Pisang Peak rises to about 6,091 m above the village of Pisang on the Annapurna Circuit, in the Manang district. It is among the more popular Himalayan trekking peaks because the approach is a classic teahouse trek, the logistics are straightforward and the summit gives views over Annapurna, Manaslu and the Tibetan plateau. A typical plan runs 15 to 21 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, depending on whether you walk out over Thorong La or fly back from Manang. The outline below shows a common shape, but operators vary the stops, so use it to compare quotes.
Days 1 and 2: Kathmandu
You arrive, meet your guide, check gear and collect permits. A spare day in your plan is useful, because the road or flights to the start can be delayed.
Days 3 to 7: Besisahar to Chame
You drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar and continue along the Marsyangdi valley, by road and trail, through Bahundanda, Chyamche, Dharapani and Chame at about 2,670 m. The landscape changes from terraced farmland and waterfalls to pine forest and then to drier mountain country. Depending on road conditions, jeeps may be used for part of the way. The pace is gentle, and these days are about steady height gain.
Days 8 and 9: Pisang and rest day
You reach Pisang at about 3,100 m, with Pisang Peak rising directly above the village. Use a rest day for a short walk to Upper Pisang, where the monastery gives superb views of the valley and the peak, and for your guide to check how everyone feels.
Days 10 and 11: base camp and high camp
From Pisang you climb steeply through forest and meadows to base camp at about 4,500 m. The next day or the one after you move to a high camp at about 5,000 m, with tents, a camp crew and meals. You use the time to practise crampons, ascender use and moving as a roped team. Heights quoted for the camps vary a little by operator and season.
Days 12 and 13: summit day
Summit day starts in the dark, often around 2 to 3 am. The route climbs a rocky and snowy ridge, with steeper sections and fixed ropes where needed, to the summit at about 6,091 m. Many plans include a spare day in case of weather. After the summit you return to high camp or base camp the same day, and continue down.
Days 14 to 21: return, Manang and optional Thorong La
Many plans continue to Manang at about 3,540 m for a rest, then cross Thorong La at about 5,416 m to Muktinath and fly or drive back, which makes the whole trip a combined peak and pass journey. Shorter plans return to Besisahar or fly from Manang. Allow spare days at the end for flights from Jomsom and Pokhara.
What to check in any Pisang Peak itinerary
- A rest day at Pisang or Manang and a spare summit day.
- Which camps are used, and at what height you sleep before summit day.
- Whether the plan includes Thorong La, and what the weather alternative is.
- Whether your guide has real peak experience, not only trek experience.
If you tell us your dates and experience, we can send a day-by-day plan with a free price.
