ranges are heavily settled and farmed except the higher regions that support thick forests of Rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribes inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars, Chhettris and Newars. Thakali and Mustang tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most striking significance of this trek is that we have a spectacular view of most mountains range every day. On this trek before reaching Mustang area one can see the changes in landscape and plants.
After crossing a beautiful Pass popularly known as Thorang La pass (5416 m.) a trekker enters into Mustang region from where the ranges of Dhaulagiri mountain is visible.
About Chulu Peaks:
These peaks form 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 6,687m. 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 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.
Ascents of Chulu West and Chulu Central are best made from a base camp in a small valley north of Manang situated off the main trail to the Thorong La. Indeed some of the best views of these peaks can be had from that Pass.
Trip Itinerary
Day 01. Kathmandu to Beshi Sahar (823 m.): Drive to Dumre by tourist Bus following wild hairpin bends, and drive by local vehicles about 3 hrs. approximately to reach Besi Sahar and rest.
Day 02. Beshi Sahar to Bahundanda (1311 m): Walk for about 7 hours towards Bahundanda through narrow tracks, suspension bridges and a deep river gorge. Rest for lunch at Bhulbhule and walk another 3 hrs. to Bahundanda for overnight stay.
Day 03. Bahundanda to Chamje:- (1405 m): Walk for about 6/7 hours towards Chamje through the valley crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls, land view the tower of Mt. Lamjung (22,291 Ft.), Manaslu (26,760 Ft.) and Peak 29 (24,652 Ft.). Rest for lunch at Sange and walk another 3 hrs. to Chamje for overnight stay.
Day 04. Chamje to Dharapani (1943m.): Walking distance of about 7/8 hours from Chamje to Dharapani, entering Manang district from Taal and crossing a large bridge to Dharapani to stay overnight.
Day 05. Dharapani to Chame (2713m): The distance is covered within 6 hours. The trail now leads to the west in Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop of Annapurna II appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue, Annapurana range offers a splendid view. Overnight at Chame.
Day 06. Chame to Pissang (3185m.): Keeping by the side of river all day for about 7 hours and passing through narrow and steep gorge reach Passing from where Manang Valley (a wide U - shaped valley) hanging between two giant snow peaks. Overnight at Pissang.
Day 07. Pissang to Manang (3351m.): After a 7-hour walk through trails and broad forested valley floor a small stool airstrip and a village of about 200 houses and Barge monastery which is the largest in the entire district and reach Manang.
Day 08. Rest in Manang for acclimatization: A necessary day to rest and acclimatize and explore Manang,. the village of about 500 flat roofed houses. Annapurna II, Annapurna III (24,787 Ft.), Gangapurna (24,457 Ft.) and Chulu East (19,880 Ft.) to the north can be well viewed.
Day 09. Manang to Chulu Lader (4200 m.): We branch away from the Marsyandi Khola steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. Overnight at Lader. Approximately 3 hrs. Walk.
Day 10. Chulu Lader to Chulu West Base Camp (4534 m.):- Finding base camp is to walk above Manang to a Yak herder's hut from where you view the South Face of Chulu Central. Go beyond the hut following the Yak pastures and walk up a ridge which leads into a hidden valley where it is possible to find a good site for base camp.
Day 11. Chulu West Base Camp to Chulu West High Camp (5,100m.):- From this camp, ascend steep slopes to a col (4,900m.), on a subsidiary ridge that leads down from the main ridge. To the north of the col ascend snow slopes for 200 meters to the base of a band of rock at an altitude of 5,100meters for high camp.
Day 12 / 13. Chulu West High Camp to Summit (6,250m.) and back to BC:- Climb the rock band with some difficulty to the north-west shoulder of Chulu West (5,450m), where another camp can be established or alternatively a camp can be placed on a snow plateau above (5,530m.). On the first ascent and several subsequent ascents rope was fixed on the rock band. From the plateau continue up the progressively narrowing ridge to the summit (6,250m.). Descend by the same route to Base Camp.
Day 14. Chulu West Base Camp to Thorong Phedi (4351m.): An easy way walk down to Thorong Phedi.
Day 15. Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3798m.): Crossing the Pass early in the morning slowly reach the top of Thorang Pass (5417m.) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalaya scenery and over to the Kaligandaki valley through the entire Annapurna range, Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west. Walking distance is about 8 hours.
Day 16. Muktinath to Kaagbeni (2809 m.): A walk down hill with a dramatic landscape up to Kaagbeni for half day rest.
Day 17. Kaagbeni to Jomsom:- Walk an easy way for 3hrs. to Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang District.
Day 18. Jomsom to Pokhara: Early morning fly back to Pokhara. You can have very beautiful views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain from the plane.
Day 19. Sightseeing in Pokhara:- Boat ride in Phewa lake and visit around Pokhra city.
Day 20. Pokhara to Kathmandu by private coach or flight.
Cost Includes
All internal transfers as mentioned above, food and accommodation on trek, B and B in Kathmandu, Pokhara B & B Bandipur full board. Park entry fee and trekking permit, Sirdar/guide, porters and local staff, guided tour of Katmandu by car, Chitwan Jungle program 2 night 3days program with all meals.
Cost Excludes
Flights to/from Nepal, entry visa, airport and departure taxes, alcoholic & aerated beverages and tips..