Pisang Village is a traditional settlement located in the Manang District of Nepal, situated along the famous Annapurna Circuit trekking route. The village is administratively and geographically divided into two distinct sections: Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang.

Perched on the slopes above the Marshyangdi River valley, Pisang Village is known for its dramatic high-altitude scenery, featuring panoramic views of the Annapurna and Pisang Peak massifs.

Pisang Village Nepal sits at a significant point on the Annapurna Circuit, acting as a key acclimatization and cultural stop for trekkers.

The area has a small, predominantly Gurung and Tibetan-influenced population, whose livelihoods are closely tied to agriculture, animal husbandry, and, increasingly, tourism.

The landscape is characterized by rugged terrain, ancient forests, and stone-built houses, offering a stark and beautiful example of Himalayan village life.

Key Information at a Glance

Upper and Lower Pisang

While both sections form Pisang Village, Upper Pisang and Lower Pisang offer distinctly different experiences in terms of landscape, altitude, and atmosphere.

Upper Pisang is located at approximately 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level. It is the older, more traditional part of the village, built on a steep hillside.

The architecture here is more historically preserved, with narrow stone-paved pathways winding between ancient, flat-roofed houses.

Its higher vantage point provides uninterrupted, spectacular views of Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), and the towering Pisang Peak (6,091m). Trekkers often find the atmosphere in Upper Pisang quieter and more culturally immersive.

Lower Pisang sits slightly lower, at around 3,200 meters (10,499 feet), along the main trail and nearer to the river. It is generally more accessible and has seen more development in terms of trekker facilities.

The terrain here is relatively flatter, and the village is often the first point of arrival for those walking from Chame. While the mountain views are still impressive, they are less panoramic than from Upper Pisang.

The experience in Lower Pisang is often more centered on logistics and rest, with easier access to teahouses and services.

The key difference for trekkers is the trade-off: Lower Pisang offers convenience and easier acclimatization due to its lower altitude, while Upper Pisang requires a steep climb but rewards with superior views, a stronger sense of traditional culture, and better opportunities for sunrise and sunset photography.

Many itineraries recommend staying in Upper Pisang for the views and descending to Lower Pisang the next day to continue the trek toward Manang.

How to Reach Pisang Village?

Route Via Chame

The most common approach to Pisang Village for trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit is from the town of Chame, the district headquarters of Manang.

The Chame to Pisang trek covers a distance of approximately 13.7 kilometers. The trail is well-defined and consists of a mix of forest paths, rocky sections, and gradual ascents along the northern bank of the Marshyangdi River.

The overall trekking difficulty on this leg is considered moderate. The elevation gain from Chame (2,710m) to Upper Pisang (3,300m) is about 590 meters, which is significant and requires steady pacing.

The typical travel time for this section is 4 to 6 hours of walking, depending on fitness and acclimatization. The trail condition is generally good, though it can be rocky and exposed in places.

Key stops and scenic highlights along the Chame to Pisang trekking trail include passing through the apple orchards of Bratang, crossing several suspension bridges, and getting the first clear views of the massive Paungda Danda rock face.

The final approach involves a clear fork in the trail: the right path leads down to Lower Pisang, while the left fork climbs steeply up to Upper Pisang.

Alternative Access & Transportation

Regarding Pisang accessibility, it is important to note that Pisang Village is primarily a trekking destination. There is a rough road that reaches Lower Pisang, and during the dry season, it is sometimes possible to access this part of the village by jeep from Besishahar or Chame, though this is not a regular or recommended service for most travelers.

The road is rugged, and services are infrequent and unreliable.

Therefore, the standard and most practical method to reach Pisang Village remains on foot as part of the Annapurna Circuit trek. For planning, trekkers should account for a full day to walk from Chame.

A key acclimatization advice is to consider spending two nights in Chame or a nearby village before attempting the climb to Pisang, especially to Upper Pisang, to help the body adjust to the increasing altitude. This also helps manage the trekking difficulty more effectively.

Accommodation & Facilities

Notable Lodges

Upper Pisang Homestays

Accommodation in Upper Pisang primarily consists of homestays, guesthouses, and basic lodges.

Specific notable lodges include Hotel Hilltop Super View, known for its panoramic vistas, and Hotel Mountain Bridge.

These establishments are typically family-run, offering a simple and authentic experience.

Given the traditional architecture and steep layout of the village, rooms are usually basic but clean, with shared bathroom facilities common.

Amenities are limited due to the remote location. Heating is often provided by a central stove in a common dining area.

Electricity is available, often via solar power or a generator for a few hours in the evening, sufficient for lighting and charging small devices. Wi-Fi is rare and, if available, is very slow and unreliable.

The price for a basic room typically ranges from NPR 300 to NPR 500 per night (approximately USD 3-5), with meals costing extra. Booking is almost exclusively done in person upon arrival, as online reservation systems are not common.

During peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), it is advisable to arrive earlier in the afternoon to secure a room, especially in the more popular guesthouses in Upper Pisang known for their views.

Lower Pisang Teahouses

Lower Pisang offers a higher concentration of teahouses and guesthouses catering specifically to trekkers.

Notable lodges include Hotel Manang Marshyandi & New and Hotel Royal Nyesang Cottage, which are established stops on the main trail.

The facilities here are generally more developed than in Upper Pisang, with some lodges offering attached bathrooms with cold running water and a greater variety of menu items.

The Pisang Village guesthouse experience in Lower Pisang is more focused on trekker logistics.

Amenities may include slightly more reliable electricity, occasional satellite phone access, and a wider choice of food. The cost is similar to Upper Pisang, with rooms ranging from NPR 300 to NPR 600, depending on the level of comfort.

Compared to Upper Pisang, the atmosphere is less secluded and can be busier due to its location directly on the main trail.

A key cultural experience is more readily found in Upper Pisang homestays, where the family interaction is more intimate. However, some teahouses in Lower Pisang also offer insights into local life.

Regardless of location, most accommodations provide the staple trekker meal of dal bhat (lentil soup with rice and vegetables).

Culture, Lifestyle & Local Experience

Pisang Monastery & Festivals

The cultural heart of Upper Pisang is its Buddhist monastery, often referred to as Pisang Gompa. This active monastery is a significant religious site for the local community, featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture, prayer wheels, and intricate murals. It offers a place for quiet reflection and provides insight into the Tibetan influences prevalent in the region.

The local culture is a blend of Gurung and Tibetan traditions, evident in language, dress, and religious practices. The community observes several annual festivals and local events tied to the lunar calendar.

While specific dates vary, travelers in the spring (around April-May) or autumn (September-October) may coincidentally witness smaller-scale celebrations or prayer ceremonies. These events are not major tourist spectacles but are genuine expressions of local faith and community.

Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully, ask for permission before taking photographs inside the monastery or of people, and follow any posted guidelines.

Daily Life & Cuisine

The daily life in Pisang Village revolves around subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry (mainly yaks, sheep, and goats), and managing trekking lodges during the season. The traditional stone and wood houses are built to withstand the harsh mountain climate.

The local cuisine is simple, hearty, and designed to provide energy in a high-altitude environment. The staple meal is dal bhat, a plate of steamed rice served with lentil soup (dal) and a vegetable curry, often with a side of pickles.

This dish is ubiquitously available in all teahouses and homestays. Other common foods include Tibetan bread, tsampa (roasted barley flour), noodle soups (thukpa), and potatoes. Meat is consumed but less frequently.

For travelers seeking an authentic local experience, spending a night in an Upper Pisang homestay offers the best opportunity.

Engaging with hosts, observing daily chores like preparing tsampa or tending to animals, and simply walking through the village's ancient pathways outside of main trekking hours provide a clearer understanding of the Pisang lifestyle

It is considered polite to accept offers of butter tea, a local staple, and to be mindful of conservative local customs regarding dress and behavior.

Trekking & Scenic Highlights

Pisang Trekking Routes

Pisang Village is a key stop on the Annapurna Circuit, and the primary trekking route passing through it connects major stops. The main trail proceeds from Pisang toward the village of Manang.

Trekkers have a choice between two routes from Pisang to Manang: the lower route, which is shorter and follows the valley floor near the river, and the higher route, which goes through the village of Ghyaru and offers more dramatic panoramic views.

The Pisang to Manang trek via the higher route is more challenging due to significant altitude gain but is widely recommended for its superior mountain panoramas. This section typically takes 6-8 hours of walking.

Key scenic viewpoints along the way from Upper Pisang include vistas of the entire Annapurna range, the Gangapurna Glacier, and the Manang Valley.

The trekking duration for the standard Annapurna Circuit stage involving Pisang is usually a two-night stay: one night to arrive and acclimatize, and a second night either in Upper Pisang for the views or in Lower Pisang before moving on.

Highlights differ between the two villages. Upper Pisang offers expansive sunrise and sunset views directly from guesthouses. Lower Pisang provides easier trail access and is a common starting point for the day's trek.

Pisang Peak

Pisang Peak (6,091m) is a popular climbing peak located in the Annapurna region near Pisang Village. It presents a significant challenge, requiring good physical fitness and technical skills, especially for the steep snow and ice sections near the summit.

The best times to attempt the climb are during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons, when weather conditions are most stable.

Climbing Pisang Peak requires special permits in addition to the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These include a climbing permit issued by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

Pisang Photography & Scenic Spots

For photography, the scenery in and around Pisang Village offers numerous compelling subjects. The best photography spots are predominantly in Upper Pisang.

Sunrise points in Upper Pisang provide a direct view of the first light hitting the summit of Annapurna II (7,937m). Sunset points offer a dramatic view of the fading light on Pisang Peak. The monastery itself, with the mountains as a backdrop, is a classic composition.

Key mountains visible include Annapurna II, Annapurna IV (7,525m), and Pisang Peak. For capturing scenic views, a telephoto lens is useful for compressing mountain landscapes, while a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the valley.

The best light for photography is typically during the golden hours shortly after sunrise and before sunset. It is advisable to be prepared with extra batteries, as cold temperatures can drain power quickly.

Weather, Altitude & Safety

Trekking Seasons

The weather in Pisang Village is characterized by distinct seasonal variations that directly impact trekking conditions. The best seasons to visit are during the spring and autumn.

• Spring (March to May) offers stable, warmer days with clear morning skies. Afternoons can occasionally see cloud build-up. This season features blooming rhododendron forests at lower elevations on the approach to Pisang.
• Autumn (late September to November) is considered the optimal trekking season, with consistently dry weather, excellent visibility, and moderate daytime temperatures. Both seasons provide the most reliable conditions for trekking.
• Winter (December to February) brings very cold temperatures, especially at night, and potential snowfall that can block high passes, making travel challenging.
• The monsoon (June to August) results in frequent rain, leech-infested trails, obscured mountain views, and a higher risk of landslides. Trekking during these off-seasons is not generally recommended for most travelers.

Clothing and gear recommendations should account for variable conditions. Essential items include layered clothing (moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell), a warm hat and gloves, high-quality trekking boots, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen due to intense high-altitude sun.

Altitude & Safety Tips

Altitude is a primary safety consideration in Pisang Village. Upper Pisang is at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) and Lower Pisang at 3,200 meters (10,499 feet).

At these elevations, the risk of altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness - AMS) becomes a tangible concern for trekkers who have ascended too quickly.

Key acclimatization tips include following a conservative ascent profile, not increasing sleeping altitude by more than 300-500 meters per day once above 3,000 meters, and incorporating rest days.

A useful safety precaution is the "climb high, sleep low" principle, where you take an acclimatization hike to a higher elevation during the day but return to sleep at a lower altitude.

Spending two nights at a similar altitude, for example in Chame before climbing to Pisang, is a common strategy.

Symptoms of altitude sickness to monitor include persistent headache, loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and unusual fatigue. The most important safety precaution is not to ignore these signs.

If symptoms worsen, the only effective treatment is immediate descent. Trekkers should know when to take rest days, if mild symptoms appear, it is advisable to stop and rest at the current altitude until they fully resolve before continuing higher.

Proper hydration and avoiding alcohol are also critical components of high altitude acclimatization.

Travel Tips & Itinerary Suggestions

Suggested Itinerary

A well-paced itinerary is crucial for acclimatization and enjoyment on the Annapurna Circuit. The following is a sample itinerary focused on experiencing Pisang Village over two to three days, suitable for novice trekkers.

Day 1 (Arrival in Lower Pisang): Trek from Chame to Lower Pisang (approx. 4-6 hours). The lower altitude (3,200m) makes this a suitable first stop for acclimatization.

Upon arrival, check into a teahouse, rest, and explore the immediate surroundings of the lower village. This is a low-activity day to adjust to the altitude.

Day 2 (Acclimatization & Exploration): If feeling well-acclimatized, take a day hike up to Upper Pisang. The climb is steep but short (about 30-45 minutes) and offers excellent acclimatization benefits.

Explore the ancient pathways, visit the Pisang Monastery, and enjoy the panoramic mountain views. You have two options for the night:

Option A (Recommended for views): Spend the night at a homestay in Upper Pisang to experience the traditional atmosphere and witness the sunset and sunrise over the Himalayas.

Option B (Easier logistics): Return to Lower Pisang for the night, following the "climb high, sleep low" principle.

Day 3 (Departure): Continue your trek onward toward Manang. From Upper Pisang, you can take the more scenic high route via Ghyaru. From Lower Pisang, you will typically join the lower, more direct route along the valley.

This 3-day trek Pisang Village plan builds in essential acclimatization time while allowing for meaningful local experiences.

Guide & Booking Tips

Hiring a local trekking guide is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers in Nepal. A guide provides valuable assistance with navigation, language translation, cultural insights, and most importantly, monitoring for altitude sickness.

They can also facilitate interactions with local families in homestays.

For booking homestays and guesthouses in Pisang, it is important to understand that advance online booking is uncommon. Reservations are almost always made in person upon arrival.

A guide can often assist by communicating ahead via phone to check on availability, especially during the busy spring and autumn seasons.

Planning tips for a smooth trek include carrying enough Nepali cash, as there are no ATMs in Pisang, and being flexible with your schedule to accommodate for rest days if needed.

If you prefer to arrange logistics beforehand, reputable trekking agencies in Kathmandu or Pokhara can organize a full package, including guide/porter services and pre-booked teahouse accommodations along the entire Annapurna Circuit route.

Book your Annapurna Trek or Upper Mustang Trek, which includes the Pisang Village with Trek Me Nepal. We have many standard packages you can choose from including our 14 Days Annapurna Circuit Trek and 16 Days Annapurna Complete Circuit Trek . We can also customise your trek according to your personal needs.

Laxu Sapkota

General Manager

Laxu Sapkota views travel as his lifelong calling. Born and raised in the heritage-rich Kathmandu Valley, his earliest memories are tied to the breathtaking sights of white mountain peaks in the north... Read More