Chulu East
(6,584m) is situated high above the Manang
valley with breathtaking views across to the
Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier
Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho peak and Manaslu.
The climb is combined with the classic trek
around the Annapurna massif, ascending the
Marshyangdi valley and crossing the Thorong
La, before descending the Kali Gandaki valley
to Pokhara. The climb is technically straightforward
and you should be familiar with the use of
your equipment, crampons, harness, ice axe,
tying knots and handling climbing ropes. Most
of the climbing will be involved walking roped
together, including the glacial crossings.
You should be very fit and have good experience
of climbing.
The North-East ridge is considered the normal
route to climb this peak from a Base Camp on
the moraine at 5334m. Most climbers make it
to the top and back from Base Camp in one long
day although some have, in the past, established
a higher camp some where below the peak. Another
subsidiary peak called Chulu Far East (6059m)
may also be attempted from this approach.
Trip
Hightlights:
Duration:
14
Days
Type of Trek :
Teahouse / Camping
Max Altitude:
4170 m.
Minimum Pax:
1 +
Mode of travel:
Land Transportation
Grade:
Moderate
Outline Itinerary
Day
1
Drive
from Kathmandu to Beshishahar (760m.) and
it takes about seven hours and trek to
Khudi (790m) which takes about three hours.
You drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara
Highway to Dumre and then follow the narrow
and paved road by the Marshyangdi River
to Beshisahar (823m.). It takes almost
seven hours. Beshishahar is the district
headquarters of Lamjung district. All the
local government offices are situated here.
From here, you can see some of mountain
peak, natural sceneries surrounding the
valley and the daily activities of local
people. This headquarter is the centre
from where the daily usable commodities
are supplied to the different villages
and numerous towns.
Day
2
Trek
from Khudi to Bahundanda (1310m) which it
takes about four hours.
Day
3
Trek
from Bahundanda to Tal (1700 m) which takes
about six hours.
Day 4
Trek
from Tal to Bagarchap (2160m) which it takes
about six hours.
Day
5
Trek
from Bagarchap to Chame (2670m) which takes
about seven hours.
Day
6
Trek
from Chame to Pisang (3300m) which it takes
about six hours.
Day
7
Trek
from Pisang to Yak Kharka (4210m) which takes
about six hours.
Day
8
Trek
from Yak Kharka to Chulu East Base Camp (5140m)
which it takes about five hours.
Day
9
Rest
day at Chulu East Base Camp to explore the
surrounding
Day
10
Ascend
High Camp of Chulu East (5600m).
Day
11
Rest
at High Camp
Day 12
Summit
Chulu East and return the Base Camp which
takes about seven hours.
Day 13
Trek
from Chulu East Base Camp to Manang (3540m)
which it takes about five hours.
Day 14
Rest
day at Manang and hang in and around town.This
is an important rest and acclimatization
day before crossing the Thorung La. There
are optional day walks such as crossing
the river to see the tremendous ice-fall
coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing
high above the village for a full panorama
of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley.
There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association
[HRA] aid post in the village which makes
an interesting and educational visit. Moreover,
you can visit Ganagapurna Glacier lake
to make your rest day a memorable one.
Day
15
Trek
from Manang to Letdar (4200m) which takes
about four hours.
Day
16
Trek
from Letdar to Thorung Phedi (4450m) which
it takes about six hours.
Day
17
Trek
from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m.)
via Thorong La (5416m.) Pass and it takes
about seven hours. It demands an early start
today for your crossing of Thorung La [5416m].
The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving
camp but as this trail has been used by local
people for hundreds of years, the path is
well defined. The gradient then eases and
after around 4 hours of steady climbing,
you reach the chorten and prayer flags of
the pass. The views are dramatic to say the
least, from the snow-covered mountains above,
to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below
and the brown and purple hills of Mustang
which are spread out before you. The descent
to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but
it is compensated for with excellent views
of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give
way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk
along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath
and its shrines and temple.
Day
18
Trek
from Muktinath to Kagbeni (2800 m.) and it
takes about three and half hours.You
now begin the trek descent down the dramatic
Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid
country in the same geographical and climatic
zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot
and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan
architecture, you follow path steeply down
to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for
Tibetan architectures. People living there
follow the Tibetan life style and culture.
There is situated a monastery said to belong
to 15 th Century. Kagbeni is the border for
Upper Mustang.
Day
19
Trek
from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2710m.) which takes
about three and a half hours. Your trail
passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki passing
through the Eklebhatti. The trail is windy
after late morning. The river flows through
broader course. Jomsom is the headquarters
of Mustang and it is split into two towns
and between these two towns passes through
Kali Gandaki river. There is access of internet
and banking facilities. From Jomsom, you
can enjoy the magnificent views of Nilgiri
and Tilicho peak. Here you stay overnight
at hotel.
Day
20
Fly
from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about
35 minutes.The flights are
available during the morning time. The strong
breeze blows during the after and frequent
change of the weather prevent the flight
being landed and taken off in the afternoon.
During the flights in morning, the sky looks
very clear which makes you able to enjoy
the splendid views of different mountain
peaks.
Day
21
Drive
from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini
bus that takes about seven hours. While driving
from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to
Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where
the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to
reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you
could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries,
rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and
people being engaged in their daily life
activities. From Naubishe you climb up to
Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You
can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which
takes about 25 minutes.
Chulu East
(6,584m) is situated high above the Manang
valley with breathtaking views across to the
Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier
Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho peak and Manaslu.
The climb is combined with the classic trek
around the Annapurna massif, ascending the
Marshyangdi valley and crossing the Thorong
La, before descending the Kali Gandaki valley
to Pokhara. The climb is technically straightforward
and you should be familiar with the use of
your equipment, crampons, harness, ice axe,
tying knots and handling climbing ropes. Most
of the climbing will be involved walking roped
together, including the glacial crossings.
You should be very fit and have good experience
of climbing. 
