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Chulu West > Expedition Overview

HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek through the mighty Annapurna Ranges
- Climb one of the highest Trekkable Peaks
- Learn some climbing skills in our Climbing Clinic
- Visit the famed Muktinath
- Meet some of the friendliest and generous people on the planet

OVERVIEW
Chulu Peak is considered by many as one of the best Trekking Peaks in Nepal. Its location in the Annapurnas, its height and its moderate difficulty put Chulu up there as one of the best treks possible in Nepal. There are superb views over Tibet and Mustang Country. There are also large quantities of fossils above 5100m, remnants of an era when Nepal was at the bottom of the sea.

There exists considerable confusion with regard to the name and location of the Chulu peaks and what summit actually constitutes Chulu West and Chulu East, since it is soon becomes apparent to anyone that has climbed in the range that several other summits close by, which are actually part of the Chulu massif, are not indicated on present maps of the area. For the sake of clarification, four summits can be included in the Chulu group, two of which are possible on the permit for Chulu West and two on the Chulu East permit. What is apparent is that the available trekking map is highly misleading.

The highest of these peaks, marked Chulu West (6419m/21,054ft) on the trekking maps, has a recorded altitude from at least two expeditions of nearer 6400m (20,997ft); this might more accurately be called Chulu Central. The NMA gives this an official altitude of 6,429m (21,060ft).

Many climbers are confused as to the exact location of these two peaks as the range has 4 or more summits in the immediate vicinity which are unmarked in maps of this area. As a result many climbing parties have mistakenly climbed one of these peaks thinking it to be Chulu East or West.

A climb of one or both of these peaks combined with Nepal's most famous Around the Annapurna trek make up for one of the most spectacular Himalayan trekking and climbing outings. Allow about 25 to 30 days to complete this climb and trek.

Chulu West:
The obvious approach to this peak diverges from the main trail to the Thorung La pass, past the village of Manang and Base Camp is established in a small valley to the North. From base camp the route follows a subsidery North-West ridge that leads up to the main peak.

Chulu East:
The North-East Ridge is considered the normal route to climb this peak from a Base Camp on the moranis at 5334m (17500ft). 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 somewhere below the peak. Another subsidiary peak called Chulu Far East (6059m) 19880ft) may also be attempted from this approach.