Nature · Manang
Gangapurna glacier lake and viewpoint
Cross the Marsyangdi from Manang to the milky turquoise Gangapurna Lake, fed by the glaciers of Gangapurna and Annapurna III, then climb a ridge above it for a view of icefalls tumbling into the valley.
Gangapurna Lake lies directly below Manang, across the river, in the hollow left by the retreating Gangapurna glacier. Its water is a pale green-blue, coloured by rock flour ground by the ice. Above it, the glaciers of Gangapurna (7,455 m) and Annapurna III (7,555 m) hang in broken icefalls.
A short walk from the village takes you down to the lake shore and across a bridge. From there a trail climbs the moraine ridge to a viewpoint with chortens and prayer flags, where you look straight into the icefall and back across to Manang's stacked houses. In the afternoon the wind picks up and seracs crack and fall with a sound like thunder.
This is a good half-day for those not ready for Ice Lake, or for a second acclimatisation walk. Climb slowly and enjoy it. Do not walk on the glacier or ice at the lake edge, which is unstable.
Good for
Questions
Where is Gangapurna Lake?
Gangapurna Lake is a glacial lake directly below Manang village, across the Marsyangdi River, formed by the glaciers of Gangapurna and Annapurna III. It is a short walk from the village. A trail climbs the moraine ridge beside it to a viewpoint. It is often visited on the Manang acclimatisation day.
Is the Gangapurna Lake walk good for acclimatisation?
Yes, as a gentle option. Climbing the viewpoint ridge above the lake gains a little height and keeps you active without the effort of the 1,100 m climb to Ice Lake. Many trekkers do it in the afternoon after resting. Combined with a night in Manang at 3,519 m, it supports acclimatisation for Thorong La.
Can you swim in Gangapurna Lake?
No. The water is glacial and near freezing, the shore and lake edges are unstable moraine, and falling ice from the glacier above poses a risk. It is also a sacred landscape for local people. Enjoy it from the shore and viewpoint, and keep children away from the water's edge and loose slopes.
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