Chulu West Peak Climbing – 21 Days

Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu

On first day after your safe landing on Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu), our agents warmly invite you with awesome regard and welcome along shifts you to a fine tourist standard inn. Further, we likewise hold short gathering at our head office for discussion regarding our upcoming trek.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trekking preparation

Kathmandu valley is the real spot to sight major cultural and historical sites. Early morning, we step forward for sightseeing some historical spots which are on UNESCO World Heritage Site. After spending some hours to explore these locations, we return back for finalizing our trekking equipment, which is required during our trek and this night we spend at the fine hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Syange/Jagat (1100m/3608 ft) 8 - 10 hrs

We have to begin very early today as we need to go a long drive to reach at our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7 am and nearly after 8-10 hours' drive we reach Syange or Jagat (as per situation) via Besishahar. Enroute, we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. However, the condition of road is not equally fine in all portion of our drive today. The road up to Besishahar is coal-tarred road, whereas after Besishahar the road is dusty and coarse though we can easily overlook it as we watch the outstanding sceneries through the windowpane. Overnight stay at Syange or Jagat Guesthouse.

Day 04: Trek Syange/Jagat to Dharapani (1,960m/6,430ft) 7 - 8 hrs

Upon our breakfast, we start our journey today in a relax way. We enter Manang district after crossing a large bridge near Tal. The trail continues through barley, rice, potato fields and pine forests. After passing the village of Kodo we will be at Dharapani, one of the big villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.

Day 05: Dharapani-Chame (2,710m/8,891ft) 6 - 7 hrs

Today, we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route on the west. On the way to Chame, we encounter with the most sensational views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m/24,688ft). Small hot springs add relief on our long day hard trek. Chame is the administrative centre of the Manang District.

Day 06: Chame- Pisang (3,300m/10824ft) 5 - 6 hrs

A steep and narrow path through a very dense forest will bring us to the dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.

Day 07: Upper Pisang-Manang (3,500m/11,482ft) 6 - 7 hrs

There are two routes that we can follow today. If taken upper route i.e., the route through Upper Pisang via Geru, the sceneries will be outstanding. We feel like we are horizontally in front of the majestic peaks. The panoramic views of the mountain peaks, such as Annapurna, Pisang peak, and several others will definitely allure us. We notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation from today onwards. The cold and dry climate creates a much harsher environment. We pay our memorable visit to Barge monastery, the largest in the entire district of Manang. Overnight in Manang.

Day 08: Manang: Rest

Today is the scheduled acclimatization day. It is not recommended to stay idle but a short walk to higher altitude will be better to get acclimatized with the altitude. Manang is a good place to do that as the next two days will be very challenging and tiring trek for us with rapid gain in altitude. We should never be confident with the altitude and always be cautious. Bhojo Gompa or Gangapurna Lake is worth visiting sites from acclimatization point of view. We make an easy excursion to a little distance away to a village called Vraga, a small old village with a monastery. At this juncture, we also make our short visit to the Himalayan Rescue Association where we can get some ideas about Mountain Sickness. Overnight at Manang.

Day 09: Manang to Leder (4200m/13,776ft) 4 - 5 hrs

From Manang, we continue through alpine landscapes with high altitude vegetation and forests. A gradual ascent takes us to Yak Kharka and then to our today's camp. Our today's camp area is most used as the alpine pasture by the local people.

Day 10: Leder to Chulu West Base Camp (4900m/16,072ft) 4 - 5 hrs

Today, we continue our trekking from Leder to Chulu West Base Camp. From the Base Camp, we can enjoy the views of Annapurna Himalayas. We may also like to discover the surrounding areas. At this point, we will set up our camp for overnight stay.

Day 11: Chulu West base camp to camp I (5100m/16,728ft) 4 - 5 hrs

From the Chulu Base Camp, we continue hiking towards Camp I. The route is not that technical. But it would be better to remember that we are climbing on high altitudes. At this juncture we relish the magnificent views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains including Manaslu, Gangapurna and Lamjung Himal.

Day 12: Rest & Acclimatization at Camp I

Today will be the rest and acclimatization day at Camp I. While we rest at camp I, the climbing leaders and other staffs make way to Camp II and supply the equipments for the camp. Later, they return back to Camp I. We may rest and if interested walk around Camp I.

Day 13: Camp I to Camp II (5,530m/18,143ft) 4 - 5 hrs

Today, we leave camp I and continue climbing the rock band to Camp II. The route is not that technical but we may have to use ropes, crampon, and ice-axe. We set up Camp II at 5,530m /18,143ft. Some visitors also attempt the summit directly from Camp I. However, since the climb is relatively straightforward from the Camp II until the summit, we make an overnight stay at Camp II for proper rest and acclimatization.

Day 14: Summit Chulu West (6419m/21,055ft) and back to Camp I 9 - 10 hrs

It is our summit day, and it is going to be long day. Therefore, we would wake up much earlier today. Each moment we have to work hard through the icy high-altitude trail but the outstanding high Himalayan scenes are such tempting that our eyes love to watch more over the horizon than on our trail. After summiting, we return back to Camp I.

Day 15: Camp I to Leder 5 - 6 hrs

From Camp I, our return path descends all the way to Leder. While descending, we enjoy the panoramic views of the Annapurnas and other peaks. We make our overnight stay at Leder and celebrate the summiting of Chulu West Peak.

Day 16: Contingency Day

There is no such guarantee that we can get quite a favorable weather on our planned day for the summit. So this day is used as a contingency in case if we are unable to summit the Chulu West Peak on the scheduled date due to bad weather condition or some other reasons. Sometimes somebody in the group may get some problems in acclimatizing well enough to make the ascent. Since. the day can be used in that condition too. If the trip goes smoothly, we do not need this spare day.

Day 17: Leder to Thorong Phedi (4450m/14,596ft) 3 - 4 hrs

Today, we clean up the base camp and head for Thorong Phedi. It is going to be mostly an easy way walk downhill. However, we do not forget that we are still in high altitude area.

Day 18: Thorong Phedi - Thorong Pass (5416m/17,765ft) - Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft)- Jomsom (2,715m/8,910ft) 7 - 8 hrs trek and 2 hrs drive

At the beginning, we cross the famous high pass of Thorong La today. An early start is important to complete the mission. We reach Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhist after crossing the pass. Muktinath hosts a Vishnu temple and a monastery nearby demonstrating the religions harmony in Nepal. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra" or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. We enjoy the tremendous stunning views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom on a local bus.

Day 19: Jomsom to Pokhara by flight

Upon the completion of morning breakfast, we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, our guide will escort us to the lakeside hotel. We utilize the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While walking along the bank of Fewa Lake one of the biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hours' walk to the World Peace Pagoda. In the evening, we engage on exploring around the lakeside.

Day 20: Drive back to Kathmandu 6 - 7 hrs

Today upon our breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It will be better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. We can spend the evening either leisurely or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping. Finally, we celebrate dinner together with Great Everest Trek’s staff.

Day 21: Final Departure

Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Great Everest Trek escorts us to the airport for our flight time. Approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from Great Everest Trek will escort us to the airport and bid farewell greetings. On our way to home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country like Nepal.

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.