Chulu West: Geography and Name
Stands at 6,419 m (21,059 ft) in Manang District.
Positioned north of the Marsyangdi River valley.
Chulu Group: Forms part of a larger cluster including Chulu East, Chulu Far East, and Chulu Central.
Elevation
6,419 m
21,059 ft
Location
Manang District
Annapurna Circuit
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Standard Route
North-West Ridge
Nepal Side
The High Peak of the Damodar Himal
Chulu West is part of the Damodar Himal chain north of the Manang Valley on the Annapurna Circuit.
It is a highly popular trekking peak offering high altitude combined with relatively straightforward mountaineering.
Key Highlights
- Unmatched view of Annapurna II, III, IV, Gangapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
- Integrated into the world-famous Annapurna Circuit Trek.
- Features a high camp experience above 5,300 metres.
Quick Facts
First Ascent
1952 (Swiss Expedition)
Parent Range
Damodar Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
28.7333° N, 84.0333° E
Beyond the Basics
Chulu West: Climbing & Trekking Guide
Route, acclimatisation and permit notes for Chulu West from the Nepal Side side, plus practical safety advice.
Chulu West: Climbing Routes
Climbed from a base camp situated in a side valley north of Leder village.
- North-West Ridge Route: Ascends snow slopes and rock ledges to a steep ice ridge push.
Chulu West: Permits, Season and Safety
The standard season on Chulu West is Spring & Autumn (Mar–May / Sep–Nov). Multiple High Camps: Setting up a Camp I and High Camp significantly increases summit success.
Approaches to Chulu West begin from Nepal Side in Manang District, where the main objective is the North-West Ridge. Confirm current permit, insurance, and national park requirements before departure.
- Permits required: NMA Peak Permit & ACAP Permit.
- Best months: March to May and September to November.
- Elevation: 6,419 m (21,059 ft).
Chulu West: Approach and Acclimatisation
Plan for road travel to the Nepal Side trailhead, then several days of walking before you reach the foot of Chulu West. Gain height gradually, take a rest day before moving to high camp, and keep a spare weather day in reserve during Spring & Autumn.
Summit day on a 6,419 m objective is long, so start early and set a clear turn-around time. If the North-West Ridge is crowded or the snow is unstable, waiting a day is almost always better than pushing on.
Chulu West: Facts and Figures
Chulu West "The Gem of Manang Valley" stands at 6,419 m in Manang District, Annapurna Circuit. The figures below summarise the mountain for trip planning.
- First Ascent: 1952 (Swiss Expedition)
- Parent Range: Damodar Himal, Himalayas
- Coordinates: 28.7333° N, 84.0333° E