Chame to Upper Pisang During Annapurna Circuit Trek

The walk from Chame to Upper Pisang was one of those sections of my Annapurna Circuit where I felt the landscape change and saw the raw beauty of the Himalayas. For me, reaching Upper Pisang wasn’t the end of the day’s walk, but a step closer to the ultimate adventure: Thorong La Pass and completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

One of the most appreciable things about walking from Chame to Upper Pisang is the constant, eye-appealing beauty of nature. I also noticed how slowly the environment changed. The pathway didn’t suddenly become dry and barren. Instead, the greenery slowly receded, the trees thinned, and the landscape changed. With every step and hour of walking, I could feel myself getting deeper into the Himalayan region.

The route between Chame and Pisang had several uphill sections, but I found the walking manageable when I maintained a steady pace rather than walking faster. Also, on this day, walking slowly actually made the experience better. Still, I classify this section as a moderately difficult section, which is neither too easy nor too tough.

What made the section from Chame to Upper Pisang memorable for me was the transition. I started the trek in the morning, surrounded by forests, and ended the day in a rugged mountain environment. The change from the forested surroundings near Chame to the more open landscape near Pisang was one of my favorite parts of the day.

Chame to Upper Pisang Trek at a Glance

Chame to Upper Pisang Walking Route

The walk from Chame to Upper Pisang is the most memorable part of my entire Annapurna Circuit. As my day started, I walked through pine forests with the Marsyangdi River nearby before reaching Bhartang and its apple orchards. Then the route passed through the Paungda Danda rock face and continued toward Dukhur Pokhari. After reaching Lower Pisang and heading toward Upper Pisang, the route grew steeper, and the challenge of the rising altitude was real. But the motivating factor? The contrast in views and the new scenery at every step. The distance from Chame to Upper Pisang on the Annapurna Circuit Trek is 13.2 km, which takes 6 hours and is moderately difficult.

Leaving Chame Through Pine Forests Along the Marsyangdi

In the rays of the rising sun, I stepped outside the teahouse I stayed at in Chame. As I started walking, it was a pleasant journey through pine and conifer forests. The route followed the Marsyangdi Valley, and in several sections I could hear the river flowing. The sound also provided me with pleasant background noise and made the morning walk feel peaceful.

Bhratang Apple Orchards and Mountain Views

As I continued toward Bhartang, the views started to amaze me, opening up the landscape. The apple orchards around the village were a noticeable attraction. The mountain views in front of me also motivated me to stop in the village and take a moment to appreciate it. I found this section enjoyable because the scenery kept changing without the journey becoming challenging.

Walking Beneath the Massive Paungda Danda Rock Face

Another remarkable moments on the route from Chame to Pisang was reaching the huge Paungda Danda rock face. Locally, the danda is called Swarga Dwar, which means heaven gate. Walking below such a huge wall of rock made the surrounding landscape feel overwhelming for a second. I walked slowly through this section, not because it was tough, but to take in its unique features for a little longer.

Dhukur Pokhari

After I crossed through the rock face, I reached Dhukur Pokhari, following the rushing river and enjoying nature’s beauty. “Dhikur” means dove in Nepali, and “pokhari” means pond, named after a local pond to the west of the settlement. The village marks the start of the Nyeshyang region of Manang and the beginning of the Himalayan Birch forest. Like Swarga Dwari, this village also features massive rock formations and surrounding mountain peaks. 

At Dhukur Pokharai, I also had lunch while appreciating how different the area looked compared with the forests around Chame. By this point, the increasing altitude was also becoming a concern, and I was more conscious of it.

The Steep Trail From Lower Pisang to Upper Pisang

The final climb to Upper Pisang was the day’s most challenging part. From Lower Pisang, the trek took me up the ridge to the stone steps. It was a 20-30 minute uphill walk that rises about 100 meters (from 3,200m in Lower Pisang to 3,300m in Upper Pisang).

The combination of elevation gain and thinner air made my half hour of walking quite difficult. But halfway, I found that maintaining a steady pace was easier on my body than trying to walk uphill fast. Reaching the Upper Pisang felt like I made it. After 5-6 hours of walking, I left my bag at the teahouse where I was staying and lay down for a while. The traditional stone houses, dry landscape, and surrounding peaks made the overnight stay at the village worthwhile. 

Is the Chame to Upper Pisang Trek Difficult? 

From Chame to Lower Pisang, the trek was quite moderately difficult, but as I headed towards Upper Pisang, the challenge increased. By the end of the trek, I definitely needed rest, but the climb didn’t feel overwhelming. Overall, I would describe it as a moderate uphill section that requires proper pacing and listening to your body, rather than technical climbing. 

The climb to Upper Pisang wasn’t technically difficult, but after several hours of walking from Chame, I could definitely feel the effort in my legs. The increasing elevation made the uphill sections feel even more challenging than they would at lower elevations.

I found myself slowing down and reducing my pace. I tried to slow down earlier in the day. The climb was not continuous or extremely steep, but there were sections where the route gained elevation. With less oxygen, I had to pay more attention to my breathing, take short breaks when I needed them, and keep sipping water even when I didn’t feel thirsty.

For me. The biggest challenge was the combination of elevation and increased fatigue, rather than the trekking route itself. Someone used to hiking may find the climb fairly achievable, while inexperienced trekkers may find it more challenging.

Chame to Upper Pisang Trek Distance, Walking Time & Elevation Gain 

The distance from Chame to Upper Pisang is 13.2 km (8.2 miles), and it takes about 5–6 hours to walk. The route climbed through pine forests, rocky terrain, and traditional mountain settlements before reaching Upper Pisang, where I enjoyed beautiful views of Annapurna II and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

 The trail involved a steady elevation gain as I left Chame and headed toward the higher village of Upper Pisang. Although the distance was manageable for most trekkers with reasonable fitness, the continuous ascent made it more demanding than a simple walk between villages.

Chame to Upper Pisang Trek distance, walking time and elevation gain at a glance: 

Hari Gurung

I grew up in the mountains and started working as a porter at 17. For more than 12 years, I’ve worked as a trekking guide, exploring Nepal’s trails and sharing the mountains I know with trekkers from around the world.I grew up in the mountains and started working as a porter at 17. For more than 12 years, I’ve worked as a trekking guide, exploring Nepal’s trails and sharing the mountains I know with trekkers from around the world.