The Great Leap Forward starts when Dave learns to deal with his past and to keep it from interfering with his dreams for the future. He returns to the Himalayas and finds himself at the bottom of Annapurna with his best friend Martin from Germany. He survives the incredible physical challenge of climbing the South Face, only to be shattered by the mental struggle of his relationship with Catherine afterwards. Aimlessly wandering the streets of Kathmandu, Dave's life takes a new turn. He meets Kena, a beautiful Nepali woman. They both learn about new languages and cultures as their love and lives become entangled and develop into a whole new level. Catherine returns to his life, along with her new lover, Andrea, Martin's old girlfriend. Together they experience life, love, adventure and the Great Leap Forward.