Trip Fact
- Trip Name : Chulu Far East
- Difficulty : Moderate to Strenous
- Trip Duration : 21 Days
- Activity : Expedition
Chulu Far East
For those who love Nepal, its landscape and people, here is a little known trekking peak leading to a wonderful viewpoint facing the Annapurna Great Barrier. The Chulu Massif rises north of the Marshyangdi Khola in the Manang region and form part of the Manang Himal, which is quite rightly included in the larger Damodar Himal.
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.
DATE |
DESCRIPTION |
2-Nov |
Arrival in Kathmandu Transfer to Bhaktapur |
3-Nov |
Free day in Kathmandu |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
9-Nov |
Rest Day |
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 |
11-Nov |
Trek to Chulu Base Camp |
12-Nov |
Trek to High Camp |
13-Nov |
Summit Day- Return to Base Camp |
14-Nov |
Spare Day |
15-Nov |
Hike to Manang |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
20-Nov |
Fly to Pokhara |
21-Nov |
Drive to Kathmandu |
22-Nov |
Free day in Kathmandu |
23-Nov |
International Departure. |