Day 4 — Manang → Lower Annapurna Base Camp (4,100 m) Out-and-Back

Day 4 — Manang → Lower Annapurna Base Camp (4,100 m) Out-and-Back

Nov 18 | Annapurna Circuit

We set out from Manang (3,540 m / 11,620 ft) for one of the region’s most rewarding high side-trails—a steady climb to the Lower Annapurna Base Camp basin (~4,100 m / 13,450 ft). The route arcs into a wide alpine bowl beneath the towering walls of Annapurna II & III, with Gangapurna and the Chulu group filling the horizon. It’s arguably the finest high viewpoint accessible from Manang without committing to a full pass crossing.

Route in Brief

• Start/Finish: Manang → Lower ABC meadows → return to Manang

• Time on trail: 5–7 hrs total

  • 3–3.5 hrs ascent

  • 2–2.5 hrs descent

• Distance: ~8.5 km

• Elevation: +550 to +650 m gain (same loss on return)

• Surface: Alpine track; rock and hardpack with seasonal snow above 3,900 m

• Conditions: Shaded sections were icy; traction required attention

Highlights

• WOW Factor: 10/10
  A close-up amphitheater of Annapurna II & III, sweeping glacier patterns, wind plumes spilling off ridges, and the entire Manang valley stretched out far below.

• Quiet Basin
  Once off the main trail, the world narrows to wind, light, and the occasional raven call—no road noise, just stillness.

• Yoga at 4,000 m
  Held Sarvāṅgāsana (Shoulder Stand) on a flat snow-free patch—my first inversion at this altitude, a milestone after years of practice.
  (Note: Avoid inversions if you have any headache, congestion, or AMS symptoms.)

Pace, Safety & Gear Notes

• Pacing: Aerobic and steady; plenty of stops for hydration and photos. Target intake for the day: 3–3.5 L.

• Gear: Trekking poles essential; microspikes useful for early icy segments.

• Layers: Base + fleece/light puffy + wind shell; warm gloves; strong sun protection (UV and glare intense at altitude).

• Acclimatization: Returned to sleep low in Manang—classic “climb high, sleep low” strategy that keeps the body adapting smoothly.

Evening

We wrapped the day in Manang with hot soup, drying gear, and a round of stargazing. Tomorrow promises a gentler ridge day—weather window permitting—which feels like the perfect transition after today’s high, brilliant outing.