Chulu West Peak
Mountain Hawk Trek
Peak Climbing RegionStrenuous

Chulu WestPeak Climbing

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.

View Itinerary
18
DaysTotal trek duration
6419m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Mar–Jun · Sep–Nov
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,275
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

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.

Trip Overview

A closer look

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.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
6,419m5,019m3,620m2,220m820mKathmanduBesisaharChamePisangManangLedarHigh CampChulu West SummitThorong La PassMuktinathJomsomPokharaKathmandu6,419m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

18 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Kathmandu airport (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Drive to Besisahar

Besisahar

Drive to Besisahar (865 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at hotel.

865m7h trekHotel480m
Day04

Jeep Drive to Dharapani

Dharapani

Jeep drive to Dharapani (1,970 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

1,970m4h trekTeahouse1,105m
Day05

Trek to Chame

Chame

Trek to Chame (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,720m6h trekTeahouse750m
Day06

Trek to Pisang

Pisang

Trek to Pisang (3,200 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,200m5h trekTeahouse480m
Day07

Trek to Manang

Manang

Trek to Manang (3,400 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400m5h trekTeahouse200m
Day08

Rest Day in Manang

Manang

A necessary day in Manang to rest, acclimatize, and explore the village. Overnight at teahouse.

3,400mTeahouse
Day09

Trek to Ledar

Ledar

Trek to Ledar (4,210 m), approximately 4 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,210m4h trekTeahouse810m
Day10

Trek to Chulu West High Camp

Chulu West HC

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.

5,200m5h trekTented Camp990m
Day11

Summit Chulu West (Day 1)

Chulu West HC

Early-morning summit attempt to Chulu West (6,419 m). Overnight at High Camp tented camp.

5,200mTented Camp
Day12

Summit Chulu West (Day 2) / Reserve

Chulu West HC

Reserve day for the summit in case of bad weather. Overnight at tented camp.

5,200mTented Camp
Day13

Trek to Thorong Phedi via Ledar

Thorong Phedi

Trek down to Ledar and continue to Thorong Phedi (4,450 m), approximately 5 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

4,450m5h trekTeahouse750m
Day14

Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath

Muktinath

Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to Muktinath (3,800 m), approximately 7 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

3,800m7h trekTeahouse650m
Day15

Trek to Jomsom

Jomsom

Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m), approximately 6 hours. Overnight at teahouse.

2,720m6h trekTeahouse1,080m
Day16

Fly to Pokhara

Pokhara

Fly to Pokhara, approximately 15 minutes. Overnight at hotel.

865mHotel1,855m
Day17

Drive Back to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel480m
Day18

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 2,275
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

13

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.

Not Included

9

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.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

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.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Two major achievements in one trip: a 6,419m summit and the Thorong La crossing (5,416m).

Thrill

More technically demanding than Island Peak or Mera Peak. Real ice climbing on the upper route.

Connection

The Manang valley base camp location means excellent acclimatization before the climb.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

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.

Gear Up

What to pack

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.

Equipment

Packing checklist

33 items

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.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
Trail Stories

What trekkers say

Real reviews from real trekkers who have walked this exact route. No curation, no edits.

No reviews yetBe the first to share your experience on this trek.