Our climbing adventure brings you along fascinating landscapes of the Annapurna region, rich vegetation’s, and traditional cultural heritages dominated by Gurung people in the Annapurna region. Target is the top of Chulu Far East peak. This expedition sets its base camp and then passes on to high camp to conquer the zenith of the peak. The top of the peak rewards the unrivaled views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, and Chulu West Peak. Together with peak climbing, the trip also contains visiting the highlights of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you.
This itinerary is aimed at people for Himalayan climbing. It is an advantage to have done some overnight camping/trekking trips before but it is not required. A strong spirit of adventure, willingness to stretch your boundaries and a good physical condition are essential requirement. Some knowledge/experience/courses of (rock) climbing beforehand is necessary. Some participants may be looking for a transference of skills from rock to snow, or alpine-scale climbing to Himalayan climbing.
It is vital that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Himalayan Dream Team at the time of booking.
Semi professional Alpine climbing tour to Chulu
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +D
Himalayan Dream Team will pick you up at the international airport for your transfer to the hotel. As a welcome we invite you in the evening to a typical Nepalese welcome dinner in a special setting with some of the staff members. Let us meet and start with our motto “Together is the favourite place to be”.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu, preparation for permit, o/n in a hotel +B
After breakfast we will start for the sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu, visit the main temples of Swoyambhunath (Monkey temple), Pashupatinath, the most venerated Hindu temple of Nepal and Bouddhanath, the biggest Buddhist stupa of the world. In the afternoon we show you Durbar square with an orientation tour through lively Thamel. Transport and entry fees included.
Day 03: Drive to Besi Sahar (820m) – Bhulbhule, B/L/D
After breakfast we drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and follow the rough road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar. In Bhulbule the trail starts from Jagat and descends until it almost reaches the river and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads to sharp-edged cliff facing the river bank. En route, Chyamje comes into picture amid glorious picturesque landscape of waterfall and towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trail, we descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal where we find hotels and teahouses attired with warmth and hospitality.
Day 04: Trek to Chame (2685m), B/L/D, lodge
We skirt through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marsyangdi veers to the left. On proceeding along the sinuous trails, we accumulate glorious Annapurna trekking experience. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the trails follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while to bask in the splendour of picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons of Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter pristine hamlet of Kotho from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrupted iron roof which is an entrance to Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district. There are electricity, wireless station, school, shops, health post, post office, police check post, hotels, lodges and bank in Chame. Hot springs are the major attraction of this place.
Day 05: Trek to Pisang (3200m), B/L/D, lodge
After basking in the splendour of glowing Lamjung Himal (6893m) against the early morning sun, we head for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge along mystic Marsyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Trekking trail routes through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, a pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. Stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built at this locale. When leaving forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape sprawling before us the majestic vistas of Annapurna mountain range. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. On our route we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II on the East and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We further cross a bridge and enter lower village of Pisang.
Day 06: Trek to Ngawel village (julu) (3500), B/L/D, lodge
Leaving the main trail above the village of Pisang, we ascend Chegaji Khola Valley towards Chulu East Base Camp. A gentle ascent through scattered chortens, scrub juniper and stunted pines takes us to the small hamlet of Julu, sitting on the west bank of the river. We chose an appropriate campsite showcasing enchanting views of majestic Himalayan peaks.
Day 07: Rest day at Julu, B/L/D, lodge
On this day, we utilize our energy to our maximum benefits. We take a proper rest to rejuvenate our adventure spirit and build up good health. After relaxation, we can even explore village of Julu and get more insight into its cultural setting. We can also enjoy the splendid natural vistas.
Day 08: Trek to Yak Kharka, B/L/D, camp
As we walk away from Julu, the trail crosses Cheggi Khola and ascends gradually up the west bank. Soon after trekking for more than an hour, the trail faces a valley and then we encounter a stone hut surrounded by apple trees. We are now bestowed with a stunning view up the side valley that reaches up towards Chulu West. As the valley ends, 500ft cliff stands on the way displaying spectacular sight of waterfalls cascading down the cliff. The trail further steepens and winds through a small meadow. On the way, we come across goat and yak pastures. As the day progresses, we come close to Yak Khare. At last, we reach Yak Khare for a leisurely lunch. We set a camp at a site which overlooks stunning myriad of snow capped peaks.
Day 09: Trek to Base camp (4200m), B/L/D, camp
We follow the trail wending through steep pastures to a convenient hollow where the meadow merges into rock and scree. Then, there appears the base camp. Eyeing high above, spectacular views of Annapurna range stretches as far as our eyes can capture.
Day 10: Base camp, B/L/D, camp
We take a day off from trekking for complete acclimatization. This gives us time to prepare and sort out our trekking gear.
Day 11 &12: Base camp to High camp (5000m) & Chulu far East Summit (6200m), B/L/D, camp
After being well acclimatized, we move up to the high camp and there we rest atop the terminal moraine of the Chulu glacier. The trail up to the high camp follows scree and snow slopes. Resting at the high camp, we take a plenty of time to relax and prepare equipment and strategies for the next day. Two Day has been set aside for ascending Chulu East. On the day of climbing Chulu East, we make an early start across the undulating glacier as the trail takes snow and ice slopes. As we continue ascending, several peaks come en route. Eventually we run out of mountain at a small snow dome with steep slopes falling away on all sides. At this point, our high camp diminishes to toy-town stature and climbing to such an altitude gives us a feeling of sitting on top of the roof of the world.
After we scale Chulu far East Summit and have our share of celebrating this glorious victory, we descend along the steep slopes to the high camp. After refreshment and rest, we head back to base camp passes. For those who do not wish to climb Chulu far East, they can simply stroll to Base Camp to enjoy spectacular views of Annapurnas and indulge in more exploration around the base camp.
Day 13: Trek to Manang (3511m), B/L/D, lodge
We return to the main trail and head towards Manang. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while village of Bryaga accommodating a splendid monastery appear before us. On trekking down to Manang, we embrace heavenly vistas of Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and Tilicho Peak (7134m). We camp at the fortified villages of friendly Manang people for the night. Manang is a fascinating medieval village of just over 500 flat-roofed houses.
Day 14: Trek to Thorung Phedi (4427m), B/L/D, lodge
We climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge amid tremendous views of Manaslu, the Annapurnas, Tilicho Peak and the Great Barrier.
Day 15: Trek to Muktinath (3694m) via Thorung la (5416m), B/L/D, lodge
At the very earliest hour in the morning, we cross Thorung La (5416m). As the trail progresses further, it becomes steep though well-defined. After steadily climbing for 4 hours, the steep trail eases and soon we encounter chortens and prayer flags along the mountain pass. We reach to an altitude beneath which lie a spectacular views of Kali Gandaki valley and pristine hills of Mustang. Amid the ambience of Himalayan beauty, we descend to Muktinath. From Muktinath, we can capture excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath. Muktinath is regarded as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is very popular for its shrines and temple. Finally we drive to the popular town of Jomsom for the last overnight stay.
Day 16: Fly Jomsom- Pokhara drive to Kathmandu, o/n in a hotel +B
After breakfast we walk to the airport in Jomson for our very scenic flight back to Pokhara (25 minutes). After some refreshment in Pokhara we drive back to Kathmandu (6 hours).
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu , o/n in a hotel +B
After breakfast you will have all opportunity to enjoy lively Thamel and do the shopping in the many narrow and lively streets.
Day18: Transfer to Airport for fly back to home +B
Today we will transfer you from your hotel to the international airport for your safe flight back home with many unforgettable memories.