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19 days
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Annapurna
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Strenuous
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6,091 m
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From 1 person
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Peak climbing
Highlights
- Summit of Pisang Peak (6,091 m) with views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and Gangapurna
- Training on fixed ropes, crampons and ascenders before the climb
- The Tibetan-style villages of Upper Pisang, Ghyaru and Ngawal
- Crossing the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath
- A flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara
Overview
Pisang Peak Climbing combines a climb of Pisang Peak (6,091 m) with the classic Annapurna Circuit. You drive to Dharapani and trek up the Marsyangdi valley to Upper Pisang, where an acclimatization day prepares you for the climb.
From base camp and High Camp you climb a snow slope and a steep final ridge on fixed ropes with a Sherpa climbing guide. After the summit you continue through Manang and over the Thorong La pass (5,416 m) to Muktinath and Jomsom, and fly back to Pokhara.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Spring (April and May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best seasons for the climb, with stable weather and good snow conditions. Autumn brings the clearest skies after the monsoon.
Winter (December to February) is very cold and the Thorong La can be closed by snow. The monsoon (June to August) brings rain and cloud, so we do not recommend climbing outside the main seasons.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a strenuous trip that combines a high-altitude trek with a guided climb on snow and ice. Summit day is long, usually eight to twelve hours, and you climb with crampons, a harness and fixed ropes. No previous climbing experience is needed, but you must be fit and comfortable walking for several days at altitude.
The final ridge is steeper than on Island Peak, so it suits fit climbers. The acclimatization day in Upper Pisang and the nights at base camp help your body adjust. Insurance must cover climbing above 6,000 m.
Permits
You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), a TIMS card and a Pisang Peak climbing permit.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Later in the day your guide gives a trek briefing, checks your equipment and answers any questions. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A free day in Kathmandu to rest after your flight, check and rent climbing gear and meet your climbing guide. If you have time, you can visit some of the city’s heritage sites. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A long jeep journey of 9–11 hours takes you via Besisahar and up the Marsyangdi valley on a rough mountain road. You arrive in Dharapani, the starting point of the trek. Overnight in a teahouse in Dharapani (1,860 m).
The trail climbs through pine forest along the Marsyangdi, with the first views of Annapurna II. You arrive in Chame, the district headquarters of Manang, a good place to rest and look at the peaks above the town. Overnight in a teahouse in Chame (2,670 m).
The trail passes apple orchards and the curved rock face of Paungda Danda before reaching Upper Pisang, an old Tibetan-style village with views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. The walk takes five to six hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Upper Pisang (3,300 m).
A rest day to help your body adjust. A short hike above the village gives views of the Annapurna range and the route to Pisang Peak, and your climbing guide checks your gear. Overnight in a teahouse in Upper Pisang (3,300 m).
A steep climb of four to five hours through pine forest and summer pastures brings you to base camp on a wide grassy shoulder below the peak. Overnight in a tented camp at Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m).
A short but steep climb over rock and moraine leads to High Camp. In the afternoon your climbing guide runs a training session on fixed ropes, crampons and ascenders. The day takes about four hours. Overnight in a tented camp at High Camp (5,400 m).
You start in the early hours and climb a snow slope and a steep final ridge on fixed ropes to the summit (6,091 m), with views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. After the summit you descend to base camp, a long day of eight to ten hours. Overnight in a tented camp at Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m).
This day is kept free in case bad weather delays the summit. If the climb went to plan, you use it for an easy day at base camp or an extra night on the way to Manang. Overnight in a tented camp at Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m).
You descend to Upper Pisang and follow the high route through Ghyaru and Ngawal, with wide views of the Annapurna range, before dropping into the Manang valley. The day takes five to six hours. Overnight in a teahouse in Manang (3,540 m).
A short day of three to four hours climbs gently out of the Manang valley past summer pastures and yak herds to Yak Kharka. The slow gain in height helps your body adjust before the pass. Overnight in a teahouse in Yak Kharka (4,050 m).
A short climb takes you to Thorong Phedi at the foot of the pass. The afternoon is for rest, drinking plenty of fluids and an early night before the crossing. Overnight in a teahouse in Thorong Phedi (4,525 m).
A pre-dawn start for the crossing of Thorong La (5,416 m), the highest point of the trek, marked by prayer flags and wide Himalayan views. A long, steep descent then leads to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath. Expect 8–10 hours on the trail. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
A walk of five to six hours descends through Kagbeni, a medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang, and along the wide Kali Gandaki riverbed to Jomsom. Overnight in a lodge in Jomsom (2,720 m).
A short morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A bus journey of around 6–7 hours takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu. The evening is free to rest, pick up souvenirs or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A free day in case of flight delays, or time for sightseeing and shopping in Kathmandu. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
