Join a community of
mountaineers
Chulu east
Height: 6,584 m
Duration: 20 days
Country: 
Nepal
Nepal
Chulu East offers a challenging climb that rewards you with unparalleled panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan giants. Its less-trodden path provides a sense of solitude and adventure, making it a hidden gem among Nepal's trekking peaks.
Table of contents
Prepare for an adventure climbing Chulu east. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
Route
- 5,669 m gain over 20 days
- Starting and ending in Besisahar
- approach: walk in
Walk in
- +2,300 m over a 45 km approach
- 4 - 6 days in
- 3 - 5 days out
Climb
- +1,470 m over 3 days.
- 1 high camp. There is one high camp at around 5,050m, which is typically used.
Difficulty
- PD: Not very hard (alpine grade 2)
Cost
- $1,000 solo
- $1,620 - $6,350 guided
When to go
- April and May
- September and October
Permits
- 2 permits are needed
- costing around $102 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
These are pictures taken while climbing Chulu east. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Chulu east, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Chulu east. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Chulu east. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
The climbing itinerary for Chulu East includes a base camp at 5360 meters, a high camp at 5530 meters, and the summit at 6584 meters. This challenging ascent requires technical climbing skills and offers experienced mountaineers an exhilarating adventure in the Annapurna region.
Chulu East Base Camp
The starting point of the climb, situated at an altitude of 5360 meters. It serves as a central location for acclimatization and preparation.
5,360 m
High Camp
A campsite located at an elevation of 5530 meters, providing a crucial stop for rest and acclimatization before the summit push.
5,530 m
Chulu East Summit
The summit of Chulu East, reaching an elevation of 6584 meters. From the summit, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
6,584 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Chulu east. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.
Chulu east weather
How is the weather on Chulu east, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to climb Chulu East is from September to November, when the weather is generally dry and stable. The winter months from December to February can be very cold and snowy, while the summer months from June to August can be wet due to the monsoon season.
The best time to climb Chulu east is in these months:
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
Chulu east Gear Packing List
What To Take to climb Chulu east
Guide
-
Clothing:
- Warm base layers
- Insulated mid layers
- Waterproof outer layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Gaiters
- Hiking boots and spare laces
- Thick socks and spare pairs
-
Climbing gear:
- Helmet
- Climbing harness
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Climbing rope
- Carabiners and quickdraws
- Belay device
- Ascender/descender
-
Backpack:
- Mountaineering backpack (50-70L)
- Rain cover for backpack
-
Sleeping:
- Sleeping bag (rated to at least -20°C)
- Sleeping pad/mattress
-
Food and water:
- Energy bars and snacks
- Water bottles or hydration system
- Water purification tablets/filter
-
Navigation and communication:
- Topographic map and compass
- GPS device
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cell phone and charger
- Radio or satellite phone (optional)
-
Personal hygiene:
- Toilet paper and trowel
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication and first aid kit
- Sunglasses and contact lenses/glasses (if needed)
-
Miscellaneous:
- Cash and credit card
- Multi-tool or knife
- Duct tape and repair kit
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Portable charger and cables
- Camera and extra batteries
- Book or entertainment (optional)
Chulu east Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
The Chulu East trek is a popular trekking route that offers a variety of climbing and trekking services. The route passes through several villages and remote areas, and there are several accommodation options, food choices, and gear services available.
Accommodation
Teahouses and lodges are available along the route. These are basic but comfortable and provide meals and lodging facilities.Food
A variety of food options are available on the route, including local Nepali food and western cuisine. However, the availability of food items may vary with the altitude.Guides
Local guides are available for hire and are highly recommended due to their knowledge of the area and experience. The cost of hiring a guide can range from $25-$30 per day.Porters
Porters can also be hired to carry heavy equipment or luggage. The cost of hiring a porter can range from $20-$25 per day.Medical facilities
There are basic health clinics and pharmacies available in some of the villages along the route. However, it is recommended to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.Gear rental
Basic gear can be rented in Kathmandu, including sleeping bags, jackets, and boots. However, it is recommended to bring your own equipment, especially for climbing purposes. Additionally, it is essential to carry crampons and ice axes during the climbing season (March - May and September - November).Transport
Private jeeps and buses are available from Kathmandu to Besishahar. From there, local transportation can be used to reach the starting point of the trek. Helicopter services are also available for emergencies or to reach remote areas.Internet / Phone
Connectivity can be limited on the trek, with intermittent phone signal available in some areas. Wi-Fi is available in some teahouses, but it may not be reliable. It is recommended to carry a local SIM card and a portable charger.ATMs
ATMs are not available on the route, and it is recommended to carry enough cash.Shops
Small shops are available in some of the villages along the route, selling basic items such as snacks, toiletries, and souvenirs.Chulu east permits
What permits are needed for climbing Chulu east
For climbing Chulu East, you will need to obtain several permits.
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- $23.5 (~3,000 in the local currency)
- A permit required for entering the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Can be obtained in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Besisahar.
2. Chulu East Peak Permit
- $78.5 (~10,000 in the local currency)
- A permit required for climbing Chulu East Peak.
- Can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Chulu east access - getting there
How to get to Chulu east
- Private Car/Jeep: The most convenient and comfortable way to get to the start of the Chulu East climb is by hiring a private car or jeep, which can be arranged in advance.
- Public Bus: Public buses are available from Kathmandu to Besishahar, which is the starting point for the trek. From there, you will need to hire a jeep or walk to Chame, where the trek officially starts.
- Shared Jeep: Shared jeeps can be found in Besishahar, which is the starting point for the trek. They are a more affordable option than private cars, but can be crowded and uncomfortable.
- Flight: Flights are available from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom, both of which are near the Annapurna region. From there, you can hire a jeep or take a bus to Besishahar and then proceed to Chame.
- Helicopter: Helicopter rides are available from Kathmandu to Chame, which is the starting point for the trek. However, they are expensive and not a practical option for most trekkers.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Chulu east. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Chulu east video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Chulu east. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Mesokanto Pass
add 4 - 6 extra days
A popular variation that includes crossing the high and scenic Mesokanto La pass to reach the remote village of Naar Phu.
Chulu east questions
What to know about climbing Chulu east
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Chulu east climb.
