ANNAPURNA ROUND TREK + CHULU FAR EAST CLIMBING

This is one of the classic and most rewarding treks in Nepal. The Southern slopes of Manaslu and, Annapurna ranges are heavily sett l ed and farmed except the higher regions that support thick forests of Rhododendron and fir. Most of the tribes inhabiting this area are Gurungs, Magars, Chhettris and Newars. Thakali and Mustang tribes control the busy trading and pilgrimage trail along the Kali Gandaki. One of the most striking significance of this trek is that we have a spectacular view of most mountains range every day.

On this trek before reaching Mustang area one can see the changes in landscape and plants. After crossing a beautiful Pass popularly known as Thorang La pass (5416 m.) a trekker enters in to Mustang region from where the ranges of Dhaulagiri mountain is visible.

About Chulu Far East Climbing (6059 m.) South-West Ridge:-

From a camp in the moraines at 5,334 metres below the col separating the East and Far East Peaks of Chulu, gain the col (5608 m.). From the col follows the South-West Ridge on snow and ice throughout to the summit.

There are several short sections of steep snow or ice (45 degrees) and bulges produced by the glacier. Grade Alpine PD. For those who want to shorten the summit day a high camp can be put on or near to the col.

Day 01. Kathmandu to Beshi Sahar (823 m.): Drive to Dumre by tourist Bus following wild hairpin bends, and drive by local vehicles about 3 hrs. approximately to reach Besi Sahar and rest.

Day 02. Beshi Sahar to Bahundanda (1311 m): Walk for about 7 hours towards Bahundanda through narrow tracks, suspension bridges and a deep river gorge. Rest for lunch at Bhulbhule and walk another 3 hrs. to Bahundanda for overnight stay.

Day 03. Bahundanda to Chamje:- (1405 m): Walk for about 6/7 hours towards Chamje through the valley crossing several suspension bridges and passing several beautiful waterfalls, land view the tower of Mt. Lamjung (22,291 Ft.), Manaslu (26,760 Ft.) and Peak 29 (24,652 Ft.). Rest for lunch at Sange and walk another 3 hrs. to Chamje for overnight stay.

Day 04. Chamje to Dharapani (1943m.): Walking distance of about 7/8 hours from Chamje to Dharapani, entering Manang district from Taal and crossing a large bridge to Dharapani to stay overnight.

Day 05. Dharapani to Chame (2713m): The distance is covered within 6 hours. The trail now leads to the west in Manaslu forming a splendid backdrop of Annapurna II appearing occasionally to the south. As we continue, Annapurana range offers a splendid view. Overnight at Chame.

Day 06. Chame to Pissang (3185m.): Keeping by the side of river all day for about 7 hours and passing through narrow and steep gorge reach Passing from where Manang Valley (a wide U - shaped valley) hanging between two giant snow peaks. Overnight at Pissang.

Day 07. Pissang to Nagawa (3650 m.): After a 7-hour walk through trails and broad forested valley floor a small stool airstrip and a village of about 200 houses and Barge monastery which is the largest in the entire district and reach Manang.

Day 08. Rest in Nagawa for acclimatization: A necessary day to rest and acclimatize and explore Nagawa village and around. Annapurna II, Annapurna III (24,787 Ft.), Gangapurna (24,457 Ft.) and Chulu East (19,880 Ft.) to the north can be well viewed.

Day 09 . Nagawa / Chulu Far East Base Camp (5334 m.):- Ascent slowly up to the Chulu Far East Base Camp crossing the glacier of Chulu region.

Day 10. Rest day for acclimatization:- A necessary day to rest and acclimatize and explore around Chulu Far East Base Camp.

Day 11. Base Camp to Chulu Far East High Camp (5608 m.):- Ascent slowly towards a col on the left and follows left hand skyline ridge to reache Chulu Far East High Camp. Please note that your porters and trekking guide will not go any further than Base Camp. Only climbing guide will be together with you during the climbing period.

Day 12. Chulu Far East High Camp to Summit (6059 m.) and back to Base Camp:- Early morning around 3:00 A.M. get ready for climbing. Dress up to be done and breakfast be taken before leaving for the summit. There are several short sections of steep snow or ice (45 degrees) and bulges produced by the glacier. One can see beautiful views of many snowy mountains from the summit. After summit back to high camp and after backpack go down to Base Camp to meet your porters and trekking guide who are waiting for happy news.

Day 13. Chulu Far East Base Camp to Manang (3351m.): After a 7-hour walk through trails and broad forested valley floor a small stool airstrip and a village of about 200 houses and Barge Monastery which is the largest in the entire district and reach Manang.

Day 14. Manang to Thorong Phedi (4351 m.): We branch away from the Marsyangdi Khola steadily climbing into quiet distinct alpine areas. Rest for lunch at Lader.

Crossing the Jarsang Khola we climb to a small grassy valley and camp at Thorong Phedi. Then rest. Approximately 5 hrs. Walk.

Day 15. Thorong Phedi to Muktinath (3798m.): Crossing the Pass early in the morning slowly reach the top of Thorang Pass (5417m.) and enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalaya scenery and over to the Kaligandaki valley through the entire Annapurna range , Mukut and Mustang Himal to the west. Walking distance is about 8 hours.

Day 16. Muktinath to Kaagbeni (2809 m.): A walk down hill with a dramatic landscape up to Kaagbeni for half day rest.

Day 17. Kaagbeni to Jomsom:- Walk an easy way for 3hrs. to Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang District.

Day 18. Jomsom to Pokhara: Early morning fly back to Pokhara. You can have very beautiful views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain from the plane.

Day 19. Sightseeing in Pokhara:- Boat ride in Phewa lake and visit around pokhra city.

Day 20. Pokhara to Kathmandu by private coach.