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Sushil recapitulates a thrilling trek to Mardi Himal in Nepal, introducing a diverse group, their initial destination, and challenges they face, exclusively for Different Truths.
Day I: Setting the Stage
Since the adventurous year of 2009, our holiday tradition has been one of relentless exploration, often on thrilling treks between Dashain and Tihar. This time around, as the holidays approached, it seemed like the adventure might have to wait. But then came a call from my friend Amrit, urging me to seize the moment for a post-Tihar trek to Mardi. The challenge was irresistible and I found myself eagerly gearing up for yet another thrilling escapade.
Spreading the excitement, I extended the invitation to my friends RP, Shyam, Ranjit and Baburam. Despite being first-time trekkers, the prospect of the unknown didn’t deter them; instead, it fuelled their enthusiasm. With the team assembled, we gathered in Pokhara on the day after Bhai Tika, November 16. Our diverse backgrounds added to the richness of the group-Ranjit from Lamjung, Shyam from Bhairahawa, Baburam from Devdaha and Amrit and I, joined by RP from Hetauda.
Originally contemplating a stay in Pokhara, we let the spirit of adventure guide us to Australian Camp. Equipped with our own vehicle, the journey was seamless as we made our way to Kande, parked our car and embarked on a two-hour trek to the mesmerizing Australian Camp. Arriving at the camp around 7 PM, we navigated the dark jungle with the aid of our trusty torchlights, finally settling into one of the cozy hotels.
The night came alive with laughter and dance as we savoured a delicious dinner. Amidst the festivities, we huddled for a brief yet animated, discussion about the adventures that awaited us. With the promise of a breath-taking sunrise from the Australian Camp viewpoint, we called it a night, eager to embrace the dawn of a new day filled with excitement and exploration.
Day II: Chasing Sunshine
The day started early at 5 AM and we wasted no time getting ready for some awesome photo moments. Just a quick 2/3 minutes from our hotel, we reached the viewpoint. The sunrise and mountain views were simply breath-taking! After about an hour of soaking it all in, we headed back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast, gearing up for another day of adventure.
…we snapped photos whenever we stumbled upon a scenic spot that was just too good to miss.
As we journeyed on, we snapped photos whenever we stumbled upon a scenic spot that was just too good to miss. Our pitstops included Pothana, where we took a short break for a refreshing glass of water and a cup of tea. Another breather at Deurali revealed a shortcut we didn’t know about-apparently, you could take a vehicle directly there instead of walking. Locals shared multiple routes with us during our stroll.
In Deurali, we enjoyed some delicious fruits before hitting the trail again. While Shyam had a bit of a struggle with the steep terrain, as did the rest of the gang exceeded expectations. Lunchtime came late and Shyam was eager for it, but Amrit set a goal for us to reach Forest Camp first. We made it around 2 PM and our buddies Baburam, Ranjit and RP were already there, having everything ready.
After a good hour’s rest, we decided to push further and initially aimed for Rest Camp. But the adventure bug bit us again and we ended up deciding on Low Camp. We walked as much as our legs could take, reaching Rest Camp around 4 PM. Shyam and I contemplated calling it a day there but the others were set on Low Camp. Shyam, struggling a bit, thought about waiting, but we convinced him to join us.
With torchlights guiding us through the evening jungle, we slowly made our way to Low Camp, arriving at 7pm.Our friends had been there for almost an hour. waiting. We gathered around a cozy fire, chatted, had dinner and feeling the exhaustion, started our rest at 8 PM, concluding a day that lasted from 5 AM to 7 PM. It was intense but Amrit’s time constraints kept us going. Although I wasn’t that tired, I went to different rooms, chatted with almost everyone, and wished them good night and finally hit the hay around 10pm. Strangely, sleep had been elusive since I left home-I wonder why.
Day III: A Battle with Altitude
The day kicked off at 5 AM but my sleep was playing hide and seek. Amrit and Shyam joined the early risers, while Ranjit and Baburam were still in dreamland. Despite being up, we clung to the comfort of our beds, indulging in some morning banter before finally getting up, freshening up and diving into a leisurely breakfast around 7.
RP decided to wait with Shyam until the rest of us returned from the summit.
RP, however, threw a curveball during breakfast. He wasn’t feeling his best. battling dizziness and a looming urge to vomit. It was a tough moment for him, and he almost threw in the dining hall. RP decided to wait with Shyam until the rest of us returned from the summit. Later, the duo decided to walk up to Badaldanda for a clearer view of the mountains. Shyam, leaving his luggage behind, affirmed that he wouldn’t continue the journey from there. RP, determined but struggling, took medicine and carried on, pledging to walk as far as he could. The trek to Badaldanda was a challenge but they persevered and joined us there.
In Badaldanda, we took a breather, sipped on hot water and I suggested a revitalizing garlic soup for everyone. RP showed signs of improvement. fortifying his resolve to push to the top. Shyam, inspired by RP’s determination, geared up to continue the journey. We pressed on and reached High Camp (3550m). Some of us got there by 11 AM, while RP and Shyam were facing their own battles, arrived an hour later. Lunch was a collective affair, and initially, we contemplated going to Base Camp and returning to High Camp for the night. But the locals warned us about the unpredictable weather in the afternoon and evening, advising an early morning ascent for better visibility.
High Camp became our resting place and with ample downtime…
High Camp became our resting place and with ample downtime, RP and Amrit caught some much-needed shut-eye. The rest of us improvised with a game of PlayCard. Amrit re-joined the fun after a couple of hours, and we kept the enjoyment flowing until 5:30. punctuating the evening with tea breaks. Moving to the dining area, we soaked in the tunes of a talented boy from another trekking team, showcasing his guitar skills and serenading us with songs. Dinner was a communal affair around 7, followed by a brief contemplation of playing cards. However, Amrit and RP, considering the early wake-up call at 4 AM for the sunrise at the View Point, convinced us to call it a night. Despite my ongoing struggle with sleep since the journey began. and the challenge persisted for me and Amrit alike. The night was long but anticipation for the sunrise kept our spirits high.
Day IV: The Summit and Descent
The day started in the dark, a quarter to 4 AM and we geared up for the grand finale of our adventure. Leaving our belongings behind, we ventured towards the summit with just enough layers to shield us from the chilly mountain air. The ascent took nearly 2 hours but our timing was impeccable; we were the first team to reach the top that day. Luck was on our side and the sunrise greeted us with its majestic hues.
Despite the breath-taking views, and the wind at the summit was relentless. Undeterred, we captured up-close snaps of the towering mountains, sipping on a cup of steaming tea and then descended back to High Camp. Initially planning to conquer Base The lack of snow and the advice from Camp tempered our expectations. fellow visitors. Heeding their counsel, we redirected our course back to High Camp, where a prompt breakfast awaited us.
Energised and with bags packed, our descent began. In a mere two hours, we descended to Low Camp…
Energised and with bags packed, our descent began. In a mere two hours, we descended to Low Camp, pausing briefly at Badaldanda. Deciding against retracing our steps, we chose an alternative downhill route leading to the Jeep station in Siding. The journey took us about 4 and a half hours, including a lunch break along the way. Amrit’s leg trouble, a nagging issue since the descent from View Point to High Camp slowed our pace, but camaraderie prevailed as we waited and followed his lead.
Arriving at the Jeep Station around 5 PM, we found our friends Baburam and Ranjit, who had secured a jeep for our homeward journey. The jeep, however, had a surprise in store-instead of ferrying us all the way to Pokhara, it dropped us off in Hemja. Unfazed, four of our friends opted to linger, enjoying coffee, while Amrit and I hopped into a taxi bound for Kande to retrieve our parked car.
Reunited with our trusty vehicle, we picked up our friends in Hemja and embarked on the final leg of our journey to Pokhara. By the time we reached the hotel, Phewa The resort I had pre-booked was nearing 8 p.m. After a quick refresh, we hit the streets to experience Pokhara’s nightlife. Dinner outside, laughter and good times carried us through the evening until midnight. Returning to our room, we tucked in for a well-deserved rest, bringing an end to our memorable escapade.
Day V: Farewell and Reflections
The grand finale of our adventure unfolded with a slightly unexpected wake-up call from Amrit at 8 AM, breaking our morning pact of peaceful slumber. Despite the disruption, we rallied, indulging in tea, freshening up and packing our bags. A scrumptious breakfast awaited us, courtesy of Rajendra, the hotel owner and my friend. Amid shared tales and laughter, we bid Shyam and Baburam farewell, their tickets to Butwal beckoning them away from our company.
The remaining trio, Amrit, RP, and I, set our sights on Hetauda.
The remaining trio, Amrit, RP and I, set our sights on Hetauda. Before departing Pokhara and Amrit had a brief rendezvous, leaving us to explore the route home. A pitstop in Dumre for lunch and a goodbye to Ranjit in Muglin marked the continuing journey. Tea breaks in Ramnagar fuelled our spirits and by 7 PM, we arrived in Hetauda.
And thus, our adventurous saga reached its conclusion. The memories we gathered were nothing short of extraordinary. While I had a trekking background, the rest of the fantastic five were trekking novices, yet their enthusiasm and camaraderie elevated the experience. It wouldn’t have been the same without each and every one of them by my side.
For aspiring trekkers eyeing Mardi, a word to the wise: timing is everything. especially if you crave the enchantment of snow. Don’t forget the essentials. though, as the hospitality of the hoteliers might not match the beauty of the surroundings. We even suggested a crash course in hospitality for them. Everything else was splendid. Mardi is a short and sweet trek, not overly challenging even for trekking newcomers. If you’re seeking a quick holiday, escape, consider planning a trip. And for those heading to Pokhara with family, extend your stay by a day at Australian Camp; it’s a recommendation that promises to elevate your experience.
Photos by the author
