Mardi Himal Trek – 11 Days

Mardi Himal is the name of the long rising ridge and its summit (5588 m), that forms the South Western slope of Mt. Machhapuchhre, immediately below its sheer south face. Machhapuchhre, which towers majestically over the Pokhara Valley, is best known as Fishtail Mountain because of its twin peaks that mirror the image of a fish tail. It is superbly beautiful and is considered sacred. Permission to climb it has, so far, always been denied keeping it a virgin mountain.

This trek climbs through forests and above the treelined to follow the ridge that takes us up to High camp (4100 m), where time is spent acclimatizing while being awestruck by the mesmerizing views. Annapurna South seems near enough to throw a rock at and Machhapuchhre close enough to touch. Finally, we enter the wilderness territory as we go beyond 4500 meters, where the great ice fields and blue glaciers of Annapurna Base Camp lie below. Around us, in an arc from east to west, are a dozen or more glistening snow-capped giants, with Annapurna I being the highest of them all, which provide a view that is almost impossible to beat. Conquering this wilderness territory and the incredible proximity of some of the highest mountains in the world leaves one feeling they have explored. This is an of the beaten path trek and you will pass through rugged countryside with its serene natural beauty and authentic cultural charm.