Recovery.
Upon landing we quickly realized that Kathmandu is still recovering from the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Buildings are held up precariously by wooden stilts. The air was thick with dust. You would often catch glimpses of store owners sweeping the dust that had been kicked up into their stores by passing traffic.

Astray.
After purchasing knock off equipment and creating somewhat of a plan in Kathmandu, we were off! Due to the popularity of the circuit flags and arrows are painted along on the trails as guides. Ironically enough in our attempt to find the "starting line" we followed one of these markers which led us off the main Annapurna circuit trail and onto a secondary trail. We found ourselves in the leech infested forest, thus we started our first day completely lost. The first of many.

Warmth.
There are plenty of chances to meet the locals as the trails pass by their houses, which are used by local families. In our case mostly asking for directions, the local families in particular the kids (as pictured) are extremely friendly and happy to help point us back to the main path. As well as sharing tips, in particular dealing with the leeches that would hitch a ride throughout the first few days (if you're wondering salt helps).

Collision.
The small towns that lead up and down the circuit are generally connected with dirt roads. Therefore side trails were established to avoid the dust that is kicked up. However at times its unavoidable, thus finding ourselves walking along with farmers and their livestock as jeeps traveled in the opposite direction.

Contrast.
Over the days its only inevitable to start noticing the different lifestyles. For example between the tourists with purposes made hiking gear versus a more local approach. You would often see porters and locals hunched forwards slowly and steadily walking by carrying loads that at times, appear to be double the weight of the themselves - an amazing combination of human endurance and adaptation.

Family.
We soon realized the people you met on the first day would become your friends for the next three weeks. We would almost always run into them again at one of the many tea houses, catching up over dinner or lunch. It felt like family. Pictured is friend we nicknamed "Ewok". He always wore his neck & head bandanna resembling that of the Ewoks from Star Wars.

Peril.
Compared to the multitude of other trails in Nepal, the Annapurna is relatively “safe”. As long as you had an above average level of fitness and your body adjusted to altitude it isn't technically challenging. However that does not mean to say there weren't any risks involved. For us it wasn't the altitude or fatigue, it was the landslides. The most harrowingly  situation we experienced was on that first day we had gotten lost. Who would of thought?

Luxury.
One can live a somewhat luxurious lifestyle on the circuit. The tea houses are often double or even triple story brick buildings, some had hot showers & western style toilets if you decide to pay the extra dollar. A surprising revelation for us. However we opted to spend our money at the small family run shops that dotted the circuit (think convenience stores). Which meant peanut butter and freshly fried Tibetan bread, and lots of it!

Beasts of burden.
With all the development done around the Annapurna region, numerous locations are still only accessible by foot. Draft animals play an integral role in carrying supplies (or even tourists) up and down these more remote locations. Domesticated Yaks in particular play an important role in local Himalayan cultures especially at higher altitudes, as they are better suited for the conditions compared to other drafts animals. Primarily used for their milk, fiber, meat and carrying capabilities. 

Tales.
The Annapurna can be completed in multiple variations one of them was by mountain bike. We met this Father and Daughter duo on the trail as they had also gotten lost (notice a pattern). With our groups' combined lack of knowledge and multiple attempts to link up with the main circuit we strayed much further afield. Eventually it was too steep for the bikes, I handed my camera to the daughter, she captured this moment as we hauled the bikes across the rolling mountains in hopes to rejoin the main trail. One of the many fond stories created on the Annapurna. 

Mixed emotions.
Reaching the Thorong La pass was a mixed bag of emotions although we were 5,400M above sea level, the peaks of Yakawakang and Khatung Kang towered above on both sides. 

The pass also represented the “end” of the journey for many, including friends we met along the way. For us we had just reached the halfway point, the pass was the fuel that kept our engines running. Now we had reached the pass that feeling had somewhat dissipated and a sense of uncertainty set in. 

To our surprise yet again, a makeshift store selling tea was built nearby. A sip of warm tea contrasted by the piercing wind chill of the mountains back dropped against the radiating morning sun flushed away any lingering thoughts. Thus we took in the view one last time, drank our last sip of tea, took the customary photo and we were back on our way down the saddle.