Date of Trekking : 8th Oct 2017

There’s something magical about first times—and for me, that magic unfolded at the age of 22 when I took on my very first trekking adventure. The destination? The breathtaking Tilicho Lake and the mighty Thorong La Pass. What made it even more special? I was with a group of eight of my closest friends, all equally excited (and equally unprepared!) for what was to come.

We had talked about doing something memorable together for months, but like most plans among friends, it always remained a “someday” thing. Until one day, we just said let's go. No overthinking, no backing out—just pure youthful impulse. And I’m so glad we did.

The Start of an Epic Journey

We began our journey with backpacks heavier than they should’ve been and hearts lighter than ever. With every jeep ride through dusty roads, every chai break at a random teahouse, and every photo stop to capture a mountain view, we grew closer—not just to each other, but to the wild, majestic landscapes of the Annapurna region.

For most of us, this was our first real trek. We didn’t know what to expect, except that it would be beautiful and challenging. Spoiler alert: it was both—and then some.

The Beauty of Tilicho Lake

Reaching Tilicho Lake felt surreal. Sitting at 4,919 meters, it’s one of the highest lakes in the world. But no altitude stat could have prepared us for the sheer blue brilliance of the water surrounded by snow-capped peaks. The air was thin, the silence was thick, and the view—absolutely unreal.

We spent hours there, just soaking it in, joking around, clicking dozens of group photos (of course), and silently staring into the horizon. It was a mix of laughter and awe, a kind of peace only the mountains can offer.

The Thorong La Challenge

Now, if Tilicho was the soul-soothing part of the trip, Thorong La Pass was the ultimate test. Sitting at 5,416 meters, it’s not just the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit—it’s also a place that challenges every inch of your willpower. The night before the ascent, nerves ran high. We barely slept, mostly due to excitement and maybe a little fear.

The climb started in the pitch dark. We walked slowly, our headlamps bouncing in the cold, crisp air, every breath a bit heavier than the last. But step by step, we made it. When we finally reached the prayer-flag-laced pass, the joy was indescribable. We were exhausted, freezing, and emotional—but most of all, proud.

The Brotherhood of the Trail

What truly made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the stunning views or the sense of accomplishment—it was the bond we formed on the trail. From shared packets of instant noodles to encouraging each other when someone was ready to give up, the eight of us became more like a family out there.

We laughed till we cried, played cards in teahouses late into the night, and created inside jokes that we still bring up today. It was raw, real, and ridiculously fun.

Looking Back

That trek changed something in me. It sparked a lifelong love for the mountains and reminded me of the simple joy of doing something adventurous with your favorite people. I was 22, clueless about trekking, but full of energy and excitement. And that was enough.

If you’ve ever thought about doing a trek like Tilicho and Thorong La but haven’t yet—do it. Don’t wait for the perfect time or perfect gear. Just go. Trust me, the mountains will take care of the rest.