Mardi Himal 5,553m 18,218ft. & Machapuchare 6,997m 2,2956ft.
Mardi Himal is the name given to the feature of the long rising ridge and its summit that forms the south-westerly lower slope of Mount Machapuchare the famous triangular skyline that is seen from the Phewa Lake at Pokhara. As we shall soon see, from a closer and more westerly vantage point, the mountain possesses twin peaks-this name Machapuchare, which in English means, “FISHTAIL”
The trek is a 6 day climbing through the forests and on above the tree line then one to from our high altitude Mardi Himal Base Camp West at 4,500m (14,764ft.). From where there are the most amazing close quarter views of all.
Now descending first, through the forest, a different route takes us steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola, the torrent that has been the ice and snow of the Mardi Himal. Although, remote and still away from all the much-used trekking routes on the moods of the warm valleys and the friendly villages. Here, we make our way along the banks of the Mardi Khola from the hillside village of Siding, down through the lovely fields and over the “Interesting” bridges, there is no doubting this is indeed idyllic countryside.
Itinerary
Day01:
Kande, Australian cam to forest camp Kokar (3,050m/10,006ft): 6 hours
Thus dawn should bring a spectacular sunrise; the “Fish Tail” turning pink, to gold. The more distant bare rock wall of Annapurna 2 is still in shadow.
Today we start our “Secret Trial” leaving tourists, other trekkers, and even villagers behind. We trek on following the ridge onwards and upwards this is the ridge that will bring us up in front of Machhapuchare.
We enter an “enchanted forest” of birch, giant rhododendron, mountain oak, maple, hemlocks, and daphnia, camping in a small clearing far from the beaten trails. This we call “Forest Camp” at (3050m/10,006ft)
Day 02:
Forest Camp to low camp (2970m/9504ft): 5-6 hours
Trekking on the flora as we climb has turned to classic cloud forest with mosses and lichen, tree farms, and orchids hosted by the hardier trees. Now and then there is a window in the woods that look out to the thrilling panorama-towards Himchuli (6,441m21,132ft), and the knife-sharp traverse towards Annapurna South (7,219m.23,684ft).
We have spectacular northerly views of the ever close “Fish Tail”, while behind us to the south the Himalayan foothills roll in a Smokey blue haze down and away to Indies flat gigantic Plain.
Day 03:
Low camp to high camp (3,600m/11,811ft): 3-4 hours
Just a short, climb and we are out of the forest. The view is best and the most exhilarating yet, for everywhere we turn the world is either at our feet or towering above us. The ridge, now grassy and under snow for several months, takes us up to “high camp” at 3,600m. (11,811ft) , which we shall reach lunchtime and where our second rest afternoon is spending awe-struck with the views and acclimatizing.
Day 04:
High camp to upper viewpoint (4,500m/14,764ft), return back to high camp: 2-3 hours
Our breakfast will be earlier than usual. Then with a well-packed lunch, we set off to reach our objective. The year-round snow-covered knoll before the saddle is all that separates us from the triangular south face of Machhapuchare (6,997m22,956ft) looming now just in front of us. The great ice field and ice-blue glaciers of the Sanctuary Wall lie below in the northwest, Annapurna 1, highest of all, is there beyond. And, around us in an arc from the horizon, from Dhaulagiri (8,167m.26,794ft) to the Ganesh Himal (7,429m.24,374ft), are a dozen or more glistening snow-bond giants.
You are standing on a spot that has been your constant aim for days now, a place a time, a view that is almost impossible to equal- and you’ve earned it.
Day 05:
High camp to Sidhing Village (1,700m/5,440ft): 6-7 hours
After a relaxed breakfast, tried bodies make an unhurried descent down through the shade of the forest, out into the terraced field, and down 1000m. (3,280ft.) in all, amongst the cottages of Siding near the tumbling Mardi Khola.
Day 6:
Trek to Lumre, drive to Pokhara with private ground transportaion
So the earth has flatfish places! The path from Siding follows the contour of the river that follows the river gradually down through the pastures. The trail between the Tamang and Gurung villagers is a live wire of gossip and porters and farming fold bent overloads.
There are just a few hours of walking, the trail skirts an outcrop, there’s the road, there’s our transport and we’re back in Pokhara, and transfer to the hotel.
