CHULU FAR EAST PEAK

Chulu Far East Peak – striped like a tiger- is a beautiful summit destination accessible without domestic flights. The peak is located in the northern part of the Marsyangdi Valley along the classic Annapurna circuit. It has incredibly beautifully colored rock structures that remind one of the appearance of a tiger. 

The view from the mountain offers a breathtaking view of the three 8,000m peaks Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. This is one of the reasons why it is one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks in Nepal. 

In addition, this part of Nepal can be reached by intercity bus, and therefore no domestic flight is necessary. The initial trek offers beautiful landscapes and cultural diversity as you get closer to the Tibetan border. The ascent is combined with an acclimatization trek so that climbers are fully acclimated to the altitude before attempting the summit.

There is some doubt regarding the names and locations of the Chulu Peaks. Four peaks can be assigned to the Chulu Group: Chulu West, Chulu East (6584 m), Chulu Far East, and Chulu Central. Mount Chulu-West, 6,419 meters, was first climbed in 1952 by a Japanese expedition led by Masataka Takagi. 

A German expedition followed in 1955, presumably climbing Mount Chulu-Far-East, 6059 meters via the northeast ridge. These 4 peaks, in the north of the Manang valley, are also known locally as the Gungang Himal.

The base camp for Chulu East and Chulu Far East is the same and is located above Ngawal. Above the town of Letdar is the further north base camp for Chulu West and Chulu Central (6250 m). The climbing permit costs the same for all 4 peaks. Of the four, Chulu Far East is the easiest peak to climb.

The standard route for the summit is the northeast ridge from High Camp on the moraine at 5330m. Most climbers make it to the summit and back to High Camp in one long day, although there have been a few who have another high camp somewhere erected below the summit. 

On the trekking tour, you will pass small Nepalese villages and get an insight into the everyday life of the mountain people. You leave the main route of the Annapurna Circuit and turn into the lonely and little-visited Naur Kohla Valley. Here you circle Pisang Peak (6,091 m), and after crossing the pass of Kang La (5,322 m), you get back on the main route. Well acclimatized to the altitude, you are ready for the mountaineering highlight of this trekking tour – the ascent of Chulu Far East. A relatively easy route takes you to the highest point via a high camp. The Himalayas are now at your feet.

Easiest 6000m peak in Nepal

Of the three massifs of Chulu peak, Chulu Far East is the easiest peak to climb but is more difficult than Mera Peak. The second easiest is the Chulu West. Chulu East also has additional difficulties, such as rock climbing in lower grades, as well as additional ascents and descents on the way to the summit. 

Chulu Far East Peak is technically not that demanding and long either. Generally, climbers can climb the summit and back to the base camp in one day. The path leads over the undulating glacier, over snow and ice slopes. There are several short stretches of steep snow or ice slopes (45 degrees) and glacial-created bumps. During the ascent, you will pass several peaks along the way. 

You will reach the top, standing on a small snow globe whose steep slopes drop off in all directions. You have reached the summit. From the mountaintop, you have a wonderful view of many snow-capped mountains. From this point, your high camp looks like a toy town. 

The trek is even made easier, shorter, and pleasant as you hike through rice terraces, rhododendron forests, past the eight-thousanders Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the villages of the Gurung, Thakali, Magar, and Bhote ethnic groups.