Day 3 — Ngawal Ridge Traverse & the Ghyaru Balcony

Day 3 — Ngawal Ridge Traverse & the Ghyaru Balcony

Annapurna Circuit • Nov 17

Morning broke crisp and crystal—one of those rare Himalayan days where the air feels scrubbed clean. We bumped up by jeep to Ngawal (≈3,660 m / 12,010 ft) and stepped onto the high, contouring trail that runs opposite Ghyaru (≈3,670 m / 12,040 ft). It’s a true balcony walk above the deep Marshyangdi valley, the kind of trail that makes you stop more often than you planned.

The Panorama

From the ridge, the Annapurnas lined up in full theatre-mode:

• Annapurna II (7,937 m)

• Annapurna III (7,555 m)

• Annapurna IV (7,525 m)

• Gangapurna (7,455 m) with its carved glaciers

• Pisang Peak (6,091 m) slicing upward like a perfect fin

Light performed its own show—starting with warm alpenglow, shifting to a hard, brilliant white under a deep Himalayan blue. Prayer flags fluttered like soundless applause, and a golden eagle drifted overhead, circling lazily against the sky.

Trail & Feel

• Route: Jeep to Ngawal → high ridge traverse with Ghyaru viewpoints → back to Manang

• Surface: Mostly dry with patches of wind-packed snow; microspikes stayed untouched.

• Effort: Steady, aerobic climbing—perfect acclimatization terrain around 3,650–3,700 m.

• WOW Factor: 9/10 — huge horizons, silent trails, and snow-draped ridgelines.

By the Numbers (6:46 pm)

• Steps: 13,473

• Distance: 8.8 km

• Max altitude: ~3,700 m / 12,140 ft

• Weather: Sunny, light winds, flawless visibility