Climbing a mountain had always been on my list, but I never thought I’d actually do it, not until I found myself standing at the top of Chulu Far East Peak, 6,059 meters above sea level, smiling through tired breaths and frozen fingers. This peak isn’t as famous as some others, but that’s part of what made it so special.
The adventure started from the Annapurna region, a place I was already familiar with from a previous trek. This time, I was going beyond just walking. I was going higher to a real Himalayan summit. I wasn’t an expert climber, but I had some trekking experience, and with the right guides, gear, and training, I felt ready.
We began the trip with a drive to Chame, followed by a trek through beautiful villages like Pisang and Nagwal. The early days were a mix of pine forests, open fields, and clear skies. I met local people who lived simple but happy lives, and shared laughs and tea with other trekkers on the trail. Every day, I felt stronger both physically and mentally.
As we climbed higher, the air got colder and thinner. We left the usual trails behind and entered a more remote area. Fewer people, bigger views. That’s when the real adventure began. We made our way to the Chulu Far East Base Camp, around 5,000 meters high. The landscape was rough, rocky, and quiet just the wind, the snow, and the sound of our boots on the frozen ground.
Before the summit day, we did some climbing training. Our guide showed us how to use crampons, ropes, and ice axes. At first, it felt a bit scary, but with practice, I grew more confident. We stayed one night at the High Camp, where everything felt more serious. The cold was sharp, and I barely slept, but my heart was full of excitement.
We started the summit push before dawn. The sky was pitch black, and our headlamps lit up the path ahead. Every step was slow and heavy, but I kept going. The higher we climbed, the harder it got to breathe. My legs hurt, my hands were freezing, and my mind kept asking, “Can I really do this?”
Then, after hours of pushing through snow and wind, I looked up and saw the prayer flags at the top. I made it. I stood on the summit of Chulu Far East Peak, and the world around me was full of white peaks and endless skies. I could see giants like Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and even parts of Manaslu in the distance.
I felt small, but also powerful. That moment — standing on the roof of the world — made every hard step worth it.
The way down wasn’t easy either. I was tired and had to stay focused. But with each step back to base camp, I felt lighter. I had done something I once thought was too big for me.
Looking back, Chulu Far East was not just a climb. It was a life experience. It taught me about patience, strength, and how beautiful this world can be when you push past your limits. You don’t need to be a professional climber to do it — just be prepared, be respectful of the mountain, and trust your team.
If you're looking for something more than a regular trek, something that will challenge and reward you at the same time, I truly recommend the Chulu Far East Peak. It’s quiet, powerful, and perfect for those who want to taste the high Himalayas without too much technical climbing.
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