Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure and transferred to your hotel in the bustling city center. After settling in, you will have a briefing session with your guide, who will provide an overview of the expedition, discuss important details, and answer any questions. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the lively streets of Thamel.
The adventure officially begins with a scenic drive out of Kathmandu valley. Passing through Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region, you continue along the winding roads to Syange. The journey, though long, offers spectacular views of terraced hillsides, cascading rivers, and remote villages. On arrival at Syange, your trekking preparations will be finalized for the days ahead.
Today you undertake on your first day of trekking, following the Marsyangdi River upstream. The trail weaves through lush forests, small villages, and suspension bridges, offering a rich experience of rural Nepali life. As you approach Dharapani, the landscape begins to transition into a more mountainous terrain, signaling your steady climb into the heart of the Annapurna region.
Continuing your journey, the trail ascends gradually through rhododendron and pine forests. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. You’ll pass through traditional Gurung and Manangi villages before reaching Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, where you’ll rest and acclimatize at the comfortable teahouses.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Annapurna foothills as you ascend to Pisang, a picturesque village famous for its whitewashed monastery perched on a cliff. The views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Gangapurna are breathtaking. The hike is moderate but offers plenty of cultural insights and opportunities to interact with local inhabitants.
A longer trekking day brings you to Manang, a key acclimatization spot on the route to Chulu West. The trail traverses alpine meadows, crosses rivers, and winds through a semi-arid landscape. Manang is a charming town with tea houses, shops, and a welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the region.
To prevent altitude sickness, today is dedicated to acclimatization. You may choose to hike to the nearby Gangapurna Lake or visit the local monastery. This rest day allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude and prepares you physically and mentally for the more challenging days ahead.
From Manang, the trail becomes more rugged as you head toward Yak Kharka, a high alpine pasture dotted with yak herders’ huts. The scenery opens up to stunning mountain vistas, and the air grows noticeably thinner. Yak Kharka is a vital stop where you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and prepare for the ascent to base camp.
Ascending further, you reach the base camp for Chulu West Peak. The trek is challenging due to the altitude, but the dramatic views of glaciers, towering peaks, and rugged terrain make it worthwhile. Upon arrival, your team will set up camp and begin preparations for the climb, with time to rest and get accustomed to the thin air.
Today you move higher to High Camp, the staging point for the summit push. The trail involves rocky terrain and some glacier travel, requiring focus and stamina. At High Camp, your guides will review climbing plans, safety protocols, and technical skills. Early rest tonight is crucial for the summit attempt.
Summit day begins before dawn with an early start under the stars. You’ll tackle steep ice and snow slopes, negotiating fixed ropes and crevassed glacier sections en route to the summit at 6,419 meters. The spectacular panoramic views from the top are a once-in-a-lifetime reward for your effort. After celebrating, you’ll descend carefully back to Base Camp for rest and recovery.
Leaving base camp behind, the trail continues towards Thorong La Phedi, a critical staging point for crossing Thorong La Pass. The route descends through rocky terrain and past glacier streams. The altitude remains high, so you’ll move steadily to avoid fatigue, enjoying the stark, dramatic mountain scenery.
Today’s challenge is crossing Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world. Beginning early, you’ll ascend to 5,416 meters and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The descent to Muktinath is long but scenic, passing through sacred shrines and diverse landscapes. Muktinath is a spiritual site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The final day of trekking takes you down the Kali Gandaki Valley through the village of Kagbeni, known for its traditional Tibetan culture. Continuing to Jomsom, you’ll experience the transition from high desert to lower elevations. Jomsom offers comfortable lodges and a chance to rest before your flight out.
A short scenic flight over the Annapurna range takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, reflecting on the incredible journey so far.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will provide a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. You leave with incredible memories and a sense of accomplishment from conquering Chulu West Peak.
The Chulu West Peak Climbing expedition is a 17-day adventure combining trekking through the scenic Annapurna region with a technical climb of Chulu West Peak (6,419 meters). Starting with a drive from Kathmandu to Syange and trekking through villages like Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang, the journey allows ample time for acclimatization. After ascending to the Base Camp and High Camp, climbers make their summit attempt on Chulu West Peak before descending through Thorong La Pass to Muktinath and finally Jomsom. The trek concludes with a flight to Pokhara and a transfer back to Kathmandu, blending high-altitude mountaineering with some of Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Chulu West Peak is considered a challenging and technical trekking peak, requiring basic mountaineering skills such as the use of crampons, ice axes, and rope techniques. The climb is recommended for physically fit individuals with previous trekking experience at high altitude. While prior technical climbing experience is beneficial, our certified guides provide essential training and guidance to ensure safety and success. The summit day demands stamina and mental toughness, given the altitude and technical sections on the upper slopes.
Summit Nepal Adventure provides full logistical support, including airport transfers, domestic transport, trekking and climbing permits, accommodations, meals, and professional guides and porters. Our climbing team comprises highly experienced and certified mountain guides who prioritize your safety. We supply group climbing equipment such as ropes, anchors, and ice screws. Medical kits and emergency oxygen are also available, and our guides are trained in first aid and high-altitude sickness management.
The optimal climbing seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when weather conditions are most favorable with stable skies and moderate temperatures. These seasons provide the best visibility and safer climbing conditions. Winter climbs are possible but significantly more demanding due to extreme cold and snow, while the monsoon season (June to August) is generally avoided because of heavy rainfall and increased avalanche risks.
Accommodation during the trek is in local teahouses and lodges, which offer basic but comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms. At the Base Camp and High Camp during the climb, camping tents are provided with necessary facilities. Meals include traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, as well as Tibetan and Western options, ensuring a balanced diet to maintain energy at altitude. Clean drinking water is readily available, though we recommend using purification tablets or filters.
Yes, altitude sickness is a serious concern on this expedition due to elevations exceeding 6,000 meters. The itinerary includes acclimatization days at Manang and a gradual ascent to higher camps to help reduce the risk. Our guides closely monitor your health using pulse oximeters and provide advice to manage symptoms. In emergencies, rapid descent and helicopter evacuation options are in place. Participants must inform us of any pre-existing health conditions before the trek.
Summit Nepal Adventure handles all required permits, which are included in the trip package. These include the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, and the Chulu West Peak climbing permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association. We ensure all paperwork is in order before departure to provide a hassle-free experience.
A detailed packing list will be provided upon booking. Essential gear includes layered clothing for cold alpine conditions, waterproof jackets and pants, insulated down jackets, sturdy trekking and mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, gloves, headlamp, sunglasses, and a sleeping bag rated for extreme cold. While some technical gear can be rented in Kathmandu, we recommend bringing personal items to ensure proper fit and comfort.
Summit Nepal Adventure is renowned for its professionalism, safety standards, and commitment to client satisfaction. Our guides are certified by the Nepal Mountaineering Association and have extensive experience leading expeditions in the Annapurna region. We prioritize ethical tourism, fair treatment of porters, and environmentally responsible practices. Our personalized service ensures that every climber receives the attention and support needed for a successful and enjoyable expedition.
Bookings can be made through our official website or by contacting our customer service team directly. A deposit is required to secure your place, with full payment due prior to the start of the expedition. We offer flexible cancellation and refund policies in case of unforeseen circumstances, including travel restrictions or medical emergencies. Detailed terms and conditions will be provided at the time of booking.
