Overview

Duration :
14 Days
Secondary Activity:
Gurung Culture and Nature
Max altitude :
3,699m / 12,135ft
Transportation:
Private vehicle
Trip ends in:
Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Lodge and Tea-House
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
Min. 1 Pax
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu
Diffficulty:
Moderate
Meals:
Nepali and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Pokhara-Mardi Pul-Ribhan-Lachok-Chichemle Kharka-Kumai-Kharka-Takru-Lwang-Mardi Pul-Pokhara -Kathmandu

Trip introduction

Machhapuchhre Model Trek Trek is one of the newest trekking adventures recently introduced by TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal). With great views of the Himalayas and cultural insights during this homestay or camping trek, it is believed that this Machhapuchhre trek will get popular in the near future. Starting from the paradise city of Pokhara in the Annapurna region, you will surely love to join this trip and have an excellent time in Nepal.

We start the Machhapuchhre Model Trek after you arrive in Kathmandu with cultural sightseeing around the UNESCO world heritage sites and the completion of a trip briefing by our trekking leader. Initially, we drive or fly towards Pokhara, Mardi starts trekking activity from Ribhan via Lachok.

In the next five days, we pass through the culturally rich villages. Namely, Chichemle Kharka, Kumai, Takru, and Lwang and get back to Pokhara via Mardi Pul. There, we find a cultural mix of varied indigenous communities. Including that of Tamang, Gurung, Brahmins, Magars, etc with excellent views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Along with nature and culture, tropical vegetation with bird watching, fishing, meditation, and caves. And spotting various floras and faunas are other attractions of this trek.

If you are looking to explore the Annapurna region in its newest form. Have different exciting insights into the local culture and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature; then join this Machhapuchchhre model trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers.

Contact us for booking and further inquiries as soon as possible. We are offering a special discount on this as well as other packages on the occasion to promote the tourism after Coronavirus pandemic.

Special Note:

If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.

Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu (1,365m/4,478 ft):
  • Day 2
    Full Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.:
  • Day 3
    Fly or Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft):
  • Day 4
    Drive from Pokhara to Mardi Pul and trek to Ribhan via Lachok (1,430m/4,691 ft): 4-5 hrs:
  • Day 5
    Trek from Ribhan to Chichemle Kharka (2,645m/8,677 ft) via Odane Hill : 5-6 hrs.:
  • Day 6
    Trek from Chichemle Kharka to Kumai (3,245m/10,646 ft): 4-5 hrs:
  • Day 7
    Trek from Kumai to Kharka (3,699m/12,135 ft) via Korchon : 4-5 hrs:
  • Day 8
    Trek from Kharka to Takru (1,450m/4,757 ft): 5-6 hrs:
  • Day 9
    Trek from Takru to Lwang (1,460m/4,790 ft): 5-6 hrs:
  • Day 10
    Trek from Lwang to Mardi Pul (1,000m/3,280 ft): 6-7 hrs:
  • Day 11
    Drive from Mardi Pul to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft): 1-2 hrs:
  • Day 12
    Fly or Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu:
  • Day 13
    Full Day Sightseeing to Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square:
  • Day 14
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,365m/4,478 ft)::

Welcome to the medieval aged capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. As you complete the formalities in the immigration, our representative shall receive you and transfer you to the hotel for your stay. Get proper rest in the hotel and later in the day you may stroll around the streets of Thamel. Enjoy delicious cuisines and hospitality. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Full Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.::

Today, let’s explore the ancient richness of Kathmandu valley which stands shoulder to shoulder with the modern lifestyle of the city. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site list, Kathmandu valley hosts some very sacred pilgrimages for Hindus (the Pashupatinath Temple) and the Buddhists (Swayambhunath Stupa or the Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa). The Royal complex, better known as Durbar Square, hosts historical palaces, temples and statues, museums, intricate carvings on monuments, and so on. These heritages provide you the feeling of ‘time travel’ and a sense of relaxation. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Fly or Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft)::

For the beginning of the trek that takes us around the unique and sacred Machhapuchhre or Fishtail Mountain, we shall today head for Pokhara, the Lake city of Nepal. A short flight of around half an hour over beautiful landscape, lush and green valleys, and with the close up of the glowing Himalayas takes you to Pokhara. The drive of around 6-8 hours from Kathmandu is another way to reach Pokhara. This drive takes us past the scenic landscape, rural settlements, waterfalls, and pristine rivers, as well as the view of mountains standing far. Either way, we are welcomed by the shining Fishtail Peak. Today, we shall relax at the hotel or stroll around the quaint Phewa Lake. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4 : Drive from Pokhara to Mardi Pul and trek to Ribhan via Lachok (1,430m/4,691 ft): 4-5 hrs::

Begin your trekking adventure after breakfast and in a drive on a road accompanied by the shy Seti River you reach Mardi Pul via Milachowk. We then continue ahead for Ribhan past Mardi Pul close to the periphery of Annapurna sanctuary and continue to the village of Lahachowk. Continue ahead and follow the Mardi River upstream to enter into the Annapurna conservation area and reach near the Pati Khola cave. Branch off from the trail to Bhir Katera and continue towards Ribhan. En-route enjoy the unique Gurung settlements, lush environment, and view of mountain peaks. Stay overnight in Ribhan.

Day 5 : Trek from Ribhan to Chichemle Kharka (2,645m/8,677 ft) via Odane Hill : 5-6 hrs.::

Continuing ahead deeper into the conservation area we shall today head for Chichemle Kharka after breakfast. Traverse through the forest adorned with rhododendron trees and other vegetation and with some ups and downs of the trail, we continue our ascent to the Lalka where we find some supporters’ shelters. Not following the trail to Hile Kharka, we continue climbing to Odane Hill where we shall find other supporters’ shelter. Continue along the ridges of Odane hills, we shall then trek downhill to the destination of Chichemle Kharka, a summer grazing land for the animals brought by the locals. Enjoy the lush green rhododendron forest and have a beautiful view of glittering peaks and beautiful landscape from several spots before reaching the destination.

Day 6 : Trek from Chichemle Kharka to Kumai (3,245m/10,646 ft): 4-5 hrs::

We shall continue to explore the lush vegetation of this region as we trek to further high altitudes. After breakfast, we shall reach the trail descending from Odane Hill and continue ahead in the trail. Walk ahead through ridges and watch out for varieties of flora and fauna in the lush surrounding to climb onto Samsur Deurali. From here the view of surrounding areas is wonderful. Navigate further in the trail and in a rather steep trail, you shall now climb to the Kumai Danda. This hilltop, also our destination for today is a beautiful spot for viewing the beautiful Himalayas including the Annapurna peaks, the Fishtail Mountain, and others. En route cross a couple of streams and enjoy the roaring streams and white raging waters. Explore the surrounding areas of Kumai, including the supporter’s shelter, and stay overnight in Kumai.

Day 7 : Trek from Kumai to Kharka (3,699m/12,135 ft) via Korchon : 4-5 hrs::

Today we shall reach the climax of our trekking adventure as we head for Kharka, the grazing land. Begin your trek from Kumai after breakfast and continue traversing along the ridge of Khumi Danda from the overnight stay towards the small stream. Further across it climb to the Korchan, another beautiful hill on our trekking trail. The viewpoint of Annapurna south, fishtail mountain, and others, Korchon hill then leads us along the ridges to open up to the meadow and grassland known as Kharka. We shall have our overnight stay there.

Day 8 : Trek from Kharka to Takru (1,450m/4,757 ft): 5-6 hrs::

Today onwards, we shall begin our return journey in this adventure. Beginning our trek after witnessing sunrise over the high Himalayas and cascading hills, and after taking breakfast we move ahead. After you reach the summit of the Korchon, then we shall take on the route different from the trail followed during the ascent. Crossing over small streams and passing by a Kharka and supporter’s shelters and trekking further downhill from that graze the land, we shall reach a place called Naudhoke. Witnessing the rolling hills and diverse landscape and passing by grazing lands, small hamlets, and occasional glimpses of peaks, we reach Takru. Stay overnight in Takru.

Day 9 : Trek from Takru to Lwang (1,460m/4,790 ft): 5-6 hrs::

Our downhill trek continues today as well. We have come to the proximity of the Mardi River which shall accompany us as we cross the small stream of Saiti Khola and traverse through the settlements of Saiti Ghatta, a village with water-powered grinding mills, and Kujbang village before crossing Mardi River to reach Lumre village. Navigate through the trails through several smaller settlements, lush green surroundings, hamlets perched on the high hillside, terraced cultivation lands, beautiful waterfalls, and the usual ups and downs of the terrain to reach the destination of Lwang village. Stay overnight in Lwang.

Day 10 : Trek from Lwang to Mardi Pul (1,000m/3,280 ft): 6-7 hrs::

Today we shall end our physical trekking in the beautiful surroundings of Fishtail Mountain and reach the trailhead at Mardi Pul. Begin with the sunrise over the green hills and then head along less strenuous trails to the trail junction near Nayapul. Continue along the trail alongside the mighty rivers and trek past the confluence of Mardi and Idj River after the settlement of Bhindabari. Keep walking ahead in the trail following the river downstream and continue your trek to reach the destination of Mardi Pul. Stay overnight in Mardi Pul.

Day 11 : Drive from Mardi Pul to Pokhara (820m/2,690 ft): 1-2 hrs::

In our journey to return from the small settlement of Mardi Pul, we shall take on a drive on a private vehicle to Pokhara. This short drive of a couple of hours shall take us to Milanchowk and join the Pokhara-Baglung highway to reach the scenic city of Pokhara. En route, you shall drive past several famous settlements, Tibetan refugee camp, Jangchub Choeling Monastery, and the sacred Hindu shrine of Bindyabasini Temple. Relax at the hotel after reaching Pokhara and stroll around the beautiful streets of the city and the quaint Phewa Lake. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

Day 12 : Fly or Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu::

Get your bags ready as we shall leave this scenic landscape of Pokhara for the capital city of Kathmandu. We may either take on the overland route through beautiful landscape and winding roads or have a short flight over the beautiful landscape and up close to the humongous peaks. Have proper and a much-needed rest in the hotel and if you are interested go for some walk around the streets of Kathmandu. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 13 : Full Day Sightseeing to Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square::

After relaxation for a couple of days, we shall today go sightseeing to two of the most beautiful towns in Kathmandu valley known for preserving ancient history and architectural beauty. The Durbar Squares of both cities, ancient temples such as Nyatapol, Dattatraya, and other temples in Bhaktapur, and the unique Krishna Temple in Patan, museums, and intricate architectural carvings are the highlights of this sightseeing. The legacy of ancient arts and architecture continues till today by the indigenous communities through potteries and other crafts. After exploring these ancient cities, we shall return to the hotel. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14 : Departure Day::

Your Machhapuchhre Model Trek comes to an end today. In this trek full of diverse natural beauty, adventure, and architectural excellence, we hope that you created some wonderful memories. If you refrain from extending your stay in Nepal, our representative shall assist you for your onward journey by escorting you to the airport as per your flight schedule. We wish you a happy journey ahead and hope to welcome you again for other adventures in Nepal.

Price Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop service
  • 4 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or Similar Standard)
  • 2 nights Hotel in Pokhara
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: Either drive or domestic flight in (Ktm – Pkr- Ktm). With other driving fares such as driving from Mardi Pul to Pokhara
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well and they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
  • Trekking gear like sleeping bags and down jackets are made available on rent
  • T-shirt of Nepal Mountain Trekkers, Duffel bag, and Trekking Map
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • First aid medical box
  • All Government Taxes(13% VAT) and 10% Service Charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal(Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch
  • Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

Upper Body

  • Cotton t-shirts and thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

Lower Body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Inner thermals

Feet

  • Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Shower sandals

Hands

  • Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
  • Creams
  • Sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits

  • Personal Regular Medicines
  • Knee Caps
  • Bandages
  • Ointments
  • Blister Tape

Miscellaneous

  • Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
  • Light-weighted Towel
  • Swiss Knife
  • Passport and extra passport photos
  • Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer
 

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