Side Trips in Annapurna Circuit Trekking Posted Date: Oct 11, 2017

There are several side trips in Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal Himalaya. During the Circuit trek, there is a lake which called Ice Lake (by locally named Kicho Tso) nearby Manang. Personally, suggest to trekkers visit Ice Lake (4620m) in Annapurna Circuit Trek.

And also recommend the trek to Manang from Pisang via Ghyaru (3670m), Ngawal (3660m). It offers superb views of Annapurna 2nd and Annapurna 3rd. It would be much better to spend a night at Ngawal for good acclimatization. Ice Lake is a side trip from Manang (3540m). By a stay, a night at Ngawal and visiting Ice Lake makes you perfect toward Thorong La (5416m). The Ice Lake hike is the most spectacular which will be a memorable day of a lifetime. It is a calm and peace Hiking up to Lake by surrounding majesty Himalayas. We took a little trail back to Bragha from Manang and ascend to the Ice Lake. There is a trail from Manang also which is too steep and narrow. It is better to take a trail to the lake from Bragha and descend directly to Manang but does not forget to take a trekking pole and enough drinking water as well as snacks (pack lunch). It takes 3 to 4 hours hike up to Ice Lake and down 1.30 to 2 hours. Or if you want short hike around Manang then can visit a cave monastery above Manang (ascend to just north from your lodge/hotel) or visit Gangapurna glacier Lake.

You can add 2/3 nights for Tilicho Lake (4920m) trip. Tilicho Lake trip is a challenging adventurous side trip onto the Annapurna Circuit Trekking. The Lake Tilicho provides you another dramatically spectacular views and peace in Nepal Himalaya. Before heading to Tilicho Lake trip, just ask local in Manang about the trails of the trip and lodge conditions whether it is opening or not. There is an alternative of Thorong La to reach to Jomsom via Tilicho Lake route as well. There is a pass called Mesokanto La (5120m). Mesokanto pass is quite tricky and some time needs a rope to descend after the pass. And if you decide to do this pass then you should be prepared with a highly experienced trekking guide (staffs) with two-night stay between the Tilicho Lake and Jomsom (before Mesokanto pass and after the pass).