Annapurna Circuit: From the Trailhead to Thorung La Pass
Follow editor Shannon Davis and his wife Emily as they trek the first half of the legendary Annapurna Circuit for their honeymoon.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.

This is where they grow all the rice for our Dal Bhat! Day 1 was greener than we expected.

Emily leads the way along a short off-trail section to avoid some unnecessary climbing.

Just another morning on the circuit, people getting their days going.

Hydroelectricity is coming to the Annapurna region’s rural villages–this guy is hauling poles.

Emily crosses the bridge into the village of Pisang.

Highest goat Ive ever seen, munching on marijuana near a temple in Upper Pisang.

The Buddhist temple in Upper Pisang.

Every member of the village donated money or 30 days of work per year to build the temple.

Prayer wheels in the village of Manang.

After a rest day in Manang, we climbed to Yak Kharka, passing this chorten on the way.

After a night in Yak Kharka, then a night at nearly 15,000 feet, we climbed to Thorung La pass.