Arrival in Kathmandu
KathmanduArrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.


Summit Chulu West (6,419m) from the Annapurna Circuit, combining the Thorong La crossing with a technical peak climb. Ice wall, glacier ridge, and views across the Manang valley. 18 days, from USD 2,275.
Chulu West's ice wall and glacier ridge make this a more technical climb than Island Peak or Mera Peak. The upper route demands solid ice axe and crampon skills.
Combining a 6,419m summit with the Thorong La crossing gives you the most ambitious single-trek experience in the Annapurna region.
The summit view spans the Manang valley with Annapurna II (7,937m), Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak creating a wall of ice to the south.
Chulu West Peak Climbing is an 18-day expedition that combines the Annapurna Circuit with a summit attempt on Chulu West (6,419m). The route follows the circuit to Manang, detours to Chulu West base camp, attempts the summit, then returns to the circuit and crosses Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath. Two high-altitude achievements in one trip.
The Chulu West climbing route involves an ice wall and glacier ridge on the upper section. Fixed ropes are placed by your climbing Sherpa. The summit offers views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the entire Manang valley.
Permits: ACAP, TIMS, NMA peak permit. All included.
For the Annapurna Circuit without the peak climb, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 20 days (USD 1,825). For a different Annapurna peak, Pisang Peak (6,091m) is also approached from Manang in 15 days.
18 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.
Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.
Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.
Drive to Besisahar (865 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.
Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,970 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Chame (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Pisang (3,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Manang (3,400 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
A necessary day in Manang to rest, acclimatize, and explore the village. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Ledar (4,210 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Chulu West High Camp (5,200 m), approximately 5 hours. After lunch, the climbing guide will give short training. Overnight at tented camp.
Early-morning summit attempt to Chulu West (6,419 m). Overnight at High Camp tented camp.
Reserve day for the summit in case of bad weather. Overnight at tented camp.
Trek down to Ledar and continue to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.
Fly to Pokhara, approximately 15 minutes. Overnight at hotel.
Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.
Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.
Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three or four-star hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights) and Pokhara (1 night), breakfast included.
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.
Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) during the trek.
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.
All necessary equipment including tents, ropes, and utensils during the camping section.
Annapurna Conservation Area permit, climbing permit, and all other necessary permits.
Flight fare from Jomsom to Pokhara, including airport departure taxes.
Surface transfer from Kathmandu.
Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).
All applicable government taxes.
Tourist service charge and VAT.
Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfare and airport departure tax.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.
Personal trekking and climbing equipment.
Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.
Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
Dear Guest, We kindly offer the option of a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu back at an additional cost of US$100 per person for one way. Additionally, should you require extra accommodation in Kathmandu, including breakfast, the rates are US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room.
Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.
Two major achievements in one trip: a 6,419m summit and the Thorong La crossing (5,416m).
More technically demanding than Island Peak or Mera Peak. Real ice climbing on the upper route.
The Manang valley base camp location means excellent acclimatization before the climb.
A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.
You have solid mountaineering skills: ice axe use, crampon technique, and fixed rope ascending.
You can handle 18 days including a peak climb and a 5,416m pass crossing.
Prior experience above 5,000m is essential. You sleep above 5,000m for multiple nights.
You want to combine the Annapurna Circuit with a peak climb for maximum value.
Budget is USD 2,275 including NMA permit, climbing Sherpa, and camping gear.
The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.
Climbing boots
Harness
Crampons
Ice axe
Tapes and slings
Carabiners
Ice screws
Snow bars
Rock pegs
Helmet
Climbing rucksack
Day bag
Kit bag
Ascenders
Descenders
Base layer t shirts
Long sleeved cotton and woollen shirts
Long wool underwear
Cotton hiking shorts
Warm climbing trousers
Lightweight fleece
Fleece or wool mid layer
Down high altitude sleeping bag
Sleeping pad or thermarest
Light athletic socks and wool climbing socks
Lightweight thermal and insulated ski gloves
Head torch with spare batteries
Waterproof climbing jacket
Down jacket and trousers
Climbing sunglasses
Sun cream
Sun hat
Gaiters
Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.
Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.
Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.