Pisang Peak Climbing - 26 days

Arrive to Kathmandu, an exciting and memorable experience with the panoramic view of snow-capped Himalayan range greets your sight.

Independent Himalayan Adventure's Airport Representative will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

Sightseeing tours of Kathmandu Valley.

We will finalize paperwork-permit for your trip. Final checking of your climbing equipments.

We drive along the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway to Dumre and then follow the rough road by the Marshyangdi River to Beshisahar [823m] approximately 6 to 7 hours drive.
We start our first day's short trek from Beshisahar, turning right at the canal on the outskirts of the village and descending the narrow path to the Pam Khola. We then cross the stream and climb to the village of Denauti with its striking red-walled houses. From here we descend to the banks of the Marshyangdi Khola and then follow the trail through rice paddies and subtropical forests to the Gurungs village of Khudi, our first night stop.

Leaving Khudi we pass a school and a forest nursery as the trail continues northwards up the Marshyangdi Valley. After crossing a suspension bridge at Bhulbule, the trail passes a cascading waterfall and as we traverse the rice terraces the views of Manaslu are magnificent. Following a gentle incline we come to the village of Ngadi with its shops and teahouses. From here, the trail continues to ascend towards Bahundanda.
Bahundanda literally means "hill of the Brahmins" and it is the most northerly Brahmin settlement in the Marshyangdi Valley. It is situated on a long ridge and we camp in terraced fields near the village.

A steep trail descends from Bahundanda, through rice terraces, before crossing a stream at the bottom of a small waterfall. It then climbs again and traverses the hillside high above the river before reaching the village of Hani Gaon. Ahead, the Marshyangdi valley forms a steep V-shape, and we follow the winding mountain path down through Syange and along the river for some distance. The trail then climbs steeply and the path is cut into the sheer cliff-face some 200-300m above the riverbed. Eventually we descend to the stone village of Jagat, situated on a shelf which juts into the precipitous Marshyangdi valley. We continue our descends until it almost reaches the river and then begins to climb again through a forest. The sheer cliff on the opposite bank plunges downward but this side is also steep. When the climb ends, we follow a level track to Chyamje, which is marked by a magnificent waterfall on the opposite bank

From the Chyamche, after descending to the river and crossing a suspension bridge, we begin a climb to Sattale on a path so steep that it seems one slip would send you hurtling down into the valley.
We continue on an undulating path above the river, and at one point, where a tributary flows in from the opposite bank, the main river becomes covered with huge boulders that hide the water. Climbing the zigzag path to the top of the hill, we see the level, plain of Tal before us. Though it is enclosed by cliffs, the level area looks reassuring after the harrowing mountain paths just traveled on. We descend to a grassy riverbank which leads to Tal with its hotels and teahouses. Beyond Tal, the valley narrows and the path becomes high and winding, and in several areas hewn from the rock itself. Beyond the small village of Karte, there is a bit more cliff-walking before the path drops again to the river. We cross a suspension bridge, and climb the short distance to the stone kani marking the entrance to Dharapani.

After breakfast trekking trail leads you through a narrow field from the village, the Dudh Khola, which originates from the south face of Manaslu, enters on the opposite bank. The Marsyangdi then veers to the left, and as Annapurna II becomes visible ahead, you arrive at a Bhote village with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze around Buddhist monastery. Continue climb through forests of pine and oak forest up to Timang village, lies at the bottom of Lamajung Himal. The trail goes through flat level until you reach, is the administrative headquarters for the Manang district.

Early morning start trek after breakfast.With Lamjung Himal [6893m] sparkling in the morning sun, we set off for Pisang. The mountain disappears as we climb the path up the valley, passing a huge apple orchard. We continue through a fir and pine forest, climbing to a high, rocky area as the opposite bank becomes an impassable cliff. From this point the valley becomes extremely steep-sided as we follow the path to Bratang. In the past this was the military station for troops who fought against the Khampa tribal revolution, but the dilapidated buildings are all that remain of that era. A short climb from the village brings us to a rock-strewn area where we cross a wooden bridge and follow a high, winding path, before crossing back to the right bank again. We now walk through a pine forest and as the forest ends, the valley changes from a V-shape to a gentle U-shape, opening up a wonderful vista before us. We can see the east peak of Annapurna II as well as Pisang Peak to the north-east. Continuing on, we come to a long Mani wall by a bridge and the lower village of Pisang.

This day is for acclimatization rest at PISANG before start climbing. One can hike to Upper Pisang for visit to monastery and can go for village tour and back.

After breakfast start trek to Pisang Base Camp steep ascent through the Upper Pisang. Path is full of pine and local vegetation, Sparkling range of Mt. Annapurna gives immense worth of this route.

This day is for rest and acclimatization at Pisang Base Camp before start climbing as well preparation of equipments and instruments to successfully top the Pisang Peak.

Your trek along the rocky glacier path to high camp. It will take you normally 4 to 5 hours. You will be completely charmed by the panoramic view of Annapurna range Chulu East, Chulu Far East, Nawal peak, Tilicho peak and many other mountains.

Early in the morning start to climb and attempt Pisang Peak Summit. This under full job has to complete BEFORE SUN HEAT. On the top of PISANG PEAK (6091 meters) one can have closer panoramic view of Annapurna range, Chulu Far East, Nawal peak, Tilicho peak, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Tibetan Mountains, Kang Guru Peak, Gyaji Kang peak, Tilje Peak, Kuchubhro peak and many more.
After a short excursion and Photos Graphy, descend down to the Pisang Base Camp.
It would be your hard and longest day excursion of 9 to 10 hours.

The trail moves steep down all the way to pisang (3100 meters) on 4 to 5 hours. The view of Annapurna range accompanies you all the way and a Pisang Village welcomes you again.

Beyond Pisang, the trail climbs a steep ridge which affords good views of the Manang valley and Tilicho peak. Descending past Manang's airstrip at Hongde, we come to a level area from where the north-east face of Annapurna III rises majestically above us. From the wide plains of the Sabje Khola Valley, Annapurna IV (7525 meters) also becomes visible. Just beyond this point we cross the considerably reduced flow of the Marshyangdi Khola via a wooden bridge to the tiny village of Mungji. Cultivated fields appear on both sides of the path and off to the right, below a craggy mountain, we can see the village of Bryaga with its splendid monastery. Large chortens and Mani walls abound and the tall peaks of the Himalaya spread out before us - Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna (7455 meters) and, to the rear, Tilicho Peak (7134 meters)
After a short steep climb we reach Manang which is a surprisingly large village for this remote mountain region.

An important rest and acclimatization day today before crossing the Thorong La. There are optional day walks such as crossing the river to see the tremendous ice-fall coming down from the Annapurnas, or climbing high above the village for a full panorama of the Annapurna range and the Manang Valley. There is also a Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post in the village which makes an interesting and educational visit. This day we may visit around Tilicho Gaon too.

From Manang, we climb to the next village of Tengi, with the magnificent Annapurna Himal in view all the way, while behind us we can see Peak-29 and Himalchuli in the distance. We are now past the tree line and the vegetation consists of alpine grasses and scrub juniper. Climbing the path past the summer village of Gunsang, we cross the Gundon Khola via a wooden bridge. From here we can see ahead the mountains surrounding the Thorong La which we have to cross tomorrow. The trail is up and down as the elevation gradually increases and we soon enter an alluvial delta where there are yak pastures. An hour beyond this, we come to the small settlement of Ledar.

Leaving Letdar, we climb gradually to a ridge before descending to the headwaters of the Marshyangdi and crossing via a covered wooden bridge. After a short ascent up the mountain path on the right bank, we follow a narrow trail across an unstable screen slope and then descend to Thorong Phedi.

An early start for our crossing of Thorong La (5416 meters). The trail becomes steep immediately on leaving camp but as this trail has been used by local people for hundreds of years the path is well defined. The gradient then eases and after around 4 hours of steady climbing we reach the chorten and prayer flags of the pass. The views are dramatic to say the least, from the snow covered mountains above, to the head of the Kali Gandaki valley below and the brown and purple hills of Mustang which are spread out before us. The descent to Muktinath is a knee pounding 1600 meters but it's compensated for with excellent views of Dhaulagiri. Eventually the moraines give way to grassy slopes before a pleasant walk along the Jhong Khola Valley to Muktinath and its shrines and temple.

Descend gradually through fields and poplar groves, then into the Kali Gandaki river valley. Follow the valley southwards to Jomsom. The Kali Gandaki valley here is called the Thak Khola.
The dramatic Kali Gandaki Gorge, initially through windswept valley in the same geographical and climatic zone as Tibet. The driving path up to Kagbeni, a primitive village famous for Typical Habitation. People living here from the ethnic group the Thakalis, the main inhabitants of this area follow the Tibetan life style and culture.

As you have got 2 choices on this trip. Either you can fly out from Jomsom (seats are tight, better to book in early from our office) or continue and enjoy your trek down to Kalopani.

Descend to Marpha, a lovely village of whitewashed houses and fertile fields. Continue down the Kali Gandaki reaching the old Thakali trading centre of Tukuche. As the trail continues, the Himalayan rainshadow end and open spaces make way for coniferous forest and Kalopani (2560 meters) From here there are spectacular 360 degree views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas high above.

Our trail descends steeply through forests to Ghasa, the last Thakali village and the southern-most limit of Tibetan Buddhism. We enter the steepest and narrowest part of the gorge shortly after Ghasa and at the hamlet of Rupse a magnificent waterfall tumbles down beside the trail. Continuing on we come to Dana, a Magar village from where the large peak of Annapurna South can be seen across the valley. The trail then descends to Tatopani where apple pie awaits and we can bathe in hot springs at the side of the river.

A short distance downstream from Tatopani, we cross the river on a large suspension bridge and leave the Kali Gandaki behind. After passing through the villages of Shikha and Chitre, we begin to climb through the forest to Deurali, a 2834m pass from which there are excellent views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Just 10 minutes beyond the pass is the village of Ghorepani.
Ghorepani-Ghode+pani literally means "horse water" and is a welcome watering spot for the teams of mules which ply the route between Pokhara and Jomsom.

Early morning Hike to Poon Hill (3210 m) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Tukuche Peak (6920 m), Nilgiri (6940 m), Varaha Shikhar (7847 m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (7855 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Annapurna IV (7525 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), Lamjung Himal (6931 m) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After breakfast, you again follow gradual descent path through the forests of rhododendron and oak forest. After cross DURALI trail terns steeply descanting and continue all the way up to Tandapani (altitude of 2590 meters).

After breakfast at Tadapani, it is very gentle trek by descending all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forest. Throughout the trekking you could hear the chirping of the birds around of you. This trail is the popular destination for birdwatchers. We could reach Ghandrung (1940 meters) for Lunch.
Ghandrung is a really nice Gurungs Village. Most of houses are Ex Gurkhas. From Ghandrung you can trek down to Modi Khola and from the Khola trek to Landrung (1640 meters)

After breakfast, start to trek and path leads gentle descending and some time zigzag up to Syauli Bazar. Rest of the Path flows the bank of MODI KHOLA up to BIRETHANTI and NAYAPUL. We meet our vehicle at Nayapul and drives to Pokhara.

You can enjoy your trip with Pokhara valley sightseeing including; Bindyabasani temple, Seti Gorge, Regional Museum, International mountain museum, Devi’s fall, Gupteshwar cave.

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city.

You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.

The trip ends.
our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.

or if you have another joint program, proceeds for further program.>