Chulu East Climbing with Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Grade :
Moderate to Demanding
Max-Altitude :
6584 M / 21601 Ft
Duration :
22 Days

Starting Price

$4100 per person


Highlights

  • A perfect blend of climbing and trekking, featuring the iconic Annapurna Circuit Trek
  • One of the highest trekking peaks in Nepal permitted by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA)Accompanied by experienced Sherpa climbing guides and a dedicated team throughout the expedition.
  • Excellent opportunity to confirm and enhance alpine skills.
  • Witness the surreal scenic views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, Manaslu, and other neighboring snow-capped peaks from the summit.
  • Visit the sacred site of Muktinath (3,850m), a major attraction for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims
  • Trek through a diverse range of landscapes, from subtropical banana groves to high-altitude alpine environments.
  • Immerse in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, encountering ethnic Gurungs, Manangba, and other local communities.
  • Traverse through rhododendron and pine forests, yak pastures, and ancient mani walls.
  • Spend two nights at the base camp for proper acclimatization.
  • Witness the Sherpa team establishing high camps and Camp I before the final push to the summit.
  • Climb over rough, steep moraine and soft snow to reach the glaciated ridge.
  • Descend and cross a broken glacier, then climb steep scree slopes to gain the summit ridge.
  • Relish the spectacular 360-degree views of the Himalayan peaks from the Chulu East Peak summit.
  • Descend slowly into the Manang Valley, visiting the ancient Buddhist Braga Monastery
  • Trek through juniper forests, where you may spot wildlife such as blue sheep and barking deer.
  • Enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna Massif to the south.
  • Conquer the challenging Thorung La Pass (5,416m) and descend to the sacred site of Muktinath.
  • Opportunity to climb both Chulu East and Chulu Far East peaks from the same base camp.
  • Suitable for climbers with prior mountaineering experience and familiarity with essential equipment.
  • Challenging yet accessible peak for those seeking to enhance their alpine skills.
  • Stunning views of the Annapurna region, including the Annapurna massif, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
  • Chance to immerse in the diverse cultures and landscapes of the Annapurna region.
  • Unforgettable experience for mountaineers seeking a rewarding adventure in the Himalayas.

Overview

Chulu East Peak Climbing is a thrilling adventure that combines the iconic Annapurna Circuit Trek with the challenge of summiting a 6,584-meter peak. This expedition offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures of the Annapurna region while pushing your mountaineering skills to new heights. The trek begins in the subtropical lower valley, where you'll witness terraced fields and villages inhabited by ethnic Gurungs. As you ascend through rhododendron and pine forests, you'll reach the high-altitude realm of the Manangba people.

At Pisang, you'll depart from the Annapurna Circuit Trail and venture into uninhabited terrain, following a ridge adorned with pine forests, yak pastures, and ancient mani walls to reach the Chulu East Base Camp. Proper acclimatization is crucial, and you'll spend two nights at the base camp, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.

Meanwhile, your experienced climbing guides and Sherpa team will establish high camps and Camp I, preparing for the final push to the summit. The climb itself is challenging, with long days of walking on snow, especially on summit day. However, the rewards are immense. From the summit of Chulu East Peak, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Manaslu.

The Chulu East Peak Climbing expedition is a true test of endurance and determination, but the journey is equally fascinating. As you descend, you'll pass through diverse ecosystems, from lush, green paddy fields and oak forests to arid deserts and the deepest gorge. The exposure to the variety of cultures and landscapes makes this adventure truly unmatched.

It's important to note that while Chulu East Peak is considered a moderate trekking peak, it still requires previous mountaineering experience and the ability to use essential equipment such as crampons, harnesses, and ice axes. The summit day can be long and demanding, so a high level of physical fitness and mental commitment is necessary. The best seasons for climbing Chulu East Peak are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when weather conditions are generally favorable. However, winter can also be a great time to climb if you are well-prepared for the cold weather.

Overall, Chulu East Peak Climbing with the Annapurna Circuit Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines the thrill of mountaineering with the beauty of trekking through one of the most stunning regions in the world. Whether you are an experienced climber or a passionate trekker, this expedition is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m/4265 ft

Day 2: Exploring Day in Kathmandu / Trip Preparation Day

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu  to Dharapani (1946 m / 6383 ft) via Bensisahar: 9 to 10 hrs.

Day 4: Trek Dharapani to Chame (2670 m/8758 ft): 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 5: Trek Chame to Pisang (3200 m/10497 ft): 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 6: Trek Pisang to Ngawal (3660 m/120078 ft): 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 7: Rest Day at Ngawal / Acclimatize Hike Around

Day 8: Trek Nagwal to Yak Kharka (3750 m/12301 ft): 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 9: Trek Yak Kharka to Chulu East Base Camp (4600 m/15091 ft): 5 hrs.

Day 10: Trek Chulu East Base Camp to Chulu East High Camp (5343 m/17,500 ft): 3 to 4 hrs.

Day 11: Trek Chulu East High Camp to Camp I (5791 m/18999 ft): 3 to 4 hrs.

Day 12: Summit Chulu East Peak (6584 m / 21601ft ) descent to Camp I: 10 to 12 hrs.

Day 13: Reserve Day / A contingency Day

Day 14: Trek High Camp to Manang: 7 to 8 hrs.

Day 15: Trek Manang to Yak Kharka

Day 16: Trek Yak Kharka to Torong Phedi

Day 17: Trek Torong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5416m/17764ft) and Descend to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft)

Day 18: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m/8856 ft)

Day 19: Drive/Fly to Pokhara (900m/2,952 ft) from Jomsom

Day 20: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 21: Rest Day in Kathmandu

Day 22: International Departure

Itinerary

Cost Includes

    Transportation

    • Private vehicle for transfers as per in itinerary; airport pickup & drop, sightseeing
    • Private vehicle for Kathmandu to Dharapani and Jomsom to Kathmandu
    • Domestic flight tickets (Jomsom – Pokhara) and airport departure taxes

    Food and Accommodation

    • Four nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3-star category hotel
    • One night’s accommodation in Pokhara in a 3 - star category hotel
    • Best available local lodge/teahouse accommodation throughout the trek
    • The tent accommodation during the climbing days
    • All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek and climb
    • Available seasonal fruits throughout the trek and climb
    • Breakfast at a hotel in Kathmandu
    • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu

    Staff

    • A Government licensed English-speaking trekking guide including wages, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and other necessary gear & equipment.
    • For more than six trekkers, one assistant guide includes wages, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and other necessary gear & equipment.
    • A Government licensed English-speaking climbing guide including wages, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and other necessary gear & equipment.
    • A porter for two trekkers/ climbers including wages, meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, and other necessary gear & equipment
    • A Government licensed English-speaking tour guide for the Sightseeing Program at Kathmandu

    Permits and Tariffs

    • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
    • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
    • Chulu East Peak Climbing Permit
    • All other government, local taxes, and official expenses

    Additional

    • A Gortex (100% Waterproof) Duffle bag to keep your personal belongings to be carried by the porter 
    • Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
    • Pisang Peak Climbing map
    • Outward Adventure t-shirt
    • Outward Adventure Appreciation Medal after the successful trek
    • A first aid medicine bag in each group (carried by the trekking/climbing leader)

Cost Excludes

    • International Flight Cost
    • Nepal Entry Visa Fees
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the climb
    • Personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, shopping, snacks, boiled bottled water, hot (Tea/ Coffee) and cold drinks, hot showers, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fees, extra porters, etc
    • Additional costs suffered due to causes beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, emergency evacuation, changes in government policies, strikes, and so forth
    • Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (Tips are expected and appreciated)

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