Chulu East Peak, lying southeast of Chulu West, is quite a smaller peak that was first ascended by a German expedition team in 1955 via the North East Ridge. The Chulu East peak is tough and familiar for adventure seekers passing through the Marshyangdi Valley, with splendid views of mountain ranges, several villages, and monasteries.
On this exhilarating day, you will wake up at the Island Peak Base Camp, bid farewell to fellow trekkers, and set off for your next destination.
You may also be interested in: Amphu Lapcha Pass
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at the airport, an Asian Heritage Treks & Travel representative will be there to greet you, holding your nameplate. From the airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Along the way, you’ll pass through some important landmarks, including the Pashupatinath Temple, the Royal Palace Museum (also known as Narayanhity Palace), and the Garden of Dreams, before reaching Thamel, the tourist hub where your accommodation is located. The streets of Thamel offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Accommodation: an overnight stay at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar one.
After ensuring that everyone is in peak condition and has the necessary equipment, we will begin our Chulu East Peak trekking. The landscape, along with the lifestyle of the inhabitants, changes radically as we drive to leave Kathmandu behind. After a 6-hour drive by car, we will finally reach Besi Sahar. Besi Sahar is the capital of Lamjung district, and from there we will hike up to Bhulbhule, which is a short distance away.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
From Besi Sahar, we will take a drive up to Syanje/Chamje (local buses are available). And then we will trek along the trail to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. We’ll traverse a series of rocky trails before descending to a grassy riverbank. We will cross the suspension bridge below Chamje and climb two steep sections of the trail to reach the village of Tal. Tal is populated with Gurungs and Tibetans.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
As we advance, the path becomes rugged and winding, leading us towards the steeply forested village of Karte. Following the trail as it meanders along waterfalls and cliffs, cutting across the mountainside, we eventually arrive at Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We will walk through a narrow field from the village and reach the Dudh Khola, which comes from the south side of Manaslu and then turns left. We’ll see the winding paths of Annapurna II as we get to Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. Moving up through pine and oak forests, we’ll pass Dhanakyu before reaching a loud waterfall.
After that, the Marshyangdi River goes into a gorge, and the paths follow a rocky path. We can stop for a bit and enjoy the beautiful view of Manaslu. When the steep part ends, we’ll follow a path among lovely rhododendrons and continue on a gently sloping path. We’ll cross a stream before going into a pine forest. As we enter the small village of Kotho, we’ll see a great view of Annapurna II.
Continuing, the path leads to a big white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance to Chame. Chame is the main center for the Manang district. There’s electricity, a wireless station, schools, shops, health posts, post offices, police check posts, hotels, lodges, and banks in Chame. The hot springs are a big attraction here.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After enjoying the stunning view of Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we will head towards Pisang. Along the way, we will cross a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River and pass by houses and lodges on the northern side. Our trekking path will take us through barley fields leading to Teleku at 2775 meters.
As we move past rolling mountain passes, we will enter an enchanting apple orchard near a bridge at 2840 meters. Upon crossing the bridge, we will reach the quaint village of Bratang, which was once a Khampa settlement. Here, you’ll find a stone memorial dedicated to a Japanese climber. Leaving the forested village behind, the valley gradually changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, with the majestic Annapurna mountain range looming ahead.
Continuing along steep, rocky trails to the south, we’ll cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. From this bridge, we’ll get a breathtaking view of the Paungda Danda rock rising more than 1500 meters above the river. Along the way, we’ll be treated to splendid views of Annapurna II to the east and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Crossing another bridge, we’ll enter the village of Pisang.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Leaving the main trail above the village of Pisang, we will ascend the 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 Julu, sitting on the west bank of the river. We will choose an ideal campsite that showcases and highlights enchanting views of the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
On the eighth day of Chulu East Peak, we will be taking a proper rest to rejuvenate our tired muscles for the adventurous journey ahead. After relaxing, we can even explore the village of Julu, get more insight into its cultural lifestyle, and experience it firsthand. We can also enjoy the splendid natural vistas.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
As we depart from Julu, the trail crosses Cheggi Khola and gradually ascends on the west bank. After trekking for over an hour, we will come across a stone hut surrounded by apple trees in a valley that comes into view. From here, we’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the side valley leading towards Chulu West.
At the end of the valley, a 500-foot cliff awaits, offering a spectacular display of cascading waterfalls. The trail becomes steeper as it winds through a small meadow, passing goat and yak pastures along the way. We’ll stop for a leisurely lunch at Yak Kharka before continuing our journey. We will set up our campsite overlooking a stunning panorama of snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
We will follow the trail, wending through steep pastures to a convenient hollow where the meadow merges into rock and screen. Then, the base camp will loom before us. One will be able to get a bird’s-eye view from there and feast your eyes on the spectacular views of the Annapurna range that stretch as far as our eyes can capture.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
We will take a day off from trekking to acclimatize, ensuring our safety. During this time, we can prepare and organize our trekking gear.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
After acclimatizing, we will ascend to the high camp, resting atop the terminal moraine of the Chulu glacier. The trail to the high camp winds along scree and snow slopes. Here, we’ll take ample time to relax, prepare equipment, and strategize for the next day’s ascent of Chulu East. We have set aside two days for this task.
On the summit day, we’ll begin early, navigating across the undulating glacier amid snow and icy slopes. Along the ascent, we’ll pass several peaks before reaching a small snow dome at the edge of a mountain. Scaling the Chulu East Summit grants us a sense of triumph, akin to sitting atop the world.
After conquering the summit and celebrating, we’ll descend the steep slopes back to the high camp. Following refreshment and rest, we’ll return to the base camp. For those opting out of the Chulu East climb, a leisurely stroll to Base Camp offers stunning views of Annapurna and opportunities for further exploration.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
We will return to the main trail and continue towards Manang. As we walk through cultivated fields, we’ll come across the village of Braga, which has a beautiful monastery. As we descend to Manang, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455 m), and Tilicho Peak (7134 m). We’ll spend the night camping in the fortified villages of the welcoming Manang people. Manang is a charming medieval village with just over 500 flat-roofed houses.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in a camp.
We will climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing it via a covered wooden bridge amid tremendous views of Manaslu, the Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Great Barrier. We will head north-west up the Jarsang Khola, through scrub juniper and alpine grasses, to arrive at Letdar for lunch. From Letdar, we will continue on the east bank of the Jarsang Khola before crossing on a covered bridge. The trail climbs onto scree slopes high above the river to Thorung Phedi, a single stone building set among near-vertical cliffs.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We will kick-start our trek early in the morning by crossing the Thorung La (5416m). As the trail progresses further, it will become steep, though well-defined. After steadily climbing for 4 hours, the steep trail eases, and soon we will encounter chortens and prayer flags along the mountain pass.
We will reach an altitude beneath which lie spectacular views of Kali Gandaki Valley and the pristine hills of Mustang. Amid the ambiance of Himalayan beauty, we will descend to Muktinath. From Muktinath, we can capture excellent views of Dhaulagiri.
Eventually, the mountains give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath. Muktinath is regarded as an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is very popular for its shrines and temples.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
From Muktinath, we will advance towards Jomsom. The trail descends along the spectacular Kali Gandaki valley, initially passing through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, which are villages with typical Tibetan architecture, we will follow along with the valley floor most of the way to Jomsom.
Along the way, we enjoyed tremendous views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. The Kali-Gandaki River sprawls along both banks, making Jomsom a large town. We spent the final night of our trek in Jomsom.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We take an early-morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We then catch a flight back to Kathmandu. This marks the end of Chulu East Peak.
Accommodation: an overnight stay in the hotel Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar one in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, our representative will pick you up with a private van and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight back to your home or other destination.
Have a safe journey onward, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
