Chulu Far East Peak Climbing

Chulu Far East Peak Climbing (6059m) is the mountaineers’ equivalent of trekking the famous Annapurna Circuit. It follows much of the same route, but adds a spectacular trekking peak to the mix. As well as the unforgettable climb, make a side-trip to incredible Tilicho Lake, and pass through the culturally distinct Manang and Mustang areas.

Chulu Far East Peak Climbing Highlights,

Trekking one of Nepal’s classic treks, with a challenging ascent added in
Side-trip to the glacial Tilicho Lake, one of the highest in the world
Views of Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu from the summit

Chulu Far East Peak Climbing is a Popular trekking peak It lies in the northern part of the Annapurna region, and the trek follows much of the same route as the Annapurna Circuit.

A major drawcard is the variety of terrain and cultures that are encountered along the way. The expedition isn’t just about the ascent of Chulu Far East, but the side-trip to gorgeous Tilicho Lake, the crossing of the rarely travelled Mesokanta La Pass (5120m) and the Tibetan Buddhist Gurung culture of Manang and Mustang.

The peak itself is challenging, as all peaks are, yet suitable for novice climbers. There are some tricky crevasses, but the climbing is not too technical. From the summit you will see Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu.

The Route Followed

This expedition begins with a full day’s drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead at Chame, headquarters of Manang District. Begin along a forested trail, with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peeping through from time to time.

After three days’ trekking, stop for an acclimatization day at JuluKhola (3500m). Go on short hikes to higher altitude. Then, continue on a steep trail up to Chulu Far East Peak Base Camp (5000m) for a training and acclimatization day. Spend some time training, refreshing (or learning) essential mountaineering skills, and hiking to a nearby glacier to practice those skills.

From Base Camp, head up to High Camp (5500m). The path is through snow, and this night will be spent camping on rocky ground. The next day, rise in the early hours to summit Chulu Far East. After enjoying the incredible views in all directions, descend first to High Camp, and then all the way back to Base Camp.

The beauty of the expedition doesn’t end once the peak has been summitted. The return trip follows a different route. First, stop by Manang village, from which you will make a three-day side-trip to glacier-fed Tilicho Lake (4919m). It’s one of the highest lakes in the world, and is often frozen. The spectacular deep blue-turquoise water is surrounded by barren and snowy peaks.

Cross Mesokanta La (5120m) and trek down into Lower Mustang and Jomsom, headquarters of Mustang. Return to Pokhara by air.

Accommodation

This trip utilises basic but comfortable teahouses/lodges most of the way. During the climbing section (Base Camp and High Camp) we will provide Camping support with Tented accommodation including Tilicho Lake and Meso Kanta La Pass section also Camping support required.

Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake trek short itinerary,
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)
Day 02: Sightseeing and preparation day.
Day 03: Drive to Dharapani. (1960 meters) via Besisahar.
Day 04: Trek to Chame. (2670 meters)
Day 05: Trek to Pisang. (3200 meters)
Day 06: Trek to Ngawal via Gyaru. (3670 meters)
Day 07: Trek to Julu Khola (Waterfall Camp 4000m) 3 – 4 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Chulu Far East Base Camp. (4835 meters)
Day 09: Acclimatization Day at Chulu Far East Base Camp
Day 10: Trek to Chulu Far East High Camp (5334 meters).
Day 11: Summit Chulu Far East (6058 meters) and return to Base Camp.
Day 12: Extra Day.
Day 13: Trek to Manang (3540 meters).
Day 14: Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (3734 meters).
Day 15: Trek to Tilicho Lake (4949 meters).
Day 16: Mesokanta La Pass (5120m and trek to Yak Kharka (3510 meters).
Day 17: Trek to Jomsom (2720 meters).
Day 18: Fly to Pokhara.
Day 19: Flight to Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01

Arrive in Kathmandu. (1338 meters)

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks with the company’s display board will greet you outside the arrival terminal and transfer you to your Hotel. The trek leader will meet the group for a meeting and provide a detailed briefing on the trek. All the required information regarding the trek would be provided. (Overnight at Hotel)

Day 02

Sightseeing and preparation day.

Sightseeing in world heritage sites and trek preparation day stay overnight at Hotel at Kathmandu.

Day 03

Drive to Dharapani. (1960 meters) via Besisahar.

After breakfast, a private vehicle (car/bus) will pick you at your hotel. We drive to Besisahar via the Prithvi Highway, following Trishuli River for most part of the drive. It takes around 6 hours to reach at Besisahar.Lunch in Besisahar and continue drive to Dharapani on a secondary road. The road at times passes through the settlements of the old Annapurna Circuit Trail. It keeps following the Marshyangdi River for the whole day. This bumpy and exciting ride will take around 5 hours. (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 04

Trek to Chame. (2670 meters)

The trek starts on the secondary road and does so for the most part of trek until the trek reaches Manang. The road passes the villages of Bagarchap and Danaque. The trail gets briefly off the road and starts to climb through the woods to Temang. Stunning view of Manaslu (8136 meters) opens up at Temang. The trek returns back to the road and goes through the small villages of Thanchok, Kotho and finally reaches Chame. Chame is one of the big settlements of Manang region and is also the administrative headquarter. A nearby hot spring just a few minute away from the town can be enjoyed in the afternoon. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 05

Trek to Pisang. (3200 meters)

The trek continues on the road by the Marshyangdi River and goes through small ancient looking houses at Bhratang. The road passes under an interesting huge rock face and continues to move into the valley following the river. After crossing the river, a brief climb leads to Dhikur Pokhari and offers an amazing view of the rock face of the Paungda Danda, standing more than 1000 meters from the river. An easy walk with the picturesque views of the valley ends at Pisang. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 06

Trek to Ngawal via Gyaru. (3670 meters)

The trail leaves the road, crosses the river, and moves on the alternative route. This less travelled route undulates through a thin forest, a small pond with the reflection of Annapurna II (7937 meters) and Annapurna IV (7525 meters), some mane walls and crosses a suspension bridge in the morning. A good steep climb leads to the Gyaru Village, one of the two medieval villages on the day’s route. The views of the valleys and Annapurna II (7937 meters), Annapurna IV (7525 meters) can be thoroughly enjoyed during the whole day on this route. More undulating trail follows as the trail also passes by some ruins of forts and reaches the second medieval village, Ngawal. (6 hours) (Overnight at Teahouse. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)

Day 07

Trek to Julu Khola (Waterfall Camp 4000m)

Easy and short trek to valley of Julu Khola, spectacular water fall fallen from the Julu Khola stay overnight at Camp. Afternoon side trip to Valley of Julu Khola spectacular views of Annapurna, Pisang Peak can be captured.

Day 08

Trek to Chulu Far East Base Camp. (4835 meters)

Today, we will follow a steeply climbing trail to reach at Chulu Far East Base Camp. The climbing trail at times crosses rocks as well. During the trek, our journey will be accompanied with Annapurna Valley Himalayan views. Camping Overnight at Base Camp about 4 hours trek.

Day 09

Acclimatization Day at Chulu Far East Base Camp.

Acclimatization day, we involve on peak climbing training with our guides. Besides practicing peak climbing, we also hike to nearest glacier on the base camp. All these sorts of activities let us to prepare and arrange our Peak Climbing gears, stay overnight at Base Camp.

Day 10

Trek to Chulu Far East High Camp (5334 meters).

Now the trek heads higher towards the high camp, following a steep ascent towards a col. In around 5 hours, we finally climb the ridge and reach the high camp. (5 hours) (Overnight at camp)

Day 11

Summit Chulu Far East (6058 meters) and return to Base Camp.

The push for the summit starts very early in the morning, mostly it starts before or around 3 a.m. in the morning. The climbing guide will fix all the safety lines wherever necessary and will be close taking care of you. A steep and frequent long ascent on the 40 - 45 degrees slope finally ends at the top. After a short stay at the top to enjoy the panorama of mountains and then we head back to Base Camp. (9-10 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 12

Extra Day.

This spare day can be used in case of bad weather on the day of the summit attempt. This day can also be used as an extra day for acclimatization.

Day 13

Trek to Manang (3540 meters).

A descend down to the valley and an easy terrain joins the trail back with the road near Mugje. After passing through Mugje, the road leads to the village of Braga. Braga has two contrasting parts, an ancient looking village with a monastery a few minutes away from the road and new modern facilitated teahouses at the other side of the road. An easy walk on the road and a final brief climb ends the day at Manang. The road also ends at Manang and the trek will only get back on road after the Thorang La. (6 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 14

Trek to Tilicho Base Camp (3734 meters).

The trail now separates from the regular Annapurna Circuit and heads into a different valley. A descent leads into the river and turns into an ascent for the next few hours until Khangsar. After the Khangsar the trail gets narrower and crosses through a scree in the latter part of the day. A flat grassy area with a small stream finally leads to the Tilicho Base Camp. (6-7 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 15

Trek to Tilicho Lake (4949 meters).

The day starts with a steep climb and then turns into an easier ascent. More majestic views of mountains start to appear in every direction as the trek slowly and continuously keep on climbing. Gangapurna (7455 meters), Annapurna III (7555 meters) and several unnamed peaks starts to show themselves as the climb continues. After a steep section, the lake finally starts to appear as the terrain slowly starts to turn easy. Tilicho Lake is highest lake in the world located at an altitude of 4949 meters.After a brief walk away from the lake we camp on a rocky moraine. (5 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 16

Cross Mesokanto Pass and trek to Yak Kharka (3510 meters) .

Another early start to the day starts with a steep climb on a ridge. The top of this ridge is marked by a small chorten and after this the trail now drops briefly and a long steady walk follows. After less than an hour, the trail sharply drops and once again climbs back to a second ridge. Now the trail is on an angled slope slowly starts to becomes really rocky. Once again the trail drops and then for the final time it starts to slowly climb to Mesokanto Pass, which is right beside a tall coned shape rock. Now the trail steeply drops and crosses several ridges on its way to yak Kharka. This is the other long day of the trek and almost as difficult as the day of crossing of Mesokanto Pass. (8-9 hours) (Overnight at Camp)

Day 17

Trek to Jomsom (2720 meters).

The trek still continues to drops and continuously loses the altitude. After a long downhill, the trail gets to get easier at Thini and slowly and easily reaches the busy town of Jomsom. Jomsom is also the admintrative headquarter of Mustang, the forbidden Kingdom. Jomsom is also famous for apples and is also known as the apple capital of the country. The apple and apricot brandy from the region is also very popular. (About 5 hours)

Day 18

Fly to Pokhara .

Scenic flight to Pokhara. Views of Annapurna range and the dominating figure of Machapuchare (also known as Fishtail) (6993 meters) dominates both the sky and the beautiful Phewa Lake with its reflection in it. Afternoon can be enjoyed by the lake as the hotel is located near to the lake. (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 19

Flight to Kathmandu.

Flight to Kathmandu transfer to Hotel free afternoon (Overnight at Hotel. Breakfast included)

Day 20

Departure.

A representative from Visit Himalaya Treks Pvt. Ltd. will check your flight tickets and transfer you to the airport before two hours from your flight with a hope of seeing you again in the future. (Breakfast included)

Gear List

Visit Himalaya Treks has always been keen on safety on the journey. We have prepared Trekking Equipment List which the trekkers will need during their trek in Nepal. The following list should help you with your packing. Generally, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The weight of your trek bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG. You must bring the following items:

Fleece jacket or warm jumper	Thermal shirts/underwear	Nightwear thermals
Fleece/sweatpants	Day-wear shirt/rain pants	Trekking pants
Wind pants	Warm hat/balaclava	Neck gaiter
Sunhat	Warm hat	Sunglasses
Mittens/gloves	Water bottle	Torch / Flashlight
Quick drier Towel	Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen 35++
Water purification	A set of Earplugs	Trekking Poles
Hiking Boots	Socks	First aid kit
Antiseptics	Camera and video camera

Climbing gear for peak Climbing Trips.

Ice Axe w/Leash (General mountaineering tool. Sizing is important: under 5’7″ use a 60cm tool; 5’7″- 6’1″ use a 65cm tool; over 6’1″ use a 70cm tool. (Too short is preferable to too long).)
Crampons (With flat rather than “cookie cutter” frame rails)
40 ft 6mm perlon (For Prussiks or bring your glacier rig.)
Alpine Climbing Harness (Harness should fit over all clothing; have gear loops, adjustable leg loops and be reasonably comfortable to hang suspended in.)
Carabiners (2 Large Pear or D-shaped locking. 2 standard ovals or D’s)
Climbing helmet (Must be adjustable to fit, with or without hat or balaclava on)
1 Ascender (Recommended: left or right hand.)
Ski or trekking poles (Snow baskets required. Helpful for balance when carrying a heavy pack or if you have knee problems)
Climbing boots.
Gaiters (Please make sure your gaiters fit around the plastic boot without being too tight around the boot.)
Note: Walking pole, down jacket, sleeping bag etc are available on hire in Kathmandu.

Medical

Betadine / Dettol.	Hand-plaster	Bandage
Eye drop.	Eardrop	Sinex.
Gauge	Cotton	Move / Spray
Design	Diamox	D-Cold
Vicks	Paracetamol	Medicine for diarrhea
Medicine for a toothache