Pisang peak climbing mit Thorong La Pass

Equipment & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for trekking and peak climbing. Also, please understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. Those items marked by an asterisk (*) are provided by pinnacle treks inclusive in the service. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter, but you are required to carry a daypack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

• Valid passport
• 2 extra passport size photos
• Airline tickets
• Separate photocopies of passport
• Visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport)
• Proof of insurance
• Dollars in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport
• Credit cards, bank/ATM/cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards)

Personal climbing-gears

• Ice axe
• Crampons
• Harness
• Tape slings (2)
• Screwgate karabiners (2 lock, 2 unlock)
• Descender/eight figure
• Plastic mountaineering boots
• Ascender/Jhumar
• Helmet

Group climbing-gears

• Snow bar*
• Rope*
• Ice hammer*
• Ice screw*

Head

• Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
• Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
• Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

• Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
• Light and expedition weight thermal tops
• Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
• Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
• Down vest and/or jacket *
• Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

• 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves
• 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
• 1 pair of mittens; consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched, waterproof, polar-fleece mitt liner

Lower Body

•  Non-cotton underwear briefs
• 1 pair of hiking shorts
• 1 pair of hiking trousers
• 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms
• 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
• 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

• 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
• 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
• 1 pair of hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support)
• 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gaiters

Sleeping

• 1 sleeping bag 30 degree DC
• Fleece sleeping bag liner

Backpack and Travel Bags

• 1 medium backpack or 1 large duffel bag *
• Daypack/backpack of 35 to 50 liters for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
• Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
• 2 large waterproof backpack covers (optional)

Medical

• Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
• Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
• 1 skin-blister repair kit
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Anti-headache pills
• Cough and/or cold medicine
• Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
• Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Note: Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant!
• Water purification tablets or water filter
• 1 set of earplugs
• Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

• 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
• 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
• 1 compass or GPS(optional)
• 1 alarm clock/watch
• 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
• Large ziplocs
• 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
• 1 small folding knife
• Binoculars (optional)
• 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

• 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
• Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
• Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
• Deodorants
• Nail clippers
• Face and body moisturizer
• Female hygiene products
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

• Wet wipes (baby wipes)
• Tissue /toilet roll
• Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

• Reading book
• Trail map/guide book
• Journal and pen
• iPod
• Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
• 1 modest swim suit
• Binoculars (optional)
• Voltage converter (from 220 to 110 ampere)
• Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
• Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Day 01 – Kathmandu: Arrival
1,350m/4,428ft
We complete our custom formalities at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Afterwards, there is a Pinnacle Treks representative waiting for us at the gate who will take us to our hotel. We can then spend the rest of the day taking a rest. In the evening, we get to try Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by pinnacle treks. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Dinner

Day 02 – Kathmandu: trip preparation
1300m/4264ft
We visit the Pinnacle Treks office sometime in the afternoon today. At the office, we meet our climbing guide and fellow climbers. Our guide or leader will check our set of equipment in order to make sure that they are in a perfect condition for the coming trip. In the short meeting, the Pinnacle Treks representatives will also help us understand what we can expect throughout the trip so as to make us familiar with our trek. We can spend the rest of the afternoon resting and/or in leisure. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 03 – Drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani
1,960m/6,430ft – Duration: 11-12 hours
We begin our drive to Dharapani after breakfast. It is a long journey via beautiful Nepalese townships. During the beginning of our trip, our trail is alongside the winding Trishuli River. We also pass through Pokhara, popularly known as the Lake City before reaching Dharapani which is one of the biggest villages in the Manang valley. Overnight at Dharapani.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04 – Dharapani to Chame
2,710m/8,891ft – Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Today we negotiate a few steep forested ridges along with several landslides on route to Chame. We should not forget to look up though, as we will be greeted with remarkable views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV (7,525m). We also come across small hot springs which should help us relax for a while. Overnight in Chame.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05 – Chame to Upper Pisang
3,700m/12,136ft – Duration: 5-6hours
A narrow steep path through a very dense pine forest will bring us to a dramatic curved rock face, rising 1500m from the river. As the trail opens up, we will be surrounded by Himalayan peaks all the way to Pisang. We ascend around thirty minutes towards a big hill to reach Upper Pisang. Overnight in Upper Pisang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06 – Acclimatization
Today is set aside for acclimatization alone. Spending extra time at a high altitude location will guarantee that we have a successful trip. We spend the whole day resting and exploring the village. Exploring the village and interacting with the locals will help us get a better glimpse of the local lifestyle. Throughout the day, the views of Annapurna, Gangapurna and Tilicho are ours to marvel at. Overnight in Upper Pisang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07 – Upper Pisang to Pisang Peak Base Camp
4,380m/14,370ft – Duration: 4-5 hours
We begin our trek after breakfast towards the Pisang Base Camp. We ascend on a trail that passes through a thin forest and grasslands. The pasture is used for grazing yaks and is also the best place to set up our camp. The ground is flat and falls on a frequented trail. Overnight at the Pisang Peak Base Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 – Pisang Peak Base Camp to High Camp
5,400m/17,712ft – Duration: 3-4 hours
We ascend on the south-west ridge and reach the high camp. After setting up our camp, 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. Although it is not mandatory to have prior training for Pisang Peak climbing, we strongly believe that some training experience will boost your confidence and climbing skills to increase the chances of scaling the summit as well as to fully enjoy the experience. Overnight at Pisang Peak High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 – Summit Pisang Peak and back to base camp
6,091m/19,980ft – Duration: 8-9 hours
We begin our trek early in the morning after breakfast. Today’s trail will be mostly on rocky surfaces. The peak is steep; therefore, there is not much snow. We will require around 20m of rope to climb on a ridge. Around the summit is around 70 degree of slope which will require the usage of around 200m rope. Both fixed rope and main rope will be used. The views of the Annapurna ranges and others are extraordinary from the summit. We return to the base camp for an overnight stay.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Contingency
This is a separate day reserved for any contingency. If we are not able to summit the Pisang Peak on the day as planned due to bad weather or any unforeseen event, this day can be used.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Pisang Peak Base Camp to Manang Valley
3,450m/11,316ft – Duration: 5-6 hours
From the base camp of Pisang peak we trek towards Pisang village. From Pisang there are two routes to Manang. We choose the one which passes through Upper Pisang via Geru as it guarantees outstanding views of Mt. Annapurna, Pisang Peak, and others. As we walk near Manang the climate becomes more cold and dry. However, a short visit to Barge Monastery, the biggest monastery in the Manang District should cheer us up. Overnight at Manang.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Manang to Yak Kharka
4,110m/13,484ft – Duration: 3 – 4 hours
From Manang village, the trail crosses a stream, climbs to the village of Tenki above Manang, and then continues to climb out of the Marshyangdi Valley turning northwest up the valley of Jarsang Khola. The trail follows this valley northward, passing a few pastures, a scrub of juniper trees, as it steadily gains elevation. The trail further passes near the small village of Ghunsa, a cluster of flat mud roofs just below the trailhead. Now the trail goes through meadows where horses and yaks graze. 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. Small but gradual ascent is the key to avoiding altitude problems.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Yak kharka to Thorang Phedi
4420m/14501ft – Duration: 3-4 hours
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. On this trip we are rewarded with one of the best views of Mt. Gundang, Mt. Syagang, Thorung Peak and Mt. Khatungkan. Overnight in Thorang Phedi.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Thorang Phedi to Thorong La, continue trek to Muktinath
5416m/17764ft and 3,800/12,467ft – Duration: 9-10 hours
Crossing Thorong La pass, one of the highest passes in the world will be our ultimate objective today. We will be crossing the pass from east to west (Manang to Muktinath) which is the easiest and safest direction. We get up around three in the morning and walk up the mountain. When we finally make it to the top, we realize that our journey was worth it. We can take a few photos before heading to Muktinath Valley at the foot of the Thorong La pass. We continue trekking to Muktinath which is an important place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Buddhists. Overnight in Muktinath.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Muktinath to Jomsom
2,715m/8,910ft – Duration: 5-6 hours
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike. In the morning, we tour the temple area and a Buddhist monastery located close to the temple. After the short tour, we continue our trek to Jomsom which is popular for its sweet apples and strong winds. In fact, there are even Nepalese songs that pay tribute to the strong gush of wind that blows in Jomsom around noon. After reaching Jomsom, we can visit its Ecological Museum that provides information on Jomsomís rich culture as well as the flora and fauna that are native to the valley. Overnight in Jomsom.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16 – Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Duration: 25 minutes
Today we fly to Pokhara, the lake city in the earliest possible airplane. After checking-in at our hotel, we may take a rest or visit the lakeside area in the vicinity of the Fewa Lake. Here, we can indulge in buying some souvenirs or sampling some local delicacies. Overnight in Pokhara.
Included meals: Breakfast

Day 17 – Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Duration: 6 hours
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu we have the rest of the day off. There will also be a farewell dinner hosted by Pinnacle Treks in the evening to celebrate the successful completion of our journey.

Inclusive of costs

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• Sightseeing in KTM valley
• 3 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the trek
• Tented accommodation during the climb
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek and climb
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flight (Jomsom-Pokhara)
• English speaking, trained and experienced trekking guide(leader), climbing guide (leader) and assistant guides
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• All necessary paperwork; trekking permits and Pisang Peak climbing permit
• Good quality tents and kitchen utensils for camping
• Group mountaineering (climbing) equipments
• Medical kit (carried by your guide)
• All government and local taxes

Exclusive of costs

• Nepalese visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 15 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
• Personal climbing equipment
• Personal climbing guide if requested
• Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
• Tips for guides and porters

Why you should book the tours with Pinnacle Trek?

• Best price with better hospitality
• You have a big group? We can help!
• Local experienced guide and porters
• Top-notch customer service
• Depature date is guaranteed
• We can help you to make it fits for your budget
• We can customize the trip for your need
• 15 years of experiences of trekking field

Cancellation Policies

We understand things happen and plans change and will refund your deposit minus a $170 cancelation fee. Once we have booked your flight between Jomsom to Pokhara your deposit is non-refundable. If your travel dates change we can generally reschedule you at no extra charge, but please provide at least 7 days advance notice.