Chulu Far East Tilicho Lake Trek

Want to conquer the Himalayas above 5000m? Chulu Far East Climb Tilicho Lake Trek could be one of your choices. The Chulu Far East Mountain (6059m), which a German team first scaled in 1955 lies just beyond the majestic Annapurna Himalaya. The climbing journey to the simplest and most pleasurable of the three Chulu summits 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 via the serene landscapes, lush foliage, and traditional cultural heritages in the Annapurna region. Once we are at the top of the peak, we are rewarded with unparalleled 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 is not only mountain climbing but also gives an opportunity to trek through the world's highest lake, Tilicho Lake (4,949m), and cross the high Himalayan pass named Mesokanta La at 5120 meters. This trekking journey on the off-the-beaten-path lets you experience the majesty of the breathtaking Himalayas as well as gain insight into the Himalayan flora, fauna, and culture of the Himalayan dwellers. 

Route to Chulu Far East Peak and Tilicho Lake 

After leaving the capital Kathmandu, we take a scenic driving journey to Chame via Besishar. Following the renowned Annapurna circuit through verdant woods, fruitful valleys, and traditional villages, we hike until Pisang. After Pisang, we turn off the main Annapurna trail and travel through the lovely cultural villages of Ngwal and Gyaru to Julu Khola.

To help with acclimatization, we spend an extra day at the Julu Khola camp close to Chulu village and 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 to see the breathtaking beauty of Tilicho, the highest lake in the world, nestled in the Himalayan Mountains. Also, we will traverse through the Mesokanto Pass (5120m) from where it would take around 6 hours to travel downhill to Jomsom through a lengthy forest trail. Then we conclude this Himalayan journey 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 

Difficulty During Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek

Usually, the trekking is quite accessible on foot and pretty straightforward without much hardship. The path is an established trail to the location, hence making the journey quite easy with an exception at the Tilicho La pass. The path to the pass is full of snowy slopes and rocky paths, hence 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 encounters of the terrain with rocky slopes and fields of glaciers, where the group needs to be roped together to pass on 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 an experience of walking with crampons, with effective use of an ice-ax in order to get a better understanding of the training. The hikers should be fit enough to climb the rigorous journey at 5500 meters. 

Altitude sickness could be a serious problem during 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, 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 in case needed. 

Best time to do Chulu Far East Peak Climbing with Tilicho Lake Trek

Autumn (October-November) & spring (April-May) are regarded as the prime seasons for trekking and climbing in Nepal. These are the period 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 and the views are picture-perfect as the monsoon rain washes away all of the dust from the landscape and the vegetation. Also, the rain helps the streams, waterfalls, rivers, ponds, and lakes to be replenished. In addition, the air is particularly crisp and cool and the skies are clear and the mountain views appear to be so 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 climber and trekkers as well as blooming flowers and lush vegetation. The weather and temperatures are stable, the skies are clear, the days are bright and warm, and the trekking trails and surroundings are dry and perfect offering some of the best alpine views. 

The monsoon & winter are mostly avoided by trekkers and climbers. 

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. Views of the mountains are obscured by the rain clouds but, 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 time 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 below-given 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