Chulu West Peak Climbing 20 days

• Highest point1,400 m
• Walking / travelPreparation and briefing
• OvernightKathmandu (hotel)

Today you make your final preparations before heading to the Annapurna region.

You meet the expedition team, review the itinerary and check the necessary mountain equipment. The team also briefs you on the expedition, altitude-related symptoms and precautions, and climbing procedures and safety measures.

Any remaining permits and travel arrangements are completed before departure.

• Highest point760 m
• Walking / travel6-7 hours drive
• OvernightBesisahar

Today you leave Kathmandu and drive to Besisahar (760 m) along the highway, through river valleys, green hills and traditional settlements.

The road gradually takes you away from the busy city into the countryside of central Nepal, past riverside villages, terraced fields and scenic landscapes.

Besisahar is a key gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and the starting point for the road journey toward the higher Manang region.

• Highest point1,860 m
• Walking / travel4-5 hours drive, depending on road conditions
• OvernightDharapani

After breakfast, you continue to Dharapani (1,860 m) by local Scorpio, jeep or private four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The road follows the Marshyangdi River through narrow valleys, small villages and beautiful mountain surroundings. As you go higher, the terrain becomes more rugged, with waterfalls and forested hills along the way.

Dharapani is an important stop on the Annapurna Circuit, offering an overnight stay before continuing to Chame.

• Highest point2,670 m
• Walking / travel5-6 hours
• OvernightChame

Today marks the start of the trekking section. The trail heads up the Marshyangdi Valley, passing forested hills, traditional communities and mountain farmland.

You pass villages such as Bagarchhap and Danaque before reaching Chame (2,670 m), the administrative centre of Manang District.

As you gain altitude, the mountain scenery opens up, including your first close views of the Annapurna range.

• Highest point3,200 m
• Walking / travel5-6 hours
• OvernightPisang

From Chame, you continue up the upper Marshyangdi Valley toward Pisang (3,200 m).

The route passes through pine forests, rough and rocky terrain and a small mountain village. One highlight is the impressive Paungda Danda rock face, which rises dramatically above the valley.

As you approach Pisang, the vegetation thins and the landscape takes on a more high-altitude character.

• Highest point3,540 m
• Walking / travel5-7 hours, depending on the route
• OvernightManang

Today the trail heads to Manang (3,540 m), one of the most important settlements on the Annapurna Circuit.

The journey moves into the dry mountain landscape of the upper valley, with impressive views of Annapurna II, Annapurna III and Gangapurna. Depending on the route, you may take the higher trail through Ghyaru and Ngawal for wider mountain views, or the lower route through the valley.

After arriving in Manang, you settle into your lodge and prepare for the acclimatization day.

• Highest point3,540 m
• Walking / travelAcclimatization hike and rest
• OvernightManang

Today is an acclimatization day before you head to higher altitude.

You can explore Manang village or take a short hike to a higher viewpoint before returning to the lodge, with beautiful views of Gangapurna, the Annapurna range and the high mountain valleys.

This day is an important part of the journey, as it allows your body to adapt to the increasing altitude and reduced oxygen. The climbing team also checks everyone's physical condition before leaving Manang.

• Highest point4,200 m
• Walking / travel4-5 hours
• OvernightLedar

After the acclimatization day, you leave Manang and follow the trail up toward the higher grazing areas of the Annapurna region.

The trail climbs gradually through sparse vegetation, rocky slopes and open alpine terrain, passing pastures used by local herders in the warmer months.

As you get closer to Ledar (4,200 m), the surrounding mountains become more visible, a sign that you have reached the high-altitude section of the journey.

• Highest point4,900 m
• Walking / travel4-6 hours, depending on the route
• OvernightChulu West Base Camp (tented camp)

Today you leave the main Annapurna Circuit route and head toward Chulu West Base Camp (approx. 4,900 m).

The trail leaves the regular trekking path for a more remote mountain area, and the landscape becomes increasingly rough and exposed as you approach the climbing area.

After reaching Base Camp, you set up camp and review the climbing schedule. Your guide also organizes the equipment and food supplies and confirms the communication arrangements.

• Highest point5,600 m
• Walking / travel4-6 hours
• OvernightHigh Camp (tented camp)

Today you climb above Base Camp to Chulu West High Camp (approx. 5,600 m).

The route climbs over rocky slopes and, depending on the season, sections of snow and ice. The team keeps a steady, comfortable pace and carefully assesses the route while carrying the necessary climbing equipment.

Once at High Camp, you have time to rest and prepare. The climbing guide reviews the route, rechecks the equipment and explains the safety procedures before the team heads higher into technical terrain.

• Highest point5,600 m
• Walking / travelAcclimatization and preparation
• OvernightHigh Camp (tented camp)

Today is for acclimatization and summit preparation.

The climbing team evaluates the route and conditions, reviews the weather forecast and assesses the group's physical condition. You practise using essential mountain equipment such as crampons, ice axes, harnesses and fixed ropes under the climbing guide's supervision.

The team also checks the equipment carefully and briefs you on the summit schedule, turnaround time and emergency procedures. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated before the summit attempt.

• Highest point6,419 m
• Walking / travel9-12 hours, depending on conditions
• OvernightBase Camp (tented camp)

Altitude: Summit 6,419 m; Base Camp approx. 4,900 m

Today is the key day of the expedition. The summit attempt starts early in the morning to make the most of the daylight and favorable conditions. Under the supervision of the climbing team, the route crosses steep mountain slopes, snow- and ice-covered terrain and exposed ridges.

Depending on the route and weather conditions, you may need crampons, an ice axe and fixed-rope techniques.

From the 6,419 m summit, you enjoy wide views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and other surrounding Himalayan peaks. After the summit, you descend carefully to the lower camp or Base Camp, depending on the climbing and route conditions.

• Highest point4,900 m
• Walking / travelContingency / recovery
• OvernightBase Camp (tented camp)

This contingency day gives the climbing team flexibility. Mountain weather is unpredictable and may delay or postpone the summit attempt, and the day can also be used for extra acclimatization, route review or recovery after the climb.

If the summit has already been reached and conditions are favorable, the team can use the time to rest, recover and prepare for the next section of the Annapurna Circuit.

• Highest point4,525 m
• Walking / travel5-7 hours
• OvernightThorong Phedi

After finishing the climbing section, you descend to rejoin the main Annapurna Circuit route.

The trail crosses the rough terrain and wide mountain landscape of the upper Manang region before reaching Thorong Phedi (4,525 m), an important overnight stop for trekkers before crossing Thorong La Pass.

You can rest, hydrate and prepare for the next day's high-altitude crossing.

• Highest point5,416 m
• Walking / travel7-9 hours
• OvernightMuktinath

Altitude: Thorong La Pass 5,416 m; Muktinath 3,760 m

Today is the most demanding day of the trek. You start early and climb slowly to Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the Annapurna region.

The route crosses rough, exposed mountain terrain, so a comfortable pace and suitable clothing are important. At the 5,416 m pass, you can enjoy the surrounding mountains before the long descent to Muktinath.

Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. After arriving, you can rest and recover from the demanding crossing.

• Highest point2,710 m
• Walking / travel5-6 hours if trekking
• OvernightJomsom

Today you continue to Jomsom (2,710 m) through the landscape of lower Mustang. Depending on the route and weather conditions, you either trek through the traditional village of Kagbeni or travel by local jeep.

The terrain changes as you descend into the Kali Gandaki Valley, with dry hills, wide open terrain and traditional Mustang settlements along the way.

Jomsom is the main gateway to the Mustang region, north of Pokhara.

• Highest point820 m
• Walking / travel20-25 minute flight; road travel varies considerably
• OvernightPokhara (hotel)

After breakfast, you travel from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 m) by a short domestic flight or by road, depending on the route, weather conditions and available transport.

If you fly, you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. After arriving in Pokhara, relax by Phewa Lake or explore the lakeside area after the long trek and climb.

• Highest point1,400 m
• Walking / travel6-8 hours by road or 25-30 minute flight
• OvernightKathmandu (hotel)

Depending on the final arrangements, you return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus or domestic flight, travelling from the lakeside of Pokhara through the hills and river valleys around Kathmandu.

On arrival, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, recovery or personal activities.

• Walking / travelAirport transfer

Your Chulu West Peak Climbing journey ends today. Depending on your flight schedule, you are transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

We hope you leave Nepal with many memories of the Annapurna region, its mountains and local communities, and your experience climbing Chulu West.