Day 5 — Manang → Gangapurna Lake via Chongkor Viewpoint

Day 5 — Manang → Gangapurna Lake via Chongkor Viewpoint

Annapurna Circuit | Nov 19

We set out from Mountain Lodges of Nepal – Manang (3,540 m / 11,620 ft) beneath a flawless blue Himalayan sky. The morning trail climbed steadily toward Chongkor Viewpoint (≈3,750 m / 12,300 ft) before looping down toward the surreal turquoise of Gangapurna Lake. This balcony path gives a constant sweep of Annapurna III and Gangapurna, with the immense Gangapurna Glacier spilling into a natural stone amphitheater.

Trekking poles stayed in hand all day, and we switched to micro-spikes for the shaded, icy segments near the lake—especially helpful on the half-up traverse and the descent.

Trail & Stats

• Route: Manang → Chongkor Viewpoint → Gangapurna Lake loop → back to Manang

• Distance: 8.8 km round trip

• Steps: 12,317

• High point: ≈3,750 m (Chongkor)

• Net elevation gain: ~210 m (with rolling ups/downs)

• Surface/Conditions: Dry alpine track, gravel, and patchy ice in morning shade

Highlights

• Chongkor’s balcony offering sweeping, up-close looks at Annapurna III (24,787 ft) and Gangapurna (24,459 ft).

• Gangapurna Lake shimmering winter-blue, edged with thin ice plates and framed by the glacier-fed cirque.

• Classic November clarity—a low sun angle lighting up ridgelines and glacier textures, perfect for long photo breaks.

Notes for Fellow Trekkers

• Poles highly recommended for both ascent and descent.

• Micro-spikes are worth carrying, especially for early starts or after fresh snow/overnight freeze.

• Hydrate and pace evenly—this loop is an excellent acclimatization outing with a comfortable sleep-low return to Manang.