Destination
Nepal
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.
Table of Contents
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.
Trip Details
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Drive to Besisahar
- Day 3: Trek from Bhulbhule - Bahundanda to Jagat
- Day 4: Trek to Dharapani
- Day 5: Trek from Dharapani to Chame
- Day 6: Trek from Chame to Pisang
- Day 7: Acclimatization in Upper Pisang
- Day 8: Trek from Upper Pisang to Pisang Peak Base Camp
- Day 9: Pisang Peak Base Camp to High Camp
- Day 10: Ascent Pisang Peak and return to base camp
- Day 11: Trek to Manang Valley
- Day 12: Trek from Manang to Ledar
- Day 13: Trek from Yak kharka to Thorung Phedi
- Day 14: Trek to Muktinath
- Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom
- Day 16: From Jomsom to Pokhara by Flight
- Day 17: Drive from Besi Shahar to Kathmandu
- Day 18: City tour of Kathmandu Valley
- Day 19: Departure from Nepal
Itinerary
After arriving at Tribhuvan International airport, you will get the Nepal Tourist Visa. Then you will be taken to your hotel in Kathmandu. If you have the time and energy, you can spend the rest of the day walking through the city’s narrow lanes.
Today you have a 7-hour drive (depending on the road conditions, it can take a little longer) to Besisahar, where you will spend the night in the tea house.
You will descend a steep path from Bahundada through green rice terraces before crossing a river at the foot of a small waterfall. After that, you will climb to the hilltop above the river to reach Hani Gaon village. After that, the Marshyangdi valley forms a V shape. You follow the mountain down towards Syange. The path then goes up steeply. The path runs along steep cliff slopes about 2-3 hundred meters above a river bed. Finally, drive to the village of Jagat, which lies in front of the Marshyangdi valley, where you will spend the night in a Tibetan tea house.
You will walk through a dense forest to a tea house just before Chamje with an outstanding view of a waterfall. Chamje is a unique village with traditional teahouses, many of which are equipped with horses. After descending back to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, you will begin a steep climb. You walk a path across the river and climb straight to the top of the hill, where you have a good view of the lake below. Surrounded by cliffs, you follow the somewhat difficult mountain path. Outside the lake, the valley and path narrow. You will then make your way across a suspension bridge and climb a short distance to the Stone Mine, the entrance to Dharapani.
The trek goes through dense oak and pine forests, further through a village where a waterfall will greet you. From there, a sloping path leads to the village of Koto. After an hour’s walk, you’ll reach the top of the hill with a charming Tibetan teahouse. During a tea break, you will have magnificent views of the Manaslu Himalayas. An hour away is the beautiful Gurung village of Timang, where the villagers harvest their crops and make local sausages. Dominated by Annapurna 2, you will enjoy a unique view deep into the majestic Himalayas. Many villagers are from Nar Phu Tal, the gateway to the region. After less than an hour of hiking, you will arrive at Chame, the local administrative center of Manang, and a large village full of small shops, teahouses, an army base, and a large school.
Pisang Village is adorned with its Tibetan Mani Stones and monastery. You have the choice to go up to Pisang, from where you have a fantastic view of Annapurna 2 and Annapurna 3.
Today is the day for acclimatization. It is very important that you spend enough acclimatization days during a mountain climb. You can discover the village and learn about village life. All day, you can enjoy the views of Annapurna, Gangapurna, and Tilicho.
You start today at Pisang Base Camp. Today you will climb the forests and pastures. These pastures are mostly used for yak. The ground is flat and is often walked in the area.
You will climb the southwest ridge to reach High Camp. You will learn to use all mountaineering equipment such as ice axes, mountaineering boots, crampons, ascenders, etc.
You will start your trek as early as possible. Today you will hike mostly on the rocky ground. The way to the top is very steep and with rocks. That’s why there is very little snow. You need climbing ropes to ascend. You need about 200 m of climbing ropes to the summit, and you will fix the ropes at 70 degrees. The views of Annapurna and the other ranges are outstanding. You return to the base camp.
From Pisang Peak Base Camp, trek via Geru and Upper Pisang past. You will have magnificent views of Annapurna massif, Upper Pisang. When you reach Manang, it gets colder and dry.
It’s a short day hike, but you’ll be crossing higher passes, so you’ll have to walk slowly. On the way, you will surely encounter the galloping Manangi horses. Saddled with expensive Tibetan wool blankets and their prominent Manangi riders, often wearing bells to attract attention from the trekkers. Today’s destination is Ledar.
You will do an easy 2-hour hike up to Thorong La Base Camp. It takes another hour to reach the hotel in Thorung Phedi before you reach the High Camp, where you will spend the night.
Today you will start the trek earlier in the morning with a 3-4 hour hike to the top of Thorong La, where you will have a breathtaking view of Mustang and the surrounding peaks. Descending, you can rest at the local tea house in Khabarbu to acclimate to the new altitude. Then you will enter Lower Mustang, with its sacred temple (complex of Muktinath).
The day begins with a gentle descent down the Kali Gandaki river bed en route to Jomsom, the administrative office for this region. The Kali Gandaki valley can get windy in the afternoon, so it is important for you to arrive before noon.
Today you will take a 25-minute flight to Pokhara. After arriving in Pokhara, you can refresh and rest.
You have finished your mountain climb. You return to Kathmandu today.
If you want, you can take a tour of Kathmandu valley. You can visit the Unesco World Heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Patan, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Today you will depart from Nepal with an excellent lifetime memory.
