I recently had the privilege of embarking on a trek to Mardi Himal in Nepal, and it was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish for a lifetime. Our itinerary was well-planned and carefully crafted, taking us through a range of terrains and landscapes and providing us with an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture.
We started our journey in Kathmandu, where we spent a day exploring the city's cultural landmarks and attractions. We visited the famous Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. We also explored the bustling markets and streets of Thamel, where we purchased trekking gear and souvenirs.
The following day, we made our way to Pokhara via Trishuli River Rafting, which was an exhilarating experience. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with towering mountains, gushing waterfalls, and lush greenery. After a day of rafting, we reached Pokhara, a picturesque city nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna range.
Our trek to Mardi Himal began with a drive to Kande, where we started our ascent to Pothana. The trek was moderately challenging, but the stunning views of the Annapurna range kept us motivated. We passed through small villages and forests, where we met friendly locals and learned about their way of life. We spent the night in Pothana, a small village that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The next day, we continued our ascent to Forest Camp. The trek took us through dense forests, with the occasional glimpse of the surrounding mountains. We passed through the charming village of Kokar, where we met a group of schoolchildren who were eager to practice their English with us. We arrived at Forest Camp in the evening, tired but exhilarated, and spent the night in a tea house.
The following day, we continued our trek to Badal Danda, where we spent the night. The trek was a bit more challenging, but the views of the mountains were worth it. We passed through lush forests and rhododendron groves, where we saw a variety of flora and fauna, including colorful birds and butterflies. We woke up early the next day and made our way to High Camp, where we spent the night. The altitude started to take its toll, but the views from High Camp were simply breathtaking.
The highlight of our trek was reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp. We woke up early and started our eight-hour trek to the base camp. The trek was arduous, but the views of the surrounding mountains, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), were stunning. When we finally reached the base camp, we were rewarded with an unobstructed view of the Mardi Himal summit. We took a moment to absorb the awe-inspiring view before making our way back to Middle Camp for the night.
The next day, we trekked to Kalimati, where we spent the night. The trek was relatively easy, and we were able to take in the scenery at a leisurely pace. On our final day, we trekked to Lwang, where we stayed in a homestay. It was a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life. We met friendly villagers who welcomed us into their homes and shared their stories and traditions with us.
Overall, the trek to Mardi Himal was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that left an indelible mark on my soul. The breathtaking scenery, challenging trek, and cultural immersion made it an unforgettable journey. If you ever have the opportunity to embark on this trek, I highly recommend it.
photo credit: KimKim
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