Trek to Tilicho Lake and Thorong La through the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal

By far one of the most memorable experiences of my life! The trek itself is not too difficult, although adjusting to the higher altitude might be. The circuit is composed of continually changing scenery that transitions from green forestry and blue rivers, to snow-surrounded lakes and glaciers, to rocky boulders and steep cliffs, to open fields decorated with prayer flags and herds of yaks. You also get to stay in a new village each night, where you can meet both locals and trekkers from around the globe.

Before your trip: For the Annapurna circuit, you are required to obtain two permits beforehand: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card). You will also need your passport and valid Nepal visa (which can be obtained at the airport for ~$25 for a 15-day stay). Permits are checked at various checkpoints along the trek, so make sure you have them at all times! 

You can choose to hike the circuit either independently or with a guide/porters. If you do decide to hike alongside a guide, there are many competing organizations you can choose from (which can easily be found online), but make sure to do extensive research into the credibility of these groups.

Our group decided to use http://trekaroundnepal.com/, who really helped us in obtaining permits and booking necessary transportation (bus, jeep, airlines) before we even arrived in Nepal. Our guide was also extremely helpful with regards to facilitating communication with locals, knowing the best places to stay each night, and enlightening us with Nepalese history and culture. 

Typically, guides will meet with groups beforehand to plan out the best itinerary for that group (based on how many miles they plan on hiking per day, what sites members are most interested in seeing, and so forth). 

Our itinerary was as followed:

Day 0: Fly into Kathmandu

Day 1: Kathmandu --> Besi Sahar (bus) / Besi Sahar --> Jagat (Jeep)

Day 2: Jagat --> Chame (Jeep) / Chame --> Dhukur Pokhari 

Day 3: Dhukur Pokhari --> Nawal

Day 4: Nawal --> Manang --> Khangsar

Day 5: Khangsar --> Tilicho Base Camp

Day 6: Tilicho Base Camp --> Tilicho Lake (*leave camp around 5:00 am to witness the most amazing sunrise) --> Shree Kharka

Day 7: Shree Kharka --> Yak Kharka

Day 8: Yak Kharka --> High Camp (*climb the small hill behind the camp for a spectacular, panoramic view) 

Day 9: High Camp (*leave camp around 5:00 am or earlier to beat the crowd) --> Thorong La --> Muktinath

Day 10: Muktinath --> Kagbeni (*make sure to visit Yak-Donalds)

Day 11: Kagbeni --> Jomsom

Day 12: Jomsom --> Pokhara (*stay here for a full day if you can) --> Kathmandhu

During the trip: 

• Lounging:  Each village houses a number of family-run hotels, that come equipped with beds, bathrooms (occasionally a gas-powered shower), a common dining room, and food. To ensure that you have a place to stay each night, I recommend leaving around 7-8 am to embark on your day's trek, so that you can arrive at your destination around 3 pm to book a room. Do not expect any laundry service (except maybe in Manang). If you really need something cleaned, hand-washing and drying is the way to go. When hang-drying, make sure to bring in your clothes before night, or they will get frozen. Trust me.
• Food: The menu is pretty consistent from village to village, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Make sure to try some Nepalese staples including Masala Tea, Tibetan bread, and Dal Bhat! And if you're really adventurous, try some homemade Raksi. As courtesy, make sure to always finish your food. 
• Other tips:
  
  • There are convenience stores interspersed along the circuit that carry all the backpacker's essentials (I bought a pair of sunglasses after mine flung off while riding on the back of a Jeep). With that being said, don't wear your sunglasses on top of your head while riding on the back of a Jeep with 17 other people in the midst of the Himalayas.  
  • The Thamel District in Kathmandu is the hub-dub of shopping where you can buy anything from mountaineering gear to handmade arts and crafts––or even a new outfit for the plane ride home because your current one smells so bad. Also, for instance, if you are unable to carry trekking poles on your flight, you can easily buy them for a reasonable price while in Kathmandu. Don't stress.
  • Everything is paid for in cash!! I did not come across a single working ATM my entire trip, so this is extremely important. Plan for ~2000-3000 rupees per day while on the trek, but keep in mind that exchanging Rupees back to your original form of currency is difficult. So exchange only what you need to, as you can always exchange more later! 
  • Always ask for permission if you are taking photos of others.
  • Don't be afraid to meet people. I know it goes without saying, but really stay open-minded. Meeting others from around the world was definitely a highlight (shoutout to the Three-Whistle Crew)! One of the hotel owners also taught me how to make Dal Bhat in her kitchen, which I ultimately got to serve to other backpackers.
  • Don't forget to pick up a patch. You can find them at any convenience store along the trek. 
  • Keep a journal and have fun!