Manang

Manang village at 3,500 metres is the main acclimatisation stop on the Annapurna Circuit trek. The village retains a strong Tibetan Buddhist character with whitewashed chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and gompa monasteries perched on the hillside. The surrounding landscape includes the turquoise Gangapurna Lake, the Annapurna III and Gangapurna glaciers, and the dramatic Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) just to the north. The daily Himalayan Rescue Association lecture on altitude sickness is essential for all trekkers passing through. From Manang, the Milarepa Cave (2-hour return hike) and the Ice Lake (4-hour return hike to 4,600 m) are outstanding day excursions.