Pisang Peak Climbing and Annapurna Ascent
- 12 days
- 8,091 m max
- strenuous
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We guide climbers up the 6,091 m summit of Pisang Peak via the Marshyangdi Valley, combining high-altitude trekking with technical alpine climbing.
At a glance
Trip overview
Pisang Peak climbing offers an attainable yet technical mountaineering experience set directly within the Annapurna region. Rising to an altitude of 6,091 m, this peak sits on the edge of the classic Annapurna Circuit route, providing direct views of Annapurna II and the lower Marshyangdi River Valley. We designed this itinerary specifically for trekkers who want to step beyond standard hiking and test their skills on snow and ice without committing to an eight-thousand-metre expedition.
Our route departs from the standard trekking paths as we establish our base camp at 4,380 m and high camp at 5,400 m. While prior mountaineering experience is not strictly required, we expect participants to possess a strong baseline of cardiovascular fitness and comfort with multi-day hiking above 4,000 m. The final push involves a steep 200 m vertical rock and snow climb to reach the narrow summit ridge.
Our team of local Sherpa climbing guides and support crew manage all logistics, gear handling, and meal preparation on the mountain. We utilize comfortable teahouses during the initial approach through Dharapani and Chame up to Upper Pisang, transitioning to high-quality mountaineering tents at base camp and high camp.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
6,091 m Summit
We stand atop Pisang Peak for unobstructed panoramas of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
High-Altitude Camping
We set up expedition-style base camp at 4,380 m and high camp at 5,400 m using durable North Face and Mountain Hardware tents.
Annapurna Route
Our approach follows the stunning Marshyangdi River Valley through Dharapani and Chame before branching off toward Upper Pisang.
Experienced Sherpa Team
Our certified climbing leaders and kitchen crew provide instruction, safety checks, and hearty meals throughout the ascent.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Meals: B
We welcome you upon your arrival in Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel. You have time to rest from your journey or explore the nearby streets before our evening briefing.
We review your gear and discuss the upcoming climbing itinerary with your lead guide.
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,860 m) via Besisahar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani (1,860 m) via Besisahar
Meals: B / L / D
We depart early in a private vehicle along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers to Besisahar. From there, we continue on rougher roads to reach the village of Dharapani.
The drive takes approximately 8 to 9 hours through middle-hill landscapes.
Day 3
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,640 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Trek from Dharapani to Chame (2,640 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Our trek begins as we walk through pine forests and cross suspension bridges over the raging Dudh Khola. We pass small settlements and waterfalls before arriving in Chame, the administrative headquarters of the Manang district.
The hike takes 6 to 7 hours.
Day 4
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Chame to Upper Pisang (3,300 m)
Meals: B / L / D
The trail ascends through a steep, densely forested gorge, eventually opening up into the wide upper Pisang valley. As we gain altitude, the towering face of Annapurna II comes into direct view.
We settle into a local teahouse after 7 to 8 hours of walking.
Day 5
Acclimatization Day in Upper Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Acclimatization Day in Upper Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day resting and allowing our bodies to adjust to the 3,300 m elevation. Our guides conduct a pre-climb training session, reviewing rope techniques, crampon use, and gear handling.
A short hike above the village aids the acclimatisation process.
Day 6
Trek from Upper Pisang to Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Upper Pisang to Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the main trail and climb steeply through sparse woods and pastures past yak herder huts. The terrain becomes rocky and rugged as we enter the high-altitude wilderness zone.
We pitch our tents at base camp after 5 to 6 hours of climbing.
Day 7
Trek from Base Camp to High Camp (5,400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek from Base Camp to High Camp (5,400 m)
Meals: B / L / D
The route from base camp to high camp is short but physically demanding due to the rising altitude and scree slopes. Our crew establishes high camp on a rocky ridge with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.
We reach camp in 4 to 5 hours and rest early for summit day.
Day 8
Pisang Peak Summit Day (6,091 m) and Descent to Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Pisang Peak Summit Day (6,091 m) and Descent to Base Camp
Meals: B / L / D
We begin our summit push well before dawn, navigating a steep snow slope and a technical 200 m rock wall section. Fixed ropes are placed by our guides to secure the final vertical ridge leading to the 6,091 m summit.
After taking in the views, we retrace our steps down to base camp for an overnight stay, taking 8 to 9 hours total.
Day 9
Trek from Base Camp to Manang or Lower Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek from Base Camp to Manang or Lower Pisang
Meals: B / L / D
We pack up our camp and descend back down through the alpine meadows and pine forests. Depending on group pace, we continue toward Lower Pisang or Manang.
The descent takes 6 to 7 hours.
Day 10
Drive from Pisang / Manang to Besisahar (760 m)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Drive from Pisang / Manang to Besisahar (760 m)
Meals: B / L / D
We board a local vehicle for the return drive down the Marshyangdi River valley, retracing our route past waterfalls and terraced farms.
The road journey takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Besisahar.
Day 11
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We travel back to Kathmandu via private or local transport along the highway, arriving by late afternoon.
The evening is free for a celebratory dinner with our trekking crew.
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 12
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
We transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your return flight home.
Our services conclude upon your departure.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Two nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek and climb
- Pisang Peak climbing permit and ACAP permit
- Private vehicle transport from Kathmandu to Dharapani and local bus return from Besisahar
- Teahouse and tented accommodation during trek and climb
- Experienced English-speaking climbing leader, guides, cook, and porters
- Group mountaineering and camping equipment including tents and kitchen gear
Not included
- Nepal entry visa fees
- International airfare and travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal climbing gear and personal expenses
- Tips for guides, porters, and kitchen staff
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Ascending to 6,091 m requires careful respect for altitude. Our itinerary incorporates a dedicated acclimatisation day in Upper Pisang and gradual altitude gains to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness.
Our guides carry medical kits and pulse oximeters to monitor every team member daily.
Technical requirements
While Pisang Peak is considered an entry-level climbing peak, the final 200 m involves steep rock climbing and snow ridges. Prior mountaineering experience is helpful, but our guides provide full instruction on crampon and ice axe use during the acclimatisation day.
Physical stamina and mental resilience on exposed ridges are essential.
Accommodation on the mountain
During the trekking phase up to Upper Pisang, we stay in local teahouses run by mountain families. Once we move above base camp and high camp, we sleep in expedition tents supplied by our team.
Our kitchen crew prepares fresh meals at all camp locations.
Insurance requirements
All participants must hold comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers mountaineering and emergency helicopter rescue up to 6,500 m. We require a copy of your insurance policy prior to trip departure.
Evacuation from high camps can be costly without proper coverage.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy mountaineering bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be compatible with semi-rigid or step-in crampons.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Rated for sub-zero alpine temperatures.
Crampons and ice axeEssential
Safety
Required for the snow and ice summit ridge.
Harness and helmetEssential
Safety
Standard safety gear for the rock climbing section.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic moisture-wicking tops and bottoms.
Four-season sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Rated down to -20 °C for high camps.
UV-protection glacier glassesEssential
Clothing
Category 4 lenses for snow glare protection.
Headlamp with spare batteriesEssential
Safety
Essential for pre-dawn summit push departures.
Trekking polesEssential
Footwear
Helpful for knee protection on steep descents.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must include high-altitude rescue coverage.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Pisang Peak Climbing Permit
PermitRequired mountaineering royalty issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitEntry permit required for trekking within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous climbing experience for Pisang Peak?
No prior climbing experience is strictly required, but you must be comfortable with high-altitude trekking and scrambling on exposed terrain. We provide necessary training on use of ice axes and crampons during the acclimatisation day.
What is the success rate for climbing Pisang Peak?
Our expeditions maintain a high success rate, particularly during the spring and autumn climbing windows, thanks to careful pacing, proper acclimatisation, and experienced Sherpa leadership.
What kind of accommodation is used on the mountain?
We use standard teahouses during the approach trek to Upper Pisang. Above base camp (4,380 m) and high camp (5,400 m), we sleep in sturdy expedition tents managed by our camping crew.
How heavy is the pack I will carry?
You only carry a daypack with your personal water, layers, and camera. Our porters carry your main duffel bag, with a ratio of two trekkers to one porter.
Can I add the Thorong La Pass or Tilicho Lake to this trip?
Yes, extensions to include Thorong La Pass or Tilicho Lake can be arranged by contacting our planning team prior to departure.
What is the weight limit for porter-carried luggage?
We request that your main duffel bag remains under 20 kg. Excess luggage can be stored securely in your Kathmandu hotel free of charge.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 12 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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