Chulu East Climbing - 19 Days

Evening welcome dinner at a cultural restaurant Welcome to the Land of Himalayas! On your arrival, an Access Nepal representative will pick up you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in to the hotel, time for refreshment. Evening, we will have a group meeting and introduction at 5:30 at our Office (Your Access Nepal Guest relation officer pick up you from your hotel at 5:00 PM). In the office, we will have a trek briefing session, an introduction to your trek leader, and a trip discussion. Then, you would be transferred to one of the typical Nepalese Restaurants (Nepali Chulo) for the welcome Dinner (We eat Dal Bhat- Typical Nepalese Food), and enjoy eating local food with cultural dance and ethnic dance. O/N at Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is the main cultural hub of Nepal. A city of temples and monasteries not only holds the nation’s most religious shrines, it is also a sacred valley where the living Gods and Goddess live with the mortals to date. Today you will have a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with the best tourist guide of the town. After breakfast, we will escort you to Pashupatinath- the largest Hindu Temple in Nepal in a private vehicle. The temple dedicated to the supreme Hindu God, Shiva banks the Bagmati River. At Pashupatinath you will get to see exceptionally carved statues and idols of Hindu deities, a long row of Shiva Lings, a series of small temples, and the golden hood at the top of the main Temple is truly fascinating. Moreover, an opportunity to witness the Hindu Death ritual at Aryaghat Pashupatinath is an offbeat cultural experience. After the exploration of Pashupatinath, we will walk along the busy streets of Kathmandu to Boudhanath. A large domed-shaped Buddhist stupa, Boudhanath holds huge religious significance among the Tibetan Buddhists of Nepal. A major shrine on the ancient Indo-China trade route Boudhanath offered blessings to traders and scholars for a safe journey through the high Himalayan passes to Tibet. Saffron-robed monks circumambulating Boudhanath, colorful prayer flags touching the skyline from the dome pinnacle to the base of a large monument, and the outlets selling Tibetan souvenirs make this place a true Tibet outside Tibet. Post lunch the sightseeing tour continues to Kathmandu Durbar Square. The exemplary wooden and stone craftsmanship at the site makes the place a prominent attraction for tourists. The stone-paved streets, pagoda pagoda-style religious monuments inclusive of different Hindu deities are the cultural delights of ancient and medieval Nepal at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Today’s final destination for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu takes you to Swayambhunath. A self-emerged Buddhist stupa lies on a hilltop overlooking Kathmandu with its watchful eyes. You will get to experience more about Tibetan Buddhism at Swayambhunath. After the full-day; sightseeing tour a private vehicle will escort you to your hotel.

After breakfast, we begin our journey, driving along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then following the rough road above the Marsyangdi River. We pass through the low-lying villages and rice fields. After 6-7 hours of long drive, we finally arrived at Besi Sahar. From Besi Sahar, our trek kicks off. We trek along the trail of the village and descend down the narrow path to the Pam Khola. On crossing the stream, we ascend towards the village of Denauti where we get to see Nepali village life closely. The trail further leads to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola, passing through paddy fields and subtropical forests. As the trail nears the Khudi Khola, we approach the Gurung village of Bhulbule. Once we reach Bulbule we will have time to rest and explore around. Overnight at Bhulbule.

After breakfast, we descend from Bahundanda, along the wonderful terraced fields of rice. We then cross a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall before we climb up to traverse the hillside high above the river to reach the village of Hani Gaon. We follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply up. At some places during this uphill climb the trail is cut into the sheer cliff face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually, we descend to the stone village of Jagat, evening we rest and explore around Jagat and Overnight at Jagat.

We take our breakfast and the trek begins from Jagat. We descend down until we reach the riverbed and then continue through a lush forest. Further, an ascending climb leads to a sharp-edged cliff facing the riverbank. En route, Chyamje comes into the picture amidst the glorious backdrop of towering Annapurna mountain ranges. Then we cross the suspension bridge and after crossing a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and physically challenging path to Seattle. On treading along a succession of rock-strewn trails, we descend to a grassy riverbank that leads to Tal. As we walk away from Tal, the path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfalls and cliffs, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension bridge, we explore around the Dharapani and we stay there for overnight.

Again, we have breakfast and start our trek walking through a narrow field exiting out of the village. The Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then Marshyangdi veers to the left. Sinuous trails of the. Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhotia village with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze will be found on the way. As we continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall. Further on, the Marshyangdi River enters a gorge and the trails follow the rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while and take in the splendor of the picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons and continue on a gently rising path. We cross a stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter the pristine hamlet of Kotho, from where we can capture the most enchanting view of Annapurna II. Treading further, the route reaches a large white gate with a corrugated iron roof, which is the entrance of Chame. The hot springs are the major attraction of this place. We explore around Chame and stay Overnight in Chame.

In the morning time, we will view the amazing sight of the glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m] and after breakfast we head off for Pisang. En route, we cross a large suspension bridge over the Marshyangdi River. Our trekking trail meanders through the barley field leading to Teleku at 2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter a fascinating apple orchard and cross a bridge at 2840 meters. On crossing the bridge, the pristine hamlet of Bratang appears. Further on, we continue our steep rock-strewn trails to the south side and cross a long suspension bridge at 3040 meters. At this vantage point on the bridge, we get to view Paungda Danda, rock rising more than 1500 meters from the river. En route, we get to capture splendid views of Annapurna II rearing up on the east and Pisang Peak on the north-east. We cross a bridge and we enter the village of Pisang. There we will have time to explore the picturesque environment. Overnight at Pisang.

After breakfast, we continue our trek from Pisang walking along a steep ridge and savoring the beautiful sights of the Manang valley and the Tilicho peak towering above 7132 meters. The route further leads to the wide plain of the Sabje Khola Valley from where we get the majestic view of Annapurna IV [7525m]. And we enter the beautiful village of Mungji. We continue treading along the cultivated fields and after a while, we arrive at the village of Braga with a splendid monastery. While trekking down to Manang, we enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range – Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m]. Explore around Manang and Overnight at Manang.

Today we have an adequate acclimatization before getting higher to the summit of Chulu East. We can spend this day strolling down the river to see the tremendous ice-fall cascading down from the glaciated mountain peaks or by simply take in the panoramic beauty of the Annapurna mountain range and the Manang Valley. Overnight at Manang.

The adventurous Chulu East Climbing today continues to climb up exiting out of Marshyangdi Valley. While gaining altitude sharply, the trail to Chulu East Summit chases a tough trail north out of the valley. Now, the large Himalayan trees fade away from your sight and the vegetation seen throughout are shrub-like small plants. While on trek today, it is great fun to yak grazelands and majestic view of Annapurna III. At the end of the day, you reach Chauri Ledtar for an overnight stay.

Today we trek to the Chulu East Base Camp.The trail today caters the views breathtaking landscapes that include the widespread Himalayas. Treading along the trail above Ngwal village, we head north-west on barren vertical trail to get to a small village at Jhulu. This is the Base Camp Spot for Chulu East Climbing Expedition.

Today, we come closer towards Chulu East. We chase relatively less frequented trail along the eastern bank of Chegaji Khola to reach the moraines below the ridge for the overnight stay. The High Camp of Chulu East is a wonderful spot to begin the real journey towards Chulu summit.

Before getting to an elevation of above 6000m, a day acclimatization is essential. Check all your climbing gears, give a last shot of practicing alpine skills and just explore around.

Today is the big day. We are summiting Chulu East. The trail to Chulu East initially opens up to a snowy ridge, which can be easily traversed without much alpine skills to Chulu East Summit. From the summit, the views of snowcapped peaks in all directions, the tranquil Manang Valley is the biggest reward. After the summit, we trek down on the retracing trail to Chulu East Base Camp for an overnight stay.

Reversing via Chauri Ledar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up to the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable steep slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi. Overnight at Thorong Phedi.

We have an early start after breakfast, today for the crossing of Thorong La [5416m]. The trail becomes steep immediately after leaving camp. After around four hours of steady climbing, we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. From the snow-covered mountains above to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang. The descent to Muktinath is a 1600m trek. On the way, we will find the excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually, the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath, with its shrines and temple. We visit Muktinath Valley and the temple. Overnight at Muktinath.

Today we drive to Pokhara. The drive from Muktinath to Pokhara is along Nepal’s one of the most offbeat roads through the mishmashed roads high above Kali Gandaki River. The drive is fascinating as the mountains you have trekked so close to are still wonderful to watch. We arrive at Beni for the late afternoon lunch and post lunch we drive to Pokhara. On our arrival at Pokhara, we drive into our hotels in the city.

Evening farewell dinner Today after breakfast you will be driven to Kathmandu in a tourist bus. By 3 in the afternoon, you will arrive in Kathmandu. The rest of the time you can enjoy your free time in Kathmandu shopping and relaxing. In the evening we will enjoy the farewell dinner in Kathmandu’s one of the best cultural restaurants.

This is your last day in Nepal. You can go shopping or buy some souvenirs for your family, friends or relatives until your departure to the airport. We will transfer you to the International Airport for your departure to your onward destination.