ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT + CHULU WEST PEAK

The view from Chulu West offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, along with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers and valleys during all this wonderful wild climb.

Chulu West peak is situated in a small valley and lay north of Manang, away from the key track to the Thorung La. Chulu West (6,419m/21,062ft) is the most elevated one and bestows an exciting peak mountaineering option for those trekkers who would love to go to experience adventure in the Annapurna region. While mountaineering the peak, we will be rewarded by splendid views of peaks like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri and other massive peaks. In the north-to-south way we can observe the pouring of rivers and the south the track is bordered by the Marsyangdi Khola and the Mesokanta La. The major highlights of the trek are passing through the Marsyangdi valley which will mesmerize you with the views of Manaslu, Gangapurna, Annapurna II, III, IV and Tilicho peak; exploring Gyaru and Pisang village and visiting Muktinath temple.

BESTS

  • One of the most reachable peaks in the Annapurna region, certainly much less frequented than its sisters in the Everest area
  • The view from Chulu West offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, along with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers and valleys
  • Annapurna circuit, itself one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in the Himalayas
  • Chulu West involves sections of ice, rock and snow
  • A wonderful experience with crampons, ice axes and ropes
  • Possibility of customizing the itinerary with other activities or excursions

COST

2,575 USD per person with 3 participants with local guide

Private trip possible every day. Contact us to receive a customized quote for 1 or 2 people. Contact us to receive a customized quote with European guide speaking English, French, Italian.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
  • Day 02. Kathmandu to Chame (2710m/8,891ft) by drive, 9-10 hours
  • Day 03. Chame to Pisang (3300m/10,827ft), 5-6 hours
  • Day 04. Pisang to Manang (3590m/11,545ft), 6-7 hours
  • Day 05. Manang: acclimatization day
  • Day 06. Manang to Ledar (4,210m/13,812 ft), 6-7 hours
  • Day 07. Ledar to Chulu West base camp (4,900m/16,072ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 08. Chulu West base camp: acclimatization day
  • Day 09. Chulu West base camp to Chulu high camp (5,100m/16,728ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 10. Chulu West summit (6,419m /21,062ft) and back to base camp (4,900m/16,072ft), 9-10 hours
  • Day 11. Day for summit if in case of bad weather or acclimatization day
  • Day 12. Chulu base camp to Thorung high camp (4,800m/15,748ft), 4-5 hours
  • Day 13. Thorung high camp to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorung La pass (5,416m/17,764ft), 8-9 hours
  • Day 14. Muktinath to Jomsom, (2,720m/8,923ft), 5-6 hours
  • Day 15. Jomsom to Pokhara by fly and to Kathmandu by drive, 7-8 hours
  • Day 16. Kathmandu: sightseeing and free shopping day
  • Day 17. Final departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01. Arrival in Kathmandu
After arriving in Kathmandu you will be picked up from Airport representative and transfer to hotel. We will serve authentic Nepalese cuisine with cultural show in the evening.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: hotel.

Day 02. Kathmandu to Chame (2710m/8,891ft) by drive, 9-10 hours
After breakfast we start driving to Chame including the best view of Trishuli river. We will drive to Chame, we reach at Chame the district headquarters of Manang district. You will admire amazing views of Annapurna II/IV and Lamjung Himal.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 03. Chame to Pisang (3300m/10,827ft), 5-6 hours
After breakfast trek and explore the exotic and rugged mountainous topography of Manang valley on the way, we head up to immerse into the dense and verdant forests of oak and rhododendron . Savoring the natural taste of deep gorges, rivers, aquamarine glaciers, yak pastures and green meadows, we reach to the beautiful Marshyangdi valley and Pisang village.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 04. Pisang to Manang (3590m/11,545ft), 6-7 hours
Among two routes to go to Manang we will follow the upper Pisang route because of the excellent views of the beautiful mountains including Annapurna, Pisang, best vegetations and the best landscape. We will visit the Barge monastery which is the biggest in Manang.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 05. Manang: acclimatization day
We have rest day in Manang today because we need to acclimatize while traveling to mountains. You may keep busy to visit Bhojo gumba, Vraga village or Gangapurna lake.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 06. Manang to Ledar (4,210m/13,812 ft), 6-7 hours

The journey begins through a beautiful alpine landscape, passing through pine forests and reaching the village of Tengi, the last permanent settlement before the Thorong La pass. After a brief steep ascent, we will continue toward Ghunsang, which offers stunning mountain views and a charming teahouse. The trail progresses with Mani walls, small tea shops, and a bridge over a small rivulet as we make our way toward Yak Kharka, a village known for its open pastures where yaks graze. From there, we’ll cross another glacial stream and pass through landslide-prone areas, maintaining a steady ascent toward our destination, Ledder is a serene village surrounded by alpine trees and vegetation, offering a peaceful atmosphere for rest and relaxation. We’ll stay overnight here, soaking in the tranquility and preparing for the next leg of the journey.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 07. Ledar to Chulu West base camp (4,900m/16,072ft), 4-5 hours

From Manang (3590m/11,545ft), we carry on trek to the Yak Kharka. We can see wonderful view of tall peaks while trekking. We trek around 4-5 hours today to arrive at Yak Kharka which is situated at the height of (4100m/13,451ft). It will take around 4 to 5 hours for us to arrive at Chulu West base camp from Leder. From the base camp, we can see the wonderful view of Annapurna Himalayas.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.

Day 08. Chulu West base camp: acclimatization day

Today we have another rest day at Chulu West base camp for proper acclimatization. We will stay overnight at tented camp in Chulu West base camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.

Day 09. Chulu West base camp to Chulu high camp (5,100m/16,728ft), 4-5 hours

We today will continue ascending to high camp. We are now trekking at the height of (5,100m/16,728ft). Here, we can amuse ourselves with the stunning peak view from the top. We will spend the night at the high camp after walking for around 4 -5 hours.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.

Day 10. Chulu West summit (6,419m/21,062ft) and back to base camp (4,900m/16,072ft), 9-10 hours

We have to begin the summit climbing early in the morning. Here we can abundantly enjoy the glorious view all the way through the horizon with towering mountains. We will reach the top of the summit of Chulu West, then we return back to the base camp to rest.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.

Day 11. Day for summit if in case of bad weather or acclimatization day

As the weather in the mountains is unpredictable one must not take unnecessary risks while ascending to the summit. Today will be a reserve day in case the summit can’t be done by bad weather or can be used acclimatization day.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: tent camp.

Day 12. Chulu base camp to Thorung high camp (4,800m/15,748ft), 5-6 hours.

We move down to Leder, we can observe magnificent views of Annapurna all along with more than a few mountains. We can see the meadow land where the local people let their yaks thank. Then, we move towards Thorung high camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 13. Thorung high camp to Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) via Thorung La pass (5,416m/17,764ft), 8-9 hours

After passing the well-known pass at Thorung La pass, we straightly walk forward to Muktinath. This is one of the most noteworthy holy sites for Hindus. Sanctified water flows from the 108 taps nearby the Vishnu temple. Muktinath is also home to many tribal Tibetans and Buddhists, who visit the temple. You can also see fire eternally burning by natural gas underground.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: lodge.

Day 14. Muktinath to Jomsom, (2,720m/8,923ft), 5-6 hours

You start the trek moving down the spectacular Kali Gandaki ravine. After passing via Jharkot and Khingar settlements with classic Tibetan art and architecture, you tag on path down to Kagbeni, a prehistoric village renowned for Tibetan art. Now your track passes all the way through the shore of Kali Gandaki and come across the Eklebhatti. Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang is divided into two settlements and Kali Gandaki river passes between these two settlements. In Jomsom, you can enjoy the splendid views of Nilgiri, Tilicho peak.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Hotel.

Day 15. Jomsom to Pokhara by fly and to Kathmandu by drive, 7-8 hours

We fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, taking around 20 minutes. Leaving behind the wonderful countryside, we travel for 7-8 hours we return back to Kathmandu. We can either take a vehicle for a drive or fly back from the beautiful city Pokhara. On arrival at Kathmandu you will be moved to the hotel. You can then relax and have shopping for the rest of the day.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: Hotel.

Day 16. Kathmandou: sightseeing and free shopping day 

We can go around Kathmandu valley, if some important places have been missed according to your choices. After the hectic schedules of trek, today you can either go for shopping or have a day rest before departing from Nepal.

Meals included: breakfast. Overnight: Hotel.

Day 17. Final departure

You will have breakfast and You will be free until your departure. A representative will take you airport for your final departure.

Meals included: breakfast.

 INCLUDED

  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Night’s hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara including breakfast
  • Overnight stays in common lodges during the trek, double room accommodation
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu
  • Meals on full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period in the lodges/restaurants
  • Surface transport to and from Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Twin sharing accommodation at the tea house lodges
  • Guesthouse and tent camp accommodation whilst on trekking
  • An experienced certified guide and one trekking helper between 2 persons
  • Personal luggage transport during the trek with porters/yaks/ponies up to 12 kg
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available
  • All required special trekking permits and conservation fees
  • Trekking permits (TIMS and ACAP)
  • All government taxes and our service charges
  • An English speaking experienced trekking and climbing guide recognized by Government of Nepal
  • Highly experienced trekking porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Assistance during the trek by qualified staff and 24 hr. telephone with our office staff
  • Food, transfers, insurance and equipment for accompanying staff

NOT INCLUDED

  • Visa fee for Nepal
  • International flight to and from Nepal
  • Personal trekking and climbing equipment
  • Travel and medical insurance (if any rescue and evacuation needed)
  • Meals and extra night (more nights than stated in itinerary) accommodation in Kathmandu
  • Soft and hard drinks
  • Personal insurance and other personal expenses
  • Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)
  • Anything not specified under “INCLUDED”

ON REQUEST

  • Single room
  • Sleeping bag rental on site
  • European guide speaking English, French, Italian
  • Travel insurance
  • Superior hotel accommodations in town
  • Tour extensions