CHULU FAR EAST

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21 days
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Moderate To Strenous

This remote upland area lies to the north of and in a rain shadow formed by the main Annapurna Himal. Huge glacial moraines abound etched deeply by wind erosion into fantastic pillars.

Chulu Far East ascent is not difficult and we will settle a high camp near the col. from that col we follow the long South-West ridge on snow and ice.

Although the approach up the Marshyangdi is relatively quick and involves no great altitude gain, the trek takes you through a wonderful variety of landscape and culture; from the subtropical lower reaches of the valley with its terraced fields where Gurung people dominate, to the ethnically as well as socially interesting Managba people of the upper valley, crossing rhododendron and pine forests. After the ascent our route crosses the Thorung La, a 5350m high pass before dropping to Jomsom downstream the Kali Gandaki river. We fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Itinerary

23 Nov

International Departure.

22 Nov

Free day in Kathmandu

21 Nov

Drive to Kathmandu

20 Nov

Fly to Pokhara

19 Nov

Muktinath to Jomsom

In the early afternoon we will descend through Jarkot with its impressive fortress to Kingar and Kagbeni (2810m) where the campsite is located. Kagbeni is like an oasis on this arid area with orchards and fields of barley along the banks of the Kali Ganda4i. We are rewarded with good views of Dhaulagiri during our descent. About 2 1/2 hours walk.

18 Nov

Phedi to Muktinath

Ascent, sometimes over loose rocks, to reach a rocky pass marked with the gradient and after several false summits, the Thorung La (pass) finally comes into view marked by two large claims with prayer flags flying (5416m). The views from the top are simply stunning. We make a long, steep, descent to Muktinath (3800m) and camp in a field in the middle of the village. The ascent can take 3 1/2 hours or longer and the descent from 2 1/2 to 4 hours.

17 Nov

Leder to Phedi

After breaking camp we cross the Jargeng Khola on a wooden bridge (4265m). Cross the remains of an old, rocky landslide to reach our campsite at Phedi (4400m) an open, rocky, flat area beside the river and our base for the crossing of the Thorung La the next day. There will be an acclimatization walk towards the pass during the afternoon. 5 to 6 hours of steady ascent.

16 Nov

Manang to Leder

Leaving Manang we trek mostly above the tree line. From here there is a gradual ascent to Yak Kharta (4090m) to camp. The surrounding area is used mostly for grazing horses and yaks, but there are quite often herds of 'blue sheep' nearby. We will have time in the afternoon for an excursion from camp in search of local wildlife. About 4 1/2 hours walk.

15 Nov

Hike to Manang

14 Nov

Spare Day

13 Nov

Summit Day- Return to Base Camp

12 Nov

Trek to High Camp

11 Nov

Trek to Chulu Base Camp

10 Nov

Pisang to Ngwal

Reaching the upper village there views of Annapurna II & climb to the village of Chyeru (3675m) and from the range above we get good views of glacier doma and Gangapurna. Afternoon Rest Day

9 Nov

Rest Day

8 Nov

Koto to Pisang

A short walk from Kuparkodo brings us to Chame (2630m), the administrative center for the Manang area. Continue to walk through pine forest crossing the river once again to reach the settlement of Tibetan Khampas before the village of Pisang.

7 Nov

Tal to Koto

Leaving the valley on a rocky path close up against the valley wall, we descend to cross the Marsyangdi yet again reach the village of Dharapani (1930m) Continuing through we pass waterfalls to reach the police check post at Kuparkodo. There are wonderful views of Annapurna and Langtang from this point. We camp in the fields just before entering the village. About 6 hours walk gradually uphill all day.

6 Nov

Syange to Tal

We walk through forest to the settlements of Jagat and Chamje (1430m) then we cross the Marsyandi to the east bank. Walking up though forests, we reach the board flat grassy valley of Tal (1075m) and enter into the district of Mustang. Tal resembles a 'Wild West' town with its many painted wooden verandahs. 6 hours walk, ascending for most of the day.

5 Nov

Khudi to Syange

:There are good views of Himchuli and Manaslu as we descend to the Nadi Khola and then cross the Musi Khola on a suspension bridge and begin long ascent to Bahundanda (1310m). There are excellent views of the Marasyandi Valley ahead from the top of the hill. Cross the river to its west bank more to Syange (1190m). About 7-8 hours walk with one long ascent.

4 Nov

Katmandu –Besishar –Khudi

Leaving Katmandu we make our way to the starting point near Dumre- driving time depends on road conditions. There are good views of Annapurna as soon as the road leaves the Katmandu valley and descends into the gorge beyond. Walk along the gravel trail to Khudi.