These peaks are part of the Manang Himal, which are
quite rightly included in the larger Damodar Himal, the eastern limit
of which runs south from Chako and Peak 6687 in a north-to-south direction
along the Hunlung
Khola, Nar Khola and Phu Khola. To the south the Marsyangdi Khola and
the Mesokanta La bound it. To the west its limit is the Kali Gandaki
and to the north the Parchekya La (5,447m). There exists considerable
confusion with regard to the name and location of the Chulu peaks and
what summit actually constitutes Chulu West and Chulu East, since it
is soon becomes apparent to anyone that has climbed in the range that
several other summits close by, which are actually part of the Chulu
massif, are not indicated on present maps of the area. For the sake
of clarification, four summits can be included in the Chulu group, two
of which are possible on the permit for Chulu West and two on the Chulu
East permit. What is apparent is that the available trekking map is
highly misleading. The highest of these peaks, marked Chulu West (6419m)
on the trekking maps, has a recorded altitude from at least two expeditions
of nearer 6400m; this might more accurately be called Chulu Central.
The NMA gives this an official altitude of 6,419m. Many climbers are
confused as to the exact location of these two peaks as the range has
4 or more summits in the immediate vicinity, which are unmarked in maps
of this area. As a result many climbing parties have mistakenly climbed
one of these peaks thinking it to be Chulu West. It usually understood
that with the permit to climb the East or West peak an attempt could
be made to the nearby peak as well. A climb of one or both of these
peaks combined with Nepal's most famous Arround the Annapurna trek make
up for one of the most spectacular Himalayan trekking and climbing.
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