Chulu Far East Tilicho Lake Trek
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Date of Departure
Trip Information
Duration
21 days
Max Altitude
6,059 m
Difficulty
Difficult
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Trekking
Trekking beyond the majestic Annapurna Himalaya
Passing by the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake
Stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Mt. Manaslu
Typical Nepal trekking off the beaten track north of Annapurna
Trek through the impressive and hardly ever crossed Mesokanto La Pass at 5120 meters
Chulu Far East Tilicho Lake Trek Overview
Want to conquer the Himalayas above 5000m? Chulu Far East Climb Tilicho Lake Trek could be one of your choices. It lies just beyond the majestic Annapurna Himalaya. The German team first scaled the Chulu Far East Mountain (6059m) in 1955.
Chulu Far East Expedition is a simple and pleasurable climb of the three Chulu summits. It offers climbers the opportunity to appreciate nature's wonders. The summit has frequently been compared with the Island Peak near Mount Everest.
We reach the summit of Chulu Far East peak after an exciting trekking journey. The climb takes us through serene landscapes and lush foliage. We explore traditional cultural heritages in the Annapurna region.
Once we reach the top of the peak, we are rewarded with unparalleled views. The summit offers views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Pisang Peak, and Chulu West Peak. We can also get to view the Tibetan grasslands on the horizon to the north.
Our 3-week-long journey isn't just a mountain climbing trek. It also gives an opportunity to trek through the world's highest lake. The Tilicho Lake altitude is 4949 meters. We cross the high Himalayan pass named Mesokanta La at 5120 meters.
Tilicho Lake Trek with Chulu Peak is off the beaten path. It lets you experience the majesty of the breathtaking Himalayas. Trekkers gain insight into the Himalayan flora, fauna, and culture of the Himalayan dwellers.
Chulu Far East peak climbing itinerary, Nepal
After leaving the capital Kathmandu, we take a scenic driving journey to Chame. We reach our first stop via Besishahar. Following the renowned Annapurna circuit through verdant woods. We walk past fruitful valleys and traditional villages, and we hike to Pisang.
After Pisang, we turn off the main Annapurna trail. Our travel takes us through the lovely cultural villages of Ngwal and Gyaru to Julu Khola.
For acclimatization, we spend an extra day at the Julu Khola Camp close to Chulu village. We spend another spare day at the Chulu Far East Base Camp. With the help of our climbing leader and team, we embark on the top of the Chulu Far East on the 12th day of this journey.
Then, we take the impressively adventurous trail on our return trip. We see the breathtaking beauty of Tilicho, the highest lake in the world, nestled in the Himalayas. We will traverse through the Mesokanto Pass (5120m). It takes around 6 hours to travel downhill to Jomsom through a lengthy forest trail.
We conclude this off-the-beaten-path Annapurna climbing trek by taking a picturesque flight from Jomsom to Pokhara across the Kali Gandaki Valley. We then drive back to Kathmandu.
Chulu Far East Climb & Tilicho Trek Highlights
Trekking beyond the majestic Annapurna Himalaya
Passing by the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake
Stunning views of Annapurna II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, Glacier Dome, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Mt. Manaslu
Typical Nepal trekking off the beaten track north of Annapurna
Trek through the impressive and hardly ever crossed Mesokanto La Pass at 5120 meters
Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek Difficulty
Usually, Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake is quite accessible on foot. The trial is pretty straightforward without much hardship. The path is an established trail to the location. Thus, making the journey quite easy, except for the Tilicho La pass.
The path to the pass is full of snowy slopes and rocky paths, making the journey quite difficult at the pass. The climb of Chulu Far East is technically not difficult, which makes it easier for amateurs.
However, there are some occasional rocky slopes and glacier fields encountered. The group needs to be roped together to pass such terrain to provide safety. Prior training on crossing the lines and using the rope line is given during the trip.
Though the training will be provided, it is important to have experience walking with crampons. With the effective use of an ice-axe, to get a better understanding of the training. The hikers should be fit enough to undertake the rigorous journey at 5500 meters.
Altitude sickness could be a serious problem during the Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek. As we know, prevention is better than cure, we need to move slowly in the higher altitudes. We need to keep ourselves hydrated. Fill ourselves with a healthy diet and have a great mentality.
As soon as you discover a symptom of AMS, inform your trekking guide or climbing leader because they are well-trained in this subject. Also, your travel insurance covering emergency evacuation can come in handy if needed.
Best time to do Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek
Autumn (October-November) & spring (April-May) are the prime seasons for trekking and climbing in Nepal. These are the periods when Nepal's trekking trails are overrun with hikers and mountaineers.
Likewise, the best time to climb Chulu Far East Peak is autumn. After the end of the monsoon season, the trekking trails are easily accessible. Plus, the views are picture-perfect as monsoon rain washes away the dust from the landscape and vegetation.
Also, the rain helps the streams, waterfalls, rivers, ponds, and lakes to be replenished. In addition, the air is particularly crisp and cool. The skies are clear, and the mountain views appear to be stunning from every viewpoint.
Another peak time for Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek is the spring. The spring months are busy welcoming the climbers and trekkers. This season is also known for blooming flowers and lush vegetation.
The weather and temperatures are stable with clear skies. The days are bright and warm, and the trekking trails and surroundings are dry and perfect. It offers some of the best alpine views.
Trekkers and Climbers avoid the monsoon & winter
The environment of Nepal is encircled by rain clouds throughout the monsoon season. It is also a time when it is hot and humid. The trails are also muddy and dangerous to walk on as a result of the rain.
During the monsoon, views of the mountains are obscured by the rain clouds. The scene following the downpour may be seen with sharp vistas of mountains and washed-out landscapes.
The winter month of December is also a good time for this Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek journey. But the other months of winter are advised to avoid as temperatures are frigid and below freezing.
As a result, autumn and spring are the best times to do Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek. It is still feasible to do the journey during the off-season with better planning and the appropriate equipment, but it is not advised.
Permits for Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek
You will need to obtain the following permits to do the Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Permit for peak climbing
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Itinerary Map
Itinerary Detail
Chulu Far East Tilicho Lake Trek Packing List
General
Backpack (40-50L for summit day)
Duffel bag (carried by porter/yak)
Sleeping bag (rated to -20°C or lower)
Sleeping pad (for extra insulation)
Headlamp with extra batteries
Sunglasses (category 4, glacier glasses)
Water bottles (2x 1L) or hydration bladder
Thermos (optional but useful at high camp)
Water purification (tablets or filter)
Trekking poles (collapsible)
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal first aid kit
Snacks (energy bars, gels, trail mix)
High-altitude medications (Diamox, ibuprofen, etc.)
Passport and permits (TIMS, climbing permit, etc.)
Camera or phone with charger/power bank
Dry sacks or waterproof stuff sacks
Upper Body
Sun hat or cap
Buff or neck gaiter
Warm hat (fleece or wool)
Balaclava (for summit night)
Lightweight base layer (synthetic or merino)
Mid-weight fleece or softshell jacket
Insulated jacket (down or synthetic, for cold evenings)
Heavy-duty down jacket (for summit push)
Torso
Short-sleeve trekking shirts (2-3, moisture-wicking)
Long-sleeve trekking shirts (2)
Lightweight fleece or merino base layer (1-2)
Insulated vest (optional)
Hardshell jacket (waterproof/windproof with hood)
Lower Body
Trekking pants (2)
Thermal base layers (2 pairs, merino or synthetic)
Softshell pants (for cold days)
Hardshell pants (windproof and waterproof)
Insulated pants (for summit night)
Shorts (optional for lower altitudes)
Hands
Lightweight liner gloves (fleece or synthetic)
Windproof gloves
Insulated mittens or gloves (for high camp/summit)
Extra pair of gloves (backup)
Feet
Trekking socks (4-5 pairs, wool or synthetic)
Thermal mountaineering socks (2 pairs)
Trekking boots (well broken-in, waterproof)
Mountaineering boots (double-layer for summit)
Camp shoes (Crocs or sandals)
Gaiters (for snow and scree protection)
Undergarments
Moisture-wicking underwear (4-5 pairs)
Thermal underwear (2 sets, for sleep and summit)
What is Included / Not Included
- All airport transfers on a private vehicle
- 3* standard category hotel accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Best Available Guesthouse/Lodge/Tea House accommodation during the trek
- Tented accommodation during the Climb
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunches & Dinner with Tea/Coffee) during the Trek & Climbing
- Guided Sightseeing with all applicable entrance fees as per itinerary in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Comfortable transfer from Kathmandu to Besisahar
- Local Sharing Jeep from Besishar to Chame
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Domestic (Jomsom – Pokhara) Airfare and taxes as per itinerary
- An Experienced GOVT licensed Trekking/Climbing Guide & required No. of Sherpa Porters
- All wages, allowances, insurance, medical and equipment for supporting crew
- Annapurna Conservation Fees
- TIMS fees & Local Province (Municipality/Village) Fees
- Peak Climbing fees (Royalty)
- Climbing & Camping Equipment as per itinerary/necessary
- Garbage fees/a comprehensive medical kit
- Welcome or Farewell Dinner
- All GOVT local taxes and surcharges
Your accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be at a 3-star standard category hotel on a twin/double sharing basis. When we are in the mountain region, we will be sleeping in the best available guest houses or tea houses on a twin/sharing basis. The services will be very basic compared to the hotels in the cities, but they offer a decent bed with a mattress, blanket, and pillow.
Many of those guest houses do not have attached bathrooms and western-style toilets, but some of the places, such as Jomsom, have those services.
If you prefer a single supplement service, we can manage them, but only in the city areas at an additional cost and with prior information. In fact, you can upgrade the hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with a few extra dollars. However, it is occasionally impractical while trekking in the mountains, especially during the peak seasons.
Besides the base camps and high camps, there are places with no teahouse/lodges like Julu Khola and Yak Kharka during this Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek.
So when we are in these places, we will be spending the night at the tented camp pitched by the camping crew. It is also based on twin sharing and includes foam mattresses and sleeping bags. Toilet facilities will be available in the climbing portion with the appropriate natural preservation.
Meals during Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek
Meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara
During your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, every breakfast and welcome or farewell dinner is provided by the Himalayan Trekkers. We have not included lunch and dinner because you can easily find a place to dine in easily in these cities. It is also more convenient for you, as you can enjoy the food of your choice, as there are thousands of good restaurants and eateries with a variety of menus, including local, Indian, Chinese, Continental, Western, Japanese, etc.
Meals at the local tea house/ lodge
All three meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) will be provided during the trekking period. The tea house or lodge where we spent the night will provide breakfast for the day. Lunch will be provided on the route to our next destination. And the dinner will be served at the lodging where we spend the night. We can have traditional Nepali fare, meals from other ethnic groups, as well as Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian cuisines, including pizza, chips, and apple pie. Even hot cocoa, a range of bread, a selection of drinks including fresh apple juice, and snacks are available.
Meals during the camping period
During the camping period, we will be served a fresh and hygienic meal prepared by our professional tent chefs. Depending upon the situation, our breakfasts and lunches may be packed, which are also prepared by our cooks.
