Pisang

Pisang is a scenic mountain village along the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. The village is divided into Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang, each offering a distinct atmosphere and impressive views of the surrounding mountains.

Where Is Pisang Village Located?

Pisang is located in Manang District, Gandaki Province, on the Annapurna Circuit route between Chame and Manang. It sits in the Marsyangdi River valley, directly south of Pisang Peak, north of Annapurna II, and west of the Paungda Danda rock face.

Province	Gandaki Province
District	Manang District
Region	Manang (Annapurna Circuit)
Elevation	3,200 m / 10,500 ft (Lower Pisang) to 3,300 m / 10,827 ft (Upper Pisang)
Latitude	28.617° N
Longitude	84.150° E

Upper Pisang

Upper Pisang sits at roughly 3,300 metres (10,827 feet), built on a steep hillside above the main trail. It's the older, more traditionally preserved half of the village, with narrow stone-paved paths, flat-roofed houses, and Pisang's monastery.

Its elevated position gives it the wider, more dramatic views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Pisang Peak, and it is generally considered the quieter, more culturally immersive side of the village.

Lower Pisang

Lower Pisang sits at around 3,200 metres (10,499 feet), closer to the Marsyangdi River and directly on the main trekking trail.

It has a larger concentration of teahouses and better facilities, and it's usually the first point of arrival for trekkers walking in from Chame. Mountain views here are still good, but less expansive than from Upper Pisang.

The two are connected by a short trail and staircase, roughly 1 kilometre, taking about 30 to 45 minutes to walk between them.

How to Reach Pisang Village?

There is no airport near Pisang, and no reliable road either. The village is reached on foot, as part of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

By Road (to the trailhead)

Kathmandu or Pokhara to Besisahar: A paved highway connects both cities to Besisahar, the standard starting point for the Annapurna Circuit. From Kathmandu, this takes around 6 to 8 hours; from Pokhara, around 4 hours.

Besisahar to Chame: A rough mountain jeep road continues from Besisahar to Chame, roughly 65 kilometres, taking 4 to 6 hours depending on conditions.

On Foot

Route: Chame → Bratang → Pisang

From Chame, the trail to Pisang covers about 13.7 kilometres and takes 4 to 6 hours, following the northern bank of the Marsyangdi River through forest and rocky terrain.

Along the way, it passes the apple orchards of Bratang, crosses several suspension bridges, and offers the first clear views of the massive Paungda Danda rock face.

The elevation gain from Chame to Upper Pisang is significant, around 690 metres, so steady pacing matters more here than the distance alone suggests.

The trail forks near the end: right leads down to Lower Pisang, left climbs to Upper Pisang.

Mountains Visible from Pisang

The following mountains and natural landmarks can be seen from Pisang, with the clearest views generally from Upper Pisang and the surrounding hills.

Mountain	Elevation	Notes
Annapurna II	7,937 m (26,040 ft)	One of the most prominent mountains visible from Pisang, especially from Upper Pisang.
Annapurna IV	7,525 m (24,688 ft)	Visible alongside Annapurna II from Upper Pisang.
Gangapurna	7,455 m (24,459 ft)	Visible from Upper Pisang and along the trail toward Manang.
Pisang Peak	6,091 m (19,984 ft)	Located directly north of the village and a popular trekking peak.
Tilicho Peak	7,134 m (23,406 ft)	Visible from higher areas around Pisang on clear days.
Paungda Danda	~4,755 m (15,600 ft)	A large curved rock wall east of the village, visible along the trail from Chame.

Things to Do in Pisang

• Visit Pisang Monastery: Upper Pisang's centuries-old gompa, with traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture, prayer wheels, and murals. One of the more significant monasteries in Manang District.
• Walk between Lower and Upper Pisang: A short, steep 30- to 45-minute climb that trekkers often use as a light acclimatization hike, with views improving the whole way up.
• Photograph sunrise and sunset over Annapurna II: Upper Pisang's elevated position makes it one of the better places on the Circuit for catching first and last light on the peaks.
• Walk the mani walls and chortens: Old stone walls carved with Buddhist prayers line parts of the village, a marker of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition that runs through daily life here.
• Watch yak caravans and daily village life: Herding, barley farming, and handicrafts still shape day-to-day life in Pisang, largely unchanged for generations.
• Consider Pisang Peak: For trekkers with the time, gear, and permits, Pisang Peak (6,091m) is one of Nepal's more accessible trekking peaks, often used as pre-acclimatization for bigger technical climbs.
• Walk along the Marsyangdi River: Take a short walk along the river through the valley and nearby terraced fields, enjoying the quieter surroundings and views of the mountains and village.
• Relax in teahouses and lodges: Pisang is a key acclimatization stop around 3,300 m; many trekkers spend a night here before heading higher into Manang.

Popular Treks Passing Pisang

• Annapurna Circuit Trek: The classic route around the Annapurna massif, passing through Pisang between Chame and Manang on the way to Thorong La Pass.
• Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake: The same route through Pisang, extended with a detour to Tilicho Lake, the world's highest lake, beyond Manang.

Lifestyle and Culture in Pisang

Pisang's population is largely Gurung, with Bhote/Bhotia and Ghale communities also present. The term Manangi is often used as a broader regional and cultural identity.

Tibetan Buddhist traditions are visible throughout the village, with mani walls, prayer flags, prayer wheels, and the monastery in Upper Pisang forming an important part of local life.

Farming and herding remain important livelihoods. Barley, buckwheat, and potatoes are grown on terraced slopes, while yak herding continues in the surrounding areas. However, reduced grazing land and changing weather patterns have made livestock farming more challenging.

Pisang also has a long history of trans-Himalayan trade, which has influenced the culture and way of life of the wider Manang region. Today, tourism has become an important part of the local economy, with lodges, guiding, and other trekking-related businesses providing income for many families.

Because Pisang lies in the Annapurna range's rain shadow, the area is drier than the forested valleys lower down the trail. This dry climate has shaped the village's farming practices and architecture over generations.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Pisang?

Pisang can technically be visited most of the year, but spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for both weather and trail conditions.

Spring (March to May)

Spring brings milder temperatures to the trail as winter fades. March can still feel cool, especially on the climb up from Chame, but April and May are generally warmer, making the walk between Lower and Upper Pisang more comfortable.

Rhododendron blooms show up on the lower and middle sections of the trail between Chame and Bratang, though Pisang itself sits above the treeline, where the forest has already thinned into open, drier terrain. Mornings usually offer the clearest views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak, while clouds can build up by afternoon, especially closer to May.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is widely considered the best season to pass through Pisang. The monsoon clears out by mid-September, and combined with the village's rain shadow position, this is when the air feels driest and cleanest all year.

By October and November, days are typically dry and stable, with some of the sharpest, most consistent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Gangapurna from Upper Pisang. This is when the peaks are most likely to stay fully visible for days at a stretch, rather than clouding over by afternoon.

Dashain and Tihar, Nepal's two biggest festivals, usually fall during this period too, adding a cultural layer to the trek for anyone passing through villages during the celebrations.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is quiet in Pisang, with far fewer trekkers and a noticeably calmer pace at the teahouses on both the upper and lower sides of the village.

Mornings and nights turn seriously cold at this elevation, and a handful of guesthouses, especially in Upper Pisang, reduce services or close for the season entirely.

Clear winter days can still deliver excellent visibility of Annapurna II and the surrounding peaks, sometimes among the sharpest views of the year, but trekkers should expect much colder conditions than lower down the valley in Chame, and should plan gear accordingly.

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon is generally avoided elsewhere on the Annapurna Circuit, but Pisang's rain shadow position genuinely changes the picture here.

While lower, more exposed sections of the trail turn muddy and cloud-covered, Pisang itself stays noticeably drier, with more broken cloud than the persistent grey seen further south.

Temperature in Pisang

Season	Daytime	Nighttime
Spring (Mar–May)	8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)	-5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F)
Autumn (Sep–Nov)	8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F)	-6°C to -1°C (21°F to 30°F)
Winter (Dec–Feb)	-5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F)	-15°C to -8°C (5°F to 18°F)
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)	12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F)	2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)

Permits Required for Pisang

Two permits are required to trek through Pisang, the same ones used for the rest of the Annapurna Circuit.

Permit	Fee
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)	NPR 3,000
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)	NPR 2,000

Both permits must be carried and are inspected at checkpoints. Since April 2023, foreign trekkers must use a licensed guide from a registered agency in conservation areas; permits are typically arranged through that agency. Trekkers planning to climb Pisang Peak also need an NMA climbing permit in addition to ACAP and TIMS.

Where to Stay in Pisang?

Accommodation in Pisang is split between two halves of the village.

Lower Pisang has the larger concentration of teahouses, with more consistent facilities: twin-share rooms, shared bathrooms, solar-heated hot showers (extra charge), and a wider range of food. It’s the more practical option for trekkers focused on logistics and rest.

Upper Pisang has fewer guesthouses smaller and simpler, but many trekkers find the atmosphere more authentic and peaceful. Rooms are basic, sometimes with wooden furniture, and amenities like Wi-Fi and charging are less consistent and often carry a small fee.

Wherever you stay, menus centre on dal bhat, noodle soup, momos, pasta, porridge, and hot drinks, with altitude-friendly options like garlic soup, Tibetan bread, and Sherpa stew common.

Small shops sell snacks and purified water, but there is no ATM, so carry enough cash.

FAQs

Which is better: Upper Pisang or Lower Pisang?

It depends on what you're after. Lower Pisang is more convenient, with better facilities and easier access. Upper Pisang requires a steep 30- to 45-minute climb but rewards trekkers with better views, an older monastery, and a quieter, more traditional atmosphere. Many itineraries split the difference: arriving in Lower Pisang, then day-hiking up to Upper Pisang before continuing toward Manang.

What is the altitude of Pisang Village?

Lower Pisang sits at approximately 3,200 metres (10,500 feet), while Upper Pisang sits at approximately 3,300 metres (10,827 feet).

How far is Chame to Pisang?

The trek from Chame to Pisang covers about 13.7 kilometres and takes 4 to 6 hours on foot.

Can you climb Pisang Peak from the village?

Yes. Pisang Peak (6,091m) is a popular trekking peak reached from the village, though it requires a separate NMA climbing permit, a qualified guide, and proper acclimatization. It's often used as a pre-acclimatization climb before attempting higher technical peaks.

Is there an ATM in Pisang?

No. The last reliable ATM on this route is in Chame, so carry enough cash for Pisang and the villages beyond it.