Pisang Peak Climbing
An 18-day climb to Pisang Peak (6,091m) above the Annapurna Circuit, combining a moderate glaciated summit with a full crossing of Thorong La Pass and a visit to Muktinath Temple.
- Duration 18 Days
- Difficulty Strenuous
- Group Size 12 People
- Max Altitude 6091m
- Region Annapurna
Overview
Pisang Peak (6,091m) is a striking pyramidal summit rising above Pisang village on the Annapurna Circuit in Manang, northern Nepal. Of the more than 400 peaks open to mountaineering in Nepal, Pisang draws some of the highest numbers of climbers each year thanks to its accessible location and relatively moderate technical grade of Peu Difficile — though the mountain's western flank holds a hanging, crevassed glacier that adds real challenge for those attempting it. It was first climbed by a German expedition in 1955.
The approach follows the classic Annapurna Circuit trail past views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal, through Gurung, Thakali, Bhote, and Magar villages, before climbing to Pisang Peak Base Camp and High Camp for the summit push. After descending from the peak, the route rejoins the circuit through Manang and climbs to Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, before descending to the sacred temple of Muktinath and finishing in Jomsom.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
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Day 2 Preparation in Kathmandu
A day for briefings, equipment shopping, and last-minute formalities at the Department of Tourism.
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Day 3 Drive to Besisahar
A private vehicle drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna region.
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Day 4 Drive to Dharapani
Continue by road along the Marsyangdi valley to Dharapani, the traditional Annapurna Circuit trailhead.
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Day 5 Trek to Chame
Follow the Marsyangdi River through forested valleys to Chame, the administrative center of Manang district.
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Day 6 Trek to Upper Pisang
Trek toward Upper Pisang with widening valley views and first close-up sightings of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak itself.
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Day 7 Trek to Pisang Peak Base Camp
Leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and climb to Pisang Peak Base Camp, the staging point for the ascent.
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Day 8 Trek to High Camp
Climb from Base Camp to High Camp, gaining significant altitude ahead of the summit push.
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Day 9 Acclimatization Day at High Camp
A rest day at High Camp to acclimatize; climbers who feel ready and have favorable weather may attempt the summit push a day early.
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Day 10 Summit Push
An early start for the summit push to Pisang Peak (6,091m), used as the primary summit day or as a reserve day if the prior day's conditions weren't suitable, before returning to Base Camp.
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Day 11 Trek to Manang
A short descent from Base Camp back to the main Annapurna Circuit trail at Manang.
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Day 12 Trek to Yak Kharka
Rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail, climbing gradually toward Yak Kharka.
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Day 13 Trek to Thorong Phedi
Continue climbing toward the base of Thorong La Pass at Thorong Phedi.
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Day 14 Cross Thorong La Pass to Muktinath
A long, demanding day crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest trekking passes in the world, then descending to the sacred temple town of Muktinath.
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Day 15 Trek to Jomsom
Descend through the Kali Gandaki valley to the windy town of Jomsom.
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Day 16 Fly to Pokhara
A short, scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
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Day 17 Drive or Fly to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus (about 7 hours) or a short flight (about 35 minutes), followed by a farewell dinner with a cultural program in the evening.
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Day 18 Final Departure
Transfer to the airport for departure, or join other programs.
Cost Details
What’s Included
- One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- First aid medical kits for the group and staff
- Up to 20kg personal climbing equipment allowance per person during flights and trekking
- North Face tents with comfortable mattresses at advanced base camp and high camps
- All staff wages, equipment, and medical/accidental insurance for the trekking and climbing period
- Satellite phone with the trekking/climbing Sherpa guide for communication
- Trekking and peak climbing route maps
- High-altitude packaged food and gas stoves at high camps
- All official service charges, government taxes, and VAT
- All essential trekking, climbing, camping, and route-fixing equipment
- Camping accommodation and nutritious fresh meals at advanced base camp during the ascent
- Airport pick-up and drop-off, international and domestic, with a Bonny Himalaya representative for easy identification
- Farewell dinner in a traditional Nepali restaurant with a cultural show in Kathmandu
- Full insurance coverage including medical, helicopter evacuation, and treatment for all involved staff
- Assistance with flight ticket reconfirmation, departure information, and visa extension procedures
- Teahouse accommodation (non-chain hotels) during the trek, with breakfast and dinner at the teahouse and lunch on the trail
- Three nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (category as requested, tourist to 5-star)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee throughout the trek
- Dynamic/static ropes, ice screws, snow bars, rock pitons, and carabiners for route fixing and climbing
- Surface transportation from Kathmandu to Dharapani for members and staff
- Regular weather reports throughout the mountaineering period
- Chef and cook assistant at advanced base camp
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Bonny Himalaya T-shirt/pashmina and brochure as farewell gifts
- Pisang Peak climbing royalty and climbing permit (NMA)
- Experienced, government-licensed high-altitude trekking and climbing Sherpa guide
- Jomsom–Pokhara and Pokhara–Kathmandu flight tickets for members and Sherpa guides
What’s Excluded
- Tips, gifts, or appreciation for involved staff
- Packed food, snacks, energy drinks, soft drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, and chocolates
- Travel insurance covering emergency rescue, medical treatment, tests, and hospitalization
- Use of landlines, mobile phones, walkie-talkies, satellite phones, and internet services
- International flight ticket to/from Nepal and Nepal tourist visa fees
- Personal trekking/climbing gear, laundry expenses, and personal items
- Any extra staff beyond what is included in the package
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (except the farewell dinner)
- Costs due to natural disasters, political disturbances, landslides, strikes, or changes in government regulations
- Any additional services or items not listed under package cost includes
Highlights
- Combined with the Annapurna Circuit: The approach and return both follow sections of the classic Annapurna Circuit trail.
- Full climbing support: Experienced Sherpa guides, camping crew, and comprehensive base camp services.
- Views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal: Mountain panoramas throughout the approach and from the summit.
- Thorong La Pass: Cross one of the highest trekking passes in the world at 5,416m after the summit.
- A genuine 6,000m summit: Climb Pisang Peak (6,091m), one of Nepal's most popular guided trekking peaks.
- Multi-ethnic villages: Gurung, Thakali, Bhote, and Magar communities along the trail.
- Muktinath Temple: Visit this sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site on the descent.
Essential Information
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most stable conditions for both the Pisang Peak summit push and the Thorong La Pass crossing.
Pisang Peak's standard route is rated Peu Difficile — a relatively moderate ascent requiring only limited belaying — making it accessible to fit climbers with basic mountaineering instruction. The mountain's western flank has a hanging, crevassed glacier that presents a more serious technical challenge and is not part of the standard guided route. This itinerary builds in a full acclimatization day plus a reserve summit day to account for weather or fitness delays.
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (category as requested, tourist to 5-star) and one night in Pokhara. Teahouse accommodation along the trekking sections, with tented camping at Pisang Peak Base Camp and High Camp for the climbing period.
Full board meals included throughout — breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee during the trek, with nutritious fresh meals and high-altitude packaged food at advanced base camp and high camps.
- Pisang Peak Climbing Permit: NMA-issued climbing royalty and permit, priced by season, per climber
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for the Annapurna Circuit sections of the route
- TIMS Card: Trekkers' Information Management System card
- Down jacket: Insulated jacket plus thermal base layers and warm gloves
- Mountaineering boots: Insulated, crampon-compatible boots for the summit push
- Sleeping bag: Cold-rated bag for base camp and high camp
- Headlamp: Essential for the pre-dawn summit push and the Thorong La crossing
- Trekking poles: Recommended for the long Thorong La descent to Muktinath
- Personal kit: Personal medicines, altitude medication as advised by a doctor, sunscreen, and toiletries
- Climbing hardware: Harness, crampons, ice axe, and ascender for the glaciated summit section
Pisang Peak's summit at 6,091m and Thorong La Pass at 5,416m are both major altitude milestones on this trip. Watch for headache, nausea, and dizziness as early symptoms of altitude sickness, and take altitude medication only as advised by a doctor.
