Khicho Ice Lake

Pretty cool place with awsome views, From Manang it's about a 6 hour return trip and about 1,100 metres of height to hike, but worth it. Visited the first week of December.

First let me warn you, the trail is steep, over 3k feet altitude gain, the clouds can hide the mountain tops, it can get cold. Ok you ready? Staying in Manang for a nice break and getting used to the Altitude at 11,500 feet? Getting bored of sitting around waiting to get acclimatized. Want a beautiful view and maybe even see some Yaks? This is the hike for you. Its a grueling switchback filled climb to the top but the views are so worth it. Have a feel to it unlike anywhere else on the trek. I was surprised that no one else was up there when I went (off season but still). The lake is blue. There were three yaks. It was perfect. See the photos

Absolute 5 stars for this trek! You have to make this one for your acclimatation day! Awesome views on the way up and the finish is just perfect. If you feel even more adventurous, you can go to the view point above, even though that’s quite a lot in one day for acclimatation there.

Well worth the hike. We got to see some blue sheep and vultures, as well as amazing views of the Annapurna range.

Fantastic views, worth the one extra trekking day. The lake itself is not huge but given the altitude (4635m) it presents itself on a great background. Not an easy climb though.

Tough hike, but good for acclimatisation. There is a false peak in the sense of a lower ice lake. The owner of the tea house on the way up was kind enough to show us some blue sheep.

Amazing views for Annapurn's. Like itself nothing special but mountains around are so close and so big. It takes about 4 hours from Manang. Easy path, sometimes little slippery but only in few places. As hire trail comes better and easier. The best is going in the morning for clear weather and no clouds. In about 4200m there is small restaurant.

Great hike to acclimate.. but it is a challenge. So be prepared. Great view, and its a test to see your strength and endurance..

Great one day side trek. Amazing views.

Took a wrong route and had a 3hrs detour. We were only at 4400m altitude at 2pm. Sadly we couldn’t reach ice lake in time. So close yet so far..

It was amazing. Going up took 5 hours and coming down 3.5 hours.

The best thing about this place is the feeling that you finally made your way to the top :)

Incredible place! Must do! Good acclimatization hike. Its a bit steep in the first part but after the tea house is not as steep anymore. Magnificent views of Anapurna 2, Tilicho pick! Breath slow and keep the a low pace uphills to avoid the effects of altitude..

Amazing hike and splendid views! If you start from Manang take the (difficult) way up, starting to climb directly up instead of walking to Braka first and taking the path. The route up is not as easy to find as for the Annapurna Circuit itself, however with a compass you should have enough help. Downwards take the path back to Braka.

Ensure yourself to take enough water with you!!

The Ice Lake or Kicho Tal, is a high alpine lake in the Manang valley of Nepal. The lake is situated at 4620m (15157ft) and due to it’s high elevation is often frozen. The Ice Lake is accessed by trekking from Manang or Braga villages. The trek typically takes 7 – 10 hours.

Ice lake which starts from braga village is one of the most beautiful side trips around for a acclimatization day. The trail to this lake starts from braga the trail starts right in front of hotel newyak. The view of the Annapurna himal from the trail is just breath taking...make sure to take 2 litres of water, there is no water stream and food on the way. The only way to get water is from icelake. Must do walk if u want to feel and see the beautiful big mountains.

Very nice day trip for "rest day" for acclimatize. Icy cold water - I personally recommend to try the dip, Climbing up and down is not easy, but highly recommended

Loved the lake and scenery although it was a tough hike.

Challenging yet adventourous. Its a day hike but is very long. You start at sunrise and reach back after sunset. Must do. If you are in Manang.

Turn around to enjoy the impressive views of the Annapurnas