Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days is one of the adventures in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas and is one of the most spectacular and least touched peaks of the region. At 6419 m and 21055 feet tall, it is the most beautiful and makes for an experience of a lifetime for climbers who enjoy a technical challenge, owing to the combination of scenic trekking and technical mountaineering. It is an experience unlike most.
The journey first starts in a vehicle driving through the scenic Kathmandu and Basishar. Then, a standard trek through the mesmerizing Marsyangdi Valley before the climb. Then, while trekking, the climbers must cross old school villages of the Himalayas, along with forests and rivers, and terraced farms, before hitting the final stop. Before the final stop, there is an acclimatization point with breathtaking views of numerous large mountains and peaks, most notably Annapurna II, Annapurna 4, and Manaslu. Before the trek, climbers need to prepare. The final stop is the Chulu West Base Camp at about 4800 m.
Chulu West Peak Climbing would be one of the first peaks to climb if the climbers have prior mountain climbing experience and they know how to use the equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, crampons, ice axes, and climbing ropes. Base Camp is then acclimatized before going to High Base Camp, which is where the final climb starts, and it is not an easy one. It includes stopping at mountain slopes where there would be steep snow and icy parts, and rocky terrain. Then it requires a good challenge with skill and determination to complete the final trek to the top.
Awe and wonder fill the mountaineer’s heart when he sees peaks like Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare, and miles of white-tipped mountains in the distance from the top of the world. After climbing, the world looks like a white sea, and the tops of the white mountains form the shores. Returning to Base Camp and to lower elevation and to Kathmandu follows the same route that the climber used to ascend, just like returning from a trip to the mountains.
Wrapping the 14 days Chulu West Peak climbing in a package is just the icing on the cake that combines mountaineering with a handful of challenges, culture, and, of course, the most captivating and untainted views of the Himalayas.
The starting point to Chulu West Peak is Kathmandu, the energetic capital of Nepal, where the climbers finish up necessities like permits, gear, and briefings. After Kathmandu, the adventure continues with a picturesque drive to Besisahar, the entryway to the Annapurna area. This is the start of a long, moderate, and satisfying hike across the lovely and scenic Marsyangdi Valley. The hike goes through numerous quaint villages, dense woods, and river valleys as the path continues to lead hikers closer to the centre of the Himalayas and to Chulu West Base Camp.
After going through customs and immigration at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will step outside to meet our representative who will assist you in your transfer to the hotel. You can choose to relax at the hotel or go out to see the trendy Thamel district. You will complete a short briefing in the evening to go over the details of the expedition, itenerary, and ground rules for safety and security during the trip. You will stay at the same hotel for the night.
After breakfast, there will be a mandatory safety briefing before we do the 8 to 9 hour drive from the Kathmandu hotel to Chame. Chame is the administrative center of the Manang District. The drive will follow a major and winding mountain road that is next to the river and that goes to terraced farming lands. Then you will access the remote villages that are the start of the Aplot region of the Himalayas. The majority of the drive is covered by stunning landscape, which is rural in nature. Chame does contain some modern amenities. You will stay in Chame for the night.
This trek will focus on the valleys in the high Pisang region of the Himalayas. You will follow the Marsyangdi River through the gorges and valleys, and then you can see the surrounding mountain peaks as you cross over to the side of the river. You will be able to see the apple orchards. Then you will be there. You can see the combination of the mountain peaks and the Tibetan influenced buildings and statues. You will stay in Pisang for the night.
This part of the trail is considered one of the most scenic parts of the trek. We will ascend in high terrain. Along the way, we will pass several monasteries, chortens, as well as high alpine landscapes. We will hopefully get to see the Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. At Manang, we will stay for the night, and hopefully get a chance to acclimatise.
As needs dictate during your Chulu West Peak climbing 14 days itinerary, today will be an acclimatisation day in the village of Manang, which is a charming high altitude village. After a nourishing breakfast, we are going to hike at an easy pace to a wonderful place named Ice Lake, or Kicho Tal.
As we hike from Manang to the village of Braga, we will be treated to views of the different mountains overlooking the village of Manang. After three hours of walking, a high altitude lunch will be enjoyed at a beautiful, serene, pristine Ice Lake.
In the monasteries and with the friendly locals, we will likely spend the last of our Manang exploration gaining an appreciation for the culture of the regions of the world.
The challenges of our Chulu West Peak climbing in 14 days to come will make this high altitude acclimatisation day a necessity.
On your 14-day Chulu West Peak climbing adventure, we will go over 4,000 meters today. For acclimatization, we will be walking at a slow, steady pace.
We will start walking at a gentle slope through alpine walking terrain for today, walking underneath a refreshing pin forest. As we walk, we will be able to take in the panoramic views surrounding the different mountains that we will be walking through.
We will then walk to the village of Ghunsang, that has a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the area, and has a cozy teahouse. Here, we will take a lunch break. After our break, we will head over a bridge and make our way to Yak Kharka. A quiet area with a settlement that is well known for the vast flat lands with grazing yaks and sheeps
To finish the day, we will walk over a small glacial stream. After walking over the stream we will head to Ledar. Ledar is where we will have our dinner and where we will be spending the night to rest for the exciting days to come.
Today we will arrive at Chulu West Peak’s base camp. While we will have some elevation to gain, this particular climb should not be too technical or arduous. We will be gaining 700m of elevation and will be adjusting to the altitude in the thin air at base camp, so the climb will require a steady and gradual approach. Please do not rush this as we are moving across uneven, rocky, glacial terrain, which will require both secure footing and a significant amount of attention as we proceed.
Within the next 4 to 5 hours, we will have arrived at the base camp, which will provide us with a stunning view of the large Annapurna massif. Our out crew will have already set up the tents and, if the hot meals have not already been finished, will be working on them for our consumption.
Our climbing guide will use this time to instruct us on the use of a jumar, an ice axe, and crampons. He will also teach us how to use climbing ropes for both ascending and descending.
Today marks the beginning of our ascent to High Camp, which will take us to over 5,000 m, on our Chulu West Peak climbing 14 day adventure. The way is rocky and glacial, and will require ice axes, ropes, crampons, and trekking poles. Our guide will be hanging ropes along the steep parts of the way so that we can cross them safely.
We will be passing Camp l which is at 5,100m. Some climbers rest here, which allows their bodies to acclimatise to the higher altitude and rest up so that they can move on to High Camp or try to summit the peak the next day. However, we will not be stopping here. We will be continuing on to Camp II, which is also called High Camp, since the climb to the peak after this is easier.
At High Camp, we will be setting up our tents and having a big meal. We will also spend some time practising with the climbing gear that we will be taking to the summit. This is important so that we can be ready and confident about the climb ahead.
Summit day starts very early, typically before dawn breaks. Climbers will ascend the snow and ice covered slopes to the peak, using crampons, ice axes, and ropes for support. The view from the peak includes Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machapuchare. After we all take a moment to appreciate the view and the climbing achievement, we will carefully make our way to Base Camp. Spend the night at Base Camp.
After the previous successful ascent to the summit, we start descending from the Base Camp, once again joining the route of the Annapurna Circuit. The route leads through alpine zone landscapes to Thorong Phedi, the base camp for Thorong La Pass. Resting as well as packing and organising necessary supplies for the Pass crossing tomorrow will be essential. Overnight stay at Thorong La Phedi.
Greatest of the days in terms of challenges, and perhaps the highest reward. We get to start the day crossing Thorong La Pass, the pass at the highest point in the trek. We got to enjoy endless heavenly views from the summit. We then had to make a rapid descend to a new site, Muktinath, which is notable for being a holy site for pilgrimage in both Hindu and Buddhist religions. Overnight stay in Muktinath.
In the first morning of the rest of The Journey, we drive through Kali Gandaki Valley Muktinath. After crossing the level of the high mountains, we drive through a desert-like landscape with a few quaint villages scattered about. The trek finally leads to the lakeside city of Pokhara, where you can rest and enjoy the comfort of a much lower altitude. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After having your breakfast at the hotel once again, you will leave to drive back to Kathmandu Pokhara, along the way relishing the view of the rivers, hills, and some rural settlements. When you arrive, you have the option to do some last-minute shopping or partake in the farewell dinner and overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Our representative will escort you to your international departure at Tribhuvan International Airport, concluding your incredible Chulu West Peak Climbing experience.
We also operate private trips.
The ideal time for Chulu West Peak Climbing for 14 days is considered to be spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During this time, the Annapurna region has stable, good, and amazing weather and throughout clear, excellent visibility to the mountains giving ideal conditions for both trekking and summiting. Warmer temperatures and the blooming alpine landscaping of spring, and the dry trails and crisp views of autumn especially suitable for beginners.
Although winter climbing is possible for well-prepared climbers, it has extremely cold temperatures and difficult conditions for climbing owing to the icy upper slopes. Summer and monsoon months bring with them heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and increased risks of landslides. Even with Mustang’s rain-shadow location, Chulu West Peak Climbing is not recommended during the monsoon owing to increased risk levels.
The Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days expedition begins from Syanje, which is around 130 kilometers from Kathmandu, and is positioned at 1100 meters, and goes all the way to the summit of Chulu West Peak at 6419 meters. The landscape on the route is incredibly diverse and changes because it branches out to the Chulu massif, and then branches out along the Annapurna Circuit.
The highest elevation for overnight stays during the expedition is at High Camp (5,595 meters), configurable to aid acclimatization before the final push to the summit. Chulu West is often climbed during longer itineraries, yet this 14-day program is designed to maximize efficiency, safety, and altitude adjustment to prevent having to race the climb.
Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days is designed for participants to take 10 days of trekking, each covering a distance of 15-20 kilometers in about 6-7 hours per day. Walking duration is affected by total distance, elevation gain, weather, terrain and individual fitness, with gradual ascents incorporated in order to lower the total fatigue for each day.
The shortest of the days, designed to last for 3-4 hours, are placed before each of the higher elevation camps to allow the body to acclimatize to the thinner atmosphere. The longest day, which is also the most physically demanding, is the summit day, which has a total of 9-10 hours of continuous movement climbing to the summit and descending back down to High Camp.
Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days is classified as a moderate and non-technical snow peak alpine climb. The primary obstacles one will face are a combination of high altitude, cold weather, traversing glaciers, and the ever-changing weather associated with the mountain ecosystem. While advanced climbing skills are not needed, there will be some obstacles one will face.
The climb is successfully achieved with proper acclimatization, basic mountain climbing skills, guidance, and help from climbing professionals, as there are risks associated with the mountains. While high altitude exposure is not needed, prior trekking experience is preferred.
Chulu West Peak climbing is encouraged for beginners, especially those who are physically able, mentally prepared, and accustomed to ascending to high altitudes. No past technical climbing experience is needed, as basic skills will be learned along the way for the climb.
Autumn is preferred for first-time hikers as the weather is more stable, and the trail has dried out. In order to have a successful hike, a good mental attitude, the ability to follow along with the guides, and the ability to hike at a steady and reasonable pace are the most essential for more inexperienced hikers climbing to the peak.
Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days should ideally be planned three months before the actual departure date. For the physical portion of the trip, start daily and weekly cardiovascular activities such as walking, cycling, and running. This builds stamina, overall fitness, and endurance for the actual hike.
Scheduled exercising three times weekly for 30 minutes or more is encouraged. From there, it is recommended to work up to at least 90 to 120 minutes, or 10 km runs, before the end of the training. This additional training is of great benefit to improving leg strength and overall breathing.
Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days also offers more adventure and can be made longer. More specifically, after Manang, trekkers can take a side trip to Tilicho Lake and base camp and then after to Ledar. It offers great scenery and one of the highest lakes in the world.
Also, for people starting in Jomsom, climbers can do the trip in reverse. This allows for ascending Chulu West first and then finishing the Annapurna circuit after.
While on the climbing trek to Chulu West Peak (14 Days), your elevation level will be greater than 3,000 meters starting on day 5, therefore, you must be aware of the altitude level. To allow your body to acclimatise to the altitude level, the overall itinerary has been designed to include considerable detours to the altitude, as well as acclimatisation days to allow your body to gradually adjust to the altitude level.
Altitude sickness can affect any climber, and some of its common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To offset the effects of altitude sickness, climbers must hydrate, maintain a constant level of exertion, and let the guides know if any symptoms of altitude sickness arise. When deemed appropriate, climbers could take the drug Diamox for altitude sickness as a prophylactic measure.
All of the airport transfers within your itinerary in Kathmandu will be included in the Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days experience. Depending on the group size, a jeep or bus will be arranged for the trek to the trailhead and the return trip will include a scenic drive or flight to Pokhara.
All trek participants will be given three meals in a day, which will include a variety of food each day. As for local food, you will be served Dal Bhat, and for international cuisine, you will be given noodles, soups, momos, and pasta. Meals will be prepared by the expedition crew during the Base Camp and climbing meal times, and you will be given boiled water, tea, and coffee.
Telecom companies such as NTC and Ncell work well during most trek days on the Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days, although there may be no service at the higher camps.
Extra cost tea houses offer Wi-Fi and charging, especially limited during the climbing phase as one is isolated in the mountains.
For the Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days, all trekkers need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Chulu West Peak Climbing Permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).
All necessary permits are taken care of well in advance by our team, and the permits’ costs are all included in the package price.
Chulu West Peak Climbing 14 Days is a one of a kind adventure that will open your eyes to a myriad of activities including trekking, high-altitude mountaineering, and a unique experience of the local culture. The journey begins on the road where you will get a view of the local culture and the many hospitable people of the Himalayas.
The first few days on the trail will get you to a variety of scenes including forested areas, a variety of traditional settlements, and parts of the Marsyangdi Valley, all of which will allow you to observe local lifestyles. From this point the trail traverses areas of montane and high-altitude alpine terrain. The trail is rugged including blocks of rock, old moraines, and other high-altitude alpine glacial features. There will be a few significant days of trekking that will be offset by the steep inclines of the ice formations and the summit of the peak.
During the trek high, you will get to see the grand peaks of the Himalayas at sunrise and sunset. The peaks include Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Gangapurna, and Machapuchare. The trail includes a variety of cultural and historical features including monasteries, prayer flags, and settlements of the local people which provide a look into the past while allowing you to go on an incredible adventure.
Mera Peak, Island Peak, and Lobuche Peak Three Peaks Expedition
Designed by Hill Sherpa Trekking, the Three Peaks Expedition is an adventurous expedition in the Himalayas for climbers wishing to take on multiple high-altitude peaks in Nepal, and for climbers who have completed Chulu West Peak, wishing to take on greater challenges in endurance and technical skills, along with acclimatisation.
As you are in Kathmandu, the adventure begins with a drive or flying on a plane with a scenic view to the trekking region close to the peaks. The expedition incorporates the culture trekking through Sherpa villages, then moves on to the technical aspects of climbing peaks of snow and ice.
Most of the time, the first summit is Mera Peak (6,476m). Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal, and is also the first summit of the expedition. It has great views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse but is also a non-technical climb. It does require good physical fitness and acclimatisation, which makes it an ideal first summit for an expedition.
The next highlight is Island Peak (6,189m), also known as Imja Tse. Of the two, this peak is a bit more technical than Mera, as it includes the use of ropes, crampons, and ice axes. It offers incredible views of Mount Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the entire Khumbu Himal range, providing an incredible alpine experience for climbers.
The final peak of the expedition is often Lobuche Peak (6,119m). Although less technical than Island Peak, Lobuche is a more physically demanding climb and presents its own challenges due to the high altitude, the long approach trek, and the overall length of the expedition. The views of Everest, Nuptse, and Pumori from this peak are spectacular and are a fitting final highlight as the climbers leave the Himalayas.
The Three Peaks Expedition is designed for gradual ascent with built in acclimatization days. Trekkers are given days off in between climbing days in order to ensure proper acclimatisation. During the trek, experienced guides from Hill Sherpa Trekking manage the safety and logistics, which is especially important for the more technical sections of the climb. This expedition is ideal for climbers who are looking for a challenging high altitude experience and combines multiple peaks with a large variety of stunning scenery and cultural immersion in the professionally organised program.
Every climber should be covered by comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of the Chulu West Peak climb. There are risks that come with Altitude sickness, accidents, and changes in the weather all hinge on the high altitude. Climbing insurance for high passes and trekking, and other high altitude insurance policies should be tailored for other mountaineering activities above 6,500 meters, and should include emergency helicopter evacuations from remote locations, altitude sickness treatment, injuries, trip cancellation insurance, and insurance from illness, weather cancellations, and natural disasters.
Most high in demand insurance agencies develop specialty insurance policies for climbing and Himalayan trekking. Climbers are encouraged to procure insurance before arriving in Nepal to help with cross country travel and expeditions. Having the right policy provides peace of mind covering safety and allowing climbers to focus on the work to be done and the journey for enjoyment.
All the climbing equipment is available in Kathmandu, you can rent everything.
General
The Sequoia standard Itinerary is 14 days. This is standard for other tours and allocates enough days for trekking, climbing, and each of the required acclimatization rest days. This schedule is designed for the safety of the climbers and to foster an efficient overall expedition. Because of the high altitude, climbers are given enough rest and are required to acclimatize at each stop to prepare for the summit. Weather changes along the way also affect the itinerary, so there is enough flexibility for the climbers to go at their own pace and to adjust accordingly.
Beginners often find Chulu West Peak to be very suitable and an opportunity to learn Himalayan mountaineering for the first time. The ascension does not involve any technical skills such as advanced rock and/or ice climbing. Safe and determined beginners can easily attain the summit as long as they have sound physical fitness and mental fortitude. Professional guides instruct on basic mountaineering skills throughout the trip as first-timers use crampons and ice axes and learn to move on rope systems. The guides create a firm and benevolent atmosphere for first-time climbers.
Yes, if you extended your hike to include Lake Tilicho and the Tilicho Base Camp, you would get to see breathtaking views and one of the highest alpine lakes in the world before turning back to Ledar and continuing to Chulu West. For some climbers, they start the trek at Jomsom and go in the reverse order of the original route by climbing Chulu West first and finishing the Annapurna Circuit on their way back.
Absolutely no prior mountaineering experience is needed for Chulu West Peak Climb 14 Days. The climb is very non-technical, although some minimal basic alpine knowledge is beneficial. On the trip, the guides will run on the spot training for the use of crampons, ice axes, climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes. Proper techniques related to travel over snow and ice to ensure safety will be taught to climbers, and this way, new climbers to the sport can ascend the summit without issues and with the security that they are safe.
The expedition starts from Syanje (1,100m) and, after a gentle ascend to the summit of Chulu West Peak, which is at 6,419 meters, is planned to be at 5,595 m for the highest overnight stop. This is because it allows for optimal climber acclimatization prior to making a summit push. The ascent is designed to gain altitude at a safe rate and be able to take in the sights and each of the astounding mountain ranges, making it a memorable experience and reducing the risk of altitude sickness. This is why the itinerary is designed the way it is.
Preparation & Fitness
For best results, begin this cycle approximately 3 months in advance. In the final weeks of preparing for the expedition, try to simulate what it will be like, and trek for 1.5 to 2 hours. The longer trek is so that you can focus on quiet and pace yourself to prepare mentally. While you continue to do this new simulated workout, try to make it so that you can reach 3 of these long treks a week. The reason for this is to make it so that you are strengthening your legs and conditioning the primary muscle you will be using. The primary focus should be on your cardiovascular system to improve the experience and your enjoyment level for the trip.
Chulu West Peak is a climb of moderate difficulty. On average, trekkers will spend 6-7 hours a day trekking. Some days will require them to climb 20 km, and on the final day, it will require around 9-10 hours of climbing to ascend and descend from High Camp to the summit and back. If beginners train properly, get adequate rest, and acclimatize, they should be fine at this pace. The route for the trip is one that has been planned with the purpose of altitude acclimatization and reduced fatigue, and in this way, it makes the trip attainable for climbers who are inexperienced with high altitude trekking, as it is a very gradual ascent.
Permits
There are several permits included in the package for the Chulu West Peak Climbing for 14 days. However, the main ones include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Clulu West Peak climbing permit, which is acquired through the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Our team takes care of the preparations and paperwork well in advance, allowing climbers to focus solely on training, climbing, or trekking.
Accommodation and Facilities
The climbers have tea houses or lodges to stay in during the trekking days and these come up with rooms that are comfortable and some basic facilities. There are three meals such as Dal Bhat and other local Nepali cuisine as well as foreign cuisine such as noodles, soups, momos and pasta. The expedition team supplies tents with meals and boiled water, tea, and coffee during the climbing activities in Base Camp and High Camp. The tea houses and the climbing support and tents ensure that this journey is a safe and a healthy experience to the beginners.
Weather & Seasons
The prime climbing season for Chulu West Peak for 14 days is Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). This is when the weather is nice, sky is clear, and the peaks of the Himalayas can be seen with amazing visibility. Spring has warmer weather with lots of blooming vegetation and clear views. Autumn, on the other hand, has dry paths, better visibility, and cold temperatures with a crisp atmosphere. Less experienced mountaineers can do winter climbs, but the weather is very cold with icy slopes. The June to August monsoon is very dangerous to beginners because of the heavy rain and risk of landslides.
Health & Safety
One of the most important risks of altitude sickness is the fact that this type of sickness can develop at elevations of about 3,000 meters. This can happen to even the most experienced climbers and includes nausea, fatigue, headaches, and difficulty breathing. The itinerary for climbing Chulu West Peak 14 Days has acclimatization days to allow the body to adjust accordingly, and guides monitor climbers with the option of descent to a safe altitude for resting and recovery. If you keep resting at your own pace, stay hydrated, and take prescriptions like Diamox with your guide’s approval, you can avoid dangerous complications.

