Manang Village: How to Spend Your Acclimatisation Day on the Annapurna Circuit
Manang is the biggest village on the upper Annapurna Circuit, at about 3,540m. Most trekkers spend two nights here, with one acclimatisation day, before three days of walking up to Thorong La (5,416m).
Good options for that day range from a short walk to Gangapurna Lake to a long, steep climb to Ice Lake.
- Altitude: about 3,540m
- Nights here: usually two, with one acclimatisation day
- Easiest walk: Gangapurna Lake, about 30 minutes each way
- Hardest hike: Ice Lake (Kicho Tal), about 4,600m, 6 to 9 hours return
- Altitude talk: free HRA talk at 3pm in spring and autumn
- Cash: don’t rely on an ATM in Manang
Manang sits in a wide, dry valley on the north side of the Annapurna range, facing Gangapurna (7,455m) and Annapurna III. It’s the main village of the upper valley, with stone houses, prayer wheels, lodges and bakeries.
It’s also where the Annapurna Circuit gets serious. Above Manang, it’s high, dry and cold, and Thorong La is three walking days away.
Why You Stop in Manang
From Manang, you climb about 1,900m to Thorong La. Your body needs time to adjust to the thinner air, and the usual rule is to climb a little higher during the day and sleep lower.
A well-planned acclimatisation day gives your body more time to adjust before you continue towards Thorong La. It cannot remove the risk of altitude sickness, so pay attention to how you feel and don’t push yourself to finish a hike. If you feel tired or unwell, resting in the village is the right choice. See our altitude sickness guide.
On our Annapurna Circuit Trek, you reach Manang on Day 6 after a short walk from Ngawal, with a stop at Braga Monastery. Day 7 is the acclimatisation day.
Acclimatisation Hikes Compared
| Hike | Highest point | Approximate time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangapurna Lake | about 3,540m | about 30 minutes each way | An easy walk and a gentle day |
| Chongkor viewpoint | about 3,800 to 3,900m | about 1 to 2 hours up | A shorter climb with wide valley and glacier views |
| Praken Gompa | about 3,945m | about 2 hours up | A steeper walk to a cliffside monastery |
| Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) | about 4,600m | about 6 to 9 hours return | A hard full day for trekkers who feel well and are already acclimatising well |
Gangapurna Lake sits just across the river from Manang, below the Gangapurna Glacier. It’s an easy walk, and it’s good for stretching your legs on arrival day too. It can freeze from late autumn.
The Chongkor viewpoint climbs above the lake for views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and the glacier. It’s a good middle option between the lake walk and Ice Lake.
Praken Gompa is a small monastery built into the cliff above Manang. If a monk is there, trekkers may be able to receive a blessing for the pass, usually for a small donation.
Ice Lake is the most demanding option. It’s a steep climb of roughly 1,000m and can take most of the day. Choose it only if you’re feeling well and your guide thinks the conditions are suitable. If you get a headache, nausea, dizziness or other signs of altitude sickness, don’t go any higher. Ice Lake is optional, and you don’t need it to cross Thorong La.
Your guide will help you choose, based on how you feel that morning.
A Sample Rest Day
- 7am: breakfast
- 7:30am: walk to the lake or Chongkor viewpoint, or start early for Ice Lake
- Midday: back in the village for lunch, later if you went to Ice Lake
- 3pm: the free altitude talk, if it’s running
- Evening: an early dinner, plenty of water and a good night’s sleep
Other Things to Do in Manang
- Bakeries: Manang is known for apple pie, cinnamon rolls and real coffee.
- The altitude talk: during the spring and autumn trekking seasons, the Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) aid post in Manang normally holds a free altitude sickness talk at 3pm. Check locally whether one is running during your visit.
- Braga Monastery: an old monastery in Braga village, just below Manang. Most trekkers visit on the way in.
- Gear: small shops sell snacks, gloves and hats, but prices are higher than in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Food, Rooms and Services
- Rooms: simple twin rooms, mostly with shared bathrooms, plus a warm dining room. On our treks, we book all your rooms in advance. See Annapurna Circuit teahouses.
- Food: a wide menu, from dal bhat to pizza. Prices are higher than lower down. See our Annapurna Circuit food prices guide.
- Money: don’t rely on an ATM in Manang. Bring enough cash from Kathmandu or Pokhara. See our money guide.
- WiFi and phone: most lodges have WiFi, and there’s mobile signal in the village, but it can be slow.
- Medical: the HRA aid post runs in the trekking seasons, and there’s a local health post.
From Manang to Thorong La
After your rest day, it takes three walking days to cross the pass:
- Day 8: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,110m), about 4 to 5 hours
- Day 9: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m), about 4 to 5 hours
- Day 10: Thorong La (5,416m) to Muktinath, starting around 4am
See our Thorong La guide for crossing day.
Which Treks Pass Through Manang?
All prices are per person for 2 to 3 people.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek: 16 days, from USD 770, with two nights in Manang
- Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek: 17 days, from USD 973, with a side trip from Manang to Tilicho Lake before the pass
- Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit: 17 days, from USD 1,450, through the remote Nar Phu valley before joining the circuit near Manang
Treks in this guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Manang?
About 3,540m (11,614ft).
How many nights should I spend in Manang?
Two nights, with one acclimatisation day. All our Annapurna Circuit itineraries include this.
Should I hike to Ice Lake?
Only if you feel well and your guide agrees. It’s a long, steep day. The Chongkor viewpoint or Gangapurna Lake are good gentler options, and resting is fine if you feel unwell.
Can I drive to Manang?
A rough road reaches Manang, but driving all the way skips important time to acclimatise. On our trek, we drive to Chame and walk from there. See Kathmandu to Chame.
Is there an ATM in Manang?
Don’t rely on one. Carry enough cash for the rest of the trek.
Can I visit Tilicho Lake from Manang?
Yes. Our Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass Trek goes there from Manang before crossing the pass. See our Tilicho Lake trek guide.
