Chulu East Peak Climbing

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Spirit Adventure. They will assist you with the transfer to your respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city. Depending on your flight arrival time, you will have some free time to explore the old Kathmandu market. You will spend the night in Kathmandu.

We have set aside a day for you to recover from jet lag and explore Kathmandu at your leisure. During this time, you can visit various cities surrounding Kathmandu and participate in a half-day sightseeing tour of notable attractions in Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu. In the afternoon, we will begin our interaction and conduct a brief discussion regarding the Chulu East climbing expedition. Our team will assist you in reviewing your climbing and trekking equipment, as well as facilitating an introduction to your trek Sardar and climbing guide, who will be with you throughout the journey.

You will start this wonderful adventure with an interesting overland drive from Kathmandu towards Nepal mid-west, leading to Beshishar town (headquarters of Lamjung district). From here, we will transfer to a different vehicle and proceed along a dirt road that takes us through the villages of Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Ngadi, following the scenic Marsyangdi River as it flows upstream. The journey includes traversing rice terraces, fields, and picturesque villages, ultimately leading to Syange. This small village is an ideal location for an overnight stop, where you can relax in the comfort of a well-equipped lodge.

Our trekking journey begins in Syange, where we will ascend away from the Marshyangdi River, ultimately reaching the village of Jagat. This village is known for its agricultural community and offers numerous lodges catering to trekkers. From Jagat, the trail meanders towards Chamje before crossing back to the eastern side of the Marysangdi River crossing, leading into a forested area. This section of the trek provides spectacular views of the Annapurna and Manaslu mountain ranges.

As the walk continues, we will reach a picturesque village known as Tal Besi. From Tal Besi, it takes approximately 3 hours of walking to our overnight stop in Dharapani village. Dharapani is a charming location situated on a junction of the Annapurna circuit and the Manaslu trekking trail, making it a strategic point for trekkers exploring these renowned routes.

After Dharapani walk leads into rhododendron and pine forest passing villages of Bagachap and Danque, then at Timang village with more Buddhist cultured village including views of Mt. Manaslu 8,163m / 26,781ft. From Timang village a few hours trek leads to Koto and then to Chame town for an overnight stop, Chame a large major town of Manang area and a headquarter town of the district.

From Pisang onwards walk leads close to the mountains through alpine forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the Marshyangdi River upstream with short ups and downs to Bhratang village. From Bhratang village walk follows uphill through alpine woodland to Dhukure Pokhari, a small place with few teahouses and a lodge overlooking Chulu’s and Pisang peak, with a possible lunch stop, and then descends to lower Pisang village for an overnight stop.

Today a short walk of few hours to Hongde an important village of Manang with only airstrip with frequent flight to and from Pokhara, walk leads into a wooded areas of tall pine and rhododendron trees and then an hour or less climb to the ridge top, with views of Manang valley and snowcapped peaks of Pisang – Chulu’s Mid and East peaks with Annapurna II - A-IV, Gangapurna including Tilicho peak. From this scenic spot, a short downhill to reach the valley at Hongde, with a free afternoon for rest and climbing practice around the nearest rocky hills.

From Hongde village, leaving the main Annapurna circuit route behind and trekking with a steep climb above the Marshyangdi River, along the way, impressive views of landscapes with a range of snow peaks, the walk continues on the higher trail to reach high Nagawal village located around the West with arid dry terrain. Overnight in a lodge, this will be the last overnight in a lodge before camping for a few days during the climb of Chulu East Peak.

After a refreshing time at Ngawal village, the morning leads to a perfect wilderness region of arid terrain with great views of Chulu’s and the Annapurna range of mountains. Then a climb with a few gradual areas on route, this picturesque valley runs high towards the ridge of Chulu East and Far East Peaks. After a strenuous high altitude walk reaching a rocky moraine beneath the ridge to camp overnight, this perfect spot will be the base camp and starting point to the Chulu East Peak climb.

It is always best to add more camp to assist the climb much shorter and energy-wise, after packing necessary gear just for the climb to the summit, leaving rest of the gear at base camp to make it light climb beyond to High Camp, which will be the highest overnight camp of this adventure. On reaching High / Advance Camp set tents where possible finding near level ground on these rocks and moraine area. Afternoon our guide and leaders will scout the area of a climbing route for next day early climb to the summit of Chulu East the highest of all Nepal trekking peaks.

The highlight and aim of this great adventure starting very early before dawn and then climbing on snow slopes can be quite steep with technical section in few sections to reach the summit of Chulu East; our guide will set the route where necessary area with ropes fixed for safety and access of this great climb to the summit top, after the final ascent to the summit top, with great spirit and feeling high, marvel the surrounding overwhelming views and descend back to base camp.

Nepal Spirit Adventure reserves an extra day as a contingency in case of bad weather conditions which can occur sometimes, as the Himalayan weather pattern can be unpredictable so an extra day will make it safe to adjust the itinerary days for a successful climb. If all goes well as per the planned itinerary days we can use this extra day in Manang village or on the way back to Jomsom making a short day walk while enjoying the great scenery along the way.

After a successful climb of Chulu East Peak retrace the journey back on the main Annapurna circuit trail, walk along the bank of Marshyangdi River passing Braga village to reach the upper Manang village. At this village visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting, and frescos and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk reaches Manang village. Manang a large prosperous village, houses are built up in traditional Tibetans style with rich culture and traditional lifestyle.

After a good rest at Manang, walk towards Ghunsang village with short uphill to reach at Yak Kharka, an interesting walk with views of snowcapped mountains, on crossing a small stream reaching Yak Kharka for an overnight stop, a small settlement with views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks.

Morning walk leads to more high elevation getting closer at the base of Thorang-la after crossing a bridge with a climb along the riverbank of Jarjung, finally walk leads at Thorung Phedi, here depending upon the physical conditions of the clients, if all goes well an hour steep climb to Thorang High Camp for an overnight stop.

One of the highlight and Big Day of this adventure! After early breakfast walk leads to a long climb to Thorang-la on a steep winding path to reach Thorung La Pass at 5,416 m / 17,700 ft. The highest point of the adventure with views of snowcapped peaks, and then with long descends to reach holy Muktinath around Lower Mustang area. On reaching Muktinath for an overnight stop, this is a holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath literally means ‘the place for Nirvana or Liberation'.

After Muktinath, a walk is much easier on moderate trails with big drop downhill to Kaligandaki river valley on the flat river bed of Kaligandaki to reach famous Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district with a small airstrip above Kaligandkai River. At Jomsom check into a nice lovely lodge for the last overnight stop of this adventure, and celebrate last night dinner among crews and other members. This area from Jomsom-Kagbeni to Marpha famous for apples and its products like juice-cider and potent brandy. Around this area also popularly called Apple Pie Trail.

Early breakfast then transfer to Jomsom airport for scenic short flight of 25 minutes to Pokhara, during airborne awesome views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains with rolling hills and villages, On reaching Pokhara airport transfer to respective hotels by the lake Phewa, afternoon free for individual activities or just relax and enjoy the views of the Annapurna Himalaya.

Morning overland drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful time on climb of Chulu East Peak and around Annapurna Circuit trekking after 5-6 hours of nice scenic ride reaching Kathmandu, then transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (option of a flight back to Kathmandu of 30 mins).

Last day in Nepal, after a wonderful adventure Chulu East Peak Trek & Climb on Annapurna Circuit route with grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time transfer to the international air terminal for your departure homeward bound or to next respective countries.