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Chulu Far East Climbing

Trip Overview

The Chulu Massif rises north of the Marsyangdi River in the Manang region and is part of the larger Damodar Himal. This remote upland region is located to the north of and in the rain shadow of the main Annapurna Himal. Huge glacial moraines abound, carved deeply into fantastic pillars by wind erosion.

Chulu, Far East Climbing is not difficult and we will settle in a high camp near the col. From that col, we follow the long south-west ridge on snow and ice. Although the approach up the Marsyangdi is relatively quick and involves no great altitude gain, the trek takes you through a wonderful landscape and culture. We start from the subtropical lower land of the Marsyangdi River Valley, with beautiful terraced fields where Gurung culture is dominated. In the upper part of the valley in and around Manang, Manang people dominate the region with distinct ethnic, cultural, and social practices compared to other people in the region. We then cross the famous Thorong La (5,416 m ) high pass before dropping to Jomsom downstream of the Kali Gandaki River. We fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

We then cross the famous Thorong La (5,416 m) high pass before descending to Jomsom via the Kali Gandaki River. We return to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Itenerary

On the of your arrival at the airport (KTM), you will be greeted by our company representative. You will be then transferred to your hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest, try to adjust in the new environment and city or visit our office. It all depends upon your interest. Overnight in the Hotel.
Today, after breakfast, we begin an excursion of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual sites. All of these Kathmandu sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our tour includes the historic and artistic Royal palace complex (known as Durbar Square) of the 12th - 18th centuries, the sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath, and the valley's famous Buddhist shrines Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath. After the tour return to the Hotel and discuss with trek guide and other staff about the trek preparation. If you require to buy anything (trek gears or others ) for the trek buy such in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We leave Kathmandu early in the morning and drive towards Besisahar. After leaving Kathmandu valley the road snakes westwards along the Trisuli River valley. You can enjoy superb view of the Himalayan peaks immediate you leave the valley which includes the Ganesh Himal, Manaslu in a closer distance and Annapurna range a bit far away. We leave the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway at Dumre and take smaller forks to Besisahar. We walk down to the river from Besisahar and cross to the east side to avoid the new road that is currently being built. Our path continues northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley, with Himchuli and Peak 29 dominating the horizon. For two hours, we follow quiet trails through rice/paddy fields and villages until we reach the main trail at Bhulbhule. We either spend the night in Bhulbhule or continue on to Ngadi.
This is our first longer walking day, as well as our first venture into the mountainous terrain. We pass many typical Nepali style houses and see many different types of people who live in the area. The trail winds its way through subtropical forests and rice terraces. For the first day's walk, the last section is quite difficult uphill. Stay in the tented camp for the night.
After breakfast we walk steep downhill through beautiful paddy fields and terraces. We cross a suspension bridge over the river Marshyangdi and walk on the next side of the river. Waterfall near Jagat, Chamche is so beautiful. The small town of Chamche is just after the waterfall. Recently the road construction to Manang in this river valley decreases charm of walking as it was in previous days. Overnight in the tented camp in Chamche.
After breakfast, we begin our journey to Dharapani. The trail descends to the river at the beginning, and after crossing a suspension bridge, we begin climbing uphill to Sattale (1550 m), and the trail continues through the cliff side, the zigzag path from Tal Beshi goes steeply up to the hill for about 20 minutes. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of several waterfalls in and around Tal ( 1,700 m), where we will most likely have our lunch for the day. After Tal, the narrow valley path becomes winding, and we arrive in the village of Karte (1,900 m). We continue for about an hour and a half to Dharapani (1960 m) on a flat motorable road. Stay in Dharapani for the night.
After breakfast we walk towards north west along the River Marshyangdi. In Dharapani a small stream called Dudh Khola which flows from north east meets. From this gorge, Mt. Himlung seems beautiful in the morning. The trail goes gradual up through the Tibaten and Gurung settlement up to Bagarchhap and Danakyu. There is a steep climb to Timang (2720 m), in the jungle which takes good one hour. The view of Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna II is really majestic to forget your climbing and tiredness. From here, the trail leads us through the pine forest to Thanchok and Koto then reach in Chame, the headquarters of the Manang district, we are rewarded by majestic views of Annapurna II, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal from Chame & two small hot springs by the town to enjoy in the evening. Overnight stay in Chame
We walk along the bank of Marsyangdi river in a beautiful pine forest to Talekhu (2720 m), Bhratang (2850 m) . After rounding a bend to the rocky trail hissing sound of river and mountain’s view, we will cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi by a suspension bridge at Swarga Dwari (Gate to Heaven) and then make a long gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forests to the Dhukur Pokhari. We eat lunch in this small peaceful town before walking along the sandy, flat trail to Pisang. Stay in Pisang for the night.
We walk from Pisang to Ghyaru and then to Ngawal. A lovely town nestled in the shadow of Chulu Peak, with views of the Annapurnas. We spend the night in the hotel and prepare for the climb.
Today we depart from the classic Annapurna Circuit trek and make our way to Chulu East Base Camp. We walk through Ngawal, where we will have our lunch for the day. We trekked to Chulu Base Camp after lunch in Ngawal. Stay in the tented camp for the night.
We climb uphill towards straight north. Here we prepare ourselves for the peak climbing. Overnight stay in the tented camp and enjoy the meal cooked by our own cook.
We spend this day to acclimatize in the high altitude. If you feel comfortable you can attempt to summit the peak as well. Based on your physical condition we decide for the day.
The summit day will begin very early (typically around 2/3am in the dark). We have a steep climb up to a col at 5,500 m from high camp. We can see the magnificent summit ridge ahead of us. We climb up with rope from the col, and as the trail steepens, our climbing Sherpas will fix ropes on the steeper sections. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit: Gangapurna, the Annapurna’s, and Herzog's 'Great Barrier,' Manaslu to our left, and Tibet to our back. We carefully descend past the high camp all the way to base camp.
From the Base camp, we trek down to Manang and overnight stay in the tea houses lodge.
We rejoin the classic Annapurna round trail, also known as the Thorong La trek. We walk uphill to Letdar, gaining about 800 meters. The trek is breathtaking, with views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho, Tarekekang, and numerous other peaks. Arrive in Letdar and spend the night in the tea house. The hotel in this area is very basic.
From Letdar, we follow a beautiful and narrow valley of Kone Khola to Phedi. Phedi is the base camp of Thorong la pass. We walk short today and save our energy for the Thorong la pass. Overnight stay in the lodge.
Today is another beautiful, exciting, and adventurous day on the trip. We set out early in the morning to walk to the top of Thorong La. It is a 900 m ascent in 5000 m of elevation, which is not an easy walk. We enjoy the view of the Himalayan peaks from the top of Thorong La once more (5,416 m ). This is one of the world's highest passes. A magnificent panorama of snow-capped peaks extending northwards into Tibet awaits us ahead, and we can see several of Annapurna's main peaks in the distance. The great chasm of the Kali Gandaki, 2,500 meters below, is directly in front of us. The long descent begins gently but gradually becomes steeper before easing off to a gentle descent to Muktinath (3802m). Muktinath is a well-known Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Muktinath is described as a God of Salvation who aids in the cleansing of sins committed during human life. Every year, a large number of Hindu devotees visit the temple complex. Stay at the Tea House Lodge for the night.
You can explore the temple complex in the morning. There are 108 waterspouts at the back of Temple which is taken as a holy tap to take bath. Devotees come here to take dip into the water and think to wash away their sins. After this we walk downhill to Kagbeni - a beautiful gateway town to Upper Mustang inhabited by Mustangi people. We continue to Jomsom along the river Kali Gandaki. This part is quite windy. Arrive Jomsom and be ready to fly back to Pokhara next morning.
Due to the high winds that blow up the Kali Gandaki Valley later in the day, the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is usually in the early morning. The short but spectacular flight takes us all the way down the Kali Gandaki Valley, with spectacular views of the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges. We fly to Pokhara, then to Kathmandu on another flight. Arrive in Kathmandu and take a taxi to your hotel.
You may wish to visit another Durbar Square which is the superb reflections of intricate woodcarving. There is also the chance to take an optional scenic mountain flight for amazing views of the Himalaya including Mt. Everest in the morning. This can be booked and paid in Kathmandu.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today ! If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. A representative from the office will take you to the airport approximately 1 hours before the scheduled flight. We say goodbye to you expecting you will again come to visit this wonderful country next time.

What is Included?

    • Airport picks up & drops.
    •  All food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & two times tea biscuits)
    •  Accommodation.
    • Hot drinks. (Tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate).
    • All transportation.
    • Trekking permit.
    • Four-night hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu.
    • Sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley.
    • All temples have entry permits in Kathmandu.
    • Nepalese staff need all food, drinks, accommodation, salary, insurance, medical equipment, camping gear, transport, etc.
    •  All taxes.
    • Guide, cook, kitchen staff, sherpa, porters, and other necessary staff.

What is Excluded?

    • Bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water), cigarettes, the client's personal insurance, and any kind of unforeseen or personal expenses.
    • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.

Equipment Checklist

Climbing Gears (Personal)

  • Ice axe
  • Crampons
  • Harness
  • Tape Slings (2)
  • Screwgate Karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
  • Descender/Abseil Device
  • Plastic Mountaineering Boots
  • Ascender
  • Helmet (optional)

Climbing Gears (Group)

  • Snow bar*
  • Rope*
  • Ice Hammer*
  • Ice Screw*

Clothings (Head)

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

Clothing (Lower Body)

  • Under Garments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition-weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

Feet

  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
  • Gaiters

Upper Body

  • T-shirts
  • Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket

Hands

  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to -30 degrees Celsius and below (depends on season)*
  • Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
  • Trekking bags or duffel bags
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Large plastic bags: for keeping items dry inside the bag
  • Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water bottle (2) or camel bag
  • Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet paper, etc)
  • Ear Plug (who knows some people in the group are snoring)

Toiletries

  • 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue/toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial hands wash

Extras/Luxuries

  • Binoculars
  • Reading book
  • Trail Map/Guidebook
  • Journal & Pen
  • Walkman
  • Pencils and small notebooks
  • Travel games, i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble
  • Swimming customs (for Kathmandu)

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