Trekking in Nepal >> Annapurna Region Trekking >> Machapuchare/Mardi Himal

Summary
Seldom visited, the high alpine pastures on the flanks of the holy mountain Machapuchare offer the explorer stunning views in a pristine environment. For trekking purists.

Trip description This spectacular camping trek to Machapuchare (6,993m) follows one of the least trekked routes in the Annapurnas. It is a remote trek at moderate altitudes through pristine forests and delightful villages that takes you further and higher into the mountains than on our Foothills of Nepal trek.

From Pokhara we ascend through luxuriant forests of Oak, Magnolia and Rhododendron gaining tantalizing views of Machapuchare and the Annapurnas. The forest abounds with bird life, while the bubbling streams and grassy campsites complete the tranquil setting. From our alpine camps we gain uninterrupted views of Machapuchare. Its sacred, fluted peak looms high above us while the Annapurna range provides a distinctive and spectacular panorama. Trekking higher we enter a rugged world of huge cliffs and tumbling glaciers fed by the snowy flanks of Machapuchare.

On our return we descend through seldom visited Gurung villages, following ever more delightful trails to Pokhara and our flight back to Kathmandu.

This trek offers the opportunity to escape Nepal's tourist trails to venture into the deep forests and roam the high alpine pastures that flank the Annapurna range. The emphasis of the trek is on the forest and wilderness zone of these mountains. Some villages are visited on the last days of the trek and these receive few visitors and retain much of their traditional charm. There is an essence of exploration on this trek. The trails we follow are not well used and sometimes hard to identify. Sometimes shepherds and pilgrims pass by.

The Machapuchare trek is designed to provide outstanding mountain views, and to get away from the tea-house trails and into the forests and villages that have not felt the impact of tourism.