| Destination | Pisang Peak, Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Circuit |
|---|---|
| Activity | Climb Pisang Peak, Trek to Tilicho Lake, Annapurna Circuit |
| Accomodation | lodge/tea house to lodge/tea house in trek region. One night at Pokhara |
| Region | Annapurna region |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu |
| Duration | 21 days |
| Max. Altitude | 6,091m / 19,980ft |
| Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner in trek regions |
| Group size | 2-24 |
| Activity Per Day | 5-7 hours hike/ climb |
| Transportation | Kathmandu to Chamche, Birethanti to Pokhara, Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
| Grade | Very Challenging |
About the Trip
Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek takes you deep into the Annapurna region. The whole trip is organized for those who want to make the most out of the Annapurna region trek, which includes Pisang Peak Climbing, visiting Tilicho Lake, enjoying the views from Poon Hill, and making the most out of the world-famous Annapurna Circuit.
Highlights
- Extended trek in the famous Annapurna circuit
- A challenging and technical Pisang Peak (6,091m / 19,980ft) climb aided by Sherpas.
- Panoramic views from Pisang Peak and Poon Hill (3,210 m) viewpoint
- Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, and Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
- Manang district, the least populated district of Nepal
- Deep Kaligandaki and Marsyangdi river gorges, magnificent lakes, stunning waterfalls
- Scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu at the trek end
- One of the highest Himalayan passes, Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,764ft)
- The holy Muktinath Temple, 108 water sprouts, and the eternal flame on the temple premises
- Barge Monastery, the largest monastery in Manang
- One of the highest lakes in the world - Tilicho Lake (4,949m)
- Desert-like landscapes in Manang
- High mountain culture, tradition, and settlements
- Heart-warming Nepali hospitality
Benefits of trekking/climbing with us
- Free airport-to-hotel transfer on arrival and hotel-to-airport transfer during departure
- Free excess luggage storage during the trek
- Easy booking and reservation system
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom
- WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger) and online trip briefing
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Easy payment system.
- We carry an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels at high altitudes to detect early signs of altitude sickness and other potential health risks.
- Medical kits for emergencies
- Sleeping bags and Down jackets arrangements if you do not have your own
Comprehensive Overview
If you want to spend a substantial time trekking in the world-famous Annapurna circuit, this trek/climbing package is for you. This package includes peak climbing (Pisang Peak) and a diversion to Tilicho Lake as you follow the Annapurna circuit.
Pisang Peak (6091m) is one of the most stunning peaks in the Annapurna region. It's located in the Annapurna Circuit Trek and draws hundreds of climbers every year. Pisang Peak is an easy but technical climb, offering views of other Himalayan peaks like Annapurna I and Manaslu. Hence it is a suitable peak for enthusiastic climbers with limited experience.
The trek to the Pisang Peak Base Camp takes you through off-beat trails, green meadows, and forests while offering stunning views of the green hills and snow-capped peaks. Your journey takes you from Kathmandu to Besisahar and then to Chamche. From Chamche, you will follow the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit, which offers a thrilling and gratifying experience.
The trail from Chamche leads to Dharapani. You will enter Manang from Tal Village, and from Tal Village, you can get fantastic views of the waterfalls. After spending a night at Dharpani, you will head to Chame, the district headquarters of Manang. The route to Chame passes through lush green forests and majestic views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.
On the fifth day, you will leave Chame for Upper Pisang, passing by the ubiquitous Paungda Danda rock face that rises 1,500m from Marsyandi River. Upper Pisang lies at an altitude of 3,200m, a substantial height. Hence, you will acclimatize for a day at Pisang.
From Pisang, instead of heading west to Manang in the Annapurna circuit, we will take you north toward Pisang Peak. You will spend a night, each at Pisang Peak Base Camp and Pisang High Camp, before summiting Pisang Peak. The climb will be challenging as you have to conquer snow slopes and use the climbing gear. However, you need not be concerned as our experienced Sherpa guides will lead the way and assist you
After summiting Pisang Peak, you will return to Pisang Base Camp. In rare cases, due to weather or other reasons, you might not be able to summit Pisang Peak on the designated day. So, we have allocated one extra day to ensure your successful summit.
You will rejoin the Annapurna Circuit and reach Manang after successfully summitting Pisang Peak. One more, you will leave the Annapurna Circuit and head to Tilicho lake. From Manang, you will reach Siri Kharka and then Tilicho Base Camp. The path from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp is rough and passes through landslide-prone regions. After spending a night at Tilicho Base Camp, you will reach Tilicho Lake the following day.
Unless you are trekking during the winter, you should be able to witness the reflection of Annapurna ranges in the tranquil blue waters of Tilicho Lake. After enjoying the views of Tilicho Lake, you will return to Siri Kharka. The trail once more joins the Annapurna circuit taking you to Yak Kharka.
Thorong La Pass (5,416m) is not far from Yak Kharka, but before crossing Thorong La Pass, you will spend a night at Thorong La Pass, ideally located for those aiming to cross the Thorong La Pass. You will leave Thorong Phedi early in the morning to avoid the afternoon wind at Thorong La Pass.
This section of the trails is exhaustive, but the views of glorious mountains extending to Tibet on one side and Annapurna massifs on the other are mind-blowing. After a slow and steady trek, you will descend to Muktinath and visit the renowned Muktinath Temple.
After reaching Muktinath, you have reached easier trail sections. From Muktinath, you will take a bus to Tatopani. (Tatopani means hot water in Nepali.) There are natural hot springs in Tatopani, which locals believe have dermal curative properties. We will also bathe in these hot springs and relax our muscles.
From Tatopani, you will move to Ghorepani through the Thakali villages of Sikha and Chitra. Ghorepani is very near Poon Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in Nepal. Hence, most tourists/trekkers who want to enjoy the sunrise from Poon Hill spend their night at Ghorepani.
You will wake up at Ghorepani at around five am to view the sunrise from Poon Hill, and it will take about forty minutes to reach Poon Hill. From Poon Hill, you can get a panoramic view of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail mountain, colored in the morning golden sun rays.
After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you will head back to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and then trek to Birethanti. From Birethanti, you will board a bus to Pokhara via Nayapul. You will spend a night at Pokhara, a magnificent tourist city in Nepal. The following day, you will fly back to Kathmandu.
Photos & Videos
Day to Day Itinerary
-
day
1
Arrival at Kathmandu (1,350m/4,450ft) and transfer to hotel.
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,350m/4,450ft You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. We will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
- Overnight stay at your hotel
-
day
2
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m/2,492 ft) to Chamche (1,430m/4,692 ft) 8 - 10 hours
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours 8 hours Highest Altitude 1,430m/4,692ft You will set out from Kathmandu early in the morning and drive to Besishar, which takes around 7 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through charming villages, terraced farms, and witness the stunning mountain ranges and rivers. You can either opt for a private jeep or take a local bus to Besishar and then change to another local bus to reach Chamche. You'll spend the night at a guest house in Chamche.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
3
Trek from Chamche (1,430m/4692 ft) to Dharapani (1,860m/6,430ft): 7 - 8 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15.5km/9.6miles Highest Altitude 1,860m/6,430ft Trek Duration 7-8 hours We begin our trek by crossing a suspension bridge and hiking uphill before entering the Manang region from Tal village. From Tal, you can see several waterfalls flowing into a river surrounded by sandy beaches. You will take a trail that progresses through barley, rice, and potato fields and past the village of Kodo, one of the largest villages in the Manang valley. You will cross another suspension bridge and after a brief ascent reach Dharapani.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gorkha's inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
4
Trek from Dharapani (1,860m/6,430ft) to Chame (2,610m/8,891ft): 5 - 6 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15.7km/9.7 miles Highest Altitude 2,610m/8,891ft Trek Duration 5-6 hours The hike proceeds along a trail through a forest of pine, fir, oak, and maple trees, following a river to reach Chame, the district headquarters of the Manang district. You will find yourself surrounded by lush green forests while enjoying the stunning views of the Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m) peaks. While on the way, you will also stop at a small hot spring for a break and rest.
- Overnight stay at Four Season Guest House (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
5
Trek from Chame (2,610m/8,891ft) to Upper Pisang (3,200m/10824ft): 5 - 6 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 14.5km Highest Altitude 3,200m/10,824ft Trek Duration 5 -6 hrs After breakfast, you will set out on a trek to Pisang. The hike takes you through a steep and narrow valley from where you can get the first glimpses of the Paungda Danda rock face, a 1500m high curved rock face rising from the Marsyangdi River. As the trek progresses, you will also get clear views of Annapurna II to the south and Pisang Peak to the northeast. Then, you will descend to the floor of the Manang Valley to reach Pisang, our destination for the day.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
6
Acclimatization at Upper Pisang (3,200m/10824ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 3,200m/10,824ft We have reserved this day to acclimatize in Upper Pisang. Acclimatization is crucial when reaching high elevations to help your body adjust to the current climate and prevent altitude sickness. You can start the day with an early breakfast. Your climbing leader / Sherpa will teach you how to use your climbing gear properly. Then you can explore this charming village and learn about its culture and traditions. Upper Pisang offers spectacular views of Mt. Gangapurna, Annapurna, and Tilicho Lake.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Mandala (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
7
Trek from Upper Pisang (3,200m/10824ft) to Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380m/14,370ft): 4-5 hours
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4,380m/14,370ft Trek Duration 4-5 hours It takes 3-4 hours to reach the Pisang Peak Base Camp from Upper Pisang, gaining as much as 1,000m in height. The trail ascends steeply through a small forest and pasture to a Kharka at (4,380m), an ideal location for setting up a base camp overnight. The flat alpine section lies along a well-trodden trail, where we establish our campsite. You will spend the night in a tented camp.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
8
Trek from Pisang Peak Base Camp (4,380m/14,370ft) to Pisang High Camp (5,400m/17,712ft): 3-4 hours
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 5,400m/17,712ft Trek Duration 3-4 hours The trail ascends steeply, gaining another 1,000m as you reach the Pisang High Camp. After arriving at the Pisang High Camp, we will set up the camp and spend the rest of the day acclimatizing to the decreasing oxygen levels and preparing for the ascent the following day. We will provide you with kitchen staff and utensils required for the camp.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
9
Summit Pisang Peak (6,091m/19,980ft) and back to Pisang Base Camp (4,380m/14,370ft): 8-9 hours
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 6,091m/19,980ft Trek Duration 8-9 hours It will be a remarkable day, as you will reach the Pisang Peak (6,091m / 19,980ft). You will be braving steep snow slopes that will require technical climbing skills. However, you should not be worried as our Sherpa guides are experienced and have completed professional training. You will be following our expert Sherpas to the Pisang peak summit. From the summit, you will get fantastic views of Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, Annapurna II and IV, and Glacier Dome. After soaking in a panoramic view from the Pisang summit, you will head back to the Pisang Peak Base Camp.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
10
Contingency day
We want to make sure that your Pisang Peak Climb is successful. Hence, we have allocated this day as a contingency day. If on the previous day, you could not reach the Pisang Peak summit for any reason, such as bad weather, then we will use this day to reach the summit and return to Pisang Base Camp. Otherwise, we will just rest at the Pisang Base Camp or may even head to Manang.
- Overnight stay in a tent camp
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
11
Trek from Pisang Peak Base Camp (5,400m/17,712ft) to Manang (3,450m/11,316ft): 5-6 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 15.7km/9.7 miles Highest Altitude 5,400m/17,712ft Trek Duration 5-6 hours After reaching the summit of Pisang Peak, the first part of the trek is over, and now it is time to return. You will take the same path that brought you to Pisang Peak and return to Manang, a rich cultural town. It will take you 5-6 hours to return to Manang. Throughout the path, you can enjoy the grand views of the Annapurna ranges.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Himalayan Singi (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
12
Trek from Manang (3,450m/11,316ft) to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 4-5 hours
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 4060m/13,320ft Trek Duration 4-5 hours Our next destination from Manang is westwards, down to the river and along its southern side through conifer forests. After reaching Kangsar Village, you will hike uphill to Siri Kharka, passing a monastery along the way. The challenging climb is compensated with the views of Gungang Himal and Mount Chulu as a picturesque backdrop.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
13
Trek from Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft) to Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,583ft): 5-6 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 6km / 3.7miles Highest Altitude 4150m/13,583ft Trek Duration 5-6 hours The journey from Siri Kharka to Tilicho Base Camp may not be physically demanding as the path is not steep. However, the narrow route is full of loose stones, and landslide-prone terrain can be mentally challenging. The trail runs through the heart of the landslide zone, letting you witness unique and impressive rock formations on the way.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
14
Trek from Tilicho Base Camp (4150m/13,583ft), visit Tilicho Lake (4,920m/16,138 ft) then back to Siri Kharka (4060m/13,320ft): 5-6 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles Highest Altitude 4,920m/16,138 ft Trek Duration 5-6 hours The trail follows a gradual steep incline along the mountain. Along the way, you can get views of yaks and deer grazing. Your destination - Tilicho Lake - is a stunning lake at the base of Tilicho Peak's north face. Referred to as "The Great Ice Lake" by a French expedition leader. It is also a sacred Hindu lake, referred to in the Ramayana. Except for winter, you can see the reflection of Annapurna ranges in Tilicho, which looks brilliantly stunning. After visiting the lake, you will return to Siri Kharka.
- Overnight stay at a local lodge
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
15
Trek from Siri Kharka (4,060m/13,320ft) to Yak Kharka (4,018m/13,182ft):4-5 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 10.6km / 6.62miles Highest Altitude 4,060m/13,320ft Trek Duration 4-5 hours You will leave Siri Kharka and descend to Khangsar Village, passing Tare Gumba, a thousand-year-old important monastery. Khangsar Village is sparsely inhabited, except for herders who stay here during festivals. Leaving the village, you will follow a rock wall and reach a seasonal bridge in the Thorang Khola valley. After crossing this river, you will ascend to a plateau and continue to Yak Kharka.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Gangapurna
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
16
Trek from Yak Kharka (4,018m/13,182ft) to Thorong Phedi (4525m/14501 ft): 3-4 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 7.3km / 4.5miles Highest Altitude 4525m/14501ft Trek Duration 3-4 hours On this day, you will take a short hike to Thorong Phedi with the aim to cross the Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters the following morning. In Nepali, Phedi means foot of a hill. After walking for three to four hours, you will reach Thorong Phedi, a small settlement at the base of Thorong La Pass. Thorong Phedi is a resting spot for climbers and trekkers who aim to make it across this pass in the Annapurna Circuit.
- Overnight stay at Thorong High Camp Hotel
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
17
Trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,501ft) to Thorong La pass (5,416m/17,764 ft) to Muktinath (3,800/12,467ft): 7 - 8 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 16.4km / 10miles Highest Altitude 5,416m / 17,764ft Trek Duration 7 - 8 hours Today we trek from Thorong Phedi (4,525m/14,525ft) to Muktinath Temple (3,760m/12,623ft) via the challenging Thorong La high pass (5,416m/17,756ft), one of the highest passes in the world. You will start early to tackle the icy air and high altitude, but the views from the pass are breathtaking. To the north, you will see a panorama of Himalayan peaks and the Annapurna range behind you. After crossing the Thorong La Pass, you will descend to Muktinath. Muktinath is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists (Buddhists call Muktinath, Chumig Gyatsa, meaning Hundred Waters in Tibetan). The temple is famous for its 108 stone sprouts and the 2,000-year-old eternal flame that burns in the temple premises.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Town House Muktinath (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
18
Drive from Muktinath (3,800m/12,467ft) to Tatopani (1,200m/3,937ft): 6 - 8 hours
Itinerary Facts Driving Hours 8 hrs (113km/ 70miles ) Highest Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft This morning, after a visit to the Muktinath Temple, you will board a local bus to Tatopani. The drive is rugged and passes through some of the deepest gorges. As the bus rolls, you will see the change in terrain from arid highlands to lush green forests. Tatopani is renowned for its natural hot springs, where you can bathe yourself and relax your tired muscles. The locals believe that the hot springs have curative properties against skin diseases.
- Overnight stay at Dhaulagiri Lodge (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
19
Trek from Tatopani (1,200m/3937 ft) to Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft): 7 - 8 hours
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 17km / 10.5miles Highest Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft Trek Duration 7 - 8 hours In the morning, you will bid farewell to Tatopani and embark on a trek to Ghorepani via Sikha and Chitre - both ethnic Thakali villages. The journey will take you through terraced farmlands surrounded by tall mountains and lush forests filled with vibrant birch, rhododendron, and magnolia trees. After Chitre, it takes about one hour of trek through steep rocky paths to reach Ghorepani. (Ghorepani means horse water in Nepali.) You will stop at Ghorepani to spend the night.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)
-
day
20
Trek from Ghorepani (2,850m/9,350ft) to Poon Hill, trek to Nayapul, and then drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft): 5-6 hours trek and 2-hour drive
Itinerary Facts Trek Distance 12.5km / 7.7miles Driving Hours 2 hrs Highest Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft Trek Duration 5-6 hours On this day, early morning, we will take you on a hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) to witness the dawn breaking from beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including the iconic Fishtail Mountain. Poon Hill is perhaps the most popular viewpoint in Nepal that brings thousands of trekkers here. It is also popular as a photography spot as most people want to capture the grandeur panoramic view from this hill.
After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you will descend to Ghorepani, have breakfast, and trek to Birethanti. From Birethanti, you will catch a return to Pokhara on a bus via Nayapul. You will be spending the night at Pokhara, the tourist capital of Nepal.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn
- Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
-
day
21
Fly from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m/ 4,450ft) in 30 minutes.
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,350m/ 4,450ft Flight Hours 30 minutes After breakfast, you will leave Pokhara on a plane to Kathmandu. The flight will take about twenty minutes, and from the flight, you can get a bird’s eye view of the incredible Nepali terrain. We hope you enjoyed your trip and will be back for another trip soon. Your trek ends in Kathmandu. We will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your trek departure date.
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
Cost includes
- Drive from Kathmandu to Chamche, Muktinath to Tatopani, Birethanti to Pokhara
- Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Domestic airport transfer and airport departure tax
- One-night accommodation at Silver Oaks Inn Pokhara with breakfast
- 18 days Tea house/lodge/tent accommodation in the trek regions. 8 days in rooms with attached bathroom at Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang (2N), Manang, Muktinath, Tatopani, Ghorepani. 6 nights in standard rooms at Chamche, Tilicho Base Camp, Siri Kharka (2N), Yak Kharka, Thorong Phedi. Four nights tent at Pisang Base Camp (3N) and Pisang High Camp. All accommodations are twin sharing basis.
- All standard meals (19 breakfasts, 19 lunches, and 18 dinners) during the trek.
- Nepal-government licensed Discovery World Trekking experienced lead guide. Local climbing Sherpa, kitchen crew
- One porter for every two trekkers, per trekker luggage weight limit is 9 kg.
- Guides, Sherpas, kitchen crew, and porters' meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment costs
- Base camp & high camp camping equipment and meals
- Garbage deposit fees.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Pisang Peak climbing fees
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- All government and local taxes and official expenses
- Rescue operations arrangements in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir - company T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek/climb achievement certificate
- Farewell dinner at Kathmandu after the trek/climb
Cost excludes
- International flight costs
- Visa fees at Tribhuwan International Airport, depending on your length of stay. USD 50 for a 30-day stay.
- Excess luggage charges. The luggage weight limit is 9 kg per trekker.
- Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from trekking (for any reason) before the planned scheduled itinerary.
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone calls, battery re-charge fee), extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation (compulsory) and treatment costs
- Tips for guides and porters
- Additional costs caused by circumstances beyond management control, for example, landslides, adverse weather, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs and expenses not included in "cost includes"
Equipment Checklist
We request you bring only the must-have items to the trek. Porters will carry your luggage, but your luggage weight limit is 9 kg. You can also buy or even rent the required gear and equipment at reasonable costs. Though your preference might differ, here is a list to help you pack for this trip.
Climbing gear
- Ice ax
- Ascender/Jhumar
- Screwgate Karabiners
- Ice hammer
- Ice screw
- Snow bar
- Crampons - traction devices to improve mobility on snow and ice
- Climbing harnesses - required to secure you to a rope or an anchor point
- Tape slings to wrap around the section of rock and hitch to other
- Figure 8 Descender - to use it as a zip flyer either in friction mode or smoothie mode.
- Helmets
- Rope
- Plastic mountaineering boots
Head
- Sun hat or scarf
- Headscarf
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A warm hat to cover your ears (wool or synthetic to keep you warm)
- Headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries
- Winter hat or insulating hat, or wide-brimmed hat
- Prescription sunglasses
Face
- Sunglass with UV protection
- Sunscreen
- Face/body wipes
Hands
- A pair of mittens containing a Gore-Tex over-mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner
- Lightweight fleece gloves (or wool)
- Lightweight poly-liner trek gloves
Sleeping
- One sleeping bag 30 degrees
- One medium rucksack or One large duffel bag
- Fleece sleeping bag liner
- Rucksack and Travel Bags
- Daypack/backpack with good shoulder padding for carrying your valuables.
- Two large waterproof rucksack covers (if you need them)
- Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
Body (Upper-Lower)
- Hiking shirts
- Sweater
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hooded rain jacket
- Fleece jacket
- T-Shirt (bring Lightweight wool)
- mitten
- Waterproof sacks for keeping your clothing dry
- Non-cotton undergarments
- Polypropylene underwear
- Expedition grade down jacket (available for rent in Kathmandu)
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Thick thermal Merino bottoms (Icebreaker 200, Odlo Revolution Thick)
- Polar fleece trousers or similar mid-layer trousers
- Gore-Tex (over)trousers or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips
- Fleece or woolen trousers (one pair)
- Breathable fabric, waterproof shell pants (one pair)
- Goose-down trousers or bibs. Or a down suit
- A pair of hiking shorts, trousers, lightweight thermal bottoms
- Liner gloves for tying knots
Footwear
- Hiking Boots
- Goretex hiking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
- Two pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
- Two pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
- Thick wool socks (Take an extra pair of thick light socks)
- Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support, broken-in)
- Gaiters
- Cotton socks
Essentials
- Trekking pole
- Backpack or daypack (Size depends on whether you take a porter or not).
- Trekking pole
- Thermal bottle
- Water purification tablets/drops
Toiletries
- Medium-size drying towel
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Nail clippers
- Small mirror
- Toothbrush
- Multi-purpose soap (must be biodegradable)
Medical Needs
- Personal simple and light first-aid kit
- Skin-blister repair kit
- Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc
- Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide
- One set of earplugs
- Anti-diarrhea, and headache pills
- First-aid tapes and plasters
- Cough and cold medicine
- Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lens supplies
Personal accessories
- Cell phone
- Money
- Watch
- Camera
Extra items
- Face and body moisturizer
- Tissue /toilet paper roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Female hygiene products for females
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Trail map/guidebook
- Extra passport photos and photocopies of passport
- Notebook and pen (if you want to write your moments)
- Binoculars
- Book if you love reading
- A modest swimsuit
- A voltage converter (from 220 to 110 amperes)
- Lightweight pillowcase (optional)
Essential Documents
- A copy of your passport, three passport-size photos, and travel/health insurance documents with contact details
- We advise you to maintain a separate photocopy of all important documents, including international flight tickets, travelers' cheques, insurance policies, emergency contact numbers, bank/ATM card contact numbers, etc.
Trip Information
Free Airport Pick-up
When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will find our company representative holding our company pamphlet with your name. They will greet you, present you with a marigold garland as a welcome gesture, and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service so that you do not have to face navigational issues in a foreign country or feel alone in a foreign country.
Journey start
You will arrive at Kathmandu Airport at least one day before the trek departure date and by three pm. It is important to arrive by three pm to attend the trip briefing. During the trip briefing, we will introduce each other, motivate you, provide vital information, and check your luggage to ensure you have packed all essential equipment, clothing, and gear. We will conduct a trip briefing at your hotel or Discovery World Trekking office. On the trek departure date, we will drive you from Kathmandu to Chamche, the trek start region. Your bus ride will take around six to seven hours.
Accommodations
Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek includes eighteen days of tea house/lodge/tent camp stays in the trek regions. We hand-select the best accommodations available in trek regions. You will stay in rooms with attached bathrooms where available and standard rooms in other regions. This package includes four nights of tent stays - Pisang Base Camp (3N) and Pisang High Camp.
You will stay in rooms with attached bathrooms for eight days at Dharapani, Chame, Upper Pisang (2N), Manang, Tatopani, Muktinath, and Ghorepani. Similarly, we will provide you with standard rooms for six nights at Chamche, Tilicho Base Camp, Siri Kharka (2N), Yak Kharka, and Thorong Phedi. All accommodations are on twin sharing basis.
At the end of the trek, you will be staying a night at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara. The room comes with hot/cold water, laundry, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour cable TV. Please note that we do not provide dinner and lunch in Pokhara. Pokhara is the tourist capital of Nepal and has the modern amenities that big cities offer.
Please note that you will need at least two days of hotel stays in Kathmandu, one before the trek start and the other at the end. This package does not cover accommodations and meals in Kathmandu. Kathmandu has a wide range of hotels that suit all tastes and budgets.
Meals
The Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek requires great physical effort, and you will need plenty of nutrient-rich food. Throughout the trek, we will provide you with plenty of nutritious, tasty, and hygienic food from the best eateries available in the trek regions.
The meals will be traditional, Asian, or western, but as you go up the menu list gets shorter, and food also gets expensive. We will also arrange food, dining furniture, and crew during your tent stays.
You will get plenty of non-veg choices in the trek regions, but we do not recommend them for hygiene concerns. Similarly, it is best to avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, hot chocolate, and dairy items. Instead, you should take fresh vegetables and liquids such as green, lemon, and ginger tea. You must try garlic soup for health benefits.
We will provide you with 19 breakfasts, 19 lunches, and 18 dinners in trek regions. Here are your food choices.
Breakfast: French toast with Jam, Butter, Cheese, Fruits, Vegetables, Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Honey Tibetan bread or Chapati, Local Tsampa Porridge, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Lunch: Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Thukpa, Pasta, Momo (dumplings), Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Vegetables, Salad, Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Dinner: Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tibetan Bread, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potato items, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Tenduk Spaghetti, Vegetable and Salad, Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc
Note: We will not provide lunch and dinner in Pokhara. Similarly, this package does not include meals and accommodations in Kathmandu.
Best time for the trek/climb
Weather is the decisive factor for successful Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek. The height of Pisang Peak is (6,091m / 19,980ft), and even the Thorong La Pass is at an altitude of (5,416m / 17,764ft). During winter, it snows heavily in high trek regions, making it very cold, and the trails get covered in heaps of snow. Hence, it is hard to complete this trek/climb during winter. So we do not organize this trip in winter (December, January, and February).
The summer (June, July, and August) season coincides with the monsoon in Nepal. Though the summer temperature is favorable, the heavy monsoon rain makes the paths slippery and wet. There are chances of landslides. Moreover, the clouds will also block the views. Hence, it becomes difficult to complete this trek/climb in the summer. Therefore the best seasons for this trip is Spring and Autumn.
Spring (March, April, and May) is a great season for Pisang peak climb Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek. The temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, and the trails are in optimum condition, which lets you enjoy your trip to the fullest. The blooming flowers in the path add beauty to the whole trek.
Autumn (September, October, and November) is another great season for this trek/climb. As the monsoon retreats, the summer heat eases away, leaving behind a fantastic season conducive to trek. It is also a harvest season for the farmers. The farmers are happy after harvest and are less engaged in agricultural activities. Most major festivals in Nepal - Dashain, Tihar, Chhat, and Indrajatra - fall during this season, providing a festive mood to the entire trek region. We conduct this trek during autumn to the satisfaction of all trekkers/climbers.
Group/single
We conduct group as well as private treks. If you have your group, we will provide you with a discount proportionate to the number of people in your group. However, you will not receive any discount for the group we assemble. We are ready to handle all group sizes and allocate an assistant guide for a group of twelve or more.
Trip grade and fitness
Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek is challenging as you will be summiting Pisang Peak (6,091m / 19,980ft) and trekking across Thorong La Pass (5,416m / 17,764ft). The trek route involves steep uphills, downhills, and straight sections. The path also passes through dense forests and rocky areas. Pisnag Peak climbing will also involve climbing gear, but you need not be worried. Our Sherpas will be by your side, guiding you to reach the top.
If you are reasonably fit, you can certainly complete this trek. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trip. So, we advise you to participate in stamina-building exercises, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling. You can also take part in treks lasting for six to seven hours. However, if you suffer from diseases, such as heart, lung, or blood diseases, you must consult your doctor before booking the trek. You will also need to disclose your condition to us.
Typical day
Each day will bring new experiences as you visit new places. Our Sherpas who trek with you will brief you about these places as you reach them. You will spend your time trekking, clicking pictures, interacting with locals, tasting local delicacies, and exploring pristine landscapes.
Your day will start with a hot cup of coffee or tea. After breakfast, at about seven or eight, the trek begins, depending on the length of the trek trails to cover and the nature of it. You will have your lunch around midday, often in between the next trek destination. After lunch, we will have lunch for around an hour before rejoining the trek.
When you reach your destination set for that day, you can snack on your extra-dietary supplements. Then you are free to explore the trek region. We serve dinner at about six or seven pm. After dinner, your trek guide will brief you about the next day’s plan.
After the briefing, you will have time to spend privately. You can read books, play cards, monopoly, and chess, or watch mountaineering videos if available. Most of our guests also prefer to learn fun, light Nepali words before heading to bed.
Electricity and water
All lodges/tea houses in the trek regions have electricity. So you can recharge your electronics, such as your cell phone or camera by paying a small fee at the lodges you will be staying. Similarly, you can easily buy bottled water from en-route shops or lodges/tea houses. However, for environmental concerns, we advise you to bring a water bottle and fill it with boiled water from tea houses/lodges. We also recommend you use purification pills before drinking water. You should not be drinking water from taps, wells, or rivers in trek regions as the water may not be hygienic.
Communication
Most trek regions are internet-connected. You can remain in contact with your colleagues, friends, and family using the internet available in the lodges you will be staying in. Moreover, you can buy a SIM in Kathmandu for your use. However, based on the network you use, the signals may not be strong enough. Discovery World Trekking's head office remains in contact with all its trek teams via the trek lead at least once a day to ensure the trek progress and well-being of the trek team.
Travel Insurance
Pisang Peak Climbing with Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake Trek takes you to very high altitudes deep into the remote Himalayas. Hence, this trip comes with risks related to high-altitude treks/climb. So, you need adequate insurance to embark on the trek.
Discovery World Trekking requires you to submit your insurance certificate before departing for the trek. Your insurance must cover helicopter rescue and evacuation up to 6,000m (the highest trek point) and treatment costs. There are no health facilities in the trek region, hence helicopter rescue insurance is mandatory.
If you need recommendations to choose an insurance company, we can provide recommendations based on our previous clients’ experiences. However, we are not involved in selling insurance packages in any shape or form.
We advise you to call your insurance company and ask if your insurance package covers helicopter rescue up to the highest trek point and health treatment costs. Do not just believe what insurers say on their websites.
Passport and visa
All foreigners, except Indians, need a visa to enter Nepal. Fortunately, citizens from most countries can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or immigration checkpoints along Nepal-India and Nepal-China borders. You need a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The exact amount of visa fees depends on your length of stay. The current rate is USD50 for a 30-day stay.
Chinese and SAARC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives) nationals are entitled to free visas. Similarly, children under ten get free visas.
However, citizens from Ghana, Nigeria, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan may not be entitled to an on-arrival visa. So, nationals from these countries must contact their local Nepali embassy. Nepal government may change visa policies without prior notice, so we recommend you to visit https://www.immigration.gov.np for recent visa information.
Money Exchange
Nepali Rupees (NPR/NRs) is the official currency of Nepal. 1 USD is almost equal to NPR. 130. We advise you to bring major currencies (Such as USD, UK Pound, and Euro) in cash rather than the traveler’s cheque. Even though a traveler’s cheque is more secure, you will have to undergo lengthy bank processes and high bank fees to cash the cheque. The bank commission can be four percent or more, depending on the bank.
On the other hand, you can easily exchange your currency for Nepali Rupees in legal money exchanges in Kathmandu and all over Thamel specifically. These money exchanges display their ongoing rates publicly. Some hotels in Kathmandu also exchange small amounts of cash. Since trekking regions do not have money exchanges, you must exchange your cash in Kathmandu.
You also have the option to withdraw currency in Nepali Rupees from ATMs in Kathmandu. Several of these ATMs are open 24/7. However, you will need to pay a fee of Rs.500 for Rs.35,000 withdrawal.
Most established banks in Nepal do not accept faded, old, or torn currencies. So, you must bring new and crisp notes.
Luggage
The trek package includes the porters' cost to carry your luggage. However, the luggage weight limit is 9 kg per trekker. We assign a porter for every two trekkers, and our porters will not carry more than 18 kg of combined weight. In addition, we expect you to bring a regular backpack to keep your valuables and important documents safe.
Extra personal expenses
This trip package covers most costs during the trek/climb in trek regions. However, it does not cover all costs. Hence, you need to bring spending money to meet other expenses. This package does not cover meals and accommodations in Kathmandu. Similarly, dinner and lunch in Pokhara are not covered. In addition, you will need money to purchase travel insurance, souvenirs, hot (tea/coffee), cold and alcoholic drinks, tips for the crew, snacks, water, Wi-Fi fees, hot showers, etc. We estimate that you will need USD10 to 20 per trekking day. You should exchange your currency in Kathmandu depending on your spending habits, as trek regions do not have currency exchange facilities.
Trek safety
Client safety is our utmost concern, and we go to great lengths to keep you safe and secure. We only use standard equipment and gear during the trek. Our trek team carries first aid boxes, and they carry oximeters to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels. In emergencies, we will use your insurance to deploy a helicopter to bring you back to safety. Our trek teams have years of experience handling difficult situations. Moreover, you will be trekking as a group for group safety.
Discovery World Trekking crew
Discovery World Trekking staff members come from remote high Himalayas and are habituated at high altitudes. They will trek with you ensuring your comfort, meeting your needs, and providing information about the trek regions. Our staff members are precious to us, and we try our best to keep them happy. We pay our staff well, they receive medical care when ill or injured, and we cover their insurance, lodging, food, drinks, and the cost of their equipment during their trek. Our effort is to keep our staff members happy, as we believe only a happy person can keep others happy. Our Sherpas/guides have completed intensive wilderness first aid training, are fluent in English and another language, and are government-licensed. Moreover, they also have rock climbing experience.
Responsible travel
We are aware that tourism can bring adverse effects in the trek regions, and if we do not protect tourist areas at present, tourists will not come to these places in the future. It will rob the local community of their income, while the tourists will also have fewer choices. Hence, we try our best to preserve the environment in trek regions. We dispose of waste properly, do not take anything from the environment, and try our best to leave campsites in a better condition than when we arrived. Moreover, we partner with Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to conduct eco-friendly trips.
Booking and payment
Discovery World Trekking is Nepal-government registered, bonded, and licensed trek and tour operator, providing its service for over a decade. We are also members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Hence, you can book treks with us confidently.
We require 10 percent of the trek cost in advance to confirm the booking. You can pay through bank transfer, Wise, or online. The remaining trip cost is due only after you arrive in Kathmandu for the trek. Again, you can pay in cash, using a credit card, Wise, or through bank transfers. We will also email you payment details and available modes of payment.
Please send us your vital documents, such as passport photocopies, flight details, and travel insurance certificate, within a week of booking the treks with us.
Tipping
In Nepal, it is customary to leave tips for good service. However, tipping is at your discretion. We recommend you tip, keeping in mind the trip cost, the length of the trip, and the quality of service received. Further, it is good practice to tip as a group at the end of the trek.
Last-minute booking
Planning your trips in advance is advisable, but for those unable to, Discovery World Trekking offers a last-minute booking option. To take advantage of this facility, you must clear 100% of the trek cost 24 hours before the intended departure date in the trekking season. We make every effort to conduct trips promptly. However, we cannot be held accountable for unexpected delays caused by factors beyond our control, such as poor weather conditions, landslides, or lack of accommodations.
Trip extensions
If you have a few extra days after your trek, at your request, we can arrange additional activities for you. You can go sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, a Chitwan jungle safari, canoeing, rafting, or even another trek.
Farewell dinner & feedback
Upon completion of the trip, we will host a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. After dinner, we will provide you with a certificate of achievement for your trek. It is also the right time to provide feedback. If you are satisfied with our service, please consider leaving a positive review on travel review platforms such as Tripadvisor.
Important Information:
The itinerary is a general guide. In rare cases, we might need to modify them for various unforeseen reasons, such as bad trail conditions, weather, and health emergencies. In such cases, the lead guide will decide on alternative trails, considering the interests of the entire trekking team in mind. This package has set departure dates from Kathmandu, but if these dates do not work for you, let us know, and we will arrange the trek at a more convenient time.
