Description

Chulu West is located north of Manang and the Annapurna range. It is a prominent peak in the Manang Himal range, rising majestically from the semi-arid flatlands of the Manang valley. Technically harder than the other climbs described here, it is also a longer climb, and usually two high camps need to be established.

After preparations in Kathmandu, we travel by private vehicle to Besisahar to commence trekking anti-clockwise on the Annapurna Circuit.

We follow the main trail to Manang, walking first through the lush lowlands of the Marsyangdi River and noticing the landscape change as we curve behind the Annapurna range and enter its rainshadow.

A little further on at Letdar (4200m), we branch away from the main track and and head towards the Chulu Himal. Chulu West Base Camp (4700m) is in a narrow valley about 3 hours from Letdar, up a steep grassy slope and scree. Here we will spend some time resting, acclimatizing, and becoming familiar with the climbing techniques and equipment we will need to be successful on ascent.

It is a long climb, and we allow ourselves several days for our assault on the summit.

The first high camp on the mountain is established at 5300m, and a second at 5650m. Summit day demands a special effort, but our prize is a magnificent view of the entire Annapurna range, Manaslu (8163m), and the wild landscape of Tibet.

On descent, we return to the Circuit track at Letdar and then continue over the Thorung La (5416m) to reach Jomsom.

We take a flight from here, back to Pokhara for a night to celebrate our achievement, and finally return to Kathmandu.