Chulu Far East Climbing with Tilicho Lake  - 20 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier. After the completion of custom formalities (Visa, etc), we pick up our luggage and look for the representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking at the arrival gate. We will be then escorted to our hotel. After check in, we can either take a rest or hang around in the city or visit Himalayan Glacier’s office site. It all depends upon our interests and condition. At the evening on our reception, Himalayan Glacier will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese restaurant where we enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At the noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Overnight at Kathmandu.

We have to begin the trip very early today as we need to go a long drive to reach at our trek starting point. After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu at around 7 am and nearly after 9 -10 hours’ drive we reach at Chame. Enroute, we see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, terraced rice fields and beautiful mountain sceneries. Overnight at Chame.

This will be the beginning point of trekking section of this trip. A steep and narrow trail through a very dense forest brings us to the dramatic curved rock face of Paungda Danda. As the trail opens up we get surrounded by majestic Himalayan Peaks. We find ourselves in U-shaped valley of Manang hanging between two giant snow peaks. After walking through these wonderful sites we reach at Pisang. Overnight at Lower Pisang.

After having breakfast in the morning the trip commences towards Humde village. As you commence the short trek today you can see in the distance the only airport on the east side of the trail. After reaching at Humde, you can find the Manang airstrip and a few houses and lodges in a small spread out settlement. One of the longest prayer wheels in the region, consisting of 266 wheels, runs through the center of this village. Overnight at Humde.

This section of the trip today follows thinly forested trail to bring us at Julu Khola. While following through the level trail on the route to the today’s overnight destination, we can capture the Annapurna Valley Himalayan views. The trail today also offers the sight of Pissang peak. Tented Camp Overnight at Julu Khola.

This will be the day for proper acclamation.  Today we will engage on hiking activities in the surrounding areas. Hence, following through a forested trail along the river we hike up to Julu Peak Base Camp. The summit of the base camp rewards us almost all the views of Annapurna Himalaya range including the sight of Pisang Peak. After enjoying Annapurna Valley Himalayan views, we will retrace back to Julu Khola. Camping Overnight at Julu Khola.

Today, we will follow a steeply climbing trail to reach at Chulu Far East Base Camp.  The climbing trail at times crosses rocks as well. During the trek, our journey will be accompanied with Annapurna Valley Himalayan views. Camping Overnight at Base Camp.

It will be another acclimatization day for us at a high altitude. Today, we involve on peak climbing training with our guides. Besides practicing peak climbing, we also hike to nearest glacier on the base camp. In over all, all these sorts of activities let us to prepare and arrange our trekking gear at the one hand and on the other side it will boost our confidence to conquer the upcoming peak. Tented Camp Overnight at Chulu Base Camp.

Today we follow a steep climbing trail through snow slopes. As we continue climbing, we can see amazing vistas of Annapurna Valley Himalayas including the views of Chulu East, Chulu West, and the Chulu Far East. To the most, the trip today offers you the crystal clear views of Pisang Peak. After reaching at today’s overnight site, we will set the High Camp on a rocky platform near a small lake.  Tented Camp Overnight at High Camp.

The peak climbing trip today brings us to the glorious point of this adventure in the Himalayas as we conquer the top of Chulu Far East. Hence, today we will begin the peak climbing trip around 2 – 3AM in the dark morning. Initially, we will follow a level trail. The next section of the trail gradually becomes steeper and even crosses rocks in the mountain tracks. The demanding trek eventually brings to the point of climax of this section of the trip that is the top of Chulu Far East. From the top of the peak, we can enjoy the incredible views of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Chulu west and the Himlung Valley at the north side. After capturing the captivating views from the top of the peak, we will descend all along the vertical slopes to the high camp at first and then again follow a descending trail to reach at the base camp of Chulu Far East. Tented Camp Overnight at Base Camp.

This section of the trail at first brings us at Julu Khola from where we follow a level trail along the forests to reach at Manang – a beautiful village just below the Thorong La Pass situated within the Annapurna conservation area. Gurung, Ghale, and Lamas are the inhabitants of this Trans-Himalayan village. Overnight at Manang.

From Manang we head out through the western gates and follow the path down to the river. We cross the river and continue walking on the south side of the river through coniferous forest towards Khangsar village. From Khangsar we move further towards Siri Kharka and pass a monastery on the way. The uphill walk could be tiring but we will have Gungang Himal and Mt. Chulu in the backdrop to keep our company. Overnight at Siri Kharka.

From Siri Kharka to the Tilicho Base Camp, it is mostly going downhill, but it has landslide areas that can be dangerous. They are not difficult to walk, but the trails are very narrow. The trail goes through the middle of the landslide area. The rock formations along the trail are very impressive. Tented Camp Overnight at Tilicho Base Camp.

From Tilicho Base Camp the path continues up along moraine ridges and grassy slopes to some large switch backs carved out of the slope. We then reach the watershed. On the other side is Tilicho Lake, a large spectacularly set lake nestled at the foot of the north face of Tilicho Peak, part of the snowy wall that the 1950 French expedition team referred it as “The Great Barrier”. The leader of the French team, Maurice Herzog referred to Tilicho Lake as “The Great Ice Lake”. The Lake also holds an important place for the Hindus as this sacred lake features in one of the holiest texts of the Hindus – “The Ramayan”. Tented Camp Overnight at Tilicho Lake.

Today’ at first we will follow a climbing trail till to arrive at Eastern Pass ( 5,340m) from where we can enjoy the captivating views of Annapuran, Gangapurna and Tilicho Himal. Then we will pass through a descending trail at first till to Mesokanta La Pass (5,121m) at where we can enjoy the spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho Himal, and Tukuche Peak. Keeping the mesmerizing views of chain of Himalayas, we will again continue the descending trail at some distance. The end of the descending trail paves the way forward a level trail to connect us with Yak Kharka. Tented Camp Overnight at at Yak Kharka.

The descending trail today ahead at first brings us at Thinigaon. After crossing the village we will follow a level trail which will eventually lead us to Jomsom. This section of the trip will be backed by the arresting views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. Overnight at Jomsom.

Today we say goodbye to the trekking section of the trip in the Himalaya. Hence, our representative in Jomsom will make all the arrangements for your scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The scenic flight passes through between two high peaks Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri till to land in Pokhara. Upon reaching in Pokhara, we will have to check in at the hotel. Then, we can either take a rest or stroll in the beautiful streets of Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara .

Early morning drive to Kathmandu in a tourist bus where you get to enjoy the river side scenery garnished with terraced farms and some local villages along the way. Upon reaching in Kathmandu we check in at our hotel. Then, we can spend the rest of the day taking rest or perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or even explore any landmarks in Kathmandu that we may want to visit. In the evening, we will join the trip celebration dinner with the adventure team. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Our journey in the Himalayas comes to an end today! Hence, approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will escort us to the airport and bid farewell greetings. On our way to home, we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country like Nepal.