Pisang Peak Climbing- 17 Days

Extending our cordial Namaste, the Himalayan Trekking Path family welcomes you in Nepal. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, you’ll meet up with one of our representatives. Following the exchange of warm greetings, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. Once you have made yourself comfortable in your accommodation, you can start out a short jaunt to nearby landmarks of the city. If you are too tired then you may stay in your room in order to provide rest to your jet-lagged body.  But don’t miss out an evening walk around the vibrant marketplace of Thamel!

This morning, we’ll get in a private vehicle (most probably a 4x4 Jeep) and head out on a scenic drive to Dumre via a wide and paved national highway (Prithvi Highway). We’ll then turn right in the direction of Besisahar. Afterwards, the track turns out to be rugged, narrow and serpentine. Continuing along the banks of the raging river Masryangdi, we’ll pass by the local settlements such as Bhulbhule, Jagat, Chamje, Tal, and Khotro. After several hours of the rough ride, we’ll eventually end up at Dharapani (1,960m). The whole time during this journey, we’ll observe the countryside as pretty as a picture, which includes verdant valleys, green hills, sparkling rivers, rustic villages, terraced farmlands, and waterfalls, along with the backdrop of snow-clad mountaintops.

Today, we’ll commence our journey by foot following the route adjacent to Masryangdi riverside. As the trail gets over multiple ups and downs through the forest of maple, oak and fir, we’ll progress further leaving behind old-fashioned settlements, natural hot water spring, spectacular valleys, and grand cliffs. Subsequently, we’ll arrive at Koto (2,600m) then continue to Chame (2,710m). We catch the sight of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and Himalchuli.

We’ll move forward to Talekhu (2,720m), a small village with few houses, a temple and hot springs. Past the beautiful apple orchards, we’ll reach Bhratang (2,850m). Here we can find ruined buildings of old Bhratang as well as a memorial dedicated to Japanese mountaineer Akira. Moving up across Chemyau Kharka, we’ll cross Swargadwari Bridge then climb steeply to Dhikur Pokhari (3,060m). We’ll carry on with the precipitous ascend to the other side of a peaceful forest to Upper Pisang (3,700m).

The day six is allocated for acclimatization during which we’ll adapt to the surrounding environment. It is essential to acclimatize before gaining higher elevations because failure to do so may result in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It can be fatal and the only best treatment is to descend down immediately. Walk around the vicinity of Upper Pisang to perceive the customs and heritage of this lovely village. Moreover, enjoy the splendid views of the snowy peaks including Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho.

We’ll resume our trek and ascends through the alpine vegetation to Yak Kharka (3,870m), open summer pastureland. Moving further to the end of Kharka, we’ll arrive at Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380m) where relax for rest of the day. Additionally, we’ll also make necessary preparations for arduous journey henceforth.

Climbing over the south-west ridges, we’ll follow the abrupt trail across snow and glacial moraines to High Camp (5,400m). Though a short day trek, we can find it difficult to complete mainly due to a significant gain of elevation and the steep climbing sections throughout the route. It is not a wise decision to ascent rapidly in a short time; therefore, we’ll stay at High Camp to acclimatize slowly in the higher altitudes while taking pleasure in the ecstatic vistas encompassing picturesque snowscapes all around us. Furthermore, we’ll check our climbing equipment such as ropes, ice axes, harness, and crampons for one last time prior to the summit attempt.

This is the moment you have always dreamt of, so seize it from the hands of Nature! Later than noon the strong winds may create problems in reaching the vertex; hence, we’ll start before the daybreak with the goal to set our feet at the summit ahead of midday. Well-equipped and completely acclimatized, we’ll ascend a well-defined ridge under the guidance of professional climbing guide. We’ll triumph over various technical segments of the climb and ultimately land up at the crown of Pisang Peak (6,091m). The back-breaking trek finally paid off in the end. Filled with joy and pride of conquering a Himalayan summit, we’ll be rewarded with the awe-inspiring panorama that embraces Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs next to Tilicho Peak and Glacier Dome. We’ll take some photographs then retrace our step back to Base Camp (4,350m) via High Camp (5,400m).

By any means (either bad weather or health complications) if we are not able to get as far as the summit in Day nine; the day ten is reserved as Contingency day which offers us a second chance to climb the Pisang Peak successfully. This is a backup plan that does not allow all of our present-time efforts to turn out into a worthless endeavour.

Subsequent to the conquest of Pisang Peak, we’ll climb down to Upper Pisang then advance on the main trekking trail close by the land sloping down to Masryangdi River. Accompanied by the sublime vistas of neighbouring mountaintops, we’ll push forward to Manang (3,540m) past the numerous settlements, Nawal (3,660m) and Bhraka (3,493m) being the most noticeable one. We can also observe the contrast in terrain and vegetation as we progress down the path. An appealing village, Manang provides a window of opportunity to experience the long-established traditions, which still guides the lifestyle of the natives.

This day, the trail arises to Tengi (3,960m) then continues to ascend out of The Masryangdi Valley. Alongside the Thorung Khola, the route proceeds through Ghusang (3,950m); passing by the grasslands as well as Mani walls to cross the Ghyanchang Khola., it now steadily climb past the pastures and another series of  Mani walls to arrive at Yak Kharka (4,050m). Fill up your empty water bottles as you can find a safe drinking water station here.

A short yet gradual ascent is an ideal way to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and problems related to it. Thus, we’ll now gently ascent to Ledar (4,200m) where the splits into two.  Advancing straight ahead, we’ll make a precipitous climb by the side of Kone Khola then traverse to the other side of the very river and keep up with the steep pathway leading to Thorung Phedi (4,450m). The track which we encounter along ago at Ledar navigates to Mt. Chulu Expeditions.  

Starting our trek with an abrupt uphill walk to Thorung High Camp (4,833m), we’ll scramble up on a steep course to Dharmasala. The path gradually turns out to be more precipitous as we come closer to the apex of the world’s biggest Pass, Thorung La Pass (5,416m). From this spot, we can gaze at majestic Annapurna Massifs to the south beside Mukut Himal to the west. Thereupon, we’ll move downhill on the way to the green grasslands to the widely celebrated pilgrimage site of Muktinath i.e. sacred to both the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

We’ll maintain our distance from the motorable road and get going along a fairly easy trail down to Kagbeni (2,800m) past the villages of Jharkot (3,560m) and Khingar (3,280m). The village of Kagbeni bestows astonishing vistas of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche. This point onwards, we have no option but to share the track with automobiles. But don’t worry; you will come across a handful of vehicles along the way to Jomsom (2,720m).

Marking the end of our trek, we get abroad a domestic flight destined to Pokhara. During 25 minutes of this short flight, you can set your eyes at the outlooks of snow-capped mountain ranges. Later, you can spend your available time in Pokhara by wandering around the peaceful Lakeside Area. 

A pleasant tourist bus travel awaits us today! This enjoyable drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu will render appealing countryside beyond the roadside towns, forest covered hillocks, and the sparkling white water rivers. Once at Kathmandu, you can rest in your hotel’s room. If you don’t wish to slack off then you can visit the vivid marketplaces and shop for souvenirs.

We hope you are satisfied with our service and hospitality and expect to see you soon. Bidding our final farewells we’ll depart from each other. One of our representatives will drop you to the airport three hours prior to your scheduled flight. Adios!!