22 days
6092 m
Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Overview
If solely trekking is passé for you, peak climbing will surely satiate your inclination for more adventure. And, good thing is you can make do with being a novice. The Trekking Peaks of Nepal give hobby-climbers an opportunity to tackle a high Himalayan peak without having to go through nitty-gritty of a major expedition. Pisang Peak, located in the northern part of Nepal in the Manang district, is one such adventure which will reward you with the finest experience of peak climbing, combined with the trek to the Annapurna region. Located between the 8000m+ giants Annapurna I and Manaslu and rising above the village of Pisang, from where it derives its name, and yak pastures in a uniform slope of ice and snow to the final summit pyramid which looks an amazing shape from the bottom at Base Camp. Pisang peak is considered one of the easy climbing peaks among the trekking peaks in Nepal. From Pisang village the path ascends through sparse wood and pasture to a Kharka at (4,380m), the best place for setting up the base camp. High Camp is set up at (5,400m) climbing to a shoulder on the South-West Ridge. The top of the peak offers truly splendid views of the Annapurna group including Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II and IV, Gangapurna and the Glacier Dome. Peculiarly, the peak has less precipitation than the mountains south of the peak; in fact, the valleys to the north of the peak look very similar to those in Tibet.
Pisang peak provides its climbers an interesting journey passing along varied ecosystems, diverse cultures, and amazing landscapes. Although this climb is considered to be among the easier ones of the Himalayan region, a reasonably high level of physical fitness and health is still strongly recommended.
Trip Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport), transfer from airport by private bus to Kathmandu Guesthouse or equivalent. Free evening, short pre-tour briefing before dinner.
Guided tour around Kathmandu, which includes visits to places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some historic and religious significance, such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath & Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Hindu temples, Old palaces (in and around Durbar Square Area) and inner-city market squares.
Drive to starting point Besi Sahar (gateway to Annapurna Circuit) by chartered vehicle from Kathmandu. A long walk through Besi Sahar bazaar leads to off road tracks, the small roads and then comes the climb up the rocky steps. There are several ups and downs as the trail makes its way through sub-tropical forests. Before reaching Bhulbule traverse a long suspension bridge across Khudi Khola and walk through magnificent terrace farm to get to Ngadi community.
As Bhulbule is left behind, the trail traverses the Marshyangdi River via long, feeble suspension bridge. Once the Ngadi River is crossed, the trail gently ascends and descends through scrub forests which then leads to few teashops and cold-drink stalls located opposite the rice paddies of Lampata, eventually leading to Bahundanda (hill of the Brahmans), an attractive village in the saddle of a long ridge.
The route traverses high above the river on an exposed trail whilst crossing through Lili Bhir. It goes past several small streams and climbs over a ridge. As we move towards our destination, we come across serene and pleasant villages of Kanigaon, Ghermu Phant and Jagat, a nice stone village, opposite to the long waterfall with a medieval atmosphere.
As the trail makes its way ahead, it traverses to the east bank of the Marshyangdi River and tags along the river embankment on rocks and exposed wire cases filled with rocks known as gabion, which is expansively used throughout Nepal to stabilize river banks and road cuttings. Climb past fields, then through stands of bamboo and rhododendron to an exposed trail that traverses high above the steep riverbank. A relatively long walk today, we cross barely and potato fields to reach Dharapani. Beyond Dharapani, the full trail climbs gradually over a spur. An hour’s work to Bagarchhap through a forest of blue pine, spruce, hemlock, maple, and oak offers typical Tibetan architecture.
You are already in Manang district and the valley here is made up of virgin forest of fir and pine. The trail stays on the south bank of the river, climbing through forests to Danaque (2210m), a valley surrounded by apple orchards. The tempting peaks of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Manaslu Himal can be sighted in route. The trail traverses through tiny settlement at Timang Besi, and soon it turns up at Lattemarang, eventually leading to our night stop at Chame, the administrative headquarters for the Manang District.
From Chame, the trail crosses a side stream, then the Marsyangdi river itself on a large suspension bridge. The trail proceeds through fields of barley and descends to a bridge. The village just across this bridge is Bhratang, where you can see the marvelous waterfall. From here on, the trail goes through deep forests. Climbing over a ridge, the trail continues the steep ascent to the upper Marsyangdi valley leading us to the lower portion of Pisang, a cluster of houses and a long mani wall near a bridge being its prominent features.
Take to the Upper Pisang route, immediately you’ll come across a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. A brief uphill walk, 100 m or so, you’ll soon find yourself among the cluster of buildings. Proceeding past the village, the walk somewhat eases to a gradual climb through pine forest and grassland. A well-defined inclining path to the base camp emerges out of the forest to the grazing pastures, which is the base camp. The ground is flat and falls on a frequented trail. Overnight at the Pisang Peak Base Camp.
The day will be dedicated to a walk up to the high camp (5400m/ 4.5 hrs) and back down again to the base camp for the night. The meekly visible trail follows a ridge and climbs on to a shoulder on the South-west ridge. The trail may be steep but whole exercise is more of a trek than a climb. We participate on a basic climbing training. Our guides will provide training on peak climbing techniques and the proper ways of using climbing gears such as the ice axe, climbing boots and crampons, harness, ascender, etc. The training will also include using ropes to go up and down. Overnight at the Pisang Peak Base Camp.
Having had opportunity to get acclimatized to the conditions, it’s time to head to the high camp again but no turning back this time around. It is likely to have snow at the high camp from the end of Nov till the end of March. Overnight at tented camp.
The all-important day begins in the wee hours of the morning. Making your way through well-defined ridge, it’s pretty much smooth sailing until you begin to get closer to your ultimate destination. The peak is steep; therefore, there is not much snow. To make it all the more exciting, the approach to the apex throws down the gauntlet in the form of a near vertical 100m-snow slope. The expertise of your climbing guide will come to the fore, especially negotiating this technical slope, as he puts up a fixed rope. If you haven’t felt like a mountaineer other days, sure you’ll feel like one today. The view from the top will surely inject you with renewed energy and fills you with great sense of achievement. The views of the Annapurna ranges and others are extraordinary from the summit. The descent is made via the same route to the base camp for an overnight stay.
After the momentous day, everything thereafter will be easy going for you. To give a bit of respite from all the toil, this day is deliberately made short and leisurely. Setting off from base camp, follow the narrow rocky trail gradually heading downhill initially until the downhill section steepens. The rest of the way to Ghyaru is level-stretched. The village of Ghyaru is itself a sight, perched high on the ridge with labyrinthine of 40-50 stone houses adorned with fluttering prayer flags amidst sprawling terraced fields- an ideal place for resting those tired knees.
Moving on from Ghyaru, the trail, lined by stonewalls initially, stays almost level as it passes by a water-driven prayer wheel and several chortens and Mani walls. The ruins of an old fort atop a cliff called Tiwol danda can be spotted from the trail. The trail gently descends further before climbing past above the barely visible ruins of Kyung Dzong (fortress) to reach Ngawal (3600m), larger village than Ghyaru sprawling on a plateau. The trail out of the village descends steadily down a slope passing over the fields of Paugba to converge on to the conventional Annapurna Circuit route to Mungji- great views of the Manang valley and Humde airport as you walk down. The next village, Braga, famed for its preeminent 15th century monastery built above the village, is at a short distance away. A brief walk, past chortens and mani walls and across a stream, gets you to the flat, arid terrain of Manang.
Here in Manang, you will notice a contrast with the landscape and vegetation. The cold, dry climate creates a much harsher environment. The local inhabitants dress in fashionable Western clothing brought from their trading excursions throughout Asia especially Hong Kong, Bangkok and Singapore. The shopkeepers here have figured out accurately what trekkers require and hotel menus, to your utter surprise, consist of hamburgers and steaks. Use up an additional day in Manang to ramble around the old part of the village, a compact settlement of 500 flat-roofed houses separated by narrow alleyways, which has a remarkable setting with the summits of Annapurna and Gangapurna less than 8kms away. Optional excursions can be made to the Bodzo Gompa to the east or to the Gangapurna Lake, and/or to the Chongkor viewpoint.
The trek now begins an ascent of almost 1500m to Thorung La and continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi valley. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The route is now through meadows where horses and yaks to graze, and sparse forests of juniper, rose and barberry. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge, the trail passes an ancient old Mani wall in a pleasant meadow and then reaches another small village of Yak Kharka, also known as Koche, where the visit to the yak herders’ camp in the late afternoon is customary. Small but gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems.
It is an uphill walk to Thorang Phedi. After walking for some time, we cross a suspension bridge and reach Ledar village. We ascend further and pass through towering cliffs before reaching Thorang Phedi, the last village before Thorong La. Once at Phedi, there will be abundant time to rest and acclimatize to the higher elevations you will encounter while crossing Thorang La Pass, which is located at the highest altitude of the Annapurna Circuit. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Phedi.
The set off is exceptionally early in the morning to go across Thorung La Pass at 5416m. Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. The trail becomes steep instantly after leaving Phedi but easy to follow. 4-6 hours ascent leads to the apex of the Pass, which is replete with prayer flags, a chorten and stone cairn built by travellers. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. The views from the trail and from the pass are majestic. Further along, the trail descends steeply proceeding towards Chabarbu. From here on, the trail crosses meadows, drops into a deep ravine, climbs out and follows a wide trail into Muktinath, a pilgrimage site held in great reverence by both the Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.
After an arduous previous day, it is a relaxed day's walk. A religious and culture visit to the highly revered and venerated, both by Buddhists and Hindus, Muktinath temple complex. Refreshed, purified and blessed, you descend out of Ranipauwa to Jharkot (3550m) through farmlands and clusters of poplar trees. Beyond Jharkot, the trail descends gradually to Khingar (3200m). Further ahead of Khingar, in a short while, you get your first glimpse of the Kali Gandaki river as it is met by the Jhong Khola. As you continue on the trail, the path forks: the left-hand trail leads to Eklaibhatti and one on the right leads to your destination. The trail leaves Kagbeni down the left bank of the broadening river bed. Soon you reach Eklaibhatti. Beyond Eklaibhatti, the trail drops to the riverbed. Then, the trail leaves the bed to climb the riverside slope, past the suspension bridge and to the left bank of the river. After the couple of up-and-downs, the trail drops to the riverbed and stays there until you get close to Jomsom, the administrative headquarters for the Mustang region with facilities of an air strip, bank and hospital. It is better to pass the riverbed an hour or so before noon to avoid the gale. After reaching Jomsom, we can visit its Ecological Museum that provides information on Jomsom’s rich culture as well as the flora and fauna that are native to the valley. Overnight in Jomsom.
Wakeup early morning to get airport for flight to Pokhara which is 20 min flight from Jomsom. Flight will start from 06:00 am in the morning.
Free Day at Kathmandu
Transfer to airport by chartered vehicle.
Important Information
Cost:
USD 3050 per person
Single supplementary: USD 400
Include:
- Arrival/Departure
- All Private transport
- Jomsom-Pokhara by flight
- Guide for all tour/Trek (certified by wilderness first aid training)
- Climbing guide for peak climbing
- Special Mountain Permits
- All permits
- Climbing equipment
- Hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All meals in trekking & Climbing
- Porters
- Tea house Accommodation & Tented camp at island peak
- First aid kit (guide will carry)
Exclude:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Tipping
- Personal equipment
- International flight
Peak Climbing season in Nepal:
The best season for peak climbing is spring and autumn. Months of April May, Late September, October & November. In spring (April, May) quite busy season but the temperature during this season is warm in lower part and moderated in higher elevation. And in autumn (late September to November) the weather is clear and visitors can enjoy the view with clear blue sky.
During the season of monsoon makes travelling wet and it more chance to get avalanche and even winter is not good to climb peak because of the heavy snowfall in the mountain, it will cover all the trail and temperature will go very low. And also the Nepal government does not issue the climbing permits in monsoon & winter, there fore it is wise to plan accordingly.
Teahouses in mountain: Teahouses are in the mountains where you will be staying are simple yet hospitable with good enough food and stunning views. Compare to city area teahouses are very basic but after 5-6 hours walking in the mountain you will relish the comfort. Most of these lodges have 08-to 12 room can sleep 15 to 20 people, with good food and fairly high hygiene levels. The basics of conversation and ecology are now being practiced with some success.
Guide and Porters: All guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have considerable local experience. The guide concern is his group’s welfare, health, safety and he aims to ensure you are relaxed while providing the best possible food and accommodation. And he’ll also strive to earn your friendship and will be keen for you to come to know and love Nepal.
And all the guides who work with Skylark Himalayan have guiding license from Nepal government, basic first aid training from red cross Nepal, wilderness training from SOLO outdoor school (locally known Initiative Outdoor), Child protection training and others.
Most porter come from rural areas and a farmers for 6 to 7 months of the year. These porter work hard and with care and have aims to progress into guides. Typically they live hard and frugal lives and they are used to carrying heavy loads.
Meals- Food on mountain region of Nepal
A large variety of food is found in the mountain region during trek. Even our clients say there is better food in mountain than in hotels of city. The food variations are defendant on the culture and region background but the tea-house have a menu and they do have varieties of food. Some common day meal is follow:
Breakfast
Porridge, eggs any style-usually scrambled, boiled or fried eggs, toast local bread (Gurung bread), chapatti (Indian flat bread), honey or peanut butter, organic fresh tea, coffee and many more.
Lunch
In many regions, the chief will provide a simple common hot meal in lunch. That could be potatoes, noodles, curry, salad, rice and lentil, fresh meat, vegetables and fruits. Sometimes when walking through high passes, there will be a packed lunch which may consist of common packed able lunch like bread with jam and honey, sandwich, boiled eggs, fruits, chocolates, bottle of juice. While arriving to teahouses there will be tea, coffee.
Dinner
With basic equipment they manage to make excellent cake, apple tarts, pizzas, fried potatoes, chips, spaghetti, pasta. Chefs in tea-houses are well trained in producing a variety of food and almost always ready to serve the food of specific request.
While trekking in Nepal our chefs, and assistant guide are well trained to serve and take order of the food in hygienically way. Vegetarian and vegan meals are easily catered for.
Transportation: Skylark Himalayan using a best transport company for our clients. Before departing on a trip, we using vehicle, we always check insurance of vehicle, good condition of vehicle (seatbelt, seat, wheel, looking glass, all windows etc.), Driver (driver attitude, make sure drunk or not, smartness, driving speed etc.)
Airlines: In Nepal, we have more than 10 Airlines Company but at Skylark Himalayan we only use 3 airlines which we recognize at the most reliable, safest, good companies, 1 airline company (Tara Air) for rural area like short length runway. And another 2 airlines companies (Yeti airlines & Buddha Airlines) for urban area like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Chitwan etc.
Insurance: As strongly recommended by Skylark Himalayan Travel to the clients agree to effect what they consider to be adequate Travel Insurance to cover their person and their personal effects for duration of the tours, Trekking, Rafting or any of activities in Nepal
Health and Safety: Fundamentally we have experienced staffs that have been trained in how to look after clients safely, and what to do in the event of an emergency. Almost all the company’s staffs are experienced, all leaders have done advanced first-aid training from Initiative Outdoor school, Nepal (authorized by SOLO WILDERNESS MEDICINE SCHOOL), Child Protection training, and they are well aware of the high standards that we want in maintain. We also have strong relationships with local communities, health care facilities
Responsible Travel: Skylark Himalayan completely follow tall rules, regulation and code of Nepal responsible trek organizer of responsible tourism. Responsible tourism is an action based on a sustainable idea. We work under eco-friendly environment and we want you to follow and help to save the environment. Skylark Himalayan are keen to preserve and protect the historical places and mountain to show the value of those things to coming generation.
Skylark Himalayan Travel are always aware to operate tours, trekking and other activities in eco- touristic destination to preserve natural and cultural heritages. Skylark Himalayan always aim to make extensive use of the local available products to help local communities. Skylark Himalayan staffs and guides are also employed from local communities, which helps more authentic experience for travellers. We believe that all the staffs including guide, porter, Sherpa are the back bone of organization so its our responsibility to make them happy by providing protections insurance, good salary and outdoor gear. So that, they are happy to serve good service. Without them organization can't serve the costumer need.
Customizing a Trip: The itineraries of all the trips on our website have been organized and put together by us however it does not mean you have to follow the program. If you have your own itinerary or you want to add or decrease number of days or place, we are more than happy to design your own unique itinerary with your entire favorite elements. Choice is yours with the flexibility of our tailor made itineraries.
For the more advice, please contact us via e-mail or telephonically – contact details below.
Skylark Himalayan Travel & Treks
Lakeside-6-Pokhara, Nepal
Contact no: 061-464946
Mobile: +977-9856010460 / 9801050460
Whatapps: +9779801050460
Skype: tara.gautam2
E-mail: sales@skylarkhimalayantravel.com,
skylarkhimalayan@gmail.com
Visa Information: Nepal Government makes things easy for foreign travellers. The easiest way to get a tourist visa in Nepal is by applying on arrival in Kathmandu at international airport (TIA) or at any of the land border crossing open to foreigners (each has immigration offices). But you can also apply in advance at one of Nepal's foreign consulates from abroad.
There are three options for the length of a tourist visa (for south Asian country, the first 30 days is free. The cost of visa is depending upon the days you stay. The multiple-entry visa valid for 15, 30 and 90 days costs $25, 40 and 100 USD. It is good idea to keep a number of passport photos with your passport. Indian passport holder doesn’t need a visa to enter Nepal.
Visa Extensions
You can extend your visa from immigration office in only Kathmandu and Pokhara up to 150 days per calendar year. It will cost $30 USD for 15 days and $2 USD per day after 15 days. Visa extension required your passport, the fees, one passport sized photo and an application form to complete the process.
And for more information about visa please click below link: https://www.welcomenepal.com/plan-your-trip/visa-nepal-information.html
Feedback Please: If you have any complains to report, comments or any question about the trip (food, tea-house, guide, porter, management of office or anything) you took with Skylark Himalayan, please send us your feedback because we would like to solve problems that arise uplift our company. If you don't have a specific question, we’re always eager to hear what visitors think of this company.
High Altitude Sickness:
1) What is altitude sickness?
- Altitude sickness is a negative health effect of high altitude on ones health, caused by acute exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high altitude.
- The exact cause of AMS is not exactly known. It is thought to be a response of the brain to the lower oxygen levels in the blood at higher altitudes. This produces some swelling of the brain.
2) Acute mountain sickness (AMS)
- AMS is also called altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the effect on the body of being in a high altitude environment. Especially while people are trekking around the Himalayas they face problem related to moving in high altitude areas. AMS is common at high altitudes, that is above 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Three-quarters of people have mild symptoms of AMS over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The occurrence of AMS depends on the altitude, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility and activeness.
3) Acute mountain sickness common symptoms?
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and include
- Headache (not relieved by medication)
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Decreased coordination (Normal activity is difficult.)
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Disturbed sleep
- General feeling of malaise.
- Inability to walk
- Decreasing mental status
- Fluid build-up in the lungs
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty in urination
#These symptoms tend to be worse at night when respiratory drive is decreased.
4) Prevention of AMS?
- Take special care if you have previously had acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- If symptoms of AMS develop, delay further ascent.
- If symptoms become worse, move down (descend) as soon as possible.
5) Treatment of AMS?
- The most important treatment if you start to develop symptoms of mild AMS is to stop your ascent and to rest at the same altitude.
- For most people, symptoms will improve within 24-48 hours with no specific treatment.
- Simple painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will help the headache.
- Anti-sickness medication may also be used. (Acetazolamide)
- Treatment with oxygen and the medicine nifedipine may also help symptoms but does not replace the need for descent.
Note- all the trekking leaders and guide from skylark Himalayan are well trained about altitude sickness, AMS and other related sickness in mountain. You should mention, if you previously have any health problem.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST (You will need to be equipped with the following personal gear)
- General trekking gear - Head torch
- Sunglasses - Sun cream/block/zinc oxide cream
- Snow Goggles - Good Chapstick
- Beanie/Woolen hat & baseball cap - Waterproof over-jacket
- Down Jacket - Water-proof gloves/mittens
- Inner gloves silk liners - Sweater & Thermal/fleece jacket
- Fleece under-trousers & Thermal trousers - Water proof trousers
- Thick wool blend socks (3/4 pairs) - Climbing gaiters
- Trekking trainers & walking boots - High Altitude low temperature sleeping bag + Thermarest
- Water bottle - Day pack (35-40 liters)
- Toiletries etc
* Quality climbing plastic boots * Crampons
* Ice Axe * Harness
* Ascender/Jumers *Descender
* Karabiners 2/3
*Clients should allow a hire charge of approx USD 50 for these and other miscellaneous items. Also
Consider taking:
-Waterproof pack cover -Plastic/waterproof bags
-Penknife -Lightweight towel
-Basic personal medi-kit -High-grade energy bars
-Telescopic ski poles
-Spare shoelaces
SKYLARK HIMALAYAN will be supplying
Camping equipments, all ropes required, additional Karabiners. Ice screws, Snow bars. Plus anything further that the trekking Sherpa calls for.
Comprehensive expedition medical kit.
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