|
|
 |
|
ANNAPURNA & ACENT OF CHULU EAST 6200m
(24 days) |
This trek offers challenging and adventurous trekking around
Annapurna peaks with an ascent of a technically straightforward
peak, Chulu East at 6200 meter. The summit of Chulu East provides
the most breathtaking views of Annapurnas II, III and IV, Gangapurna,
Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak and Manaslu. We start the
trek from Besi Sahar after a 6-7 hrs drive from Kathmandu. The trail
ascends gradually along the Marshyangdi river valley and eventually
leads to the village of Pisang where we leave the main trail and
head up the Chulu East base camp. Fully physically fit and
acclimatized, we then attempt Chulu east. Following an ascent, we
rejoin the main trail and head towards Kali Gandaki valley crossing
a high Thorung La pass at 5416 meter.
Thereafter, we make final descent to Jomsom and take a flight to
Kathmandu via Pokhara. The trek provides a great range of landscapes
and cultures as we progress from terraced rice fields of Besi Sahar
to lush green foothills through alpine forests and barren arid
region of the Manang Valley. Along the trekking trail as we walk
past fascinating villages, we witness varied cultural settings and
ethnic diversity. Most of the climbing will involve walking roped
together, including a glacier crossing. Any physically fit
individual can undertake this trip anytime in March to May and
September to November.
|
| Trip
Facts |
Trip length: 24 Days
Grade: Strenuous / Peak climbing
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel & camping
Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser, 1 flight transfert
Maximum altitude: 6200m |
| Outline Itinerary |
Day 01 : Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03 : Drive to Besi Sahar
Day 04 : Trek to Khudi
Day 05 : Trek to Bahundanda
Day 06 : Trek to Jagat
Day 07 : Trek to Dharapani
Day 08 : Trek to Chame
Day 09 : Trek to Pisang
Day 10 : Trek to Julu
Day 11 : Rest day
Day 12 : Trek to Yak Kharka
Day 13-14 : Base camp
Day 15-18 : Base camp to High camp & Chulu East
Summit
Day 19 : Trek to Manang
Day 20 : Trek to Thorung Phedi
Day 21 : Trek to Muktinath
Day 22 : Trek to Jomsom
Day 23 : Flight to Kathmandu
Day 24 : Depart Kathmandu |
| |
| Detailed Itinerary |
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Flying to Kathmandu along the northern border of Nepal on a
clear day is in itself an exciting and memorable experience as
exotic panoramic view of snow-capped Annapurna mountain range
peaks sprawls before you. The Nepali support team will meet you
at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 02 : Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, being a historical and cultural heart of Nepal, is a
popular destination for tourists, trekkers and adventure
seekers. The city presents a wonderful mixture of Hinduism,
Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and
Bhaktapur are its two major neighboring cities which bear
immense historical, cultural and religious significance. There
will be a half day guided tour to the famous & biggest Hindu
shrine PASUPATHINATH, the largest Buddhist stupa in town
BOUDHANATH, the 15th century palace of 55 windows and
SOYAMBHUNATH. In the evening, a trip orientation meeting will be
organized.
Day 03 : Drive to Besi Sahar [820m]
We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then
follow the rough road by the Marsyangdi River to Besi Sahar for
6 hours.
Day 04 : Trek to Khudi [790m]
We turn to the right treading along the canal on the outskirts
of the village. Then the trail descends the narrow path to the
Pam Khola. After crossing a stream, we climb to the village of
Denauti. The village has striking red-walled houses. Thereon, we
descend to the banks of the Marsyangdi Khola and the trail
further meanders through rice paddies and subtropical forests.
Eventually, after walking for 3 hours, we enter Gurung village
of Khudi. We select a superb location for camping.
Day 05 : Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]
As we walk away from Khudi northwards up the Marsyangdi Valley,
en route you get to savor leisurely sightseeing of nursery and
amazing tapestry of Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail winds
through a suspension bridge and then follows terraced rice
fields offering breathtaking view of Manaslu and cascading
waterfall. Further ascending we spot several shops and teahouses
at Ngadi village. On leaving Ngadi after brief rest, we skirts
through our challenging trails to Bahundanda. Bahundanda
literally means "Brahmin hill" and as the name suggests
Bahundanda is hugely dominant by Brahmins. There we conclude our
trekking journey of the day.
Day 06 : Trek to Jagat [1343m]
A steep trail descends from Bahundanda through rice terraces
before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It
then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the
river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the
Marsyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the
winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river
for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is
cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed.
Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on
a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marsyangdi valley. We
camp in the fields beyond the village.
Day 07 : Trek to Dharapani [1946m]
The trail from Jagat descends until it almost reaches the river
and then continues through a lush forest. Further ascent leads
to sharp-edged cliff facing the river bank. En route, Chyamje
comes into picture amid glorious picturesque landscape of
waterfall and towering Annapurna mountain ranges. After crossing
a suspension bridge, we climb steeply towards the slippery and
physically challenging path to Sattale. On treading along a
succession of rock-strewn trail, we descend to a grassy
riverbank which leads to Tal where we find hotels and teahouses
attired with warmth and hospitality. But as we walk away from
Tal, path becomes rugged and winding. Then we approach steep
forested village of Karte. Meandering along the waterfall-clad
cliff, we finally reach Dharapani after crossing a suspension
bridge. We camp at Dharapani for the night.
Day 08 : Trek to Chame [2685m]
We skirt through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola,
which originates from the south face of Manaslu and then
Marsyangdi veers to the left. On proceeding along the sinuous
trails, we accumulate glorious Annapurna trekking experience.
Annapurna II becomes visible as we arrive at Bagarchhap, a Bhote
village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. As we
continue ascending through forests of pine and oak, we pass
through Dhanakyu before coming to a thundering waterfall.
Further on, the Marsyangdi Khola enters a gorge and the trails
follows rock-strewn path. We can pause for a while to bask in
the splendor of picturesque Manaslu. When the steep incline
ends, we follow a path amid magnificent rhododendrons of
Ratamron and then continue on a gently rising path, crossing a
stream before entering a pine forest. We then enter 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 corrupted iron roof which is an entrance
to Chame. Chame is the administrative headquarters for the
Manang district. There are electricity, wireless station,
school, shops, health post, post office, police check post,
hotels, lodges and bank in Chame. Hot springs are the major
attraction of this place.
Day 09 : Trek to Pisang [3200m]
After basking in the splendor of glowing Lamjung Himal [6893m]
against the early morning sun, we head for Pisang. En route, we
cross a large suspension bridge along mystic Marsyangdi and
approach houses and lodges on the northern side of the river.
Trekking trail routes through barley field leading to Teleku at
2775 meters. As we leave undulating mountain passes, we enter
fascinating apple orchard and near a bridge at 2840 meters. On
crossing the bridge, a pristine hamlet of Bratang appears.
History has it that Bratang used to be a Khampa settlement.
Stone memorial of a Japanese climber has been built at this
locale. When leaving forested village, the valley changes from a
V-shape to a gentle U-shape sprawling before us the majestic
vistas of Annapurna mountain range. 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. On our route we get to capture splendid
views of Annapurna II on the East and Pisang Peak on the
north-east. We further cross a bridge and enter lower village of
Pisang.
Day 10 : Trek to Julu [3500m]
Leaving the main trail above the village of Pisang, we ascend
Chegaji Khola Valley towards Chulu East Base Camp. A gentle
ascent through scattered chortens, scrub juniper and stunted
pines takes us to the small hamlet of Julu, sitting on the west
bank of the river. We chose an appropriate campsite showcasing
enchanting views of majestic Himalayan peaks.
Day 11 : Rest day at Julu
On this day, we utilize it to our maximum benefits. We take a
proper rest to rejuvenate our adventure spirit and build up good
health. After relaxation, we can even explore village of Julu
and get more insight into its cultural setting. We can also
enjoy the splendid natural vistas.
Day 12 : Trek to Yak Kharka
As we walk away from Julu, the trail crosses Cheggi Khola and
ascends gradually up the west bank. Soon after trekking for more
than an hour, the trail faces a valley and then we encounter a
stone hut surrounded by apple trees. We are now bestowed with a
stunning view up the side valley that reaches up towards Chulu
West. As the valley ends, 500ft cliff stands on the way
displaying spectacular sight of waterfalls cascading down the
cliff. The trail further steepens and winds through a small
meadow. On the way, we come across goat and yak pastures. As the
day progresses, we come close to Yak Khare. At last, we reach
Yak Khare for a leisurely lunch. We set a camp at a site which
overlooks stunning myriad of snow capped peaks.
Day 13 : Trek to Base camp [4200m]
We follow the trail wending through steep pastures to a
convenient hollow where the meadow merges into rock and scree.
Then, there appears the base camp. Eyeing high above,
spectacular views of Annapurna range stretches as far as our
eyes can capture.
Day 14 : At Base camp
We take a day off from trekking for complete acclimatization.
This gives us time to prepare and sort out our trekking gear.
Day 15-18 : Base camp to High camp [5000m] & Chulu East
Summit [6200m]
After well acclimatized, we move up to the high camp and there
we rest atop the terminal moraine of the Chulu glacier. The
trail up to the high camp follows scree and snow slopes. Resting
at the high camp, we take a plenty of time to relax and prepare
equipment and strategies for the next day. Two days have been
set aside for ascending Chulu East. On the day of climbing Chulu
East, we make an early start across the undulating glacier as
the trail takes snow and ice slopes. As we continue ascending,
several peaks come en route. Eventually we run out of mountain
at a small snow dome with steep slopes falling away on all
sides. At this point, our high camp diminishes to toy-town
stature and climbing to such an altitude gives us a feeling of
sitting on top of the roof of the world. After we scale Chulu
East Summit and have our share of celebrating this glorious
victory, we descend along the steep slopes to the high camp.
After refreshment and rest, we head back to base camp passes.
For those who do not wish to climb Chulu East, they can simply
stroll to Base Camp to enjoy spectacular views of Annapurnas and
indulge in more exploration around the base camp.
Day 19 : Trek to Manang [3511m]
We return to the main trail and head towards Manang. We continue
treading along the cultivated fields and after a while village
of Bryaga accommodating a splendid monastery appear before us.
On trekking down to Manang, we embrace heavenly vistas of
Annapurna range - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV,
Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak [7134m]. We camp at the
fortified villages of friendly Manang people for the night.
Manang is a fascinating medieval village of just over 500
flat-roofed houses.
Day 20 : Trek to Thorung Phedi [4427m]
We climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the
headwaters of the Marsyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden
bridge amid tremendous views of Manaslu, the Annapurnas, Tilicho
Peak and the Great Barrier. We head north-west up the Jarsang
Khola, through scrub juniper and alpine grasses to arrive at
Letdar for lunch. From Letdar, we continue on the east bank of
the Jarsang Khola, before crossing on a covered bridge. The
trail climbs on scree slopes high above the river to Thorung
Phedi, a single stone building set among near vertical cliffs.
Day 21 : Trek to Muktinath [3694m] via Thorung la [5416m]
At the very earliest hour in the morning, we cross Thorung La
[5416m]. As the trail progresses further, it becomes steep
though well-defined. After steadily climbing for 4 hours, the
steep trail eases and soon we encounter chorten and prayer flags
along the mountain pass. We reach to an altitude beneath which
lie a spectacular views of Kali Gandaki valley and pristine
hills of Mustang. Amid the ambience of Himalayan beauty, we
descend to Muktinath. From Muktinath, we can capture excellent
views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy
slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to
Muktinath. Muktinath is regarded as an important pilgrimage site
for Hindus. It is very popular for its shrines and temple.
Day 22 : Trek to Jomsom [2713m]
From Muktinath, we advance towards Jomsom. The trail descends
along the spectacular Kali Gandaki valley, initially through
arid country in the same geographical and climatic zone as
Tibet. After passing through Jharkot and Khingar, villages with
typical Tibetan architecture, we follow the valley floor most of
the way to Jomsom. En route, we are rewarded with tremendous
views of both Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Jomsom is a large town
sprawled along both banks of the Kali Gandaki River. We spend
the final night of our trek in Jomsom.
Day 23 : Flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a spectacular
flight along the Kali Gandaki Gorge and provides wonderful views
of both the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. We then catch a
flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 24 : Depart Kathmandu
Our The Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for
your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game
drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking
etc). |
|
|
| |
