Chulu far East Peak with Tilicho Lake

Chulu Far East peak (6,059m) was climbed first time in 1955 by a German expedition lies to the north of the main Annapurna Himal. This relatively moderate peak climbing adventure passing through the tranquil landscapes, lush vegetations, and traditional cultural heritages dominated by Gurung people in the Annapurna region brings you to the apex of Chulu Far East peak. In its course, the expedition sets its base camp and then passes on to high camp to conquer the zenith of the peak. The top of the peak rewards the unrivaled views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, and Chulu West Peak. Together with peak climbing, the trip also encompasses world’s highest Tilicho Lake (4,949m) which holds especial position among the Hindu followers. Once covering the signature destinations, the adventure trip crosses Mesokanta La Pass to bring you at Jomsom and then to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel [1,300m]
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from  the Himalayan summit. After the completion of custom formalities (Visa, etc), we pick up our luggage and look for the representative from The Himalaya Summit Trekking at the arrival gate. We will be then escorted to hotels in Kathmandu. After check in, we can either take a rest or hang around in the city orIt all depends upon our interests and condition. At the evening on our reception, The Himalaya Summit will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Preparation
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of PashupatiNath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At the noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Chame [2,710m]: 9 – 10 hrs
We have to begin the trip very early today as we need to go a long drive to reach at our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7 am and nearly after 9 -10 hours’ drive we reach at Chame. Enroute, we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, terraced rice fields and beautiful mountain sceneries. Overnight at Chame.

Day 4: Chame to Pisang [3,300m]: 5 – 6 hrs
This will be the beginning point of trekking section of this trip. A steep and narrow trail through a very dense forest brings us to the dramatic curved rock face of PaungdaDanda. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.

Day 5: Pisang to Humde Village [3,330m]: 3 – 4 hrs
After having breakfast in the morning the trip commences towards Humde village. As you commence the short trek today you can see in the distance the only airport on the east side of the trail. After reaching at Humde, you can find the Manang airstrip and a few houses and lodges in a small spread out settlement. One of the longest prayer wheels in the region, consisting of 266 wheels, runs through the center of this village. Overnight at Humde.

Day 6: Humde to JuluKhola [3,500m]: 3 – 4 hrs
This section of the trip today follows thinly forested trail to bring us at JuluKhola. While following through the level trail on the route to the today’s overnight destination, we can capture the Annapurna Valley Himalayan views. The trail today also offers the sight of Pissang peak. Tented Camp Overnight at JuluKhola.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day at JuluKhola
This will be the day for proper acclamation.  Today we will engage on hiking activities in the surrounding areas. Hence, following through a forested trail along the river we hike up to Julu Peak Base Camp. The summit of the base camp rewards us almost all the views of Annapurna Himalaya range including the sight of Pisang Peak. After enjoying Annapurna Valley Himalayan views, we will retrace back to JuluKhola. Camping Overnight at JuluKhola.

Day 8: JuluKhola to Chulu Far East Base Camp [5,000m]: 5 – 6 hrs
Today, we will follow a steeply climbing trail to reach at Chulu Far East Base Camp.  The climbing trail at times crosses rocks as well. During the trek, our journey will be accompanied with Annapurna Valley Himalayan views. Camping Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Chulu Far East Base Camp
It will be another acclimatization day for us at a high altitude. Today, we involve on peak climbing training with our guides. Besides practicing peak climbing, we also hike to nearest glacier on the base camp. In over all, all these sorts of activities let us to prepare and arrange our trekking gear at the one hand and on the other side it will boost our confidence to conquer the upcoming peak. Tented Camp Overnight at Chulu Base Camp.

Day 10: Base Camp to Chulu Far East High Camp [5,500m]: 3 – 4 hrs
Today we follow a steep climbing trail through snow slopes. As we continue climbing, we can see amazing vistas of Annapurna Valley Himalayas including the views of Chulu East, Chulu West, and the Chulu Far East. To the most, the trip today offers you the crystal clear views of Pisang Peak. After reaching at today’s overnight site, we will set the High Camp on a rocky platform near a small lake.  Tented Camp Overnight at High Camp.

Day 11: High Camp to Chulu Far East Peak [6,059m] to Base Camp: 8 – 9 hrs
The peak climbing trip today brings us to the glorious point of this adventure in the Himalayas as we conquer the top of Chulu Far East. Hence, today we will begin the peak climbing trip around 2 – 3AM in the dark morning. Initially, we will follow a level trail. The next section of the trail gradually becomes steeper and even crosses rocks in the mountain tracks. The demanding trek eventually brings to the point of climax of this section of the trip that is the top of Chulu Far East. From the top of the peak, we can enjoy the incredible views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu west and the Himlung Valley at the north side. After capturing the captivating views from the top of the peak, we will descend all along the vertical slopes to the high camp at first and then again follow a descending trail to reach at the base camp of Chulu Far East. Tented Camp Overnight at Base Camp.

Day 12: Chulu Far East Base Camp to Manang [3,35m]: 5 – 6 hrs
This section of the trail at first brings us at JuluKhola from where we follow a level trail along the forests to reach at Manang – a beautiful village just below the Thorong La Pass situated within the Annapurna conservation area. Gurung, Ghale, and Lamas are the inhabitants of this Trans-Himalayan village. Overnight at Manang.

Day 13: Manang to SiriKharka [4,060m]: 4 – 5 hrs
From Manang we head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. We cross the river and continue walking on the south side of the river through coniferous forest towards Khangsar village. From Khangsar we move further towards SiriKharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring but we will have GungangHimal and Mt. Chulu in the backdrop to keep our company. Overnight at SiriKharka.

Day 14: SiriKharka to Tilicho Base Camp [4,140m]: 5 – 6 hrs
From SiriKharka to the Tilicho Base Camp, it is mostly going downhill, but it has landslide areas that can be dangerous. They are not difficult to walk, but the trails are very narrow. The trail goes through the middle of the landslide area. The rock formations along the trail are very impressive. Tented Camp Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

Day 15: Tilicho Base Camp to Tilicho Lake [4,949m]
From Tilicho Base Camp the path continues up along moraine ridges and grassy slopes to some large switch backs carved out of the slope. We then reach the watershed. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacularly set lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak, part of the snowy wall that the 1950 French expedition team referred it as “The Great Barrier”. The leader of the French team, Maurice Herzog referred to Tilicho Lake as “The Great Ice Lake”. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus – “The Ramayan”. Tented Camp Overnight at Tilicho Lake.

Day 16: Tilicho Lake to Mesokanta La Pass to Yak Kharka [4,200m]: 7 – 8 hrs
Today’ at first we will follow a climbing trail till to arrive at Eastern Pass ( 5,340m) from where we can enjoy the captivating views of Annapuran, Gangapurna and TilichoHimal. Then we will pass through a descending trail at first till to Mesokanta La Pass (5,121m) at where we can enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, TilichoHimal, and Tukuche Peak. Keeping the mesmerizing views of chain of Himalayas, we will again continue the descending trail at some distance. The end of the descending trail paves the way forward a level trail to connect us with Yak Kharka. Tented Camp Overnight at at Yak Kharka.

Day 17: Yak kharka to Jomsom: [2,743m]: 5 – 6 hrs
The descending trail today ahead at first brings us at Thinigaon. After crossing the village we will follow a level trail which will eventually lead us to Jomsom. This section of the trip will be backed by the arresting views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 18: Jomsom to Pokhara [820m]: 25 minutes by flight
Today we say goodbye to the trekking section of the trip in the Himalaya. Hence, our representative in Jomsom will make all the arrangements for your scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The scenic flight passes through between two high peaks Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri till to land in Pokhara. Upon reaching in Pokhara, we will have to check in at the hotel. Then, we can either take a rest or stroll in the beautiful streets of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 19: Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 – 7 hrs
Early morning drive to Kathmandu in a tourist bus where you get to enjoy the river side scenery garnished with terraced farms and some local villages along the way. Upon reaching in Kathmandu we check in at our hotel. Then, we can spend the rest of the day taking rest or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or even explore any landmarks in Kathmandu that we may want to visit. In the evening, we will join the trip celebration dinner with the adventure team. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Final Departure