Chulu West Peak (6,419 m), situated in Manang is one of the most interesting trekking peaks in the Annapurna region. The peak was first climbed in 1952 by a Japanese expedition team. Chulu West Peak is said to be the higher of the two Chulu Peaks with a height of 6,610 meters. The height of Chulu East Peak is 6,500 meters. The trek is set inside the very famous Annapurna Circuit trek and hence, can be combined with a variety of other treks inside the region including the trek to Jomsom and the Annapurna Massif. The climb to Chulu West Peak is strenuous; requiring the climbers to have a certain level of technical knowledge and prior experience in climbing mountains will be even better.
Mt Annapurna I, II, III and IV, Mt Manaslu (8,156), Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Nilgiri, Mt Macchapuchre, Mt Hiunchuli and Mt Lamjung are some of the peaks you will be seeing in this trek.
The trek starts from Besi Sahar, a six hour drive from Kathmandu. From Besi Sahar, the trail continues to Chamche, Dharapani, Hyongde from where you head towards Manang valley. Here, you will spend some time exploring the high valley located above 5000 meters which also gives you a chance to acclimatize.
Then, the route heads north and on to the Chulu West Base Camp, set up in a small valley. From here, the views of the different peaks are just amazing. It takes two to three days to reach the summit after setting camp. After the summit, you will get down to Manang valley. The trail back follows the Annapurna Circuit trail ascending slowly through Muktinath and Jomsom. Crossing Thorung La pass adds another level of adventure to this trek before descending to Kali Gandaki valley. The standard route to climb Chulu West Peak is from the north-west ridge.
Offering stunning views of the Annapurna range, the trek to Chulu West Peak is marvelous. You will get excellent views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna, from the top of the peak. Not only do you get to see the beautiful mountains up close, you also get a chance to view the incredible landscapes, and meet and observe people of different ethnicities.