Of the two Chulus (East and West), Chulu West is the higher peak. The first ascent of Chulu West was in 1952, by a Japanese expedition team. It lies in a small valley north of Manang just off the main trail to the Thorong La. Chulu East was climbed by a German expedition team in 1955 via the North East Ridge. It is difficult to differentiate between the two Chulus. However, the Chulu group comprises of four peaks; two in the east and two in the west. There are no technical difficulties in ascending these peaks, but progress can be slow as the slopes are vulnerable to avalanches in certain conditions. These peaks are clustered together to form an integral part of the Manang Himal, which in turn is included in the more extensive Damodar Himal.