Chulu east peak climbing with Annapurna Circuit Trekking

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Chulu East peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit Trek This trip offers challenging and adventurous trekking around Annapurna peaks with an ascent of a technically straightforward peak, Chulu East at 6200 meter. The summit of Chulu East provides the most breathtaking views of Annapurnas II, III and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Manaslu. We start the trek from Besi Sahar after a 6-7 hrs drive from Kathmandu. The trail ascends gradually along the Marshyangdi river valley and eventually leads to the village of Pisang where we leave the main trail and head up the Chulu East base camp. Fully physically fit and acclimatized, we then attempt Chulu east. Following an ascent, we rejoin the main trail and head towards Kali Gandaki valley crossing a high Thorung La pass at 5416 meter. Thereafter, we make final descent to Jomsom and take a flight to Pokhara. The trek provides a great range of landscapes and cultures as we progress from terraced rice fields of Besi Sahar to lush green foothills through alpine forests and barren arid region of the Manang Valley. Along the trekking trail as we walk past fascinating villages, we witness varied cultural settings and ethnic diversity. Most of the climbing will involve walking roped together, including a glacier crossing. Any physically fit individual can undertake this trip anytime in March to May and September to November.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

The eastern limit of which runs south from Chako and Peak 6687 in a north-to-south direction along the Hunlung Khola, Nar Khola and Phu Khola. The south it is bounded by the Marsyangdi River and the Mesokanta La. To the west its limit is the Kali Gandaki and to the north the Parchekya La (5,447m). Summit of Chulu East Peak at 6,584m meters in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Aerial views of world’s most admired mountains; Mt. Manaslu 8163m, Mt. Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Gangapurna 7455m, Tilicho Peak 7134m and many more snowcapped Peaks. A complete form of Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Explore around one of the most charming trails on earth within Annapurna Region, visit unique cultural and traditional villages, friendly locals, flora and fauna. Visit holy temple Muktinath

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Kathmandu-Besi Sahar-Bulbule ( 820m./2690ft.) 7 hours drive — Drive to bulbule in the morning by overland via Besi sahar, then stay overnight at lodge. The village setting of Bulbule is more preferable than the city setting of Besi Sahar. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Bulbule-Ngadi-Bahun danda- Gyarmu ( 1250m./4125ft.) 6 hours walk — Your first days walk includes: crossing a few suspension bridges, viewing waterfalls, trekking up and down several hill sections, crossing rice paddies and passing through a subtropical forest. Enjoy walking through all these breathtaking sites then stay overnight at Bahun danda at a lodge . Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Gyarmu-Jagat-Chamje - Taal (1675m./5527ft.) 5 hours walk — Trek through amphitheatre-shaped rice terraces, along a steep vertical cliff, lush forests, and some culturally intriguing villages, then stay at Taal overnight at a lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Taal - Dharapani- Chame ( 2710m./8943ft.) 5 hours walk — You will negotiate a few steep forested ridges, along with several landslides en route. Remember to look up though, as you will be treated to some sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24832ft). A few small hot springs offer relief after your long day trek. Stay overnight at Chame at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: Chame –Dikur Pokharai- Upper Pisang ( 3700m./12136ft.) 5 hours walk — We trek to Upper pisang. A narrow steep path through a very dense pine forest will bring you to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up you will be surrounded by Himalayan Peaks all the way to Pisang. Climb 30 minutes further then reach Upper pisang. We stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Upper Pisang- Ngawal ( 3305m./10906 ft.) 4 hours walk — 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 Ngawal .This is sitting on the west bank of the river. We chose an appropriate campsite showcasing enchanting views of majestic Himalayan peaks. Stay there overnight at tent. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 7: Acclimatization at Ngawal — On this day, we utilize it 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 Ngawal and get more insight into its cultural setting. We can also enjoy the splendid natural vistas. Stay there overnight at tent. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 8: Ngawal-Chulu east Base camp (3910m./12903ft.) 6 hours walk — We follow the trail wending through steep pastures to a convenient hollow where the meadow merges into rock . Then, there appears the base camp. Eyeing high above, spectacular views of Annapurna range stretches as far as our eyes can capture. We stay at Base camp (4200m./13860ft.) overnight at tent. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 9: Base camp- High camp (4955m./16351ft.) 6 hours climb — Climb to High camp and stay overnight at tent. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 10: Summit chulu east peak( 6584m./21727ft.) - Base Camp ( 3910m./12903ft.) 8 hours climb — Today is a big day ! summit chulu east peak and climb down to base camp and stay overnight at tent. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 11: Base camp- Manang ( 3511m./11586ft.) 5 hours walk — We return to the main trail and head towards Manang. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while village of Braga 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 and Tilicho Peak . 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. We stay at Manang overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 12: Manang- Batase danda-Yak kharka ( 4110m./13563ft.) 4 hours walk — Today is a short walk up to Yak Kharka, a small settlement . Gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems. Stay there overnight at lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 13: Yak Kharka-Lader-Throng Phedi ( 4600m./15180ft.) 4 hours walk — Make your way to the village of Throng Phedi. You will reach this small, busy settlement which caters to both trekkers and climbers. It is used as a base camp as well as the starting point for the climb up to the famous pass – Throng La. Stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 14: Throng Phedi-Throng La Pass-Muktinath (3800m./12540ft.) 9 hours walk — An early start is important to begin a long day's trek over the pass. Crossing the famous Throng La pass {5,416m/17872 ft} will be an unforgettable experience. Breathtaking scenes of the high Himalayan peaks are presented from both the trail and the summit of the pass. After walking 10-11 hours, stay overnight at Muktinath at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 15: Muktinath-Ekle bhatti-Jomsom ( 2670m./8811ft.) 5 hours walk — Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit a Vishnu Temple and Gompa in morning. The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge. After walking 5 hours, you reach Jomsom and stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 16: Jomsom- Pokhara ( 22 minutes) by flight — Fly early morning to Pokhara . You will have wonderful flight to Pokhara as Annapurna and Fishtail will be on left hand side and Dhaulagiri and other snowcapped mountains will be on your right hand side. Either stay in pokhara or drive/fly to Kathmandu. Meals included : Breakfast

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Kathmandu-Besi Sahar-Bulbule ( 820m./2690ft.) 7 hours drive — Drive to bulbule in the morning by overland via Besi sahar, then stay overnight at lodge. The village setting of Bulbule is more preferable than the city setting of Besi Sahar.+