solo but Full of Soul: My Life-Changing Trek Across the Annapurna Circuit

April 2024 was the month I finally ticked off one of my biggest dreams—trekking the Annapurna Circuit solo. My wife stayed back, and while I missed her, this journey gave me something deeply personal: silence, strength, and soul-searching. ❓️How It All Started: I landed in Kathmandu, buzzing with nerves and excitement. The chaos of Thamel, the prayer flags swaying in the breeze—I was already falling for Nepal. From there, I took a shared jeep to Besisahar, the starting point. Roads were rough, but the anticipation kept me going. Kathmandu to Besisahar (Jeep): NPR 2500 / USD $19 Trekking Permits: TIMS: $20 ACAP: $30 The Trail That Changed Me: Total Duration: 13 days Distance Covered: ~160 km Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5416m) Each day brought something new—apple orchards in Marpha, yaks grazing in Yak Kharka, and the golden glow of sunrise on snow-capped peaks in Manang. But nothing prepared me for the climb to Thorong La Pass. It was brutal. I left at 4 AM in the freezing cold, and with every step, I had to dig deeper. When I finally reached the top—I cried. Not from pain, but from the overwhelming beauty and pride. 🛌 Where I Slept & Ate: Every night, I stayed in simple teahouses run by the kindest locals. Accommodation: Mostly free or $15–$25 per night (as long as you ate dinner there) Meals: Dal Bhat, momos, garlic soup—$5–$10 per meal Total Daily Budget: Around $25–$30 Total Cost for 13 Days: Permits: $50 Accommodation & Food: ~$350 Transport & Extras: ~$70 Total: ~$470 USD (Insane value for what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime journey) ⁉️Why It Was So Special (Even Alone): The silence of the mountains helped me reconnect with myself Met fellow trekkers from all over the world who felt like instant friends Every sunrise reminded me why I chase adventure 🌐 Tips for Solo Trekkers: Acclimatize properly—stay two nights in Manang Start early—especially for Thorong La Pass day Don’t carry too much—a 10kg backpack is perfect Listen to your body—go slow and steady. ❓️Would I Do It Again? 1000% yes. It wasn’t just a trek—it was therapy. I left a piece of myself in those mountains… and somehow came back more whole. #aprilblooms #travel #naturalwonders #aprilblooms