Pisang Peak Climbing

Essential Info

Best Time Period for Pisang Peak Climbing

Pisang Peak climbing is a very inviting expedition for both the beginner and the experienced climbers that is open year round. However, every mountaineer and climber wishes to have a successful ascent of the summit.

Therefore, we suggest you the autumn time frame of September, October, and November and the spring time frame of March, April, and June for the Pisang peak climbing with Annapurna circuit trekking journey.

These two intermediary shoulder seasons maximize your chance of a successful push to the summit while enjoying the optimally pleasant climate characterized by mild temperatures revolving around 0 to 17 degrees Celsius.

The driest and most consistent weather, transparent blue sky, and sunny weather ease the travel journey without the threat of severe climactic conditions. The breathtakingly bewitching panorama of the snowy high ridges on the other hand will be an added bonus to your exciting journey.

The winter time frame of December, January, and February also creates a very unique landscape in the Himalayas. The conditions certainly will be harsh with snow covering the base camp, High Camp, the summit, and the Thorong La Pass, but if you are well-prepared, the experience can be very unforgettable.

As an added advantage, there will be fewer climbers en route so you will have the complete tranquility in the midst of the incredible nature.

On the other hand, the monsoon/summer time frame of June, July, and August can be very harsher even for the very seasoned climbers. The relentless rain can dramatically turn the trail very treacherous, especially towards the summit and the Thorong La Pass.

However, if you have an adventurous spirit, Pisang Peak is achievable during this time as well but only with the right equipment and careful planning.

Please remember, we offer this adventure year-round with a strong emphasis on your safety so you can engage in this expedition whenever it suits you best.

Difficulty Level of Pisang peak climbing with Annapurna circuit

The Pisang Peak climbing is regarded as a medium level of alpine climb that is designated as the PD+ in the grading system. The summit however stands out as one of the easy natural climbing peaks in Nepal.

Although devoid of any technical hardships, the last stretch of the summit involves slopes that can reach the inclination of 45 to 50 degrees where the usage of fixed rope must be implemented.

Thus, a little familiarity with using a jumar for the movement along the fixed rope will come in handy. The thick snow along the base camp to the High camp may also necessitate the usage of crampons.

The previous alpine experience or climbing skill is not a requirement but it is certainly beneficial. However, excellent physical fitness is a requirement as reaching the High Camp (5400 m) and then ultimately to the summit can be very demanding.

Fortunately, no advanced technical skills are obligatory, and our expert climbing guide will offer you the training and support for your successful attack on the summit.

On the other hand, the Annapurna circuit trek is also a medium trekking experience which consists of a difficult segment of crossing the 5416 m high Thorong La Pass on the way to Muktinath.

The pass is not overly strenuous, but the journey will be very extensive which necessitates from you a great level of endurance and determination.

Adding to all these challenges is the varied nature of the terrain consisting of dense forest, river crossings, rocky tracks to the snowy trails. Plus, the arid condition of the Manang and Mustang will not be that easy either.

You should also be completely ready for the 6 to 7 hours of daily walks on average. And, to top it all, the AMS will also increase the challenge of this expedition.

Who can attempt Pisang Peak Climbing?

Pisang Peak truly is one of the most accessible trekking Himalayan summits in Nepal making it an ideal choice for all climbers of different calibers and skill levels.

Since the journey to the summit mainly involves trekking, with only a small portion requiring actual climbing, the summit is available for both new and experienced mountaineers.

A high level of technical skills is not necessary however familiarity with moving along fixed ropes is essential. Our climbing guide will provide this training during your time at the base camp and high camp.

He will also keep an eye on your progress and offer assistance whenever needed. However, it’s important to remember that this is a Himalayan peak extending above 6,000 meters, where unforeseen challenges can arise at any moment.

You should be mindful of the altitude of the summit, base camp, and high camp. Additionally, the Thorong La pass presents its own difficulty which is not technical but can be quite strenuous.

Therefore, we recommend that you undergo some training in rock climbing and familiarize yourself with basic mountaineering techniques. We also suggest you first complete the Annapurna Circuit trek to gain practical experience with high-altitude trekking before attempting the summit of Pisang Peak.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness/ Altitude Sickness) and Acclimatization

The chance of encountering altitude sickness during our Pisang Peak climbing expedition is undeniably significant. As you progress further into the journey, you will also keep on gaining elevation which means diminishing the content of oxygen in the air.

Once you cross the 5000 m mark, the oxygen concentration will be reduced by almost 50 percent compared to sea level. Therefore, adaptation to the less oxygen air of the Himalayas is very important.

Our carefully thought-out Pisang peak climbing itinerary includes plenty of time for your acclimatization. For example, you will have an acclimatization day in Upper Pisang, followed by a gentle trek of just 3 to 4 hours from Upper Pisang to the base camp and then to High Camp before making your final ascent.

However, some climbers may take a longer time to adjust to the altitude and may display symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite, which are generally mild and subside within two to three days.

In order to inhibit the risk of AMS, we advise all our climbers to maintain a fluid balance and stay away from smoking and alcohol. We like to remind you that our guides in the expedition are equipped with an oximeter and first aid kit to monitor your health before, during, and after the ascent.

Our guide also has decades of experience and are well trained in crisis management so you can fully trust their knowledge. If you experience any of the aforementioned signs, please tell our guide and after assessing your condition, he may descend you or postpone your adventure for a few days.

Additionally, you may also use Diamox to help you acclimatize safely to higher altitudes. But make sure to consult with your doctor first to ensure there are no contraindications.

Preparation and Training for Pisang peak climbing with the Annapurna circuit

Our Pisang Peak climbing journey combines both the trekking part and the climbing part. So to prepare yourself for the hiking segment of the adventure, you should commit yourself to the active mode of life.

You can begin with the cardiovascular routine then progress on to building strength and then endurance. Start with simple routines such as walking and cycling that will improve your cardiovascular health.

Then, you can integrate lunges, squats, and planks to develop strength in your upper body and legs. Since there will be the challenge of the high altitude at the High Camp, summit and then Thorong La Pass, it is essential that you gain some practical knowledge through hiking journeys in your home town.

To prepare for the climbing portion of your expedition, you can undertake the Annapurna circuit trek first or the EBC trek first. You should also train yourself in rock climbing and learn basic mountaineering skills which will certainly will serve you well.

Practice walking on crampons and moving along fixed ropes to enhance your skills. If you prefer a more easy peak, then consider climbing an easier peak like Mera Peak before tackling Pisang Peak.

Alternate Route

The normal approach to the Pisang peak is from its northern ridge which is simpler and offers a higher chance of success at the top. There is one more route available from its southwest ridge but it is more avalanche prone and very risky.

If in the middle of the expedition, you think climbing the summit is not appealing to you, then, you can stay at Pisang Peak Base Camp which is also a fantastic option to not only watch but also feel the Himalayas very near to you.

Or, you can take the easier path and skip the trek to Thorong La Pass and instead return directly to Chame from the Pisang Peak base camp. After that, you can just hop in and drive back to Kathmandu. This option will definitely lighten your load.

Alternately, you can also engage in the Annapurna Circuit trek only, bypassing the peak entirely. For an even more thrilling experience, you can also think about including the Tilicho Lake trek in your plans.

Pisang Peak vs the Trekking Peaks of Everest Region (Island, Mera, and Lobuche)

Situated between the majestic giants of Manaslu and Annapurna I, Pisang Peak is one of the most approachable trekking peaks in the Annapurna region.

From the summit, you can admire the stunning close-range panorama of the entire Annapurna mountain range along with the Dhaulagiri range. The route leading to Pisang Peak traverses the well-established and comfortable Annapurna Circuit trek that allows climbers to merge a few other adventurous travel programs in their journey.

On the other hand, the three peaks of Island, Mera, and Lobuche are adjacent summits situated in the scenic location of the Khumbu region of Nepal.

From the tops of these peaks, the visuals are incredibly spellbinding from the visuals of Everest, and Makalu to numerous other mountains in the Everest region. The trails to these summits also follow the most popular trekking paths in Nepal, the Everest trail.

When we compare the difficulty levels of Pisang Peak with the peaks in the Everest region, Pisang Peak is somewhat more challenging than Mera Peak, but it is easier than the other two peaks.

The ascent to Pisang Peak is characterized by a gradual and consistent elevation gain while there will be a more abrupt increase in altitude when compared to its Everest counterparts. The journey to the three Everest peaks begins in Lukla, where climbers have to face a rapid rise in altitude.

In terms of scenic beauty and landscape, the Pisang Peak climbing itinerary provides a more lush and varied experience than the three peaks of Everest.

The Everest trail mainly journeys through the dry and desolate Khumbu region, while the Pisang Peak route starts with the lush and rich landscapes of the Annapurna trail. Then, it transitions to the arid areas of Manang and Mustang before concluding the journey back to Pokhara.

So which peak to attempt first is entirely based on your personal preferences. If you are drawn to the majesty of Everest, it should be any one of the three peaks of the Everest region. But, if the allure of Annapurna captivates you, then Pisang Peak should be your selection.

Accommodation and Dining

When you find yourself in Kathmandu and Pokhara, we promise you a comfortable and pleasant stay in one of the finest three-star hotels with breakfast awaiting you each morning.

Your arrangement will be in a twin room containing two single beds shared among guests with a lone trekker or climber to be paired with another climber of the same gender.

Please also explore our add-on options if you seek more privacy and luxury accommodation for your overnight experience. As your trekking journey begins, you will get to experience unique overnight stays at the local mountain lodges en route.

They also offer basic rooms with double single beds and if you prefer a single bed, you can also request one at an added cost. The comfort of the local lodges may not be very high but you will appreciate them for a single night stay in the high mountains.

Most of the shelters offer their guests mattresses, electric blankets, and cushions along with hot water for showers. WiFi is also accessible now but again at an added fee. At both base camp and high camp, you will be accommodated in high-quality tents, complete with essential kitchen items.

A delightful breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be a part of our service while throughout your trekking and climbing adventures, we will well feed you with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

At the tea houses, you can explore classic Nepali Dal Bhat Tarkari, as well as noodles, burgers, pizzas, and toast. During the camping experience, our kitchen team will serve you freshly cooked hot meals three times a day.

Transportation

You will have a private transportation service to pick you up and then smoothly drop you off at TIA at the beginning and end of your journey respectively.

Our Pisang peak climbing cost also includes a special excursion tour of Kathmandu conducted in a private vehicle in the company of an experienced tour guide.

From Kathmandu, you will have a pleasant ride on a tourist bus to Besisahar, followed by a local shared jeep to Chame, where your trekking adventure begins.

On your return, a local bus will take you from Muktinath to Pokhara, and then a tourist bus will again bring you back to Kathmandu. Please also check our add-on options for an enhanced travel experience.

Travel Insurance

Although insurance is one of the least exciting things you may think of, it is indispensable for any climbing expedition in Nepal. We will require a copy of your insurance policy when we proceed to obtain the necessary permits for Pisang Peak climbing in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance is also required for your safety in terms of both illness and finances on your trip. Climbing and trekking are such extreme physical activities where, despite experienced tour guides and all kinds of safety measures, there is a risk of injury.

Whether you have a minor scratch, an insect bite, altitude sickness, or a broken arm, your travel insurance will cover the costs of your treatment. Furthermore, the bacterial composition in Asia is a bit different. Even if you have received vaccines from home, you risk encountering some unpleasant bacteria that can put an end to your incredible adventure!

With travel insurance, you are covered if you need hospitalization or medication to recover from an infection. If you travel without travel insurance, you are gambling with your finances and your safety if something goes wrong.

You could end up with a trip that is completely ruined because you are left without the opportunity to get the help and support you need to continue your trip. Travel insurance is a safe place to save money because you could end up losing a lot of money by not taking out travel insurance.

We suggest you ensure that your travel insurance policy covers lost luggage, lost travel days, hospital stays, medication, medical treatment, medical transport, ambulance transport, medical escort, and legal aid.

It should also cover cover repatriation, and emergency assistance in the event of natural disasters, a major accident, or the like.

Permits for the Pisang peak climbing with Annapurna circuit

To ascend the Pisang summit, it is important to obtain three specific permits. The first is the ACAP permit, which supports the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. The second is the TIMS Card which is the Trekkers Information Management System.

Lastly, you will need the Pisang Peak Climbing Permit, which can be acquired from the Department of Tourism in Nepal. The fees for the climbing permit vary depending on the season: in the high spring season, the cost is 250 USD per person; in autumn, it’s 125 USD; and for winter and summer climbs, it’s only 70 USD per person.

Additionally, the TIMS Card costs 2000 NPR, while the ACAP permit is 3000 NPR. We will be seeing all the expenses and the permit procurement process for you.