Pisang Peak Climbing & Annapurna Circuit -
16
/Days
Pisang Peak Climbing & Annapurna Circuit
The 16-Day Pisang Peak Climbing Expedition combines the ascent of one of the Annapurna region's most iconic pyramids with the complete traverse of the legendary Annapurna Circuit. Rising to 6,091 meters (19,983 ft) directly above the village of Upper Pisang, the mountain features a uniform pyramid shape standing opposite the immense glaciated north wall of Annapurna II and IV. Ascending from the subtropical Marsyangdi river gorge, the climb establishes a wilderness base camp (4,380 m) and high camp (5,400 m) on the south-west ridge before tackling rock slabs, a glaciated snow gully, and a steep 45-degree snow ridge to the summit. Following the summit achievement, you continue through Manang to cross the high pass of Thorong La (5,416 m) into the sacred Mustang sanctuary of Muktinath.
Availability
Includes
What's Included
- Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Pisang Peak Climbing Permit & Garbage Deposit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and TIMS Card
- One-way domestic flight ticket (Jomsom to Pokhara) including airport taxes
- Private 4WD ground transportation (Kathmandu to Dharapani & Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- Certified IFMGA/NNMGA licensed high-altitude climbing Sherpa guide (1:2 guide-to-climber ratio on summit day)
- All group climbing equipment (high-altitude climbing ropes, snow bars, ice screws, rock pitons)
- 13 nights teahouse accommodation along trail + 2 nights full camping setup with four-season tents at High Camp
- All three daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek and climbing days
- Daily pulse oximeter blood oxygen saturation monitoring, emergency medical oxygen cylinder, and staff insurance
What's Not Included
- International airfare and Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel and mountaineering medical insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue up to 6,500 meters
- Personal technical climbing gear (double mountaineering boots, crampons, harness, ice axe, jumar, carabiners, helmet — rental available in Upper Pisang)
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Pokhara or Kathmandu outside the set itinerary
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and electronic battery charging fees at lodges
- Summit climbing bonus for Sherpa guide (industry standard USD 150-200) and porter tips
Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned Pisang Peak Climbing & Annapurna Circuit itinerary, designed with proper acclimatization and comfortable trekking days throughout the journey.
Depart Kathmandu early morning by private 4WD vehicle along the Prithvi Highway to Besisahar. Transfer onto the rugged dirt mountain road winding through the Marsyangdi River gorge. Drive past soaring rock walls, cascading waterfalls, and the settlements of Tal and Karte to check into your lodge in Dharapani.
Day 1
Ascend through dense pine, fir, and oak cloud forests, passing small streams and prayer walls. The trail winds through Bagarchhap and Timang, opening up panoramic views of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m) and Peak 29. Continue through apple orchards and pine groves to reach Chame, the administrative headquarters of Manang district.
Day 2
Follow the river trail through pine woodlands where the valley narrows sharply. The trail passes beneath Paungda Danda, an enormous curved rock slab rising 1,500 meters sheer out of the riverbed. Cross the Marsyangdi River on a wooden bridge and climb stone staircases into the ancient, stone-paved Tibetan-origin village of Upper Pisang.
Day 3
Branch north from Upper Pisang, leaving the main circuit trail. Climb steadily through sparse juniper scrub and pine woods into the high alpine valley of Kharka. Ascend rocky paths to pitch tents at Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m). Settle into your camp and take an afternoon acclimatization walk along the ridge.
Day 4
A sustained uphill climb across loose scree, moraine rubble, and rocky slabs along the southwest ridge. Reach Pisang Peak High Camp (5,400 m), perched on a rocky shoulder beneath the glacier. In the afternoon, your climbing Sherpa conducts practical mountaineering training: fixed-rope ascending using jumars, crampon footwork on snow, safety clipping, and figure-eight abseiling.
Day 5
Wake at 1:00 AM under starlight for hot soup and gear up. Scramble over rocky ridges to the crampon point at the glacier tongue. Strap on crampons, rope up, and climb the glaciated 45-degree snow gully using fixed lines and jumars. Follow the exposed, knife-edge summit snow ridge to the top of Pisang Peak (6,091 m). Take in views of Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and the Chulu range. Rappel safely down to High Camp for hot soup, pack up, and descend back to your lodge in Upper Pisang.
Day 6
A dedicated contingency day built into the schedule to safeguard against high summit winds, heavy snow, or individual acclimatization adjustments. If the summit was achieved on Day 6, this serves as a relaxed recovery and celebration day in Upper Pisang.
Day 7
Take the panoramic high northern balcony trail, climbing steeply to the cliffside village of Ghyaru (3,670 m). Walk the high trail overlooking the wide Manang basin to Ngawal for lunch. Descend past the ancient monastery of Braga to enter the cultural town of Manang, surrounded by the Annapurna massif.
Day 8
Spend a relaxing recovery day in Manang. Take an easy morning walk to turquoise Gangapurna Lake and the Chongkor viewpoint for direct views of the Gangapurna Glacier and Icefall. Explore the old town, visit local bakeries, and attend the high-altitude medical briefing.
Day 9
Leave Manang through the northern stone gate, crossing the stream to climb out of the valley basin. Walk through alpine tundra and juniper scrub, passing seasonal yak pastures and wooden suspension bridges. Arrive in the high mountain settlement of Yak Kharka for afternoon rest.
Day 10
Follow the alpine river trail, climbing past the small tea shops of Ledar. Cross the wooden suspension bridge over the Jarsang Khola and navigate a narrow scree path beneath cliffs where blue sheep frequently graze. Ascend to Thorong Phedi or the high camp (4,850 m), resting early for the pass crossing.
Day 11
Rise at 4:00 AM under freezing starlight to begin the steady ascent up the switchbacks of Thorong La. Reach the prayer flags marking the summit of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), celebrating with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Make a steep 1,600-meter descent down into the arid landscapes of Mustang to the pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Day 12
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple complex, revered by Hindus and Buddhists for its 108 water spouts and eternal natural flame at Jwala Mai. Descend through the historic desert village of Jharkot and Kagbeni, following the wide, windy Kali Gandaki riverbed into the regional hub of Jomsom to celebrate your completed expedition.
Day 13
Board an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom down the Kali Gandaki canyon between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to Pokhara. Transfer to your lakeside hotel for an afternoon of boating on Phewa Lake, hot showers, and relaxation.
Day 14
Transfer to Pokhara Airport for a 25-minute flight or take a scenic drive along the highway back to Kathmandu. Meet our vehicle for private transfer to your hotel in Thamel for an evening farewell dinner.
Day 15
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before our airport transfer vehicle takes you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.
Day 16
Things To Know
Requires an official Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Pisang Peak Climbing Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit, TIMS Card, and NMA Garbage Deposit. Maximum elevation is 6,091 m at the summit. The upper mountain features mixed rock scramble, hard snow slopes, and a 45-degree summit snow ridge requiring crampons, harnesses, fixed-line jumar ascents, and figure-eight rappel descents. Full technical gear training is conducted at Base Camp.
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