The route to the Chulu peaks gains height steadily through Manang, which gives a natural acclimatisation. Plan rest days, drink plenty, and be ready to descend if symptoms of altitude illness appear.
Climb high, sleep low
The classic rule is to climb a few hundred metres during the day and sleep lower. Around Manang, day hikes to viewpoints and lakes do this well. See our Manang guides for the options.
Rest days
Include at least one full rest day in Manang, at about 3,540 m. Rest days are not a waste: they are the main reason many climbers reach the summit.
Signs of altitude illness
Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness, poor sleep and unusual tiredness. Severe signs are confusion, unsteady walking, breathlessness at rest and a wet cough. These need descent without delay.
Medicines and your doctor
Talk to a doctor before you travel about altitude medicines and any health conditions. Do not take medicines to hide symptoms and keep climbing.
Hydration and food
Drink steadily throughout the day, eat even when your appetite is low, and avoid alcohol. Carry snacks for the summit day.
Cold and wind
Base camp nights are cold, and the summit day starts in the dark. Pack a warm sleeping bag, insulated boots and spare gloves. Cold hands and feet make everything harder.
A sample schedule
A typical 18-day plan reaches Manang around day six, takes a rest day with an acclimatisation walk, and then moves to base camp. Base camp sits near 4,900 m, and a night or two there is common before moving to the high camp. Your guide adjusts this to how the group feels.
Sleeping at altitude
Poor sleep is normal above 4,000 m. Use a warm bag, keep the tent ventilated, and avoid sleeping pills. If you wake gasping or with a pounding headache, tell your guide.
Emergency plans
Know where the nearest evacuation point is and how your insurer arranges helicopter rescue. Keep the policy number, the emergency phone number and your passport copy where your guide can reach them.
Plan it
Read the Chulu itinerary and how hard Chulu East and West are.
