After completing the Everest Base Camp Trek (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) in April 2024, I’m thrilled to begin my next Himalayan chapter — the Annapurna Trail & Ice Lake Trek in Nepal.

This journey explores the spectacular Manang Valley (approx. 3,500 m / 11,483 ft), with acclimatization hikes reaching up to 3,683 m / 12,083 ft, culminating at the breathtaking Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) — a turquoise alpine lake nestled amid towering peaks at 4,559 m / 14,957 ft.

Trek Itinerary

📅 Dates: November 15–22, 2025
📍 Route Overview:
Kathmandu → Helicopter to Chame → Acclimatization hikes in the Manang Valley → Ice Lake summit day → Return heli to Kathmandu

Why This Trek?

• Peak Clarity Season:
  November offers crystal-clear skies and panoramic views of Annapurna II, III, IV, and Gangapurna — among the most stunning in the Himalayas.

• Iconic Destination:
  Ice Lake (Kicho Tal) shimmers like a sapphire set within a cirque of snow-clad peaks — a serene yet invigorating trekking goal.

• Balanced Acclimatization:
  A thoughtfully paced route through monasteries, lakes, and ridgelines around Manang ensures both comfort and gradual altitude adaptation.

Fitness & Preparation

As an interventional cardiologist, I live by the principles I share with patients — discipline, balance, and consistency in health and fitness.

At 67, my training remains simple yet sustainable:

• Cardio: 60–90 minutes daily on the treadmill

• Strength: 45–60 minutes of multigym work (weights, biceps, core, and functional strength)

I’ve followed this regimen for over a decade — not to chase records, but to maintain joint health, vitality, and the joy of movement.

Through this trek, I hope to inspire others — especially peers in my age group — to cultivate a steady, mindful, and active lifestyle built on daily movement, conscious breath, and steady progress.

Follow Along

Starting November 15, I’ll share daily updates and photos from the trail —
sunrises over Manang, ancient cliffside gompas, tranquil lakes, and the final climb toward Ice Lake’s turquoise beauty.

Join me on this journey through one of Nepal’s most inspiring landscapes.

📸 #Annapurna #IceLake #Manang #Himalaya #Nepal #Trekking #Adventure #EBC

KTM, Nepal — Nov 14

We arrived in Kathmandu last night from India, the gateway to our Annapurna Circuit – Manang & Ice Lake (4,559 m / 15,000+ ft) adventure. After months of disciplined preparation—daily treadmill cardio, multigym strength sessions, yoga, and breathwork—it feels incredible to be back in the Himalaya.

Last year’s Everest Base Camp trek (5,364 m / 17,598 ft) set the foundation; this year we return for Manang’s high country and the spectacular Ice Lake rim views.

Our Team:
Three trekkers — ages 55, 63, and 67 — one family, one purpose: a strong heart, steady steps, and the spirit to summit.

Today’s Plan

Morning

• Helicopter Kathmandu → Chame (2,670 m) to begin the Manang approach

• Gear check

• Permit and ID verification

• Hydrate, light stretch, and rest

Afternoon

• Short acclimatization walk

• Early dinner and early night

Health & Safety

• Easy, gentle day to stay fresh after travel

• Maintain hydration and light meals

• Continuing acetazolamide (Diamox) prophylaxis: 125 mg twice daily, started pre-ascent

• Cold evenings expected — keep layers accessible

Helicopter Briefing (Today)

• Pack in a soft duffel / daypack — keep weight compact

• Keep warm layers, gloves, sunglasses handy in your carry-on

• Secure loose items (caps, scarves) on the helipad; follow crew directions

• On arrival in Chame, expect a brief acclimatization walk and an early night to prepare for the days ahead

Day 2 — Chame → Lower Pisang (Jeep), Trek to Ghyaru, Overnight in Manang

Annapurna Circuit • Nov 16

We left Chame (2,670 m / 8,760 ft) by jeep early this morning and drove up the valley to Lower Pisang (~3,300 m / 10,830 ft). From here, we began one of the Annapurna Circuit’s most rewarding stretches—the famed high-trail climb to Ghyaru (≈3,670 m / 12,040 ft).

The High Trail to Ghyaru

The ascent follows classic stone switchbacks, gaining 350–400 m above the Pisang valley. With every step upward, the horizon opens into a dramatic Himalayan panorama:

• Annapurna II & III — immense walls of ice and rock

• Gangapurna — sweeping ridgelines and a glacier cutting the skyline

• Pisang Peak — a perfect triangular summit above the valley

• The Marshyangdi River tracing a wide, silver arc far below

This viewpoint is the essence of the high route—clear, crisp air, huge landscapes, and a balcony-like vantage over the Annapurna giants.

WOW Factor: 9.5 / 10 — this is exactly why trekkers choose the high trail.

Manang — The Crown Jewel of the Circuit

After enjoying the views from Ghyaru, we descended to rendezvous with our vehicle and continued up-valley to Manang (3,540 m / 11,620 ft) for the night.

Manang sits in a naturally sculpted amphitheater surrounded by 6,000–8,000 m peaks. It serves as the acclimatization capital of the Annapurna Circuit—an ideal base before major objectives like Thorong La (5,416 m) and, for us, before our Ice Lake ascent.

We checked in at Mountain Lodges of Nepal, an excellent stay and easily one of the best accommodation options on the entire circuit.

Health & Pacing

• Maintained a steady, aerobic trekking rhythm with short recovery stops on steep sections

• Hydration: ~3–3.5 L through the day + warm soups & tea

• Strong sun and snow glare: sunscreen + sunglasses essential

• Evening: light dinner, gear dry-out, early rest for tomorrow’s acclimatization hike

Route Recap

• Start: Chame → Lower Pisang (jeep)

• Trek: Lower Pisang ↑ Ghyaru (3,670 m) → descend to pickup point

• Finish: Drive to Manang (3,540 m) → lodge check-in

By the Numbers (5:18 pm)

• Steps: 18,523

• Distance: 13.2 km

• Max altitude: 3,670 m (12,040 ft) at Ghyaru

• Elevation gain: approx. +350–400 m

Tomorrow

We continue along the high route toward Ngawal (≈3,660 m / 12,010 ft) for more ridge-top views and a measured acclimatization day.

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

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.

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.

Day 6 — November 20

ICE LAKE (KICHO TAL) FROM MANANG**

“STRONG HEART, STEP BY STEP. SPIRIT BY SPIRIT, SOUL TO SUMMIT.”

Start / Approach

• Manang: ~3,540 m (≈11,614–11,615 ft)

• 4×4 drop point: ~3,900 m (≈12,795 ft) — reached by Toyota Land Cruiser over a snow-packed jeep track

High Point

• Upper Ice Lake / ridge above the lake: ~4,620 m (≈15,157 ft)

Ascent & Distance

• Net ascent from Manang (if walking): ~1,060 m (≈3,478 ft)

• Your actual ascent (starting at 3,900 m): ~700 m (≈2,297 ft)

• Trail distance (RT from your trailhead): ≈6.5 km (≈4.04 miles)

• Watch log (full day): 11.9 km • 15,388 steps • 13 stand hours

Grade & Time

• Average uphill grade: ~17–20%

• Upper switchbacks: punchy bursts of 25–30%

• Typical RT time: ~8 hours in dry conditions; longer with snow/ice due to careful footwork

Today’s Conditions

• Consolidated snow from 4,100–4,200 m (≈13,451–13,780 ft)

• Trekking poles + micro-spikes essential for icy traverses and the descent

• Bluebird skies, crisp air, and Ice Lake shimmering in its early-winter freeze

Trail Notes

The climb unrolled above Manang’s ochre slopes into a quiet, white amphitheater of corniced ridgelines and a glassy Ice Lake shimmering beneath Annapurna’s towers. The final zigzags were the real test—short, steep bursts where micro-spikes and poles turned uncertainty into rhythm.
Standing at the lake’s edge, ringed by Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and the high walls of the massif, felt like the distilled essence of ADVENTURE ANNAPURNA—clarity, cold, calm lungs, and complete presence.

Why This Day Was Special

You earned a 4,600+ m high-altitude, summit-style achievement in true early-winter conditions—strong, safe, steady.
A day where spirit truly met summit.

Gear That Mattered

• Trekking poles (pair): uphill cadence + downhill stability

• Micro-spikes: vital for icy traverses and shaded switchbacks

• Layering system: rapid on/off management for sun–shade temperature swings

• Eye protection & sunscreen: essential in high-alpine, snow-blinding light

Health & Pacing

• Kept a steady, nose-breathing rhythm

• Took short, frequent micro-rests on steep stretches

• Hydrated consistently + light carbs every 30–40 minutes

• O₂ at altitude ~90% is common — what mattered was how strong and symptom-free you stayed

Closing Thought

ABOVE ALL, ADVENTURE ANNAPURNA.
Days like this prove that age is just a number, altitude is a patient teacher, and consistency is the real strength.

Strong heart, step by step.
Spirit by spirit, soul to summit.

Annapurna Base Camp: Inside the Necklace of Giants (4,130 m / 13,550 ft)

This morning I touched down at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and stepped into a natural amphitheatre of ice and light—a 270° ring of 7,000–8,000 m summits so close it felt like I could reach out and trace the ridgelines. Few places in the Himalaya wrap you in their presence the way the Annapurna Sanctuary does.

What I Saw, Felt, Measured

Location & Height

ABC rests at 4,130 m (13,550 ft) at the heart of the Sanctuary, a bowl carved by glaciers and guarded by peaks on every side.

The Wall of Giants (Visible Today in Crystal Clarity)

• Annapurna I — 8,091 m / 26,545 ft

• Annapurna Fang (Baraha Shikhar) — 7,647 m / 25,089 ft

• Annapurna South — 7,219 m / 23,684 ft

• Hiunchuli — 6,441 m / 21,132 ft

• Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) — 6,993 m / 22,943 ft (dominates the approach)

Conditions

A cobalt-blue sky stretched overhead, yesterday’s snowfall frosting the colossal walls. Wind plumes streamed off the crests. Underfoot: tawny alpine grass emerging where the sun warmed the basin. I could hear the deep, distant rumble of icefall—one of those sounds that stays with you.

Why It Felt Unforgettable

ABC brings you startlingly close to massive faces, seracs, and hanging glaciers. The scale is overwhelming yet strangely intimate. Sunrise to mid-morning transforms the entire amphitheatre into a canvas of fire and shadow—an ideal window for photography and quiet reflection.

Closing Thought

STRONG HEART, STEP BY STEP. SPIRIT BY SPIRIT, SOUL TO SUMMIT.

EBC in 2024 taught me patience; Annapurna today gifted perspective.
At 67, I remain convinced: consistent training, yoga, and a calm mind make the high mountains not just achievable—but welcoming.
Onward.