ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT TREK DAY 4: BREATHTAKING VIEWS from PISANG to MANANG 🏔 3600Mt high 21.5 Km trail

The trek from Upper Pisang to Manang Village is arguably one of the most spectacular days on the entire Annapurna Circuit. This stage marks a significant shift, taking you deep into the Tibetan-influenced, high-altitude desert region and offering the most up-close and continuous mountain views.
​You have a choice of two routes here, but the High Route is highly recommended for both views and acclimatization.
​🤩 Charms of the High Route (via Ghyaru and Ngawal)
​The "charms" of this route are primarily the stunning mountain panoramas and the authentic cultural experience.
​1. 🏔️ Unrivalled Mountain Views
​Annapurna II, III, and IV: The trail gives you an almost level and continuous view across the valley to the majestic Annapurna peaks, particularly Annapurna II (7,937m) and Annapurna IV. The scale is immense, and they seem to rise right out of the valley floor.
​Gangapurna: As you get closer to Manang, the impressive bulk of Gangapurna (7,455m) comes into view, dominating the skyline above the village.
​A New Perspective: Because the high trail climbs well above the valley floor (reaching elevations of around 3,700m at Ghyaru), it provides a much better, less obstructed view than the lower route.
​2. 🏘️ Cultural Treasures (Ghyaru and Ngawal)
​The high route takes you through two historically significant, traditional villages that feel untouched by the modern road (which the lower trail follows):
​Ghyaru (Approx. 3,730m): This medieval-looking village is perched dramatically on a ridge. Its stone houses are built close together, and the local architecture and narrow alleys offer incredible photographic opportunities. The view from the village stupa is one of the trek's best stops.
​Ngawal (Approx. 3,660m): Another charming, old Tibetan-style village with ancient monasteries and chortens. Walking through these villages offers a glimpse into the traditional high-mountain life of the Manangi people.
​3. 🌬️ The High-Altitude Climate and Landscape
​Arid Terrain: The lush green forests of the lower valley give way to an arid, dry, and stark landscape. The climate here is drier because the Annapurna Massif acts as a barrier, blocking the monsoon clouds.
​Tibetan Influence: The flags, prayer wheels, and mani walls (stones carved with Buddhist prayers like Om Mani Padme Hum) become more dominant, reflecting the deep Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region.
​4. 🧘 Acclimatization Benefits (Trek High, Sleep Low)
​While Manang is the destination, the route is a key acclimatization day. By trekking to the higher points of Ghyaru and Ngawal (3,700m+) and then descending to Manang (approx. 3,540m) to sleep, you are following the important principle of "Trek High, Sleep Low." This helps your body adjust to the altitude, preparing you for the higher elevations ahead.
​The distance for this stretch via the high route is about 18-20 km and takes approximately 6-8 hours.
​After this rewarding day, you reach Manang Village, which is your crucial acclimatization stop before heading to Thorong La Pass.
​Would you like to know about the best things to do on your rest day in Manang to help with acclimatization