Mardi Himal Long Trek
Overview
THE MARDI HIMAL 5553 m EXPEDITION
The crown of beautiful Pokhara is Mt. Machhapuchhare Himal is also known as the Fishtail Himal. Hitherto unclimbed Machhapuchhare is regarded as a virgin goddess. Hindus and local people regard it as the abode of Lord Shiva. Mardi Himal is an impressive minor summit situated on the south west ridge. The expedition will take the trekkers close to the south face of Machhapuchhare Himal. Below the summit of Mardi Himal 5553 m is the steppe where the Gurungs of Riban Village, Ghachok Village and Mrisa Village keep their sheep from April to January.
The grass land above the tree line is also known as Phulbari (Garden) as from June to early September the whole area is covered in wild flowers. People go to this area for harvesting various valuable herbs. Bharal and ghoral (blue sheep) mountain goats are also found in this area. It provides fine habitat for the impeyan pheasant. The World Pheasant Association (WPA) has special conservation packages for this International Pheasant Reserve. We will be able to see the national bird- Danphe here.
The trail meanders through hauntingly beautiful forest of sandalwood (chandan) and rhododendron. The forest camp of Hile is a bird sanctuary. In the evening and at dawn tragopan pheasants bring the whole area alive with its call.
Above Hile it becomes an 'off the beaten trek' area and the group has to be fully organized with tentage and food provisions. We engage the local Ghachok people so that the expedition will have a financial impact on the local economy.
The rhododendron forest, sandalwood forest and mixed oak forest used to be the source of fuel for the Gurung villagers but now with the availability of gas and kerosene, the forests are overgrowing in abundance.
Our route then breaks into open country and climbs steeply along the ridge line north, aiming directly at the face of Machhapuchre to what has been termed the Other Sanctuary lying at the foot of the great south face of Machhapuchre. The views to east and west are some of the finest in the whole of the `Himalayas. To the west Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South and Annapurna 1, to the East Annapurna 2, Lamjung Himal and the Manaslu Himal
The Mardi Himal Expedition is a technical mountain so each climber has to be properly equipped. The actual climb and equipment needs will be dealt with in a separate briefing once individuals show interest in doing what should be a fabulous experience.
