The acclimatisation day in Manang at 3,540m is the single most important day on the Annapurna Circuit. It is the difference between crossing Thorong La at 5,416m safely and turning back with altitude sickness, because it gives your body 24 hours to adapt before the final climb.
Acclimatisation is the process by which your body adjusts to lower oxygen at altitude, and Manang is the natural place to do it on the circuit.
Why Manang, and why a full day
Manang sits at 3,540m after several days of climbing, the last large village before the pass. Spending a second night here, rather than pushing on, follows the rule of not raising your sleeping altitude by more than 500m a day above 3,000m, which our altitude sickness guide explains in full.
The acclimatisation hikes
The best use of the rest day is a hike that climbs high and sleeps low. Popular options are Gangapurna Lake and viewpoint, the village of Khangsar, or the climb toward Ice Lake at 4,600m, all of which lift you above 4,000m for a few hours before you return to sleep at 3,540m.
How it sets up the pass
A proper Manang day makes the Thorong La crossing far safer and more enjoyable. Our full day-by-day plan, including where the rest day falls, is in the Annapurna Circuit itinerary.
