NEPAL TRAVELLER
Chulu East Peak, situated at 6,584m, is located above the Manang valley in the Annapurna region. In close to Chulu East peak, there exists a subsidiary for this peak - Chulu Far East Peak. It is also part of the large Damodar Himal. It is bounded by the beautiful Marshyangdi Khola and Mesokanto La. It is one of the straightforward peaks that is above 6000m. However, ascending Chulu East peak is not a piece of cake as one needs to be well aware about how to handle and use all the climbing gears. One needs to cross the challenging mountain passes of the world i.e Thorong La pass(5,416m).
THINGS TO OBSERVE
Chulu East Peak expedition is one of the most popular trekking as well as climbing peaks in Annapurna Region that offers beautiful views of snow-capped Himalayas such as Mt. Dhaulagiri(8167m), Mt. Manaslu(8163m), Mt. Annapurna(8091m) and other mountains of Annapurna Trekking Trails. It offers its climbers with close-up views of Annapurna range from where around 12 above 7000m peaks can be seen and many other peaks with height above 6000m can also be viewed. Varied ecosystems and diverse culture are other major things to observe during this climbing. Ever-changing landscapes such as lush, green paddy fields etc. provide you with positive vibes and increase your strength. Oak forests, arid deserts, the deepest gorge and some of the most fascinating mountains make this one of the most popular areas in the world for mountaineers. In the process of climbing, you will also trek through green meadows. All the green majestic views of the green hill will offer you with an unforgettable experience. You will be impressed by the warm greetings and hospitality of the gurung communities and spend your time with them while learning their culture, tradition and lifestyle. You can Explore old monasteries and remote villages for cultural exchange, too.
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT
The history of its first ascent is somewhat gloomy with a German expedition ascending a summit in the Chulu group in 1955, which could have been either Chulu East or Chulu Far East but is not fixed yet. A confirmed climb of Chulu East was completed in 1979.
GETTING THERE
The Trekking to this peak climbing begins from Besishahar, Bulbule, Marshyangdi river whereby you will reach by some 8-hour drive from Kathmandu, then head up to Chamche, Pisang and reach to Yak Kharka and then continue to base camp and finally reach to Chulu East, you will set up the tents and acclimatize. Once you are ready, you proceed ahead and make a summit and then you will return back from Manang valley and continue to Yak Kharka, Thorong La pass, Muktinath, Jomsom and finally reach Pokhara.
BEST SEASON
To discover the grace and marvelous beauty of Chulu East Peak, Autumn is the perfect season as this season’s weather is great for walking. Beside autumn, spring season is also best for climbers to climb this peak easily with a temperate climate. In spring, it has lovely weather with gleams of sunshine during the day and bitter night.
TIME DURATION
The total time required for completing this tour is around 17 -22 days. It takes around 12-14 hours to climb this summit from the base camp. However, If you choose longest route and want to follow different itinerary for more exploration of natural beauty and to experience more, then it will definitely take you more than 22 days to complete your expedition
TOTAL COST
The total cost for the whole journey ranges from US $ 2500 to US $ 5000. However, you know that the climbing cost depends on the climbing package you choose based on the number of days on your Chulu Peak Climbing Itinerary and the routes you are taking. Also, the cost will differ if you are not taking all of your chosen company package for the climb.
REQUIREMENTS
To summit this peak you need to have a high level of physical fitness and moderate level of technical climbing.
Experienced- Climbers should have successfully completed a minimum of 3 Day Mount Rainier or Mount Baker Climb (or have similar experience).
Mental Ability- Climbers must be mentally prepared to deal with strenuous situations at high altitudes. The requirements are also based on your desire to have similarly skilled team members.
Travel Documents: PP size photos, valid passport, insurance paper, family members contact address etc.
Mountaineering equipments- Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Jummer, Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer etc.
Clothing and Wears- Snow google, Wool cap, Thermal Underwear, Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest,Neck Gaiter, Gloves etc.
Gadgets- Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight etc.
Other equipment: Sleeping bags, Bag packs, Sun stuff, Medical, Eating and Drinking stuffs, Toiletries, Fleece hats and so on.
PERMIT AND REGULATIONS
For climbing Chulu East Peak, you need to have following permits;
TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)- NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they have come in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they have come individually.
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit- For entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you need to obtain an entry permit. This permit costs around 30 USD + government tax.
Chulu East Peak Climbing Permit- USD 400 during spring, USD 200 during autumn and USD 100 during winter/summer.
Permit should be taken from Nepal Mountaineering Association since height above 5800m and below 6584m peaks permit are given by them. This permit will be taken by your trekking company and will charge a specific amount of money. Without a valid permit you are not allowed to climb Chulu East Peak. Also, one needs to pay fees for Liaison Officer, his/her insurance, food allowance, Insurance of whole Nepali staff including porters in order to obtain permit and Garbage Deposit at ministry.
RESTRICTIONS
In Nepal, climbing Chulu East Peak imposed certain kind of age, health restrictions and they are;
Age- Minimum 16 and no restriction has been set in upper age till now
Health- Should have a strong body, risk taking mindset and health should be free from any kind of sudden attack diseases.
NOTE: Till now in Nepal, permits to climb mountains in Nepal are issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) to 33 peaks and rest of others permits are issued by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
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