Overview

Ascent of Chulu West and Chulu Central are best made from a base camp in a small valley north of Manang situated off the main trail of the Annapurna circuit to Thorong La pass 5416m. Indeed some of the best views of this peak can be seen from the pass.

North-West Ridge: Go beyond the hut following the yak pastures and walk up a ridge which leads into a hidden valley where it is possible to find a good site for base camp. From this base camp, ascend steep screed slopes to a cool 4,900m. /16,076 feet), on a subsidiary ridge that leads down from the main ridge. To the north of the cool ascend snow slope for 200 meters to the base of a band of rock at an altitude of 5,100 meters and the site for a possible high camp.

Climb the rock band with some difficulty to the north-west shoulder of Chulu west 5450 meters/17,880 feet, where another camp can be established or alter-native a camp can be placed on a snow plateau above 5,530 meters/18,143 feet. On the first ascent and several subsequent ascents rope was fixed on the rock band. From the plateau continue up the progressively narrowing ridge to the summit 6,250 meters /20,505 feet. Descend by the same route.

Duration:24 days

Program Grading: Moderate