While ascending to the high camp during the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal recently, I met an elderly man from South Korea, trekking solo with a small backpack and an infectious smile. Despite his age, he moved with quiet determination, pausing only to sip his green tea from a thermos. When asked what kept him going, he simply said, "The mountains call, and I listen." His words lingered in my mind, a profound reminder that adventure knows no age and passion defies all limits.
He was right. The Mardi Himal trek in the Kaski district of Nepal presents the travelers with an irresistible opportunity to immerse themselves in nature's embrace.
Blissfulness
From the moment I set foot in Dhampus, just an hour and a half's jeep ride from Pokhara, I felt an undeniable pull toward the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains, with Machhapuchhre's majestic peak dominating the skyline.
Hiking through the forest, I was captivated by the cold breeze, the chirping of birds, and the leaf-covered trail, which created a unique connection, both internally and externally. Each step was a challenge, testing my perseverance as I worked towards my goal of reaching Mardi Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level.
Along the way, I met tourists from Norway in their early twenties and Wh Yip from Malaysia, who was trekking to Mardi for the fourth time-his sixth visit to Nepal. Their love for nature, spontaneous and self-motivated, deeply resonated with me.
"It was truly an amazing trek-well-managed and organized," said Wh Yip, making me feel proud to be Nepali and realizing that we have something special to offer the world.
During the trek, I met Sita, a guide, along with her two clients Jockin Laurane from Belgium and Sophie from Netherlands. It dawned on me that these were not just mountains, but pathways to heaven where people come to embrace the stunning beauty of the peaks.
"It's not a difficult trek to navigate by any means. We enjoyed every step and moment during the hike-the views are indescribable. One can only feel them," said Jockin Laurane. Her friend Sophie, whom she met at New Delhi airport, echoed the sentiment, calling the experience both satisfying and awe-inspiring.
Sophie, who is in Nepal for two months, plans to trek the Manaslu Circuit. She mentioned that the Mardi trek was part of her preparation to acclimatize before embarking on the Manaslu journey.
"Gokyo Lake is fascinating-that's one of the reasons I'm here in Nepal," Sophie shared.
Encounters with solo trekkers from Japan, India, Germany, and South Korea despite the government ban on solo trekking in Nepali mountain areas, made me ponder how people have become more self-reliant, bold, courageous, and determined, focused entirely on their goals without relying on anyone but themselves.
While descending to low camp from high camp, I met Praveshi Bhandari, a BTech student in her final semester at Hamburg University in Germany, accompanied by her then higher secondary friends in Kathmandu from Nepalgunj.
One of them was struggling with severe knee pain, wrapped in a bandage. Despite the pain, she remained determined, supported by her companions. It was a powerful reminder that when a person is truly self-determined, nothing can stop them from reaching their goals.
Realization
Perhaps the most profound realization I had during this transformative journey was the power of perseverance. As I pushed beyond my limits, overcoming physical exhaustion and mental barriers, I discovered an unwavering well of inner strength.
Upon reaching the rest camp on the first day, my physical fatigue disappeared as I took in the sight of lush green mountains set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. This moment taught me the value of taking one step at a time, rather than rushing toward the end goal.
On day two, as I ascended toward the high camp, passing through the low camp, the sight of yaks, goats, and the lush green forests, along with the passing mules, made me realize that simplicity and the small things in life bring greater joy than the material world ever could.
Every step I took tested my mental endurance and physical stamina. The further I hiked, the closer I came to the colossal mountains, whose serene beauty embraced me, leaving me with a profound sense of fulfillment.
After spending the night at the high camp, located at an elevation of 3,550 meters, I decided to hike to the viewpoint, a two-hour trek that began at 4:30 AM. I joined other hikers, all of whom determined and focused despite the chilling morning temperatures.
As the sun emerged, casting its golden light on the mountains, the view was nothing short of breathtaking. The serenity and beauty before me made it feel as though I had stepped into heaven, offering relief from the pains and sorrows of life.
The final challenge from the viewpoint to Mardi Base Camp, which is located 300 meters higher, was daunting. The path, covered entirely in snow, required careful navigation. Yet, upon reaching the base camp, a deep sense of accomplishment washed over me-I had made it. The sight of Machhapuchhre Base Camp and the gorge leading to Annapurna Base Camp added to the sense of fulfillment.
The Mardi Himal Trek taught me that within each of us lies an untapped reservoir of resilience and determination, waiting to be unleashed. It taught me that with patience, persistence, and an unwavering belief in oneself, even the toughest goals can be achieved.
Hoteliers call for infrastructure development to boost Mardi Himal trek
Local hoteliers along the Mardi Himal trekking route have expressed concerns over the lack of official registration for their businesses despite operating with approval from the Annapurna Conservation Area and paying a fee.
They emphasized their willingness to contribute to the nation by paying taxes, provided their businesses are formally recognized.
Santosh Chhetri, the owner of Hotel Golden View in Rest Camp, urged the authorities to extend the trekking experience by developing accommodations and other facilities at Mardi Base Camp. He highlighted the impact of road construction along the route, which has shortened the trek, and stressed the need for strategic infrastructure to sustain tourism.
He also urged the relevant authorities to establish health camps along the trekking route to ensure medical assistance for trekkers.
"This is one of the most well-managed, safest, and fastest trekking routes in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The concerned authorities should prioritize making it the region's top trekking destination," Chhetri said.
All the pictures are captured by Mausam Shah 'Nepali' for The Himalayan Times.
