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.
Highlights of Chulu East Peak are:
You may also be interested in: Amphu Lapcha Pass
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal.
Asian Heritage Treks & Travel Representative welcome you at the Airport with your nameplate. After Arrival at Nepal airport transfer you to the hotel. On the way Airport to Hotel, you will pass by the Open cremation Place (Pashupatinath temple), Royal Palace Museum i.e. Narayanhity, Garden Of Dream and reach the Thamel. Your hotel will be in downtown of Touristic Hub. Our representative will facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa or similar.
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 long 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: Overnight in the best 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. Upon treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we will descend 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: Overnight in the best available local lodge.
As we proceed forward, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we will approach a steeply forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs as it cuts across the mountainside, we will finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge.
We will skirt through a narrow field from the village and come across the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the Annapurna II become visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we will pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall.
Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trails follow a rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while and take in the splendour of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we will follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We will cross a stream before entering a pine forest. As we enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, we will be treated to an enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarter of the Manang district. There is electricity, a wireless station, schools, shops, health posts, post office, police check posts, hotels, lodges, and banks in Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge.
After a mesmerizing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] in the morning, we will be heading off for Pisang. En route, we will cross a large suspension bridge along Marshyangdi and approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river. Our trekking trail meanders through barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters.
As we leave undulating mountain passes, we will enter into a fascinating apple orchard which is near a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement. A stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built in this place. After leaving the forested village, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape. Before us, the Annapurna mountain range rears up. Further on, continuing with our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters.
From this vantage point on the bridge, we can get to view the Paungda Danda rock towering majestically more than 1500 meters above the river. En route, we will be able to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We will cross a bridge and enter the village of Pisang.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best 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 take 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: Overnight 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 relaxation, we can even explore the village of Julu and get more insight into its cultural lifestyle and can experience it first-hand. We can also enjoy the splendid natural vistas.
Overnight accommodation will be in a camp.
As we leave Julu behind, the trail crosses Cheggi Khola and ascends gradually up to the west bank. Soon after trekking for more than an hour, a valley will loom ahead and then we will encounter a stone hut that is surrounded by apple trees. We will be bestowed with a stunning view up the side valley that reaches up towards Chulu West. As the valley ends, 500ft cliff stands on the way displaying spectacular sight of waterfalls cascading down the cliff. The trail further steepens and winds through a small meadow. On the way, we will come across goat and yak pastures. We will be able to reach Yak Kharka for a leisurely lunch. We will set a camp at a site which overlooks the stunning myriad of snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation: Overnight 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 Annapurna range that stretches as far as our eyes can capture.
Accommodation: Overnight in a camp.
We will take a day off from trekking for complete acclimatization to ensure our safety. This gives us time to prepare and sort out our trekking gear.
Accommodation: Overnight in a camp..
After being acclimatized, we will move up to the high camp and there we will rest a top the terminal moraine of the Chulu glacier. The trail up to the high camp follows along scree and snow slopes. We will be resting at the high camp where we will take plenty of time to relax and prepare equipment and strategies for the next day. Two days have been set aside for ascending Chulu East. On the day of climbing the Chulu East Summit, we will make an early start across the undulating glacier as the trail is a battle against snow and icy slopes.
As we continue ascending, several peaks come En route. Eventually, we will come to an edge of a mountain at a small snow dome with steep slopes falling away on all sides. At this point, our high camp diminishes to a toy-town stature and climbing to such an altitude gives us a feeling of sitting on top of the roof of the world and that we can achieve anything. After we scale Chulu East Summit and expressing this glorious victory in our ways, we will descend along the steep slopes to the high camp. After refreshment and rest, we will head back to base camp passes. For those who do not wish to climb Chulu East, they can simply stroll to Base Camp to enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and indulge in more exploration around the base camp.
Accommodation: Overnight in a camp.
We will be returning to the main trail and head towards Manang. As we continue treading along the cultivated fields, a while village of Braga accommodating a splendid monastery will appear before us. On trekking down to Manang, we will be able to embrace heavenly vistas of Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455 m] and Tilicho Peak [7134 m]. We will 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.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best available local lodge.
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: Overnight in the best 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 pristine hills of Mustang. Amid the ambience of Himalayan beauty, we will descend to Muktinath. From Muktinath, we can capture excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually, the moraines 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 temple.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best 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. En route, we are rewarded with tremendous views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Jomsom is a large town sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River. We spend the final night of our trek in Jomsom.
Accommodation: Overnight in the best 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: Overnight in Yatri Suites & Spa.
Our representative will pick you up and drive you to Kathmandu. You will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.
Have a safe journey onwards.
