Chulu Far East Peak is one of the easier trekking peaks located at the elevation of 6,059 meters in the far remote highlands of Manang district in the Annapurna region. Chulu Far East peak is a part of the Manang Himal under a rain shadow area formed by huge glacial moraines eroded deeply by the wind.
The trekking route to Chulu Far East Peak involves a gradual altitude ascent through the subtropical Marshyangdi valley, its terraced fields, and settlements where Gurung people inhabit. It will be very interesting to experience the ethnic as well as cultural aspects of the ethnic people of the valley with the crossing of rhododendron and pine forests along the route. The ascent is straightforward and a rewarding experience to enjoy the view of Annapurna Himalayan range. The route to the base camp of Chulu Far East is rock-strewn, icy and very stiff. From Base camp to High camp is also steep. The high camp is set on a rocky platform near a small lake at 5300 m. Next day early morning we climb to the summit. The route that we follow to the summit is both rocky and icy, but always steep. So, we need to fix ropes to reach the south- west Col.
From the top of Chulu Far East the mesmerizing views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Chulu West, Pisang Peak including the north part of Himlung Valley can be seen. We fix a high camp near the Col. And then follow the long South-West ridge covered with snow and ice. After the summit, we cross the Thorung La, a 5350 m high pass before descending to Jomsom situated in the Kali Gandaki valley. From Jomsom, we fly back to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
Considered to be the easiest peak to climb, enjoy breathtakingly views of Mt. Annapurna I, II, III and Mt. Gangapurna and several snowcapped peaks, climb through gradual but steep snow ridges and rocky part, explore unique cultural and traditional villages, friendly locals, pristine forests of Rhododendron, Pine and Fir, experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, a previous climbing experience is required.
This Peak climbing requires a bit mountaineering experience and equally needs to be physically fit. If you are fit enough and have a sense of adventure you will enjoy both trekking and peak climbing. This program is designed to acclimatize you gradually and to protect you from high altitude sickness. However, you are requested to check your health, altitude fitness before the trip begins. We suggest you to strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free until evening when you’ll enjoy a welcome drinks with your guide and introduce each other. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue on to Patan Durbar Square to take in ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour with a lunch. After that you will visit ancient Nepalese art in the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After breakfast in hotel we will drive to Dumre along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway and then follow the narrow, paved road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar. From Besi Sahar we further drive to Chyamje and end the long drive. While driving, you can see some beautiful mountain peaks, natural sceneries that surround the valley and the daily chores of local people.
The first part of the trail descends to the river and after crossing a suspension bridge, you begin a climb to Sattale (1550m.) on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley. You continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, you see the level, plain of Tal (1700m.). Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. You descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte (1900m.), there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. You cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani (1960m.).
As you cut through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu. The Marsyangdi River then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continuing to climb through forests of pine and oak, you pass through Danaque (2210m.). There comes a small wooden bridge which takes you to follow steep ascent path upto Timang village. It lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach Chame where some government offices, shops, and hotels are located. Chame is the district headquarters of the Manang district.
With Lamjung Himal (6893m) dazzling in the morning sun, you set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as you climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. You continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as you follow the path to Bhratang (2950m.).In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings you to a rock-strewn area where you cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. You now trek through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista. You can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak (6091m.) to the north-east. Continuing on, you come to a long mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.
This day the trail ascends gently all the way to Ngawal village passing through the Gunsang (3960m.) settlement. While walking along the trail, you will experience the natural beauty of this region and come across unique beautiful picturesque villages of about 200 houses.
From Ngawal village, you will go onward to Chulu East Base Camp.
You will cross the Jarsang Khola & climb to a small grassy valley and overnight at camp.
Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Braga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455m) and to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7134m). After a short steep climb we reach Manang, which is a surprisingly large village of this remote mountain region. We Camp here for the night, amidst the fluttering prayer flags.
From Manang, we climb to the next village of Tengi. We are surrounded by magnificent peaks of the Annapurna Himal , Peak 29 and Himalchuli . We are now past the tree line. The vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Climbing the path past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorung La which we will cross tomorrow. The trail is up and down as the elevation gradually increases and we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Letdar.
Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable scree slope and then descend to Thorung Phedi.
Today, you start early for your crossing of Thorung La (5416m.). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing, you reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow-covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before you. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600m but it’s compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.
You now begin the trek descent down the dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar villages with typical Tibetan architecture, you follow path steeply down to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Tibetan architectures. People living there follow the Tibetan life style and culture. There is situated a monastery said to belong to 15th Century. Kagbeni is the border for Upper Mustang.
After an early breakfast we fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. After a welcome drinks, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or wander around. In the evening we will dine out at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
We have allocated a further day in the peaceful surroundings of Pokhara. Your leader will advise you of sightseeing opportunities or you may just wish to relax around the hotel. The lakeside area has good shopping opportunities, Internet cafés and it is well worthwhile taking a boat out onto the lake.
We drive back to Kathmandu through the endless terraces of lowland Nepal, the six hour drive get back us to the buzz and bustle of Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. Visa is also issued at the entry points. It can be extended at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Children under 10 years need not pay any visa fee. People willing to get entry Visa at the airport or any of the land entry points are required to fill a visa form with passport photograph.
* Tourist visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a single visa year (January – December).
On arrival in Kathmandu, our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our pre-booked hotel. There won’t be any activity on this day. We will host a pre-trip meeting at the hotel lobby on the 2nd day of your itinerary in the evening. It will be an opportunity for you to meet your trekking guide and introduce each other. The guide will brief you about the trek and check your gear to ensure the smooth running of your trekking trip.
All accommodations will be on a twin sharing basis during the trek in family-run tea-house (lodge), with a large sociable central dining area and a cozy chimney burning fire. We recommend you to use your own sleeping bag. A typical lodge in Annapurna region offers muesli, porridge, Pancakes, bread with jam or eggs, fried eggs on toast, tea/coffee in breakfast and in dinner Dal, Bhat, lentil soup and other cuisines.
Most lodges offer hot showers and in the ones that don’t a bucket of water. In Annapurna, we find many western toilets and in some places there are usually just the Asian squat type toilets.
We organize this trek away from the more frequented trails and provide a wilderness experience in both natural and cultural aspect. You can observe the remote mountain villages of Nepal where people are surviving by growing their own food, untouched by modern civilization, no development. Despite the fact the local people are still leading happy life with their own distinctive culture and traditional lifestyle that might be very interesting & unique for you to observe. If there are no tea house/lodges along the trail we organize on full board camping basis and it is only an option.
Accommodations will be in tents, and your food will be well cooked by one of our cook and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. 20- 30 Minute Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic and Potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Staff will carry all the necessary equipment, leaving you free to enjoy the scenery. You carry your small backpack with a water bottle, camera and your day clothes. We employ the appropriate number of porters to carry all equipment, trekking gear & necessary stuff.
We choose our spots wisely, disturbing as little of the eco system as possible. We take nothing but pictures and leave only footprints behind. We provide unique and fresh food without harmful chemical by using less number of tin foods, as much as possible we will use fresh fruits and vegetable. High quality of kitchen equipment, sleeping tents, staff tents, dining tents, toilet tents, dining table, Chairs, mattress, foods, sleeping bags are provided.
Small groups provide a more intimate atmosphere allowing you to get to know your Sherpa guides better and to develop lifelong friendships. Therefore, the maximum group size for this trek is 16 people. The minimum is 2 people.
All our trek leaders and crew come from different parts of Nepal with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, but we all share our valuable experience, accept each other beliefs and work together to give our clients the best experience in Nepal. Whatever the ethnical background they belong to, differ in sex or age all members of our team work together as a family that makes us what we are.
The climate in the Annapurna region varies from subtropical to alpine. The southern slopes of the area has the highest rainfall rate in the country- 3000 mm per year, whereas the northern slopes lying in the rain shadow has the lowest rate – less than 300 mm per year. The difference in the climatic conditions in this region is responsible for its varied flora and fauna.
Post Monsoon/autumn: Mid-September to November
This is the main trekking season in Nepal. While trekking in mountains weather will be sunny and mild with clear mountain views. Nights will be colder with temperatures dropping as low as to negative 8o C (7.6o F) at the highest altitudes.
Winter: December to end February
Even it is cooler conditions this is an ideal time to trek in Nepal. Skies are usually very clear especially in December and the mountain views are at their best. Nights will be very cold with temperatures down to negative 100 C (14o F) to negative 17o C (1.4o F) at the highest altitudes but days are pleasant and sunny. The trails are also much less busy at this time of year
Pre-monsoon/spring: March to May
Both day and night temperatures will be warmer in general but cloudiness will be occurred up in the afternoons. Seasonal flowers bloom in this season and this is one of the reasons people chose to trek in spring.
The southern subtropical lowlands are enriched with lush subtropical forests consisting of chirpine and alder and in the northern highlands temperate forests of oaks, rhododendron, fir, and blue pine. The wet regions yield a variety of bamboo species. The higher altitude further North give rise to forests of birch, blue pine and juniper trees, which are replaced by juniper and rhododendron in the far North. In the semi-desert rain shadow region, behind the Himalayas, bushes of caragana and juniper species are found.
This region is rich with several species of wildlife. There are around four hundred and seventy-four species of birds, and around a hundred species of mammals. The region serves as an excellent habitat for rare and endangered mammals like the snow leopard, musk deer, blue sheep, red panda and many of Nepal’s brilliantly plumaged pheasants
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take out a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. Please send us the following details such as your full name, policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number prior to departure. We also strongly recommend that your policy must cover personal liability, flight/trip cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We strongly recommend you to have High Altitude (above 3000 meters) Insurance that covers all unseen incidents during the climb.
Though we hope for the best trip, you sometimes might be in need of rescue or evacuation in case of a serious sickness or a personal prolonged health issue. During such emergency you will be rescued by a helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation services. We request you to make sure when you purchase insurance from your country that your policy must cover these expenses or you should remain prepared to pay or sign on Helicopter Evacuation Form before you get on the Helicopter.
The Gurungs form the largest group in the Annapurna region. They come from Tibeto – Burman stock. Some Gurungs follow Buddhism and others Hinduism. They dwell the higher northern slopes of the Annapurna, Lamjung,Chuli and hills around Ganesh Himal. A large number of Gurung youths serve in the British and Indian armies. The low part of the Annapurna region is largely populated by Chettris and Bahuns (Brahmins). The Magars inhabit the lower trail between Baglung and Dana. They live high on the steep ridges along the tributaries of the Kali Gandaki.
Another ethnic group of this region is the Thakalis. Known throughout the country as accomplished hoteliers and skilled traders, they are noted for their aggressive trading spirit. The Jomsom trek passes through Thak Khola, the Thakali homeland.
In the valley of the Muktinath live the Baragaun Bhotiya. Their lifestyle is similar to that of the Tibetans. Another group of people who share a close affinity to the Tibetans are the Lopa people of Mustang, north of Kagbeni. Some of them practice the ancient pre-Buddhist religion of Bon which is infused with animistic and shamanic belief and ritual. The people living in the upper Marshyandi valley are generally known as Mananges. The Nyeshang area, under which fall the villages of Manang, Braga and Ngawal. The people are of Tibetan origin. But their language Nyeshang is not a Tibetan dialect. This area is popularly known by the name of its largest village Manang.
At 6.30 am your guide knocks on your door and greets with a cup of tea. Then it’s time to have breakfast, tight up your bag pack and head off for today’s trekking for the next three to four hours then stop for an hour at pleasant spot along the way for a well-prepared hot lunch. Afterward, walk another three hours or so, before you stop for the overnight. The evening can be spent reading or chatting with your fellow hikers or trekking crew about the trip of the day. Pack of games can be an asset to these nights; your trekking crew love teaching various Nepali card games and learning new Western games. Eventually, it’s time to bed for a well-deserved night.
We recommend you to exchange at least USD 450 for meals during the tea house/lodge trek.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Many hotels in Nepal have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Safety has always been Trek Himalayan’s top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. Our experienced team of guides and Sherpa always focus on the successful climb without compromising safety. Our guides and staff are highly trained in emergency mountain medicine and work to maintain our strict standards of safety. Our camps are stocked with comprehensive medical kits and we have two Gamow bags on the mountain throughout the expedition.
When problems arise on the mountain away from medical facilities, the level of training and experience Trek Himalayan guides have makes them some of the most sought-after guides in the profession. Careful planning and vigilant care are taken as we venture into high altitudes. Our well-planned use of climbing oxygen dramatically improves a climber’s chance of success in 8,000 high mountains. Our supply of oxygen is well stocked and designed to meet any climber’s anticipated, and unanticipated, needs.
Many trekking porters come from villages. They live hard and frugal lives and work to carry heavy loads using the traditional ‘doko’ (the bamboo latis basket supported from the forehead). Heights up to 3,500m are part of everyday life and they resist wearing what they consider to be unnecessary personal equipment. Above that altitude, Trek Himalayan urges them the use of kit suited to the varying levels of more extreme conditions. It’s an incredible job that they do and we really appreciate their working nature and try to reward accordingly.
Here are some recommended Equipment’s List for trekking in Everest region
Note: It is possible to buy or rent the above gear in Kathmandu
General
4-season sleeping bag (We can provide one if you need it but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffel bag (We will provide one complimentary)
Daypack
Down jacket (that suits high altitude weather condition)
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
Sun hat (We will provide you a complimentary Ace the Himalaya hat)
Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
Sunglasses with 100% UV protection
Headlamp
Neck warmer
Hand
Liner gloves
Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
T-shirts (2)
Lightweight expedition thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
Nylon hiking shorts
Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
Water/windproof trousers
Casual pants
Feet
Liner socks
Heavyweight socks
Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
Light shoes/sneakers
Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Note: Above equipment are available for Rent. If you want to rent these equipment, please contact us.
Tipping is a tradition in tourism in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. We highly suggest you to allow approximately USD 5-6 per person per day for our trekking staff. But, tipping amount is not applied for western tour leader.