Pisang Peak Climbing

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 meters/4,593 feet

Bulbule Elevation: 840meters/2,756 feet

The drive from Kathmandu to Bulbule starts the journey of Pisang Peak Climb. Following the Prithivi Highway, we navigate city streets to follow the paths of lush hills and Valleys. Covering a significant distance of approximately 175 kilometers, the scenic drive offers the view of picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and enchanting mountainous terrains. Crossing the rural villages of the river valleys, we head towards the narrow roads of remote regions to reach Bulbule, the starting point of our trekking journey to the Annapurna Circuit.

Drive Duration: 6-7 hours

Chamje Elevation: 1,430 meters/4,690 feet

The journey continues from Bulbule, trekking alongside the Marsyandi River. The trail to Chamje is adorned with the background of incredible Himalayas and surroundings of enchanting high-mountain landscapes. The elevation slowly rises, passing through villages like Ngadi and Bahundanda along the winding trails. You can witness and explore the local cultural and traditional architecture of the villages. Traverse through dense forests, cross suspension bridges over the rivers, and finally reach the destination of the day, Chamje.

Trek Distance: 10 to 12 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

After an overnight stay at Chamje, the day begins with a trekking journey towards Dharapani. The trekking trail primarily crosses several thrilling suspension bridges, the first of which is over the Marshyangdi River. Continue on the trekking journey, traversing the rhododendron forests, terraced fields, prayer wheels, and steep rocky paths of the Manang region. After several ascents and descents, the destination, Dharapani, closes up. Dharapani is a charming traditional village of Gurung communities.

Trek Distance: Around 10 kilometersTrek Duration: 5-6 hours

Chame Elevation: 2,630 meters/8,628 feet

The fourth-day journey starts from Dharapani where the trail leads to Chame. As you traverse the remote villages (Bagarchap, Timang, etc.), you can gain deep insights into the traditional rural lifestyle, Tibetan-style culture, and religion. The trail follows the uphill climb, passing through the lush greeneries and vibrant rhododendron blossoms and again connecting the Marshyangdi River bank. Finally, following the distinctive trails, Chame comes into view, which is the headquarters of the Manang. Trekkers can find cozy and comfortable teahouses/lodges in the alpine environment of Chame.

Trek Distance: Approximately 14-16 kilometersTrek Duration: 5-6 hours

Upper Pisang Elevation: 3,700 meters/12,136 feet

Chame to Upper Pisang is an alluring segment of trekking along the Annapurna Circuit. The trekking journey features an enchanting transition from lower to upper Himalayan regions. The trek heads towards Bharatang, a small settlement and trekking alongside the Marsyandi Riverbed, the trail ascends, crossing a suspension bridge to reach Dhikur Pokhari. This is a mesmerizing alpine lake within rugged Himalayan topographies, offering tranquility.

The trail then descends to lower Pisang village, with terraced farmlands and Tibetan-style houses adorned with prayer flags. Further traversing the enchanting forest areas and several settlements, we reach Upper Pisang for an overnight stay. Upper Pisang is a village located at a high altitude in an alpine environment. From there, Pisang Peak is seen to the north, along with the magnificent views of the Annapurna ranges.

Trek Distance: 12-14 kilometersTrek Duration: 5-6 hours

On this day, we will acclimatize before further trekking to the higher elevations. On the acclimatization day in Upper Pisang, you can rest and relax to restore the lost energy during the several hours of each day trek. A well-rested body can start fresh on the next-day journey with upgraded strength and stamina. To build up your endurance capacity, you can engage in light physical and cardiovascular exercises.

Spend your leisure day acclimatizing to the environment, which helps the body to adjust to the elevation and high-altitude surroundings. It helps to reduce the potential altitude sickness attacks. Next, you can review your gear and climbing equipment, and if time permits, you can visit and explore the Upper Pisang village. Know and understand the culture and tradition of the region and marvel at the amazing mountain views seen from there.

Base Camp Elevation: 4,380 meters/14,370 feet

The trek begins from Upper Pisang Village after an acclimatization day, passing the traditional villages. You can witness the prayer flags, monasteries, ancient architecture, unique culture, etc. while passing through the settlements. The trail heads towards Pisang Peak Base Camp, where you have to ascend through the alpine terrains and rocky paths. We will finally reach the base camp from Pisang and stay there for the night. The Pisang Peak Base Camp offers awe-inspiring views of the stunning Himalayan peaks.

Trek Distance: 5-7 kilometersTrek Duration: 3-4 hours

The High Camp Elevation: 5,400 meters/17,712 feet

The trail from base camp is narrow, rocky, and potentially snowy with some steep sections. Continue ascending the barren landscapes to gain a significant elevation of Pisang Peak High Camp, approximately about 1,000 meters. Throughout the trek, the incredible views of the Manaslu and Annapurna mountain ranges dominate the journey.

Reaching High Camp at 5,400 meters, the tent will be set to make necessary arrangements and prepare for Pisang Peak Climbing. The expedition crew will thoroughly check to make sure whether or not you are acclimatized for the summit push. As we will be spending our night at high camp, take the high camp opportunity to rest and acclimatize, adjusting the body to the higher elevations.Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Pisang Peak Elevation: 6,091 meters/19,980 feet

Summit to the Pisang Peak is an adventurous-filled, exciting journey. The climb to the summit involves steep technical sections, requiring a cautious ascend. With the help of a climbing guide fixing the rope, the distinctive way leads toward the summit. Ascending the final ridge, you can finally step upon the summit of Pisang Peak. It is a triumph moment upon conquering the majestic Peak. Enjoy the summit view of Annapurna, Chulu Range, Manaslu, Himlung, Tilicho Peak, Glacier Dome, Damodar, etc. Celebrate and photograph the success and retrace your paths to get back to the base camp.Climb Duration: 7-9 hours

The Manang Valley Elevation: 3,450 meters/11,316 feet

The journey starts from the Pisang Peak Base Camp, amidst the Himalayas. Start a descent to connect with the Annapurna Circuit trail and head towards Manang Valley. Most of the time, you will make a journey trekking alongside the riverbeds, encircled by the enchanting mountainous scenery. After around 5 to 6 hours of the exhilarating trek, Manang Valley approaches. Nestled in the Marsyandi River Valley, Manang offers serene Himalayan landscapes along with the unique culture, tradition, and history of the region.Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Yak Kharka Elevation: 4,110 meters/13,480 feet

Traversing the diverse landscapes and soaking into the cultural dimensions of the trek, the journey from Manang Valley heads towards Yak Kharka. The enchanting Valley with Tibetan-style architecture and monasteries is left behind while climbing the steep uphills. Enjoy the wonderful views of Annapurna and Gangapurna along the way and follow a gradual pace of ascent. Navigating the alpine terrains, forested areas, and Himalayan vegetation, you will reach Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is mainly pasture land (as Kahrka refers to a high-altitude grazing area for Yaks), encircled by the alpine meadows. You can find small settlements of people there where you can have insights into the local culture and living style of residents.

Trek Distance: 8-10 kilometersTrek Duration: 3-4 hours

Thorung Phedi Elevation: 4,600 meters/15,092 feet

This day, we head out from small villages to follow the destination Thorung Phedi. Thorung Phedi is a foot of challenging Thorung La Pass. The trek starts from the Yak Kharka, surrounded by mountainous topographies, and follows the rocky paths with more rugged terrains towards Thorung Phedi. The landscapes start to transform into high alpine terrains, and the trails become steeper as you approach Thorung Phedi. Along the way, the alluring views of the snow-capped Himalayas create a magnificent setting for the trek.

Trek Distance: 5-6 kilometersTrek Duration: 3-4 hours

Thorung La Elevation: 5,416 meters/17,769 feet

Muktinath Elevation: 3,710 meters/12,171 feet

This day of trekking journey involves crossing one of the high mountain passes, Thorung La and heading towards the holy temple Muktinath. Thoung La is a high-altitude pass at 5,416 meters/17,769 feet. We start on an early morning trek with the goal of navigating the Thorung La Pass before midday. Traversing the rocky trails and lush vast forests, you reach the Thorung La Pass, where there is a high chance of snow accumulation and strong winds. While crossing the challenging Pass, the panoramic views of mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and enchanting mountainous landscapes are seen.

After that, we follow a gradual descent on steep rocky terrains from the Pass and make a way to reach Muktinath. Slowly, the descent becomes less steep, and the alpine surroundings change to sub-alpine landscapes. Witnessing the views of the amazing Kali Gandaki Valley, we reach our destination, Muktinath. This is a pilgrimage site of Buddhist and Hindu religions, offering a harmonious blend of natural and cultural significance.

Trek Distance: 14-16 kilometers

Trek Duration: 8-10 hours

Tatopani Elevation: 1190 meters/3,904 feet

On this day, you can have an early morning tour around the Muktinath temple before proceeding the trekking journey. Don't miss an opportunity to have a holy bath in the 108 waterspouts and explore the underground natural eternal flame. Then, start fresh on the journey to Tatopani, a famous place for natural hot springs.

Descending from the high-altitude arid landscapes of Muktinath, the trail follows the transition journey of sub-alpine landscapes to a sub-tropical environment. Traversing several traditional villages and rhododendron-bloomed forested areas, we finally reach Tatopani. Dipping into the hot springs of Tatopani offers a relaxing conclusion to the trekking journey.Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Pokhara Elevation: 822 meters/2,696 feet After a successful trekking and climbing adventure of the Pisang peak, we finally return to Pokhara to culminate the journey. We embark on a scenic drive from Tatopani along the Kali Gandaki George to reach the popular travel destination Pokhara. The journey is picturesque, passing through lush landscapes, pristine rivers and waterfalls, rural villages, winding roads, green hills, and finally witnessing the serene lakes at Pokhara. Time permitting, here you can engage in different adventure activities and spend quality concluding time marveling at breathtaking mountain views.