Nepal: Climbing and Trekking in the Magical Kingdom

Overview | Everest Base Camp Trek | Island Peak | Chulu East
Mera Peak | Annapurna Sanctuary

Chulu East and Pisang Peak

Dates and Cost: Arranged on a private group basis; please call.

The Chulu and Pisang peaks rise above the dry, arid Manang region of Nepal. This remote area lies in the rain shadow of the massive Annapurna Himal. We begin our approach by following the Marsyandgi Khola through a variety of landscapes and cultures. From the subtropical land of the Gurung people to the high Tibetan like region of the Manangba people. Our route up Pisang Peak rises in an elegant arc of the S. W. face to a steep, icy ridge. The route is not technically difficult but demands solid snow climbing skills and excellent physical conditioning. Following our ascent of Pisang we trek further up valley to the district head quarters of Manang. A long day takes us to base camp. After a rest day we proceed to high camp on a high col. Our route to the summit follows the exposed N.E. ridge on snow and ice with outstanding views of the Annapurnas and Manaslu to the East. A quick descent takes us back to Ongre where we take a flight to Pokhara then to Kathmandu.

This expedition combines all the best elements of a Himalayan expedition. While the trip is strenuous and demands that each participant be well versed in alpine snow climbing skills, it is an excellent way to experience the culture of Nepal and ascend two Himalayan peaks in the safest possible way.

Itinerary:

• Day 1-2: Depart for Thailand with a twelve hour layover in Bangkok.
• Day 3: Fly to Kathmandu, arriving in early afternoon.
• Day 4: Our first day in Kathmandu is spent seeing the sights of this amazing city.
• Day 5: Today we arrange last minute details and pack our gear.
• Day 6: An all day bus ride takes us to the trail head at Besi Sahar (2665 ft.).
• Day 7: The first day of the trek takes us up the Marysangdi Khola to Bahundanda (4257 ft.).
• Day 8: Exposed trails above the raging river, and past waterfalls takes us to Chamje (4647 ft.).
• Day 9: As we move higher we get views of Annapurna II where we camp at Bagarchhap (7020 ft.)
• Day 10: Steep rocky trails, through magnificent forest brings us to Chame (8547 ft.).
• Day 11: Walking through the narrow valley and lush forest we ascend to the town of Pisang (10,692 ft.).
• Day 12: From Pisang village we ascend to a kharka pasture to base camp (14,370 ft.).
• Day 13: Today well take a well deserved rest to acclimate to our new altitude.
• Day 14: We proceed to high camp on the shoulder of the S.W. ridge. (17,716 ft.).
• Day 15: An early Morning start will take us up the easy but steep ridge to the summit (19,983 ft.)
• Day 16: Today we descend from base camp to upper Pisang Village.
• Day 17: Above Pisang we enter the arid manang region and camp at Ongre (10,806 ft.).
• Day 18: Today we rest and sort our gear before heading to Chulu base camp.
• Day 19: A long, uphill hike takes us to a camp below a huge water fall (14,500 ft.).
• Day 20: A shorter day takes us to base camp at 17,500 ft.
• Day 21: Today we rest and sort our gear for our high camp.
• Day 22: Climbing up to a col between Chulu East and Far East we set our high camp (18,400 ft.).
• Day 23: We descend and cross a glacier then gain the N.E. Ridge. We climb the exposed, but straight forward ridge to the summit of Chulu East. We then retrace our way back to high camp.
• Day 24: We pack our gear and descend to Ongre in a long day.
• Day 25: Fly to Pokhara then to Kathmandu.
• Day 26: In Kathmandu we recover from our expedition with a celebration at an excellent Indian restaurant.
• Day 27: Today is spent shopping, sight seeing and a final celebration dinner.
• Day 28: Depart for Bangkok mid day. You will have a 12 hour layover in Bangkok.
• Day 29: Depart for and arrive in the U.S.