Overview

Chulu East (6584 meters / 21,601 feet) soars high above the Manang and Annapurna regions of Nepal. It is slightly lower than its neighbor Chulu West, though no less daunting. Imagine walking the thin ridge of snow and ice that leads to the peak, with the rugged Himalayas in every direction. It is a surreal experience to be encompassed by this otherworldly terrain.

The peak was first climbed by a team of Australian mountaineers in 1955.  Lying just north of the Annapurna Circuit, Chulu East is conveniently located to combine two awesome excursions into one action-packed adventure. Experience trekking and peak climbing in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

The trail begins from the lower Annapurna region. You will be immediately enchanted by the scenery and full of excitement and energy for what is ahead. Guided by the Marsyangdi River Valley, we follow cascading waterfalls, dense sub-tropical forests and raging rivers.  The fascinating terraced rice fields and local villages increase the charm of the trek. 

Before we know it, we are at Chulu East Base Camp and the High Camp, refreshing ourselves on the techniques of climbing and the necessary gear involved. Finally, the moment arrives. We wake up while it’s still dark to climb the summit. The sun rises and we get unbelievable views of the Manang Valley, and countless other peaks. The view even extends to the Tibetan Plateau. With your adrenaline pumping, take some photos and have a moment of silence with the mountains. After some time, we begin our descent. We cannot stay too long up there, as the air is thin and too much time can be dangerous.

Time to continue the trail through the Mustang region. Crossing the Thorong La Pass (5416m) is an absolute thrill, though one must use caution when encountering the slippery rocky slope. The high pass offers views of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8156m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna I (8090m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Tilicho (7134m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) to name a few. 

Surrounded by a choppy sea of Himalayan peaks, we are full of joy.  The trek then leads you to the famous Muktinath Temple, a pilgrimage destination of both Hindus and Buddhists.  Here, devotees bathe in the fountains, ring bells, anoint one another’s’ foreheads, or simply worship in the temple.

Our Chulu East Peak Climb then passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge and ends in Syane after stopping at Poon Hill (3210m) for yet another panoramic view of the awe-inspiring peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions.  Finally, we can end the trek with a stop at Jhinu Hot Springs, which helps relieve the muscle aches from the trek.  From here, we return to Pokhara and head back to Kathmandu.

Our highly experienced guides know the route and how to minimize the risks involved in climbing the peak. In our hands, you do not need to worry about your safety. Our Chulu East Peak Climbing itinerary has been designed by veteran climbers and is managed with utmost consideration to safety. We ensure that this package adheres to protecting your comfort and well-being.  We do this by ascending slowly, and not spending too long at too high of altitudes.

Chulu East Peak Climbing should be experienced by adventurers who have a little bit of climbing experience under their belt. With a little experience, and our thorough training before the ascent, you will be adequately prepared to summit Chulu East Peak.

There is usually snow at the high camp from the end of November to the end of March. Thus, climbing is most possible during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During Springtime, the rhododendrons are at their peak, and in the Fall, the skies are clearest.  Chulu East Peak Climbing requires fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the climb with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information

Trip Highlights

Reaching Chulu East Peak (6,584 meters / 21,601 feet), looming over the Manang Valley

Stop in Jhinu Hot Springs for a healing dip at the end of the climb

Jaw-dropping views of other nearby peaks, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, Thorang Peak, and many others

The diversity of landscapes – high mountain peaks, dense forests, and the barren Mustang region

Learn about the Gurung culture and other ethnic groups in the region

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
  • Day 02: : Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1430m), 8-9 hour drive.
  • Day 03: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1860m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 4 hours.
  • Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m), 5 ½ hours.
  • Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Ngawal (3305m), 5 hours.
  • Day 07: Rest day in Ngawal for acclimatization & exploration.
  • Day 08: Trek from Ngawal to Chulu East Base Camp (4500m), 6 hours.
  • Day 09: Trek from Chulu East Base Camp to High Camp (5400m), 6 hours.
  • Day 10: Summit Chulu East Peak (6584m), back to Base Camp.
  • Day 11: Chulu East Peak Base Camp to Manang (3540m), 5-6 hours.
  • Day 12: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization & exploration.
  • Day 13: Trek from Manang to Thorong Phedi (4450m), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 14: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m), 7-8 hours.
  • Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2670m), 6 hours.
  • Day 16: Early morning flight back to Pokhara.
  • Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • Day 18: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
    A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your Climbing.
    • Kathmandu
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 02: : Drive from Kathmandu to Chamje (1430m), 8-9 hour drive.
    We start our day early by taking a bus to Chamje, stopping for breakfast and lunch along the way. We stop in Besisahar after about 7 hours, and change buses to continue to Chamje. During the bumpy ride to Chamje, we pass Ghermu and Chamje waterfalls, the Marshyandi River and get views of the beautiful mountain Manaslu peeking behind the hills. We reach our destination after about two and a half hours. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Chamje
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 1430m
  • Day 03: Trek from Chamje to Dharapani (1860m), 5-6 hours.
    After breakfast in Chamje, we begin our journey up through the foothills. We follow along the bank of the Marshyangdi River. Today, we pass Taal village, the official entry point of the Manang region. Here, we can stop for a snack or a cup of tea and breathe in the fresh air. Climbing the stone steps, we reach Dharapani, where we rest for the night. Overnight in guesthouse.
    • Dharapani
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 1860m
  • Day 04: Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2670m), 4 hours.
    After breakfast, we follow the rocky, mellow trail past Timang. The path is surrounded by the lush, dense forests. Soon, we reach to Kopar, where we rest and appreciate an outstanding view of the Annapurna peak. The soft trail ahead takes us to Chame, the district headquarters of the Manang region. Overnight in guest house.
    • Chame
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 2670m
  • Day 05: Trek from Chame to Pisang (3300m), 5 ½ hours.
    After breakfast, we depart from Chame, looking forward to the beauty that lies ahead. After hiking about two hours, we reach Bhratang, where we can sample some local apple cider from the nearby orchards. Throughout the day, we are blessed with amazing views of snow-topped Himalayan peaks. After lunch, we reach Pisang village, our destination for the night. Overnight in guesthouse.
    • Pisang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3300m
  • Day 06: Trek from Pisang to Ngawal (3305m), 5 hours.
    We hike up to Upper Pisang and follow the ancient trail to Ngawal. The trail goes a bit up and down but the view of the Annapurna II, Annapurna Iv, Gangapurna are gorgeous. Ngawal is an old little village located on the hill from where we can see a very beautiful view of Annapurna Himal range and the Manang village. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Ngawal
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3305m
  • Day 07: Rest day in Ngawal for acclimatization & exploration.
    Today is a special day of relaxing, exploring, and most importantly, acclimatizing. There are some day hikes in the area we can check out, which helps us to avoid altitude sickness. We can take a pleasant day hike to explore the surroundings. Overnight in guesthouse.
    • Ngawal
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3305m
  • Day 08: Trek from Ngawal to Chulu East Base Camp (4500m), 6 hours.
    With an acclimatization day behind us, we have a strenuous climb to the Base Camp. Relax the rest of the day and freshen up on your knowledge of the climbing gear, though the next day we will have a more thorough training session. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Chulu East Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4500m
  • Day 09: Trek from Chulu East Base Camp to High Camp (5400m), 6 hours.
    Another long day of climbing on the snowy and rocky landscape takes us to High Camp. We set up our tent camp and begin training for the following day. Our guides will provide training on techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. This training is not necessary if you have climbed peaks before, however it is a confidence-building exercise and only increases the likelihood of our success. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Chulu East High Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 5400m
  • Day 10: Summit Chulu East Peak (6584m), back to Base Camp.
    The peak climbing trip today brings us to the high point of this adventure, literally and metaphorically. We begin the peak climbing trip around 2 – 3AM in the dark of night. Starting on a level trail, the rocky path gradually becomes steeper. An exhausting but thrilling climb takes us to the top, where we have mesmerizing views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu West and the Himlung Valley at the north side. After capturing some photos and soaking in the moment, we go down past high camp to reach at the base camp of Chulu East. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Chulu East Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 6584m
  • Day 11: Chulu East Peak Base Camp to Manang (3540m), 5-6 hours.
    Descend back on the same trail as before to Manang. Take it easy tonight and celebrate your successful peak climb! Overnight in a guest house.
    • Manang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3540m
  • Day 12: Rest day in Manang for acclimatization & exploration.
    Today is a special day of relaxing, exploring, and most importantly, relaxing after the summit. Manang is densely-populated with Tibetan Buddhists. Spend some time with them, learn about their culture, and experience their great hospitality. Several colourful monasteries and chhortens are scattered around the village area, enhancing the village’s charm. We can take a beautiful day hike to Gangapurna Lake and explore the surroundings. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Manang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3540m
  • Day 13: Trek from Manang to Thorong Phedi (4450m), 6-7 hours.
    After breakfast, we make our way towards Thorong Phedi. Soon after leaving, we reach Jharsang stream and follow its bank into the alpine meadows. Yak Kharka is a gorgeous open grazing meadow for, you guessed it, yaks. We rest here for the night. From Yak Kharka, the trail becomes even more of a struggle due to the high altitude. We first cross Ledar and head towards the river. Gradually ascending, we eventually reach Thorong Phedi. Overnight in guest house.
    • Thorong Phedi
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 4450m
  • Day 14: Trek from Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3800m) via Thorong La Pass (5416m), 7-8 hours.
    Besides peak climb, today is the most strenuous day of our adventure, as we cross the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters. However, with our struggle comes great rewards. We wake up extra early because weather at the Thorong La Pass can be precarious and chances for clear skies and good weather are higher in the morning. We arrive at the pass and see the amazing scenery of Annapurna, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Lamjung and other neighboring peaks. After taking some snaps and soaking in the views, we trek down all the way to Muktinath. Overnight in guesthouse.
    • Muktinath
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3800m
  • Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2670m), 6 hours.
    We wake up and visit Muktinath, feeling the spiritual energy exuberating from the temple and its devotees. We walk with Hindu and Buddhist devotees towards the temple. We come back for breakfast, and begin our trek down to Jomsom, passing through Jharkot along the way. We go through the Kali Gandaki river valley, which can become uncomfortably windy after mid-day. To avoid this, we start our hike a little earlier than usual. Soon, we reach Jomsom, a beautiful town famous for its apple orchards and stone-built houses. We stay nearby the Airport. Overnight in a guesthouse.
    • Jomsom
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 2670m
  • Day 16: Early morning flight back to Pokhara.
    After breakfast, we check in the airport to catch the flight back to Pokhara. The short flight of 30 minutes gives us jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri region peaks. We have a drastically different perspective of the mountains than we had before. In the afternoon, explore the Pokhara and the lakeside. Overnight in a hotel.
    • Pokhara
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 827m
  • Day 17: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
    After breakfast, we take a drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Take in any scenery you may have missed along the way. After 6-7 hrs, we reach to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Take a rest and spend your day freely. Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 18: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
    Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
    • Breakfast

Cost Details

Cost Includes

Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.

Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.

One night in a 2-3 star hotel in Pokhara, breakfast included.

All transportation for the trek.

Local guest house accommodation in the mountain.

Tented Camp & supplies (kitchen, toilet, sleeping bag, etc.).

Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters

Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters

Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.

All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)

Necessary Climbing Equipment (harness, crampons, ice axe, tent & kitchen, etc.)

Climbing Permit

First Aid Kit

Maps

Service charge and government taxes

Annapurna Conservation Area permit entry fee and TIMS

Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

International airfare

Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)

Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.

Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek

Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee

Tips for guide and porter

Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary

Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)