Side Trip to Upper Pisang

Lower Pisang, where we stayed for the night, is at 10,500 feet. A short acclimitization hike, well worth the effort, is to Upper Pisang at 10,800 feet. It lies directly across the valley and steeply uphill from the lower village; however, since it's just off the Annapurna Circuit, it doesn't receive nearly as many visitors. This has helped the village maintain the same essential customs and qualities that it's had since medieval times. A maze of narrow dirt alleys, just wide enough for cows to walk through, separate the homes. The homes themselves layer the hillside in tiers, and all are well suited to the harsh climate. Sturdy stones make up the exterior, while the roof serves as a drying rack for both hay and firewood. Living quarters often occupy the second floor of a house, as the first is ideal for livestock.

A woman makes her way to Upper Pisang, about a half an hour and 300 vertical feet from Lower Pisang.

In the center of the village is this wall of prayer wheels, to be spun by passers by. Each wheel is inscribed with "Om Mani Padme Hung" and filled with hundreds of pieces of paper that say the same thing. Spinning the wheel is equivalent to saying the mantra that many times.

The rooftops of Upper Pisang

This stupa is in the middle of the village, near the prayer wheels. You can see the difference between this new one and the older one we saw on the way here.

At the top of the village is a bright monastery.

And directly across the valley is Annapurna II.

Prayer flags are often strung from exposed spots (mountain passes, bridges), in order to allow them to disintegrate. As they do, prayers disseminate into the world, carrying wishes on the wind.