Mardi Himal Trek is a short but very adventurous tour that allows you to walk in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This is a three-day vacation that offers the experience of the mountains of the Nepalese Himalayas, the change of the weather, the hospitality and the unique lifestyle of the local people, all of which is not possible if you are in the city. The journey, which covers such short mileage, is the most favorable for both the new and the experienced hikers who are always aiming at a short time goal.
Day 1: Starting the Journey
Getting to the Trailhead
The trek takes in the beginning a drive from Pokhara to Kande. This type of journey provides the tourists with around one and a half hours of a spectacular view of the country. Departing from Kande, a hiking guide will take them to the location of the first campsite. The camping site is located inside the protected forest area and so it gives the travelers the natural feel and the local community the chance to advertise their lifestyle.
First Day’s Hike
The first approach to the journey is uphill and leads you to the viewpoint of the Annapurna range after a trek to Australian Camp. This viewpoint provides you with views of the Annapurna range as well as the fish-tailed mountain. Subsequently, the trail moves on to Forest Camp. Here, they can spend their first night in the forest, far away from the routine and stress of the home environment.
Day 2: The Climb Continues
Morning Trek to Low Camp
The second day of the trek begins with an early morning walk up to Low Camp. The track winds its way through the rhododendron forests. These forests become the habitat of the most colorful and the ever-blooming spring flowers. The tour guide may show you the checklists that birders work on. Parts of the checklist mentioned that birders frequently spot include the Dusky Creg and Black Nape Monitor among others. It is good to note that an altitudinal change to the low camp from the beginnig point is noticeable yet different physically, fauna like arnica and trees are less numerous.
Reaching High Camp
The conditions change as one keeps moving on from Low Camp. There are fewer trees and thus, the altitude is higher in this section. The trail takes trekkers all the way to High Camp at which point the eye meets the most breathtaking mountain views. The Fishtail Mountain (Machapuchare) stand out therein between the two ridges.
Day 3: Summit and Descent
Early Morning to Mardi Himal Base Camp
The first day has ended and the second begins before the sun rises, the tourists will move to the Mardi Himal Base Camp where they will enjoy the beautiful sunrise there. The location of this view is something that will remain with you for an awfully long time. A magnificent glow is added to the pristine morning when the Annapurna range turns into a spiritual heaven.
Return Journey
Once on top the trekkers start to descend. The returning way sometimes passes through the Siding community. This gives a completely different perspective on the place. The return trip includes a drive back to Pokhara.
Preparing for the Trek
Best Time to Trek
For this trek to be a great experience, walk in the right time of the year which is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This period provides hikers with clear sky and cool weather. Walk up the mountain in winter is also the case, but one has to be well prepared in advance for the cold and snow.
Physical Fitness
Even though the Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek, physical fitness is still necessary. Regular walking and some aerobic exercises before the trip can make the trek more enjoyable. Trekking involves walking for 5-6 hours every day on different surfaces.
Essential Gear
Right kit is a guarantee of a successful hike. It is necessary to have some important things such as the following:
Quality footwear
Some layers of clothing
Waterproof jacket
Sleeping bag
Bottle of water
Suntan cream and a cap
Poles for trekking
Local Culture and Interaction
The Mardi Himal Trek provides a platform for interaction with the local people. Groups of trekkers can see village life and farming practices like milking cows and threshing. Each village has its own customs.
Gurung Culture
The Gurung people are the ones who live in this area. Their customs and festivals are special. They build their homes from stone and have thatched roofs. Such houses astound a lot of visitors.
Local Food
Explore eateries of local food and find new flavors. Their diets are different from the rest. Most of the time, they prepare meals that include rice, lentils, and green vegetables. In some areas, they also serve meat dishes besides that.
Taking Care of Nature
Mardi Himal sets aside for itself, the unique woods. Trekkers should not make an effort to destroy nature.
Leave No Trace
Pick up your trash. Don’t interrupt plants or animals. Walk only in marked paths. This is a way of keeping the area tidy and safe for future visitors.
Save Water and Energy
Be smart with water. Turn off lights when not in use. Even these small steps would help in sustaining our environment.
Safety Tips
Walk at a moderate pace
Drink that water
Never forget to take breaks
Share the plan with who are going for a trek
Always bring basic medical stuff
Be on the lookout for altitude sickness signsto spot the symptoms early on and take necessary action
These tips help to make the trekking journey both safe and fun. The Mardi Himal Trek is a living witness of the way people live in the high mountain area. Nature and culture are intertwined in this unique adventure.
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