PISANG PEAK –
13 Days.  Max. Altitude 6,092m.
Fully supported and tented on climb and teahouses during approach/return.
Pre-trek Briefing:  HE Office (Kathmandu Guest House) 3 pm on day prior to Day 1.   Full attendance necessary for briefing with emphasis on individual equipment check (options for hiring etc).

Of the peaks requiring a special permit, Pisang, at a little more than 6,000m, is the lowest.  Perhaps the demands it makes are commensurate.  However it is not to be underestimated neither by the proficient nor novice.  

Pisang Peak is in the picturesque Manang Region of the eastern Annapurnas. The Peak towers above the yak pastures of Pisang  Village (3,185m) and the rock-strewn torrent of the Marshyangdi.   It angles up pretty consistently to the apex forming a pyramid shape, with the route to the summit being from the southwest.

DAY TO DAY PLAN –
THE APPROACH ROUTE Tea-house accommodation and meals – Days 1-7: -
Day 1: To Bandipur
(Approx 5.5 hrs drive. O/nt Altitude 1,050m  The Old Inn)  By road west to the medieval hilltop town of Bandipur.  The Old Inn has a charming ambiance, great food and (probably) the bonus of excellent mountain views including our objective.  (B,D)

Day 2: To Chyamje
(O/nt Altitude 1,410m/7hrs approx.)  On account of rudimentarily completed road construction we can now use the Marshyangdi Valley all the way to Chyamje.   However at present this may require a conventional vehicle as far as Besi Sahar then jeeps to complete the journey.  So ends our vehicle approach.  (B,D)

Day 3: To Bagarchhap
(O/nt Altitude 2,160m/7hrs approx.)  Throughout the day the usually busy trail steadily ascends marked by frequent tea-houses and waterfalls. (B,D)

Day 4: To Chame
(O/nt Altitude 2,670m/6 hrs approx.)  We are now in the homeland of the ethnic Manang people.  Forests are of fir and pine and there are fine views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Manaslu Himal.  We trek through the little settlements of Timang Besi and Lattemarang,  and so to Chame, the administrative headquarters for the Manang District. (B,D)

Day 5: To Lower Pisang
(O/nt Altitude 3,240m/5 hrs approx.)  With the Marsyangdi on its left, the trail gains 400m to the village of Bhratang, before crossing to the river’s other bank by an impressive suspension bridge and with the next couple of hours taking us to Lower Pisang (where it is worth noting the labelling – ie, Lower Pisang and Upper Pisang are villages, taking their name from Pisang Peak).    (B,D)

THE CLIMB – High Altitude Tented/Bivouac and Meals Days 6-10 : -

Day 6: To Pisang Base Camp
(O/nt Altitude 4,380m/5 hrs approx.)  The climb now starts in earnest.  We cross the Marsyangdi suspension bridge to Pisang Village’s upper half and leave the village using the high ground that is the rising ridge bordered by the two streams that come down from Pisang, the Kyumi Khola and the Tangra Khola.  Thus through forest and alpine pastures we reach the meadow that makes a suitable Base Camp   (B,L,D)

Day 7: Acclimatisation and Instruction Day 
(O/nt Altitude 4,380m)   This is the right time and place for altitude acclimatisation.  Thus a second night is to be spent at this height; for a key to acclimatisation is the body’s night time adjustment to the same altitude provided by a second night while using the day to go higher (to about 5,000m/4-5 hrs). At the same time it is also used for ‘dry’ instruction in ‘above-the-snowline’ mountain techniques.

The return to Base Camp is also valuable exercise for the body’s balance and its downhill muscular demands.  (B,L,D)

Day 8: To High Camp
(O/nt Altitude 5,400m/4.5 hrs approx.).  No turning back this time around!  Our route follows the south-north ridge with Pisang’s western flank and overhanging glacier ahead/left as we climb towards the shoulder which is to be the location of tonight’s camp. Typically, but subject to season, this is in snow.   With our support team we here establish the High Camp, the final night before our push to the summit.  It is a place of expectation and excitement.  Long hours in warm sleeping bags is advised even if sleep is spasmodic.   (B,L,D)