Chulu West peak climbing (6419m) – 21 Days

● Chulu West peak is a popular trekking peaks above 6000m

● Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaluagiri and Nilgiri from the peak and from the trekking trail

● Climbing is combined with trekking in the popular Annapurna region

● Visit Muktinath temple (Chumig Gyatsa), Kagbeni and Jomsom

● All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicle.

● Three nights accommodation in Kathmandu at a 3-Star hotel on twin/double sharing basis with BB plan.

● One night accomodation in Pokhara at a 3-Star hotel on twin/double sharing basis with BB plan

● All accomodation in a standard tea house during the trekking trails.

● Full board meals during trek & climbing period – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

● An experienced licensed English-Speaking professional sherpa guide, porters and supporting staff.

● All essential ground transportation by private vehicle and tourist bus as per itinerary.

● One way flight ticket from Jomsom to Pokhara

● Climbing permit for chulu west peak.

●All necessary permits (TIMS, Park fees, Restricted area permit, world heritage sites entry fee where applicable) ● All necessary climbing gears.

● Kitchen equipments and camping equipments during climbing period

● Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.

● Insurance for all staff

● A comprehensive medical kit.

● All government and local taxes

● Nepal Visa Fee

● International airfare to and from Kathmandu

● Personal Climbing Gears.

● Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara

● Any kind of refreshment beverages and alcohol.

● Extra days accomodation in Kathmandu in cases of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountains (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

● Travel and rescue insurance.

● Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)

● Any extra costs resulting from cancellation, landslide, weather, political unrest or illness

● Rescue and evacuation

● Tips for guide, drivers and supporting staff.

1. Clothing
● Thermal Base Layers – Tops and Bottoms
● Heavy Base Layers
● Trekking Pants
● Hard-shell pants
● Down Pant
● T-shirts – Short and long sleeve
● Mid Layer Top
● Insulated Jacket
● Hard-shell Jacket
● Down Jacket/Parka
● Raincoat

2. Footwear
Double insulated mountaineering boots for climbing Hiking boots (Full and waterproof) for approach lightweight shoes for camp and around town
● Gaiters
● Flip-flops
● Wool/Synthetic socks
● Liner socks

3. Handwear
● Liner gloves
● Mid-weight gloves
● Down mittens

4. Headwear
● Cap/Sun Hat
● Buff
● Balaclava
● Warm wool/Synthetic Hat
● Eye Wear (Full coverage around eyes and nose)
● Ski Goggles

5. Climbing Gears
● Helmet
● Ice Axe
● Crampons
● Harness
● Carabiners
● Belay Device/Figure of 8
● Ascender/Jumar
● Prusik Cord
● Trekking Poles

6. Backpacking
● Small pack (35-40 litres)
● Waterproof duffel bag
● Padlocks for the duffel bag
● Pack cover

7. Accessories
● Water Bottles
● Headlamp
● Camera & Batteries
● Power bank/Solar Charger
● Universal adapter

8. Hygiene and first aid
● Skincare ( Moisturizer ,sunscreen and lip balm)
● Toilet paper and wet wipes
● Personal first aid kit
● Water treatment

Group Size
Peak Climbing and Expedition is a challenging task requiring perfect management and detailed information. We accommodate up to 12 climbers in one climbing and expedition group. We believe this standard size is fit for achieving efficiency and quality and to achieve success. Each expedition group we organize will be provided with one licensed, highly experienced, English- speaking Sherpa Climbing guide and one assistant guide. Other supporting staff will include one porter for each pax, one cook and two kitchen helpers. According to government regulations, one government officer will also accompany the group. Only 20 kg are allowed to each porter. Our field staff will also include one guide who is adept in administering first aid. Helicopter rescue operation, if needed, can be arranged that you

Accomodation.
The accommodations are chosen based on climbing itinerary, comfort level, budget and interests of trekkers and accessibility in terms of scenery and trail. Most arrangements are made on a Bed & Breakfast basis in deluxe – star hotels in cities. Depending upon your interests, a wide range of hotels are available in city areas such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc. During the trekking trail, there are plenty of lodges, teahouses, guesthouses and sometimes even hotels for accommodation. A teahouse/lodge trek offers simple to moderate facilities, with simple beds, solar-powered hot water and a limited set of cuisines/meals. During the climbing period, you will be staying in camps/tents and food will be prepared by your kitchen staff in camping sites.

For this peak climbing we offer three types of accommodation, ‘3-Star Hotel’ in the city, ‘Tea Houses/Lodges’ in the trekking trail and ‘Camping’ during the trekking trail. City accommodation will be arranged in Double/ Twin Sharing basis in Deluxe hotel on bed & breakfast plan. We look at the conditions of the inns, local hygiene, quality of food, type of service and more. The location for camping is identified and chosen by trekking Sherpas and the decision is based on pre-designed itinerary and other features including views and accessibility. Camping will include camping tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, sleeping bags, mattress etc. Please let us know beforehand if you exchange double/twin sharing beds for single beds. The availability of beds also depends on seasonality with limited choices available in peak season.

Foods
Major cities in Nepal have no shortage of restaurants, bars and great eateries where you will be able to eat any local or international dishes. The dining experience in cities is of international standards and quality. The choices become limited once you enter the trekking trail. In contrast, there might not be as much variety of cuisines available on the trekking trail. Trekking lodges and small eateries along the trail will offer you basic diets such as Nepali Dal Bhat, sandwich, apple pie and pizza and regular beverages. During the climbing period, our field staff will carry food throughout the trail and will prepare meals and beverages in the camping site. The menu is pre-designed and attached to the program itinerary and shared with you for confirmation before the trekking program begins. Water will be provided for our guests in boiled and purified form.

For this peak climbing we offer you full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trekking trail and climbing period as per menu. Please note that full board meals are not included during your transition stay in city areas, guests will have to pay for the meals (dinner and lunch), alcohol, hot & cold beverages and mineral water.

Our staff will be there to receive you upon your arrival in Nepal at Tribhuvan International Airport. From there you will be dropped to your hotel where you can relax and rest.

This is a day allocated for climbing preparation. Your guide will check all your personal equipment & gears and give a short briefing. Take a rest and stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Today you will leave Kathmandu for your trekking trip. After early morning breakfast, you will drive from Kathmandu all the way to Bhulbhule passing through Besisahar. It takes 7-8 hrs to reach Bhulbhule. You will find yourself on the eastern bank of Marshyangdi River from where you will observe the first glimpse of Lamjung Himal, Himalchuli, and Nadi Chuli. Bhulbhule has a checkpoint which indicates the starting point of Annapurna Conservation Area. Stay overnight in Bhulbhule.

After breakfast we will take a 6 hrs drive from Besisahar to Dharapani. Stay overnight in Dharapani.

Today the trail will enter proper Manang Valley beyond Chame. You will be trekking through the forested path of pine and fir. Enjoy the views of Manaslu, Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal on the way. As the trail climbs gradually through rhododendron and descends by a large pine forest. You will come across villages of Thanchowk and Koto, the latter featuring a gompa, before finally arriving at Chame. Being a district headquarters of Manang District, Chame has good accommodation facilities, mani walls, hot spring and even a bank branch. Chame offers great views of Lamjung himal, Annapurna II & IV. Stay overnight at Chame.

The trekking duration from Chame to Pisang is about 5 hrs. You will start a level walk through a forest as well as an apple orchard. Within an hour you will reach Bhartang village leading to unique Paungda Danda, which is a huge rock slab situated along Marshyangdi river. This point is a vantage to see awesome views of Annapurna II, South, Pisang and Himalchuli. Again you will cross Marshyangdi River, pass by Dhukur Pokhari and reach Lower and then Upper Pisang. The village hosts a Dzong, a chorten and two gompas and is the entrance to Upper Manang. Enjoy splendid views of Annapurna II and Pisang peak from here. Stay overnight in Upper Pisang.

Prepare yourself for a long trek as you will follow a more strenuous and high route to magical Manang. There are two routes from here to Manang but we will take the longer route which is more rewarding for its impressive views of Annapurna ranges. The trail ascends quickly passing through one Mring Tso lake and white chorten near Gharu village. Several Dzong and chortens appear in view as you further follow the trail upwards. Don’t forget to enjoy fantastic views of Annapurna mountains along. Ahead you will pass up the village of Ngawal and further along from here is a cave called Ney Guru Sang Phuk. You will descend from here to the Bragha village. The village is famous for a Gompa which possesses centuries old murals and manuscripts. On all sides of Bragha are soaring cliffs and massive Annapurna. It takes another 25 minutes to arrive at Manang. Stay overnight in Manang.

Today we will rest in Mannag for acclimatization. You can involve in 3-4 hours of sightseeing trips to several places around Manang including visiting Milarepa Cave or Chongar viewpoint or Praken and Bacho Gompa. Some other options are mountaineering school and Manang cultural Museum. Stay overnight in Manang.

After breakfast you will resume your trekking for the next destination. Our acclimatization process is still on as we make further gains in height in a gradual manner. The trail leaving Manang ascends towards yak shelters and alpine vegetation. You will visit the village of Tengi and Gunsang en route. Take a romantic walk through juniper and berry forests and bushes under the shadow of Chulu West and Gundang peaks. Observe yak pastures in Yak Kharka and the excellent view of Annapurna ranges it offers. An hour of uphill walk from Yak Kharka reaches our destination for today. Once we reach Leder, we set up the camp at this high-altitude pasture land for overnight stay.

Today we continue our trekking from Leder to Chulu West Base Camp, it takes around 5-6 hours of a trek through alpine forest and delicate landscapes for us to reach the Base Camp from Ledar. Enjoy the stunning views of the pristine Annapurna Ranges and explore the things around the base camp. At this point, we will set up our camp for overnight stay.

From the Chulu Base Camp, we continue 4-5hrs hiking towards High Camp. Now we are in the high altitude region. Although the route to High Camp is not technically challenging, we have to carefully place our footsteps as the trail is slippery and a small fault may result in serious casualty. Enjoy the magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna and Lamjung Himal. Stay overnight at High Camp.

From the High Camp, we continue 6 hrs hiking High Camp I. Stay overnight in Camp I.

It is our summit day, and it is going to be a long day for us. Early in the morning, we will head towards the Chulu West Peak summit by following the instruction and footsteps of experienced Climbing Experts. The climb from camp II to the Chulu West Peak Summit is straight forward but, little bit challenging. After having spent a marvellous time over the peak, we now reverse back to the Chulu West Peak High Camp through the same route.

After having the successful Chulu West Peak Climb, we will descend towards Ledar. While returning back to Ledar, we can enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurna and other famous peaks. Celebrate the successful summit of Chulu west peak and Stay overnight at ledar.

Today after breakfast, we will move toward Thorung La Phedi. The trail traverses through moraines and snows for the first part and then gets back on a rocky trail that descends all the way to Thorung La phedi. As we approach Thorung Phedi, the trail becomes much narrower as cliffs cave in. Stay overnight in Thorung La Phedi.

Today is perhaps the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek. We will leave early in the morning after a warm breakfast for the climb of Thorung La pass. Follow the trail towards Marsyangdi River and pass through the river via a wooden bridge before climbing steeply over moraines and rocky ridges. This section is very prone to immediate weather changes with snow frequently occurring. You will get in and out of canyons and spend at least 5 hrs before reaching the top of Thorung La pass, which is easily recognizable by fluttering prayer flags. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, Khatung Kang, Thorungtse and the dry arid land of Manang.

Afterwards descend along snow strewn, slippery paths passing through ravine and dropping to Chumig Gyatsa or Muktinath. Revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site. Stay overnight in Muktinath.

The trek today will be along Kali Gandaki Valley. Enjoy the views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna from here. 15 minutes walk from Muktinath, we come to Ranipauwa. Further down from here you will come across a gompa, cave before going through Khingra, Lubra and Kagbeni. Don’t forget to taste apple and apple juice in apple orchards. The trekking section from Kagbeni to Jomsom is most interesting as you walk along Kali Gandaki River facing fierce winds. Jomsom lies on the banks of Kali Gandaki River and was once held as a fort and trading post between Tibet and Nepal.

Today we will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight takes about 20 minutes and is very scenic. In the evening explore Pokhara. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Enjoy sumptuous breakfast and prepare yourself for a long drive to Kathmandu. It takes about 6 hrs by tourist bus along winding Prithivi Highway with beautiful views of mountain peaks, rolling green hills, rivers and village lifestyle. Stay overnight in Kathmandu. In the evening we will organize a farewell dinner for you.

Time to bid you farewell. Our staff will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport to catch international flights for your onward journey.