Trekking · Manang
Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)
A steep day hike to a glacial lake at about 4,600m above Manang — the Circuit's classic acclimatization climb.
Ice Lake, known locally as Kicho Tal, is a glacial lake at around 4,600m high above Manang and the nearby village of Braga — and the single best acclimatization day hike on the Annapurna Circuit. The steep there-and-back climb is the classic way to use a Manang rest day to prepare the body for the Thorong La pass.
What to expect
From the valley floor the trail climbs roughly 1,000m in a relentless ladder of switchbacks, gaining height fast through dry slopes before opening onto the still, cold lake beneath the peaks. The reward is the panorama: across the Marsyangdi valley to the Annapurnas, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Most walkers spend a few minutes at the top, then descend to sleep low back in Manang.
Good to know
- Climb high, sleep low: That is the whole point — gain altitude by day at Ice Lake, then drop back to Manang for the night. See our Manang acclimatization guide.
- Start early: Beat the afternoon wind and cloud; carry water, layers and snacks.
- Build-up: It pairs naturally with the gentler Gangapurna Lake viewpoint and is excellent training before the Tilicho Lake side trip. Read the national altitude sickness primer first.
Featured in
More trekking & treks in Manang
Frequently asked questions
How high is Ice Lake (Kicho Tal)?+
Ice Lake, known locally as Kicho Tal, sits at roughly 4,600m above the village of Braga and Manang. The big height gain over a single day is exactly what makes it such a valued acclimatization hike before the Thorong La pass on the Annapurna Circuit.
How hard is the hike to Ice Lake?+
It is steep and sustained. From Manang or Braga the trail climbs around 1,000m in a relentless series of switchbacks, taking most of a day there and back. No technical skill is needed, but good fitness, an early start and steady pacing for the altitude all help.
Why is Ice Lake good for acclimatization?+
It follows the climb-high-sleep-low rule perfectly: you gain serious altitude during the day at Ice Lake, then descend to sleep at Manang's lower elevation. That stimulus helps the body adapt and lowers the risk of altitude sickness higher up on the route.
When should you hike to Ice Lake?+
Set off early in the morning while skies are clear and before the afternoon wind and cloud build up. Spring and autumn give the most reliable conditions; in winter and after fresh snow the upper trail can be icy and harder to follow.
