Peak Climbing
- Duration23 days
- Max. altitudeChulu East summit, approximately 6,584 m
- GradeChallenging
- Start / endKathmandu to Kathmandu
- Group size
- Best seasonSpring and autumn
- AccommodationHotels, basic teahouses/lodges and tented camps
- MealsBasic meals such as dal bhat, potatoes and seasonal vegetables
- ActivityClimbing
- TransportRoad transportation
Overview
Chulu East Peak Climbing is a challenging, high-altitude climb in Nepal's Annapurna region. The journey continues through the Manang Valley to one of the region's prominent peaks, Chulu East.
Chulu East is not an ordinary trek. It rises to approximately 6,584 m. The journey includes long walking days, increasing altitude, acclimatization, slippery mountain paths and a peak attempt that may require equipment such as crampons, an ice axe, a harness and a rope system, depending on the route and mountain conditions.
The trek follows the Annapurna Circuit, passing through villages such as Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, Ngawal and Manang before heading to the higher mountain paths toward Chulu East Base Camp. From Base Camp, the climb continues to High Camp before the summit attempt.
The most demanding part of the journey is the climbing section. Climbers must be prepared for cold temperatures, low oxygen levels, changing weather and a physically demanding route. The summit attempt starts early, with timing depending on the weather, snow, route conditions and the guide team's decision.
Chulu East is best suited to physically prepared trekkers and climbers who understand that mountains require patience, acclimatization and responsible decision-making.
Route
Kathmandu – Starting Point – Dharapani – Chame – Pisang – Ngawal – Chulu East Base Camp – High Camp – Chulu East Summit – Base Camp – Manang – Thorong Phedi – Thorong La – Muktinath – Marpha – Tatopani – Ghorepani – Poon Hill – Tadapani – Ghandruk – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Highlights
- Reach the summit of Chulu East at approximately 6,584 m
- Follow scenic trails through the Annapurna and Manang region
- Experience the changing terrain from lower mountain valleys to high-altitude mountains
- Pass through traditional Himalayan communities including Pisang, Ngawal and Manang
- Enjoy views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding Himalayan peaks
- Experience high-altitude camping at Base Camp and High Camp
- Learn basic climbing techniques before the peak attempt
- Experience snow-covered, sloping mountain routes, depending on weather conditions
- A challenging high-altitude summit day
- Experience the local culture, traditions and lifestyle of mountain settlements
Altitude profile
Top: Chulu East summit, approximately 6,584 mHover or tap a day for detailsScroll sideways to see every day
Itinerary at a glance
- Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2Climbing Preparation and Trek Briefing
- Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to the Starting Point
- Day 4Starting Point to Dharapani
- Day 5Dharapani to Chame
- Day 6Chame to Pisang
- Day 7Pisang to Ngawal
- Day 8Acclimatization at Ngawal
- Day 9Ngawal to Chulu East Base Camp
- Day 10Chulu East Base Camp to High Camp
- Day 11Summit Attempt of Chulu East and Return to Base Camp
- Day 12Chulu East Base Camp to Manang
- Day 13Rest and Recovery in Manang
- Day 14Manang to Thorong Phedi
- Day 15Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
- Day 16Muktinath to Marpha
- Day 17Marpha to Tatopani
- Day 18Tatopani to Ghorepani
- Day 19Ghorepani to Tadapani via Poon Hill
- Day 20Tadapani to Ghandruk and Drive to Pokhara
- Day 21Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 22Leisure Day in Kathmandu
- Day 23Final Departure
Day-by-day itinerary
Altitudes are the highest point reached that day. Walking times are typical and exclude breaks; your guide adjusts the pace to the group.
When you arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, you begin your journey to Chulu East Peak.
After airport formalities, you head to your hotel, freshen up and use the rest of the day to rest and prepare for the journey.
If you have time, meet your climbing team and learn more about the journey.
Today you check your equipment and make sure everything needed for the climb is ready. You also learn about the route, weather, safety measures, altitude and the summit attempt.
If any arrangements remain, such as permits, travel insurance or other necessary equipment, you complete them before leaving Kathmandu.
The drive starts in Kathmandu, leaving the Kathmandu Valley and heading into the Annapurna region.
Depending on the final transportation plan and road conditions, the drive may take most of the day.
The trek begins as you follow the mountain trail toward Dharapani.
The landscape changes as the route enters the Annapurna region. You'll see mountain settlements, forests and rivers as you gain altitude.
Dharapani is an important village on the Annapurna Circuit and offers a comfortable place to rest before continuing to the higher Manang communities.
The journey continues to Chame, the administrative centre of Manang District. You pass through forests and mountain communities, and the surrounding peaks become more prominent.
Chame lies at around 2,670 m and is a good place to adjust before continuing to higher elevations.
The route takes you toward Pisang (approx. 3,200–3,300 m). As you move into the drier landscape of Manang, the valley opens up and you'll notice dramatic rock formations and mountain scenery.
Pisang is divided into Lower and Upper Pisang, and the area offers impressive views of the Annapurna range.
The trail continues toward Ngawal, one of the traditional villages of the upper Manang Valley.
As you climb, the route offers wider views and changing landscapes that reflect the transition to the drier environment of Manang.
Ngawal is an important acclimatization point before heading to Chulu East.
Today you rest and let your body adjust to the thinner air. If you like, you can take a short hike around the village or to nearby viewpoints. Keeping the activity moderate helps acclimatization, so don't treat the day as a hard trekking day.
The climbing team can also check your condition and discuss the route ahead.
Today you leave the trekking landscape and move toward the climbing section of the journey.
The trail becomes more remote and alpine as you approach Chulu East Base Camp. It gets rougher, and the altitude becomes more noticeable.
Once you reach Base Camp, you settle into camp and check your equipment for the higher altitude with your climbing team.
The exact location of Base Camp may vary depending on the final route and conditions.
The climb takes you from Base Camp to Chulu East High Camp (approx. 5,400–5,800 m, depending on the route).
The route becomes steeper and more alpine. Depending on conditions, you may encounter snow, ice, rocky sections or exposed terrain.
You check your equipment and prepare for the summit attempt. Crampons, an ice axe, a harness, ropes and other equipment may be required depending on conditions.
After reaching High Camp, the main priority is to rest, stay hydrated and prepare for the summit attempt.
This is the main climbing day. The summit attempt starts early when snow and weather conditions are suitable. The exact time depends on the weather, snow, altitude and the climbing team's guidance.
The climb involves uphill travel at high altitude, and conditions may require crampons, an ice axe, a rope and other equipment. As you climb higher, you'll notice the thin air, so walk slowly.
Once you reach the summit of Chulu East at approximately 6,584 m, you'll have time to take in the surrounding Himalayan landscape if conditions allow. The peak offers views across the Annapurna region and the surrounding mountains.
You then begin the descent. Descending safely is just as important as reaching the summit, because fatigue and changing snow conditions can add to the challenge. The group returns to Base Camp for the night.
Today you descend toward Manang. As you move to a lower elevation, the air gradually feels thicker and walking becomes easier, although your legs may feel tired after the long summit day.
The route rejoins the Manang Valley.
Today is for rest and recovery before continuing toward Thorong La.
You can explore the village at a comfortable pace, enjoy the mountain views and prepare for the next part of the journey.
The trail continues up a higher section of the Annapurna Circuit to Thorong Phedi.
The landscape becomes increasingly barren as you gain altitude, and the route follows the mountain valley with beautiful views all around.
Thorong Phedi is the last stop before crossing Thorong La. The altitude is significant, so a steady pace and staying hydrated are important.
Another demanding day as you cross Thorong La Pass, one of Nepal's highest trekking passes.
The climb starts early, and the trail rises steadily through rough high-altitude terrain before reaching the pass at approximately 5,416 m.
From Thorong La, you descend toward Muktinath. The landscape changes quickly as you drop into the Mustang side of the Annapurna region.
Leaving Muktinath, the trail continues toward Marpha.
The terrain becomes drier as you pass through traditional Mustang communities and continue along the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Marpha is known for its stone-paved lanes, traditional architecture and mountain surroundings.
The journey takes you to Tatopani.
You descend into a lower, warmer environment, and after several days at high altitude the change is noticeable.
Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs, which make it a comfortable place to rest and recover.
The trail continues toward Ghorepani.
The terrain becomes greener again as you move away from the dry high-altitude environment, and the route passes through forests and mountain communities.
Ghorepani is a popular stop in the Annapurna region and gives access to Poon Hill.
An early-morning hike takes you up to Poon Hill (approx. 3,210 m), a famous viewpoint for sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
After some time at the viewpoint, you return to Ghorepani and continue to Tadapani. The route passes through forests and offers changing mountain views.
The last trekking section takes you to Ghandruk, a well-known Gurung community in the Annapurna region.
From Ghandruk, you continue to Pokhara by road. Pokhara offers a comfortable change after the long mountain journey.
The drive back to Kathmandu follows the highway through Nepal's middle hills and river valleys.
Once you reach Kathmandu, you can rest at your hotel or spend the evening exploring the city.
Today you can rest, explore the city, go shopping or visit cultural sites if time and energy allow.
Your climbing journey comes to an end.
Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have some free time before the transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.
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Dates & prices
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Includes & Excludes
Includes
Transportation
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Ground transportation according to the final itinerary
- Transportation between climbing points
- Domestic flights, if applicable
Accommodation
- Hotels in Kathmandu
- Teahouses/lodges during the trek
- Tent accommodation at Chulu East Base Camp and High Camp
Meals
- Meals during the climbing section according to the package
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner as included in the package
- Welcome and farewell meals, if included
Guide and Climbing Team
- Experienced trekking guide
- NMA-licensed climbing guide/support
- Porters according to the final group arrangement
Permits
- Chulu East climbing permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS/applicable trekking registration
- Local permits where required
Climbing Support
- Base Camp and High Camp support
- Climbing equipment included in the package
- Rope and climbing support
- Basic climbing practice before the peak attempt
Safety
- Basic first-aid support
- Emergency assistance
Excludes
Flights and Visa
- International flights
- Nepal visa fees
Insurance and Medical
- Travel insurance
- Helicopter rescue and medical expenses
Personal Equipment
- Personal climbing equipment
- Personal trekking clothes and gear
Extra Costs
- Extra accommodation and meals
- Bottled water, soft drinks and other beverages
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi and charging fees where applicable
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any other service not included in the package
Packing list
Chulu East requires basic trekking equipment as well as specialized climbing gear.
Upper Body
- Warm base layers
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Thermal layers
Lower Body
- Trekking trousers
- Thermal leggings
- Waterproof trousers and warm climbing trousers
- Comfortable base layers
Head, Hands and Feet
- Sun hat
- Warm woollen/fleece hat
- Mountain sunglasses
- Warm climbing gloves
- Trekking boots
- Wool socks
- Gaiters
Carrying and Sleeping
- Daypack
- Rain cover
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking poles
- Water bottle
Personal and Health Items
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Personal first-aid supplies
- Basic medications
- Blister treatment
- Water purification tablets
- Headlamp
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal toiletries
Climbing Equipment
- Mountain boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Helmet
- Carabiners
- Climbing gloves
Useful trip information
Spring (March to May): Spring is a good time for trekking and climbing because the weather is generally stable. Conditions are usually favourable for climbing, although high-altitude weather can still change quickly, and temperatures are generally warmer than in winter.
The lower trail becomes greener, and blooming rhododendrons add colour to the route. However, the summit route can still have snow and ice, so it's best to follow current mountain conditions rather than relying only on seasonal expectations.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also an excellent season for climbing Chulu East. After the monsoon, the mountain views become clearer. September can still bring some late monsoon weather, while October and November are considered the most favourable months. Cold temperatures and strong winds are still a factor at altitude, so proper clothing and equipment remain essential.
Winter: Winter is cold and brings more snow and ice, making conditions more challenging. The route can be quieter, but peak conditions may be harder.
Monsoon: The monsoon brings rain and slippery trails. The lower section can become muddy, and transportation can be affected by landslides or road conditions.
The best time to climb ultimately depends on mountain conditions.
Accommodation varies by altitude and location. In Kathmandu and the lower mountain communities, you stay in hotels, lodges or teahouses.
At Chulu East Base Camp and High Camp, accommodation is more basic and usually in tents. Facilities are limited at higher elevations, so climbers should be prepared for cold nights, shared facilities and basic mountain-camp conditions.
On the trek, teahouses and lodges provide meals. Common dishes include dal bhat, rice and vegetables, noodles, pasta, soups, momos, eggs, porridge, potatoes, tea and coffee.
At Base Camp and the high camps, the trip's cooking team normally prepares meals according to the final climbing arrangement.
Staying hydrated throughout the climb is essential. Carry a refillable water bottle with enough water, and use purification methods where necessary.
Climbing Chulu East requires valid climbing and trekking permits. Depending on the route and current regulations, these may include:
- Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) climbing permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS or applicable trekking registration
- Local permits where applicable
Chulu East Peak Climbing is a demanding high-altitude journey. It includes several days of trekking before the climbing section, and the summit attempt is the most demanding part. As the trip is physically and mentally demanding, be prepared for several long walking days at high altitude.
Preparation should include:
- Regular cardio exercise
- Long-distance walking
- Hill climbing
- Stair climbing
- Leg strengthening
- Walking or climbing with a loaded daypack
Previous trekking experience can also help with the technical sections, although the exact requirements depend on weather and route conditions.
Chulu East should not be treated as a normal trek, as the summit route can include snow, ice and steep slopes depending on conditions. Climbers should have basic knowledge of equipment such as crampons, an ice axe, a harness and climbing ropes.
The climbing team provides practical training before the summit attempt, including:
- Walking in crampons
- Ice axe techniques
- Rope management
- Using an ascender
- Descending techniques
- Glacier travel
- Moving on steep snow or ice
Altitude is one of the main challenges of climbing Chulu East. As you climb higher, oxygen levels decrease, and even fit climbers can experience signs of AMS.
Common symptoms of AMS include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath
Tell your guide immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Don't ignore them, as they can become serious.
Safety is the main priority throughout the Chulu East climb, as mountain weather can change at any time at higher elevations. Snow, strong winds, poor visibility and changing route conditions can affect the summit attempt.
The climbing team assesses:
- Weather conditions
- Snow and ice conditions
- Route safety
- The fitness and health of each climber
- Acclimatization
- Equipment
The summit attempt may be delayed or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable, so flexibility in your schedule is important.
Weather in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Conditions at lower elevations may be comfortable while the summit has snowfall, strong winds or freezing temperatures.
The final decision to climb depends on current weather forecasts and mountain conditions. A good morning start does not always guarantee safe summit conditions later in the day.
Travel insurance is essential for high-altitude trekking and climbing. Your policy should cover:
- High-altitude trekking
- Peak climbing up to the planned elevation
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency helicopter evacuation where available
- Trip interruption or cancellation
- Delays caused by weather or transport disruption
Mountain travel does not always go as planned. Road conditions, weather, landslides and mountain conditions may cause delays, and the summit attempt may be postponed because of weather or trail conditions. An extra day in your schedule is useful for high-altitude itineraries.
The Chulu East route passes through many communities in the Annapurna region, each with its own traditions, culture and lifestyle. Please respect local traditions, culture and the environment throughout the trek. Good practice includes:
- Ask before photographing local people and their homes
- Respect monasteries, temples and religious sites
- Follow local customs
- Avoid unnecessary noise in villages
- Carry a waste bag and dispose of waste properly
- Minimize single-use plastic
- Don't waste water
- Respect guides, porters and local workers
Responsible trekkers help protect both the mountain environment and its communities.
The Chulu East Peak Climbing itinerary can be adjusted to your available time, fitness, climbing experience and preferred route. Options include:
- Additional acclimatization days
- An extra day for the summit attempt
- Different starting and ending points
- Private departures
- Additional trekking routes
- Changes in accommodation
- Acclimatization adjusted to weather conditions
Traveller reviews
Read more on Tripadvisor5.00 reviews
Nov 2025
Paced perfectly for the altitude
Our guide checked our oxygen levels every evening and never once rushed us. Standing at base camp after nine days of walking was emotional, and the team made it feel effortless to organise.
Oct 2025
Thorong La at sunrise
We left High Camp at 4 am and topped out on the pass as the sun hit the snow. The teahouses were well chosen, food was hot, and our porter Binod became a friend.
Apr 2026
Small group, big views
Mardi Himal was the perfect short trek for us. Rhododendrons in full bloom, Machhapuchhre right in front of us at high camp, and a guide who knew every village we passed.
Mar 2026
Langtang exceeded every expectation
Close to Kathmandu but it feels remote. Kyanjin Gompa and the climb to Tserko Ri were highlights. Communication before the trip was quick and honest about what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Chulu East stands at approximately 6,584 m in Nepal's Annapurna region.
Chulu East is a demanding high-altitude journey that involves several days of trekking, while the summit section requires technical mountaineering equipment and good physical fitness.
Yes, you should be prepared and know how to use basic mountaineering equipment. Depending on route conditions, crampons, an ice axe and rope systems are essential.
Previous climbing experience is useful, but the climb depends on current weather and route conditions, with guidance from the guide team. Beginners should get proper instruction and practise using the equipment well before the trip.
You should be comfortable with several consecutive days of walking, including ascents, descents and long uphill sections at high altitude. Training should focus on cardiovascular fitness, leg and core strength, uphill walking and climbing stairs with a loaded backpack.
The summit attempt will be postponed if conditions are unsafe. The climbing team assesses the conditions and decides whether it is safe to proceed.
Yes. Chulu East reaches above 6,000 m, so altitude sickness is a real concern. Proper acclimatization, hydration and responsible decision-making are essential. If you notice any unusual symptoms, tell your guide.
Yes, travel insurance is important for Chulu East Peak Climbing. It should cover emergency treatment, altitude-related illness, and emergency helicopter rescue where available.
The journey offers outstanding views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding mountains. On clear days, the summit gives wide Himalayan views, making it one of the most rewarding parts of the climb.
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