Three Chulu Peaks Climbing in the Annapurna Region – 23 Days

The Three Chulu Peaks Climbing Expedition is an ambitious 23-day Himalayan adventure combining three remarkable summits in Nepal’s Annapurna region: Chulu Far East (6,059 m), Chulu East (6,584 m), and Chulu West (6,419 m). The journey combines remote mountain trekking, high-altitude acclimatization, technical climbing, and spectacular views of the Annapurna and surrounding Himalayan ranges.

  • Climb Chulu Far East (6,059 m), Chulu East (6,584 m), and Chulu West (6,419 m) in one Himalayan expedition.
  • Experience glacier travel, high camps, fixed ropes, crampon climbing, and high-altitude summit days
  • Cross the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend into Mustang.
  • Complete the mountain journey through Muktinath and Pokhara.

Chulu Far East, Chulu East & Chulu West 

The expedition follows the scenic Marsyangdi Valley through traditional villages, pine forests, and the high-altitude landscapes of Manang. As the trail gains elevation, the scenery transitions from lush valleys and terraced settlements to rugged alpine terrain, glacial valleys, and snow-covered peaks. This gradual approach provides opportunities for acclimatization before the climbing stages begin.

Each Chulu peak presents its own challenges, requiring physical fitness, careful preparation, and appropriate mountaineering skills. The expedition progresses through base camps and high camps, with summit attempts planned according to weather, snow conditions, and the team's overall acclimatization. Chulu East, the highest summit of the journey at 6,584 metres, is a major highlight of the expedition.

After the climbing stages, the adventure continues across Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) before descending toward Muktinath and the Mustang region. The journey concludes with a return to Pokhara, completing a challenging and rewarding circuit through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Annapurna Himalaya.

The Three Chulu Peaks Climbing Expedition by Alpinist Club is a challenging 23-day mountaineering journey in Nepal’s Annapurna region, featuring Chulu Far East (6,059 m), Chulu East (6,584 m), and Chulu West (6,419 m). The expedition combines high-altitude trekking, technical climbing, and three ambitious summit objectives.

Participants should have excellent physical fitness and previous high-altitude experience. Familiarity with crampons, ice axes, rope techniques, and glacier travel is strongly recommended. Summit attempts depend on weather, snow conditions, acclimatization, and the expedition leader’s safety assessment.

Contact Alpinist Club for detailed itineraries, departure dates, climbing requirements, and expedition costs.

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Itinerary

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Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey and prepare for the expedition.

  • Altitude: 1,350 m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Not Included

Today is dedicated to final expedition preparation. We will check personal climbing equipment, review the itinerary, complete necessary documentation, and hold a detailed briefing with the expedition leader. Any missing personal equipment can also be purchased or rented in Kathmandu.

  • Altitude: 1,350 m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

We leave Kathmandu early and drive west toward Besisahar before following the Marsyangdi Valley into the mountains. The road gradually enters the Annapurna region, passing rivers, villages, waterfalls, forests, and dramatic mountain valleys before reaching Chame, the administrative centre of Manang.

  • Altitude: 2,670 m
  • Driving: Approximately 8–10 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The first trekking day follows the Marsyangdi Valley through pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery. As we approach Upper Pisang, the views begin to open toward Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and the surrounding high mountains.

  • Altitude: 3,300 m
  • Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We take the higher trail toward Ngawal, one of the traditional villages of the upper Manang Valley. The route provides excellent views across the valley toward Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Pisang Peak. The gradual increase in altitude also helps prepare the body for the higher climbing days ahead.

  • Altitude: Approximately 3,660 m
  • Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving the village behind, the trail moves into a quieter alpine landscape. Vegetation gradually becomes thinner as we climb through high pastures toward our overnight camp or lodge at Yak Kharka. The Chulu peaks now begin to dominate the skyline.

  • Altitude: Approximately 4,050 m
  • Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge / Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today we leave the main trekking trail and continue toward the Chulu climbing area. The terrain becomes increasingly rugged as we cross alpine slopes and moraine before reaching Base Camp. After arrival, the team establishes camp and begins preparations for the climbing phase.

  • Altitude: Approximately 4,760 m
  • Walking: Approximately 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We climb higher toward High Camp carrying the equipment required for the summit attempt. The terrain becomes steeper and more alpine, and depending on snow and ice conditions, crampons and ropes may be required. After reaching camp, the guide will check equipment and prepare the team for the summit climb.

  • Altitude: Approximately 5,200 m
  • Walking/Climbing: Approximately 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A full day is reserved for acclimatization and preparation. The climbing guide will review essential techniques including crampon use, rope systems, fixed-line movement, use of ascenders and descenders, and safety procedures. The remainder of the day is used for rest and preparation for the summit.

  • Altitude: Approximately 5,200 m
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We begin before sunrise for the first major summit of the expedition. Using crampons, ropes, and other climbing equipment as required by conditions, we continue steadily toward the summit of Chulu Far East at 6,059 m. From the summit, the panorama stretches across the Annapurna range and the high valleys of Manang. After the summit, we descend and reposition toward the Chulu East climbing route.

  • Maximum Altitude: 6,059 m
  • Climbing: Approximately 8–10 hours
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is one of the biggest climbing days of the expedition. Starting early, we climb toward Chulu East at 6,584 m, the highest point of the entire journey. The ascent involves high-altitude snow and glacier terrain where fixed ropes and technical climbing equipment may be necessary. After reaching the summit, we descend carefully back to High Camp.

  • Maximum Altitude: 6,584 m
  • Climbing: Approximately 10–12 hours
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This day is reserved as a contingency day for changing weather, climbing conditions, acclimatization, or any delay during the Chulu Far East and Chulu East summit attempts. If the climbing schedule has progressed normally, the day can be used for rest and recovery.

  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After completing the first climbing section, we leave the high mountains and descend toward Manang. Returning to the village after several nights at altitude provides an important opportunity to rest, shower, eat well, and recover before beginning the Chulu West section.

  • Altitude: 3,540 m
  • Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We follow the Annapurna Circuit trail north from Manang toward Yak Kharka and Leder. The landscape gradually changes again from village surroundings to open alpine terrain.

  • Altitude: Approximately 4,020 m
  • Walking: Approximately 5–6 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Leaving the main trail, we begin the approach toward the Chulu West climbing area. The climb becomes progressively steeper as we gain altitude toward the high camp. The exact camp location can vary according to snow, glacier, and route conditions.

  • Altitude: Approximately 5,200 m
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is used for acclimatization, route preparation, and technical climbing practice. The climbing team may prepare or inspect fixed ropes depending on mountain conditions. Climbers use the remainder of the day to rest, hydrate, and prepare personal equipment.

  • Altitude: Approximately 5,200 m
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We continue higher toward Camp I. Depending on conditions, the route may involve snow, ice, glacier travel, and fixed-rope sections. After arriving at camp, we prepare all equipment for the following morning's summit attempt.

  • Altitude: Approximately 5,600 m
  • Climbing: Approximately 4–5 hours
  • Accommodation: High-Altitude Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We begin the final summit push during the early hours of the morning. The route climbs through high-altitude snow and glacier terrain toward the summit of Chulu West at 6,419 m. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with extensive views across the Annapurna and Manang region. After celebrating briefly, we begin the long and careful descent toward the lower camp.

  • Maximum Altitude: 6,419 m
  • Climbing: Approximately 10–12 hours
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

With the three Chulu summit attempts completed, we return to the main Annapurna Circuit trail and continue toward Thorong Phedi. The evening is spent preparing for an early departure across Thorong La Pass.

  • Altitude: 4,450 m
  • Walking: Approximately 6–7 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

We start before sunrise and climb steadily toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m. The pass marks one of the most famous high-altitude crossings in the Annapurna region. After reaching the prayer flags at the top, we begin a long descent toward Muktinath in the Mustang region.

  • Maximum Altitude: 5,416 m
  • Walking: Approximately 9–11 hours
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we drive through the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Pokhara. The route passes through the dry landscapes of Mustang before descending toward greener valleys and eventually reaching Pokhara.

  • Altitude:  820 m
  • Driving:  7–9 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and have the rest of the evening free.

  • Altitude: 1,350 m
  • Flight: Approximately 30 min 
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast

According to your international flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Your Three Chulu Peaks climbing journey comes to an end.

  • Meals: Breakfast

Everest Very High altitude Note:

If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.

Plan a Private Trip

Included & Excluded

Included Points

Airport Transfers : Airport pickup and departure transfer by private vehicle.
Kathmandu Accommodation : Three nights of hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara : 1-night hotel in Kathmandu With breakfast plan
Pokhara Accommodation : One night of hotel accommodation in Pokhara on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
Climbing Permits : Required climbing permit fees for the Chulu peaks included in the expedition program.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit : Required Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.
Transportation : All land transportation according to the itinerary, including Kathmandu–Besisahar/Chame and Muktinath–Pokhara
Domastic flight : Domestic flight from pokhara to kathmandu 
Expedition Equipment Transportation : Transportation of group climbing and expedition equipment to and from the climbing area using vehicles, porters, or pack animals as required.
Trekking Luggage : Porter support for personal trekking baggage according to the agreed baggage allowance
Meals During Trek and Climbing : Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trekking and climbing sections according to the itinerary.
Trekking Accommodation : Mountain lodge/tea-house accommodation during the trekking sections.
Base Camp & High Camp Accommodation : Tent accommodation during the Base Camp and high-altitude climbing sections.
Base Camp Services : Necessary camping infrastructure including sleeping tents, dining/mess tent, kitchen facilities, tables, chairs, lighting, and basic camp equipment where required.
High Camp Services : High-altitude tents, cooking equipment, fuel, climbing food, ropes, and necessary group climbing equipment.
Climbing Guide : Government-licensed Nepalese climbing guide/Sherpa support during climbing 
Trekking Guide : Experienced trekking guide responsible for day-to-day trekking management, safety, and coordination.
Cook & Kitchen Staff : Cook and kitchen assistants during the camping and climbing sections where required.
Porters : Porter support during the trekking and Base Camp approach according to the expedition arrangement.
Staff Insurance : Medical, accident, and emergency evacuation insurance for Nepalese expedition staff.
Staff Salary & Equipment : Salary, food, accommodation, equipment, and allowances for the Nepalese expedition team.
Summit Bonus : summit bonus for climbing guide 
Duffel Bag : One Alpinist Club expedition duffel bag for use during the trip.
Climbing Certificate : Climbing certificate after successful completion where issued by the relevant authority.

Excluded Points

International Flights : International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal Entry Visa : Nepal entry visa fees.
Personal Travel Insurance : Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and climbing, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, trip cancellation, interruption, and repatriation is mandatory.
Kathmandu & Pokhara Meals : Lunch and dinner during stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless specifically mentioned.
Extra Hotel Nights : Additional accommodation caused by early arrival, late departure, early expedition return, weather delays, road disruption, or changes outside the scheduled itinerary.
Personal Climbing Equipment : Personal climbing and trekking equipment including mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, helmet, ice axe, ascender, descender, clothing, sleeping bag, and other personal equipment.
Personal Expenses : Telephone calls, Wi-Fi, battery charging, hot showers, laundry, snacks, bottled drinks, alcoholic beverages, and other personal purchases.
Personal Medical Supplies : Personal medication and individual first-aid items.
Internet & Communication : Personal internet, satellite-phone calls, or other communication charges.
Tips : Tips for guides, climbing Sherpas, cooks, kitchen staff, and porters are not included and are appreciated.
Additional Services : Any service, activity, transportation, accommodation, or expense not specifically mentioned in the Cost Includes section.

Trip Information

Three Chulu Peaks Climbing Expedition chulu Far East , Chulu East , and Chulu West 

The Three Chulu Peaks Climbing Expedition requires excellent physical fitness, previous high-altitude experience, and basic mountaineering skills. Alpinist Club provides experienced guides, high-altitude Sherpa support, camping logistics, and climbing equipment for group use. Participants should be prepared for demanding ascents, changing weather, and the challenges of climbing above 6,000 metres. Safety, proper acclimatization, and the expedition leader’s guidance remain essential throughout the journey.

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1. Expedition Team and Guides

Alpinist Club provides an experienced expedition team to support you throughout the journey, from trekking to the high-altitude climbing stages. The team may include a trekking guide, expedition leader, climbing Sherpas, assistant guides, cooks, and porters, depending on the expedition requirements.

All participants are expected to follow the expedition leader’s instructions, particularly regarding acclimatization, climbing schedules, weather conditions, and safety decisions.

2. High-Altitude Climbing Sherpas

The expedition is planned with a 1:1 high-altitude Sherpa-to-climber ratio for summit support. Your climbing Sherpa assists during the key stages of the ascent and summit attempt, helping with climbing logistics and high-altitude safety.

A summit bonus is payable directly to your high-altitude Sherpa in cash if you depart the final camp for a summit attempt. This bonus is separate from the package price.

3. Expedition Leader

The expedition leader coordinates the overall climbing strategy, acclimatization schedule, high-camp rotations, weather assessments, and expedition logistics. The leader may adjust the itinerary or suspend climbing activities if conditions pose a risk to participants or the team.

All participants must respect the leader’s decisions, which prioritize safety and the well-being of the entire group.

4. Kitchen Team and Porters

A dedicated kitchen team operates at Base Camp and prepares meals throughout the camping stages. Porters transport group equipment and supplies to help establish Base Camp, while the climbing Sherpas support the movement of equipment to higher camps.

Participants are responsible for carrying their personal belongings and essential personal items. During trekking and climbing stages, expect your backpack to weigh approximately 10–12 kg, depending on the equipment required.

5. Physical Fitness and Experience

The Three Chulu Peaks Expedition is a demanding high-altitude mountaineering journey requiring excellent physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience. Previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience is strongly recommended.

Participants should prepare for long walking days, steep ascents, cold temperatures, and multiple summit attempts. Several months of physical preparation before departure are recommended.

6. Technical Climbing Requirements

Previous mountaineering experience and familiarity with essential climbing equipment are required. Participants should be comfortable using crampons, an ice axe, a climbing harness, ropes, and basic rope techniques.

The route may involve snow slopes of approximately 30–35 degrees and glacial terrain. Conditions can increase the technical difficulty, so all summit attempts depend on weather, snow conditions, acclimatization, and the expedition leader’s safety assessment.

7. Accommodation

Kathmandu: A single hotel room is provided according to the package arrangements.

During the trek: Accommodation is in mountain lodges, which generally offer basic rooms with shared toilet and shower facilities.

Base Camp: Each participant has an individual tent with a mattress. Shared facilities include a dining tent, toilet tent, and shower tent.

High-altitude camps: Accommodation is in shared mountaineering tents, generally for two people and sometimes three at the highest camps.

8. Meals and Drinking Water

A welcome dinner and farewell meal are provided in Kathmandu according to the itinerary. During the trek, meals are prepared by lodge cooks or the expedition kitchen team. At Base Camp, the kitchen team prepares meals using available local ingredients.

At high-altitude camps, meals generally consist of lightweight or freeze-dried expedition food, with hot drinks available. Participants should bring water-purification tablets and follow the guide’s advice on treating drinking water. Maintaining adequate hydration is particularly important at altitude.

Additional food, drinks, and personal snacks outside the included meal arrangements are at the participant’s own expense.

9. Transportation

Transfers in Kathmandu are provided by private vehicle according to the itinerary. The expedition is designed to approach Base Camp on foot, allowing gradual acclimatization and time to become familiar with the team.

The return journey is also planned as a trek. Helicopter evacuation or return transport may be possible at an additional cost, subject to availability and conditions.

10. Group Size

The expedition accommodates 1–10 participants to support a more personalized experience and flexible expedition management. Private departures can be arranged according to availability and the required support services.

11. Expedition Equipment

Alpinist Club provides the collective camping and climbing equipment required for the expedition, including Base Camp tents, mattresses, dining and sanitation tents, cooking equipment, high-altitude tents, stoves, gas cartridges, ropes, and anchors.

Participants must bring their own personal clothing, mountaineering boots, technical equipment, and other individual essentials. Selected high-altitude items, such as down suits and sleeping bags, may be available for rent upon request, subject to availability and a refundable deposit.

A detailed personal equipment checklist will be provided during expedition preparation.

12. Safety and Communication

The expedition uses radios to maintain communication between camps and the climbing team. A satellite phone is available primarily for logistical, weather, and emergency communication.

A portable hyperbaric chamber is planned for Base Camp, along with medical supplies at higher camps. These facilities support emergency response but do not eliminate the risks associated with high-altitude climbing.

The expedition leader may modify or stop activities if weather, health, snow conditions, or other safety concerns require it.

13. Physical Preparation and Medical Check-Up

Begin preparing several months before departure. Regular endurance training, long hikes, uphill walking, and activities that improve cardiovascular fitness and strength are recommended.

Participants should arrange a medical check-up before the expedition and discuss the demands of high-altitude climbing with a healthcare professional. A dental check-up is also advisable, as altitude can aggravate existing dental problems. Consultation with a mountain medicine specialist is recommended.

14. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

The expedition reaches elevations above 6,000 metres, where altitude-related illness is a significant risk. Symptoms may include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and unusual fatigue. Severe altitude illness can become life-threatening.

Follow the acclimatization schedule, report symptoms promptly to the expedition leader, and never continue ascending when experiencing concerning symptoms without appropriate assessment. Medication for altitude illness should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional before departure.

15. Weather and Itinerary Flexibility

Mountain weather can change rapidly, affecting climbing conditions, acclimatization schedules, and summit opportunities. The itinerary may be adjusted or climbing attempts cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

Reaching all three summits cannot be guaranteed. The expedition leader’s decisions regarding safety, weather, and participant health take priority over the planned schedule.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The Three Chulu Peaks Climbing expedition combines Chulu Far East (6,059 m), Chulu East (6,584 m), and Chulu West (6,419 m) in one Himalayan journey through Nepal's Annapurna and Manang region. It combines high-altitude trekking, glacier travel, technical climbing, high camps, and a crossing of Thorong La Pass.

Three Chulu Peaks Climbing is a challenging and technical high-altitude expedition. Climbers must deal with snow and glacier terrain, fixed ropes, crampons, high camps, cold temperatures, long summit days, and three separate 6,000-metre summit attempts.

Previous high-altitude trekking and basic mountaineering experience are strongly recommended. Climbers should ideally be familiar with crampons, an ice axe, climbing harness, Jumar or ascender, descender, fixed ropes, and basic glacier travel.

This expedition is not recommended as a first mountain experience for a complete beginner. A fit climber with previous high-altitude trekking experience and basic mountaineering training may be suitable, but climbing three peaks in one expedition requires considerably more endurance than attempting a single trekking peak.

Chulu East is the highest at 6,584 metres (21,601 ft). Chulu West reaches 6,419 metres, while Chulu Far East reaches 6,059 metres.

Difficulty depends on current snow, ice, glacier, and weather conditions. Chulu West is generally considered the more technical and committing of the three, while Chulu Far East is normally the more accessible climbing objective. All three still require proper acclimatization, equipment, and professional climbing support.

The best seasons are generally spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These periods usually provide more suitable weather, mountain visibility, and climbing conditions in the Annapurna region.

Our complete Three Chulu Peaks Climbing itinerary takes 23 days, including arrival, preparation, acclimatization, trekking, Base Camp and High Camp days, three summit attempts, Thorong La Pass, and the return to Kathmandu.

The Chulu Peaks are located in the Manang area of Nepal's Annapurna region. The approach follows part of the Annapurna Circuit through places such as Chame, Upper Pisang, Ngawal, Manang, and the high valleys surrounding the Chulu range.

Climbers require the relevant peak-climbing permits together with the necessary Annapurna Conservation Area documentation. Alpinist Club arranges the required climbing and trekking permits included in the confirmed expedition package.

Personal climbing equipment normally includes mountaineering boots, crampons, an ice axe, helmet, climbing harness, Jumar or ascender, descender, locking carabiners, warm gloves, technical clothing, glacier sunglasses or goggles, and a suitable sleeping bag. Group climbing and camping equipment is provided according to the expedition package.

You should have very good cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and strength. The expedition involves consecutive trekking days, significant altitude gain, high camps, carrying personal equipment, and summit days that may last many hours in cold and thin air.

The itinerary gains altitude gradually through the Manang Valley before reaching Base Camp and High Camp. Additional acclimatization and preparation days are included before major summit attempts to help climbers adapt to increasing altitude.

The itinerary includes a contingency/weather day, but Himalayan weather cannot be guaranteed. The climbing guide may delay, change, or cancel a summit attempt if snow, wind, visibility, avalanche conditions, health, or other factors make climbing unsafe.

Yes. Climbers should have comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers mountaineering above 6,000 metres, emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, trip interruption, and repatriation.

Fixed ropes may be used on steeper or more exposed sections depending on the mountain and current route conditions. Climbers should be comfortable using a harness, ascender, descender, crampons, and safety systems under the supervision of the climbing guide.

Hotels are used in Kathmandu and Pokhara, while mountain lodges are used during much of the trekking section. Tented camps are used at Base Camp and the higher climbing camps.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided during the trekking and climbing sections according to the itinerary. At Base Camp, meals are prepared by the expedition kitchen team, while simpler high-altitude food is used at the higher camps.

Yes. After completing the main climbing section, the journey continues across Thorong La Pass at 5,416 metres before descending to Muktinath and continuing toward Pokhara.