Pisang Peak Climbing
Pisang Peak climbing can be an adventure of assorted flavors. Climbing Pisang peak will allow you to observe the local and festive lifestyle, participate in village life and observe the natural and cultural wonders of the greater Jomsom, Manang, and Annapurna region.
Pisang Peak is one of the most well known trekking peaks in Nepal. It lies in the Annapurna region roughly between two massive peaks, Annapurna I and Manaslu both of which are over 8000m high. The trekking path along this route offers plenty of space for exploration with magnificent panoramic views.
With an altitude of 6091 m, Pisang Peak is a mountain without technical difficulties that is a perfect way to start high altitude mountaineering. Considered an easy climb mountain, Pisang Peak offers its climbers an interesting journey past different ecosystems, diverse cultures, and fantastic landscapes. Along the way, you will learn about the beautiful natural wonders such as breathtaking waterfalls, lush green paddy fields, arid deserts, oak forests, and the deepest canyon in the world. All these highlights help make this tour one of the most popular treks in Nepal.
Pisang Peak rises above the eponymous village and yak pastures in a uniform slope of ice and snow to its summit pyramid. The west flank of the mountain is covered by a hanging glacier that presents a considerable challenge. The west end of the ridge is traversed by huge slabs of rock that add to the challenging climb. If you are looking for an exciting and adventurous expedition crammed with exquisite visual treats, then this tour is for you.
A team of German expeditions made the first ascent of the peak in 1955, which also made the first ascent of East Chulu. There are two alternatives available for a trek to Pisang Peak. On the lack of time, the trek can begin with a panoramic flight along the main Himalayan ridge from Kathmandu to Pokhara. However, if you have excess days and want to explore ethnic beauty up close, you can start your trek via road with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, Dharapani, Chame, and to Pisang villages.
Pisang village exists in a quiet corner of northern Nepal, offering insights into the way of life and ethnic traditions of the Gurung and Tamang tribes. It is divided into two parts by the Marsyangdi River; Lower Pisang (3,200m) and Upper Pisang (3,300m).
After an approach to trekking and a rest day in the village of Pisang, the ascent towards the summit begins. The base camp will be laid at about 4400 m. Another camp is set up at about 5100 m altitude. Even from these two camps, there is a fantastic view of the mountains of the Annapurna Himal. The ascent to the summit first leads over steep rock steps and then over steep snow slopes. The tour usually ends on the southern summit, which is about 20 m lower. The further path to the main summit leads over a sharp, heavily interwoven, and therefore dangerous ridge.
A trek in the Annapurna area with its outstanding views, discovering the Manang village, its Tibetan and Nepalese culture, a varied tour past old monasteries, ice giants, fluttering prayer flags, waterfalls, through rhododendron forests and the deepest gorges in the world, adventure, relaxation and views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, Gangapurna, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal await you on old trade routes and the hospitality of the locals remain in good memory.
It is commonly climbed in two different seasons, pre-monsoon (March to June) and post-monsoon (September to November). Summer with the monsoon season (July and August) and winter season ( December to February) are unfavorable for climbing the peak due to unpredictable weather conditions on the way to the summit. Heavy rainfall and slippery passages with a potential risk of landslides in summer and heavy snowfall with the chilling temperature at night on the peak in winter are definitely not the best time to trek Pisang. The post-monsoon season tends to be a bit crowded. However, the best weather is guaranteed. Unfavorable weather can be detrimental.
Pisang Peak Climbing Permits
Since Pisang peak is situated in the Annapurna region and the mountain itself is 6091 m high, your trek on Pisang peak requires three permits: Pisang Peak Climbing Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and TIMS Card.
Pisang Peak Climbing Permit
Pisang peak is a trekking peak exceeding the height of 5000 m. Therefore, a permit should be obtained from Nepal Mountaineering Association which has modified its rules regarding climbing permits in 2015. Accordingly, the permit cost depends on the trekking season that is valid for 1 month. A trek in the Spring season ( March to May) can cost you $250 per person for a period of 1 month. An autumn season (September to November) trek can cost you $125 per person for 1 month. A winter (December to February) and summer (June to August) trek will charge you $70 per person for 1 month. On the expiry of the permit validity, $10 per person for each additional day from September to November and $7 for each additional day from December to August have to be paid.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS
Since you will be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will need a permit for that as well. An entry permit worth $30 per person is required, as well as a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card issued by the Association of Travel Agencies. You can purchase both cards in Kathmandu at the Tourism Information Board Office. Although if your idea is to hire a porter, the agency where you hire him, he does the paperwork for you at no additional cost. You will need 3 passport-size photos and your passport. The permit has an approximate entry and exit date; you can request up to the number of days your visa lasts. Of course, each permit is for a single entry.
How hard is Pisang Peak to Climb?
The Pisang Peak is technically not very difficult, but it is not a hiking peak. A 6000m peak in the Himalayas requires a certain amount of mountaineering experience simply because of the height. However, climbing a peak like Pisang Peak still requires serious organization and attention to detail. Still,the difficulty level is no longer comparable in complexity to expeditions to the highest peaks in the world. Crampons, an ice ax, and insurance are needed to overcome some ice and rocky areas, but weather and logistics issues play a smaller role. The organization of several intermediate camps most likely will no longer be required – on all parts of the route of peaks of this level, work in the alpine style is possible. The probability of altitude sickness is still there. Around the camp of Pisang village, the trail ascends through sparse wood and pasture to Kharka Hill (4,380 m), which is considered the best place for setting up the base camp. High Camp is at (5,400m) climbing on a shoulder on the Southwest Ridge. The well-defined ridge ushers to the last snow inaccuracy, which is relatively steep but not difficult to reach the summit. The descent follows the same route. Thus, optimal physical and mental health and fitness are recommended.
Fixed Departure Dates
| Trip Date | Seats Remaining | |
|---|---|---|
| September 15 - January 1 | 10 Seats Left | Book Now |
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu.Trek and Climbing Preparation.
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggage in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please lookout for a play card of Everest View Treks & Expedition at the exit of the arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek/climb leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street
Drive to Dharapani
After early morning breakfast, we will head west and follow the Prithvi Highway along Trishuli River to the homeland of Central Himalaya including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. The road offers an opportunity to have a view of rustic Nepal that comprises green hills, river, villages and snow-clad mountains at the backdrop. We will part our ways with the Highway at Dumre and choose the branched off route to Besisahar and continue to Dharapani where we will stay overnight at a lodge.
Trek to Chame(2715m)
Leaving Dharapani, we will head west through the rugged trail to arrive at Marsyangdi River. We will follow the river uphill to Manang Valley. We will be blessed with mesmerizing views of Annapurna II (7937m) and Annapurna IV Mountains. Trade with Tibetans is the chief occupation of locals in this region. Following the old trade route, we will climb uphill through the forested ridge of oak and maple to Dhanakyu (2290m). Moving further through the rock-strewn path, we will reach Latemarang village (2360m). Passing through the forested ridges, we will reach Koto (2590m). Descending trail from Kotho will take us to Chame (2670m) which is the administrative headquarters of the region. We will be greeted with views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II Mountain and Annapurna IV Mountain at Chame. Stay overnight at Chame.
Trek to Upper Mustang(3,185m)
Leaving Chame, we will cross over to the northern side of the river from where the trail stretches uphill through apple orchards to Bhratang village (2840m). This is marked as an old Khampa community. There will be a change in terrain from this point.
We will follow the rock-strewn path through the tapered valley that is covered in thickets. Exiting from the forest, we will meet the river which we will cross over a suspension bridge that is located somewhere above 3040m from sea level. We will get the first view of magnificent Paungda Danda which is the 1500 m wall of rock that stems up from the river. We will traverse the ridge decorated with prayer flags and stone cairns to arrive at Pisang. We will visit local gompa and stay overnight in a teahouse.
Rest and Acclimatization day at Upper Pisang(3,185m)
The first acclimatization day of our trip. Together we head out further towards base camp with an aim to gain altitude and retrace back to Pisang for overnight.
Trek from Upper Pisang to Pisang Peak Base Camp (4380m)
After breakfast, we will make our way to the Pisang Peak Base Camp. This short trail takes us through thin forests and alpine grasslands. This grassland is called “Kharka,” which means pasture for yak grazing. We will reach the base camp by lunchtime, and you can get a beautiful view of the Pisang peak (6091m) from here. We set our camp here. Overnight stay at Pisang Base Camp.
Climbing Course and Final Preparation at Base Camp (4,380m)
A climbing course will be conducted today giving you knowledge on the usage of equipment. Later, we sort out our gears and do our final preparation for the climb.
Move up to Pisang Peak High Camp(5,400m)
We begin another uphill climb towards Pisang peak High Camp. The weather in this region depends on the season. You will experience heavy snowfall from December to March in these regions. Enjoy the majestic view of the mountains surrounding you. Overnight stay at Pisang High Camp.
Pisang Peak Summit (6,091m) and back to Pisang Peak Base Camp
Today is finally the day to make our ascent of Pisang Peak. We head out for summit bid early in the morning after an early breakfast. The upper part of the ridge is guarded by huge rock slabs. The route to the summit from high camp involves technical rock section and the upper part is steep and fairly exposed slopes of ice and snow (55°). From the summit, you get a majestic view of the Annapurna Himalayan range. After the summit, we retrace all the way to the base camp.
Trek From Pisang Peak Base Camp to Manang Valley
After having summited Pisang peak, we retrace all the way back to the main Annapurna circuit trail. We trek towards Manang which takes 3 hrs walk and the rest of the day is free to rest and explore and town.
Trek to Yak Kharka
We will follow the narrow path to Tenki village (3620m) that locates above Manang. Taking brief ascent, we will head northwest up the valley of Jarsang River. We will head north and pass through a trail lined with juniper trees to reach Gunsang (3930m). We will walk through the alpine meadow. We get to see Gangapurna (7454m) and Annapurna III (7555m) Mountains from most of the point. We will descend to Yak Kharka where we will stay overnight.
Trek to Thorang Phedi
We will leave Yak Kharka and follow the rugged trail to Ledar (4250m). From Ledar, we will follow the ascending trail to Jarsang River. Walking along the eastern edge of Jarsang river, we will ascend to Thorong Phedi (4450m). This small settlement got its name from its geographical position which translates as Base of Thorong Hill. We will stay overnight in Thorung Phedi.
Cross Thorang-La Pass (5,416m) and Trek to Muktinath.
We will begin the long climb to the top of Thorong La. Following the cattle trail through moraine and snow, we will reach the top of the pass in about 4hrs depending upon the weather condition and strength of climbers. The summit is festooned with prayer flags. We will rejoice the views of Kali Gandaki Valley to the west while we can get a view of Yakgawa Kang Peak (6481m) to the north.
Sharp descend from Thorong La will take us to Muktinath temple. The journey is rewarding with views of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Tukuche Peak (6920m). Walkthrough the moraine path and grassy slopes to Jhong Valley. Walking further, we will reach Muktinath where we will stay overnight.
Trek to Jomsom
Muktinath holds religious significance among Hindu and Buddhist devotees. We will visit Vishnu temple and a Monastery. Later, we will descend to Ranipauwa village. The trail lowers down through barren hillside to Kagbeni and then to Jomsom.
Fly to Pokhara
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 15 minutes flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy tingling experience we will enjoy. On arrival at Pokhara airport, our guide will transfer us to the lakeside hotel. We use the rest of our time exploring the lake and then spend our overnight at our hotel down by the lake.
Drive to Kathmandu
We will return to Kathmandu on this day. Kathmandu is separated from Pokhara by 200km. Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 6 hrs to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara by road. You will be transferred to the hotel where you will have a pleasant stay.
Transfer to Airport for the International Departure
Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. We will drop you to the airport as per your flight time. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.
Includes/Excludes
- Fully guided climb with climbing guides at 1:3 ratio (Guide to Client Ratio)
- Full Board meals (B,L,D) + 3X(Tea or Coffee) and accommodation at Teahouses/Lodges during the trekking period.
- Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu for 2 nights &Pokhara 1 night on 3star Category with breakfast included
- All required permits for the trek and climb
- Porterage of all equipment
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
- Comprehensive first aid kit with a supplementary oxygen system
- Satellite phone for emergency purpose and a nominal charge for personal use
- Use of waterproof Duffel bag & Sleeping bag
- Group climbing gears
- Guides & Porter insurances and allowances
- Summit certificate issued by Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Fresh fruit after dinner & 1Pcs Snicker or Mars chocolate bar each person every day.
- International airfare, visa and travel insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on the trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses - Drinks & Souvenirs
- Gratuities for staff