7 Aug 2024 Prakash Devkota
Chulu Far East Peak is a stunning trekking peak and a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. It is one of the four Chulu Peaks (Chulu West, Chulu East, Chulu Central, and Chulu Far East) and the most straightforward of all. Still, climbing Chulu Far East Peak is an adventurous and challenging undertaking that requires basic mountaineering skills, physical fitness and strength, endurance, and knowledge of using mountaineering equipment.
The trekking journey to Chulu Far East Peak’s base camp will take you across diverse Himalayan landscapes, such as forests, hills, terraced fields, medieval villages, valleys, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, Yak pastures, alpine meadows, snowfields, and glaciers. You will experience the warm welcome and authentic hospitality of the native Gurung community and insight into their untampered culture, costumes, and traditions in the villages along the way. You will also have a deep exploration of the abundant flora and fauna of the region while passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area. During the return journey, you will cross a high Himalayan Mesokanta La Pass, which adds to the overall challenge of the adventure.
The Chulu Far East Peak climbing is technically not so challenging. However, there are some complex sections you need to navigate, such as glacial bumps, snow and ice slopes, steep scree, etc., during the summit approach. Standing atop the Chulu Far East Peak, you will be surrounded by an expansive panorama of the majestic Himalayas in the Annapurna region, such as Manaslu, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, Macchapuchre, Tukuche, Tilicho, Hiunchuli, and several more. You can also see the Tibetan plateau on the northern side. You can reach the summit of the Chulu Far East Peak from the high camp and descend back to the base camp in a single day.
Chulu Far East Climbing Difficulty With Possible Solutions
Chulu Far East Peak is considered moderate in terms of its difficulty level. Several factors account for its toughness, which are:
Lengthy Adventure
Climbing Chulu Far East Peak is a long-duration journey that lasts for around 18 to 22 days. Within this duration, you will cover approximately 80 to 100 kilometers of round-trip trek (starting point-base camp-ending point) and additionally around 3 kilometers of base camp-to-summit distance. The summit push is relatively challenging due to its high altitude and difficult terrain. Likewise, trekking for several days on the adventurous Annapurna region trails with various ascends and descends and twists and turns is both physically and mentally demanding.
Your daily walking duration during the trek to the base camp of Chulu Far East Peak ranges between 5-7 kilometers. The consecutive trekking days over steep and rugged Himalayan landscapes involve excessive physical exertion, and you need to possess good physical fitness to deal with it. You can get a proper shape through strength training and gain endurance from cardiovascular workouts. Besides, hiking practice and acclimatization training will prepare you well for the adventure. Along with physical preparation, do not oversee your mental health. Consider having a sound mental preparation with positive thinking, being hopeful, and practicing mindfulness.
Remoteness and Wilderness
The Chulu Far East Peak climbing adventure takes place in the remote high-altitude and wilderness Himalayan areas. It is nothing like a luxurious holiday vacation. The journey will make you experience the true spirit of adventure as you explore the untamed landscapes of the Annapurna region that are relatively far from the beaten path. While you can immerse in the silent beauty of the Himalayas upon traversing the secluded mountain corners during the journey, you will also face the difficulties of complex trails and less established infrastructures in the region.
The trekking trails and climbing routes of Chulu Far East Peak are formidable, presenting challenges like ice and snow slopes, long climbs, inclined drops, crevassed glaciers, rugged cliffs, steep boulders, etc. The effective and safe navigation of these mountainous paths and terrains significantly challenges the beginner adventurer. The teahouses where you will stay throughout the trekking period will offer you ordinary accommodations with basic amenities. For modern services like hot showers, WiFi, electronic charging, laundry, etc, you will have to pay an additional amount. Besides, access to health care is limited and difficult, and banking and ATM services are nonexistent.
You need to be flexible to adjust to the simple living style or carry essential items that will uplift your comfort and well-being on your own during this remote journey. Consider packing every essential hygiene and toiletries item and as there is no heating system, a cozy sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable sleep. More importantly, carry enough money for the comfort of extra services and facilities along the way. You also need to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that will provide you with immediate helicopter rescue and evacuation if an emergency occurs.
Weather Instability
The weather at high Himalayan locations is unpredictable. It changes frequently, turning a warm sunny day to a wet and gloomy one in a flash. Even the favorable seasons of spring and autumn cannot guarantee the best weather and temperature for the alpine expedition of Chulu Far East Peak. Though the climate tends to be quite stable than other times of the year, you need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
In order to carry on your adventurous Himalayan journey smoothly and safely, consider keeping regular updates on the weather forecast to make decisions accordingly. Also, the right packing with a layer of clothes and appropriate gear is a must. This will help you stay warm and comfortable during sudden weather changes or temperature drops, as well as navigate effectively during difficult terrain conditions. Besides, be flexible with extra days to cover the adventure if the bad weather strikes.
Altitude Sickness
The major cause of altitude sickness is the depleting higher alttiude air. As you ascend more to the alpine locations, you will experience a low air pressure. In thin air, the level of oxygen is considerably less. It is certain for a human body to feel inconvenienced in breathing in an environment where there is low oxygen. More than just a breathing difficulty, the likelihood of altitude sickness accelerates in such a situation.
Climbing Chulu Far Esat Peak is an alpine adventure that will take you to breathtaking heights in the mountains. For several days during the trek, you will be spending nights sleeping at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. Likewise, you will be at significant elevations at these places: Chulu Far East Base Camp at 5,155 meters/16,913 feet, High Camp at 5,400 meters/17,716 feet, and to the summit of the peak, which is at 6,059 meters/19,879 feet. Additionally, we will be visiting the alpine glacial Tilicho Lake at an astounding height of 4,920 meters/16,142 feet and cross the high mountain pass of Mesokanta La at 5,121 meters/16,801 feet. While the symptoms of altitude sickness are usually seen after crossing a height of 2,500 meters, this high Himalayan journey will carry a high possibility of prevailing it. The general symptoms of altitude sickness are:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or getting exhausted easily and quickly
- Rapid beating of the heart
- Difficulty in sleeping (nor getting easy and good sleep)
- Inconvenience in taking a breath
- Loss of appetite
Preventive measures of altitude sickness
- Do not rush to the elevations. Take a slow and relaxed pace so that the body will get ample time to acclimatize. To acclimatize means to adjust to the lower oxygen of the high-altitude environments.
- Consume healthy meals that are rich in essential nutrients for the body such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, etc. Do not go after packaged food or the taste of oily and spicy meals.
- Drink plenty of water and other liquids, as hydration is key to avoiding altitude sickness. It is advisable to drink a minimum of 4 liters of water daily throughout the trek.
- Stay away from the consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes, which will dehydrate your body and certainly exacerbate the threat of altitude sickness.
- Take a good rest and sleep before and after each day’s journey. Also consider taking brief rest and hydration breaks along the way to avoid over exertion.
- Take a diamox pill, which will lower the effects of altitude sickness if the above preventive measures do not work out.
What Makes the Chulu Far East Climbing Journey Easy?
Training
Fitness Exercises
- Squats
- Planks
- Plunges
- Overhead press
- Hammer curl
- Pull up
- Deadlifts
- High knees
- Arm circles
- Push-ups
- Burpees
- Bicep curl
- Bench press
- Leg press
- Calf raises
Fitness exercises upgrade your muscle and bone strength and promote the overall performance of the body. Involve in fitness workouts at least 2 to 3 days per week throughout your training period.
Cardiovascular Workouts
- Cycling
- Skipping
- Swimming
- Jogging
- Dancing
- Running
- Brisk walking
- Stair climbing
Cardiovascular workouts help to raise your endurance level, which is essential for sustained physical activity during the trek and climb of the Chulu Far East Peak. You can engage in this training regularly for maximum output, but do not overtrain and also allow time for the body to relax and recover.
Climbing Specific Courses
Undertake pre-climbing training for several months before going on an actual adventure of Chulu Far East climb. In the courses, you will be taught about technical climbing techniques like ice climbing, rock climbing, rope skills, etc. You will also gain knowledge about the proper and effective use of basic mountaineering equipment like crampons, harnesses, belay devices, fixed ropes, etc. Everything from glacier travel skills and crevasse rescue training to emergency protocols in sudden and unexpected situations is known through climbing courses.
Altitude Adaptation Training
The best way to engage in altitude adaptation training is by hiking with a loaded backpack to the nearby hill stations. Remember to wear a worn-in trekking boot and use trekking poles for your acclimatization walks. For more better results, you can consider spending nights sleeping in tents. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of the training, which prepares you to adapt effectively to altitude changes.
Note: You can also incorporate flexibility exercises like yoga and stretches in your training session that help to build physical ability to prevent injuries and enhance mobility. Likewise, besides physical preparation, sound mental health and readiness are essential to complete the journey successfully. So, be prepared with a positive mindset, strong determination, courage, and confidence.
Right Packing
Trekking Gear and Climbing Equipment
- A spacious backpack with a rainproof cover
- A daypack to carry only those items which is required for a day journey
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Trekking poles with good stability and balance
- Headlamp or flashlight with an extra pair of batteries
- 0-degree sleeping bag
- Sleeping liner and sleeping pads
- Climbing helmet
- Glacier glasses
- Altimeter watch
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Harness
- Ropes
- Snow pickets
- Jumars (ascenders and descenders)
- Ice axes and ice screws
- Rock piktung
- Tape sling
Note: Most of the necessary gear and equipment required for the trekking and climbing of the Chulu Far East Peak will be provided by the Peak Climbing Nepal family. For the tools that are not included in a package, you can rent them from us. If you like to shop for gear and equipment apart from us, we recommend you to visit Thamel, a hotspot tourist area packed with shops with every trek essentials.
Clothes
- A sun hat or brimmed hat for sun protection
- Woolen hat or beanie for warmth
- Scarf or bandana
- Multiple pairs of thin and thick socks
- Liner and insulated gloves
- Mittens for extreme cold weather
- Waterproof gloves
- Lightweight T-shirts (both half and full sleeve)
- Comfortable trekking trousers
- Moisture-wicking vests
- Flexible tops and bottoms
- Sweaters or fleece jackets
- Down jackets for chilly high-altitude weather
- Windproof jackets and pants
- Waterproof outer shells
- Gaiters
- A sturdy and worn-in trekking boots with a good ankle support to prevent blisters
- Camp shoes (lightweight sport shoes)
- A pair of flip-flops and slippers
Note: In the plethora of shops in Thamel, you can choose from a range of high-quality to cost-effective alpine adventure clothes. The price of the clothes depends on several factors such as brand, quality, demand in the market, durability, functionality, etc. While buying or renting essential trek items, opt for multifunctional, qualitative, and durable ones, which can be a bit expensive. However, the unparalleled comfort, convenience, and adaptability to challenging mountain conditions are totally worth it.
Personal Care Items
- Moisturizers
- Conditioners
- Deodorants
- Earbuds
- Nail cutters
- Toilet paper
- Razor, shaving cream, and after shaving lotion
- Sanitary pads/tampons
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dental floss
- A handy mirror
- Comb/hair brush
- Hair ties or clips
- SPF 50 + suncream and lip balm
- Bath towels
- Soap and shampoo
- Toilet paper
- Face wash
- Wet wipes
- Foot powder
- A comprehensive first aid kit with general medicines for fever, cold, diarrhea, dehydration, altitude sickness, etc
Documents
- Nepal Entry Visa
- Insurance papers
- At least six months of validity passport
- Few passport-size photos for several official purposes
- Trekking and climbing permits
- Credit cards and cash converted to Nepali rupee
Extra Items
- Play cards, portable speakers, and other entertainment sets
- Magazines and books
- Diary and pen
- Garbage sacks
- Refillable thermal water bottle
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Smartphone
- Solar charger
- Power bank
- High-energy snacks and chocolates
- Navigation devices such as a compass, GPS, maps, etc
While packing these recommended lists for the adventurous journey of the Chulu Far East Peak climb, make sure to pack lightly and keep the backpack weight manageable.
FAQs in Chulu Far East Peak Climbing
When Will It Be Best to Climb Chulu Far East Peak?
It will be best to climb the Chulu Far East Peak in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is stable and pleasant and the temperature is moderate. Besides, these pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons bring out the clear sky and clean and fresh atmosphere when the unobstructed stark views of the snow-covered mountains and mountainous surroundings are possible. The trekking trails leading to the base camp of the Chulu Far East peak and its climbing routes are dry and well-established, facilitating easy navigation.
How Long Should I Train for the Chulu Far East Climbing Journey?
For the adventurous journey of climbing Chulu East Peak, you need to train at least 3-4 months before the adventure starts. The training period can vary according to the fitness and experience level of the adventurer. If you are not confident enough for the journey, consider taking as much time as possible to upgrade your strength, stamina, and endurance.
Does the Climb of the Chulu Far East Peak Require Previous Mountaineering Experience?
While prior mountaineering experience is not compulsorily required for climbing Chulu Far East Peak, having one is considered highly advantageous for an easy, smooth, and safe adventure. If you are an experienced mountaineer, you can easily know the alpine trekking and climbing conditions and necessary requirements. However, if you are a first-time climber, you should prepare well with proper physical fitness, basic climbing skills, familiarity with the use of fundamental mountaineering equipment, training on technical climbing, appropriate packing, etc., for a comfortable and successful journey.
How Fit Should I Be to Climb the Chulu East Peak?
You need to be reasonably fit for the exertive and challenging climb of the Chulu Far East Peak. Consider developing a moderate level of physical fitness with considerable strength, endurance, and stamina, which is required for this long Himalayan adventure. Being in proper shape and sound health condition is the primary requirement of the Chulu Far East expedition.
Do I Need Travel Insurance for the Clulu Far East Peak Climbing Adventure?
Yes, you need to have travel insurance for the challenging high-altitude adventure of the Chulu Far East Peak climb. You can’t say when your journey will collide with unforeseen circumstances like sudden illness, accidents, and injuries. In such cases, travel insurance helps to take you out with immediate access to medical treatment and care. Moreover, it also handles other unexpected happenings such as trip delays, lost/delayed/stolen baggage, and trip cancelations. For the climb of the Chulu Far East, it is advisable to get an extensive travel insurance policy with coverage of high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue and evacuation in severe emergency cases.
How to Prevent Common Illness and Injuries During the Journey?
To prevent common illnesses and injuries during the journey, consider the following precautions:
- Ensure proper hydration
- Wear layered clothing
- Invest in high-quality gear
- Wear well-fitted, worn-in boots.
- Stay dry by removing the wet and sweaty clothes
- Sleep cozily in sleeping bags
- Engage in light warm-up exercises and stretches before each day’s journey to prepare your joints and muscles.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks
- Use footpowder to avoid blisters.
- Avoid rushing
- Wear protective gear whenever required
- Drink safe, purified water and eat healthy and fresh foods
- Sanitize your hands at regular time intervals
- Apply your sunscreen over a period of time
What About the Food and Accomodation Options During the Chulu Far East Adventure?
During the trekking phase of the Chulu Far East climbing adventure, you will stay in traditional and comfortable teahouses along the routes which provide you with basic amenities to live. Likewise, during the climbing phase, you will spend nights in tented campsites with toilet and kitchen facilities.
For food, you will get to enjoy all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Teahouses will provide you with a variety of fresh and healthy local and Western cuisines in teahouses. You can also choose from the range of veg and non-veg food items. Likewise, during the campsite dining, we will serve you freshly cooked hygienic meals. You can also have well-packaged dry foods with significant calories and vitamins to sustain strenuous peak climbing activity.
Prakash Devkota
Managing Director and Team Leader
Mr. Prakash Chandra Devkota is an established name in the Tourism Sector in Nepal. He is a focused individual gifted with a brilliant mind. He is also hugely dedicated to social work. Born in the Gorkha district, a beautiful hilly region of Nepal, he first entered the tourism industry as a guide in 1997. He has gained extensive experience in almost all the trekking and climbing routes like Mera, Island, Lobuche and, Ama Dablam, etc.
He registered Nepal Guides Treks & Expedition in 2009 AD. Due to his passion for adventure and efforts to provide quality personalized service to his clients, he has established himself as a successful tourism entrepreneur. He has dedicated most of his time working diligently to elevate the tourism industry and collected more than 15 years of experience in organizing trekking and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. He believes in the power of the tourism industry and the employment opportunities that can be created through it. He constantly looks for innovative ways to run the company.
Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices. He believes promoting eco-tourism will preserve natural resources and positively impact the environment.
