Machhapuchhre Village Trek, also popularly known as Mardi Himal trekking, is a newly explored trek in the Annapurna region. It lies in the off the beaten track away from the trekkers’ normal route. It offers outstanding mountain views of Machhapuchhre (fishtail peak) and sparse Himalayan settlements . During the journey one can experience a perfect Himalayan lifestyles and tradition of the people, eye catching scenery and have an opportunity to take a bath in natural hot spring pools in the bank of Seti River.
Trekking to Machhapuchhre area is suitable for those who have less time for vacation in Nepal but wish to feel the thrills of wilderness and achieve something extraordinary in the Annapurna regions. The un-trodden trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp passes through pristine alpine and rhododendron forests. While trekking, you will encounter diverse indigenous villages and natural hot springs along the route. You will enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (fishtail peak) looming high above you. On your return journey from the trek, you descend gently through isolated villages following trails that gives you delightful experience until you reach Pokhara. Many interesting caves created by limestone and rock representing religious sentiments, waterfalls and tea gardens are among other attractions of this Machhapuchhre trek. In essence , we can say that Annapurna Machhapuchhre trek gives a wonderful opportunity to experience the fascinating glimpses of Nepalese rich culture, typical Nepalese lifestyle , diverse flora and fauna and ultimate thrill of trekking in the desolate mountain trails at the high elevation. Most of the rural folks of the area are the Gurung tribes who live on traditional farming and animal husbandry for their source of income.
Arrive at the Tribhuwan international airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. This day is simply an arrival day and there will no organized activities. So you will have some free time to relax or walk around for local sights. A pre-departure meeting will be held early evening and you will be introduced with your trekking guide. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch. Then, you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel. We drive around 7 a.m. after breakfast. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is 200km and it takes about 6 hrs. We drive through beautiful hills, alongside Trishuli and Marshyangdi river and valley enjoying with mountain views. Upon arrival in Pokhara either you can relax in your hotel or boating in the Phewa Lake. Boating in Phewa Lake viewing Mt. Fishtail is an exciting and fascinating lifetime experience.
After breakfast we drive from Pokhara via Tibetan village of Tashi Palkhol, a former refugee camp, to Hyangja Village. Hyangja is just half an hour far from this camp. Then, we follow the route to Mardi Khola crossing several ethnic villages. After Mardi Khola we head along to the eastern side in order to reach Lachok, then after lunch we trek ascending to Ribhan for overnight Camp.
We continue our walk through green paddy fields with flat tracks and on the way we can see the typical Nepalese houses mostly built with stones and diverse vegetation on the way to chichimle kharka having majority of the inhabitants of Gurung, Magar, Brahman and Chhetri. The walk continues through villages and after crossing Seti Khola makes us reach at chichimle kharka.
Upon leaving Chichimle Kharka via Odane Hill., we enjoy the undulation of some flat and continuous ascents where we get to observe some Forest with Rhododendron flowers, some small water streams, with community-based water mills on the way and also witness a range of Himalayas. Thereafter, we continuously ascend to arrive at Khumai, a beautiful Camping place of these areas.
After leaving Khumai we continuously ascend through the Rhododendron forest the whole daylong. Over the campsite you may see the panoramic view of some of the most famous mountains. The magnificent scenery may escort you to forget tiredness of the day’s walk.
After your enjoyable day you continuously descend through the forest and reach Gibil Takra. From here you can find another trekking route, the side of Mardi Himal area & its Base Camp. Gibil Takra offers one of the best close-ups and panoramic view of the Lamjung Himal, Manaslu Himal and the entire Annapurna family.
You continuously walk downhill through the series of villages which accommodate the various cultural tribes of Nepal. Then you walk at the hillside of the trail. On the way you can see the green paddy fields and conglomeration of traditional houses.
The trek walks into the river valley from Imu-kwiwan / Lwanghalel to Mardi pool. On the way you may encounter more typical Nepalese houses of the Brahman and Chhetri community. Our walk through forests and villages takes us to Khoramukh. After lunch we ascend flanked by the riverbank to reach Mardi Pool – a very traditional and tranquil location. You may also get a fair glimpse of the Pokhara valley at night with all the lights twinkling in the distance for your welcoming.
The trail now descends to Seti River. Here you continuously walk down passing through the settlement of typical ethnic Tamang, Magar and Gurung community. The enthusiasts can also opt for Boating at Fewa Lake. After the lunch drive comfortably back to Pokhara at Hotel.
Pokhara is an ideal lake city for vacationers. After breakfast sightseeing around the Pokhara valley to explore the various interesting places such as Davies Falls, Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple and many interesting caves. This city is really blessed with natural jewels and is highly considered a Shangri-La for nature’s lovers. Every nook and cranny of this place is worth visiting.
After breakfast you will be driven to Kathmandu which is approximately a 7-hour drive Arriving in Kathmandu you will be free for shopping or just leisurely walk around Thamel.
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