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Mardi Himal Trek 2017 April 2017 9-14 End of Ghumphirbarsa 2073.

About Mardi Himal Trek.

Mardi Himal Base Camp 4500m.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. This trek is one of the best destinations to avoid the hustling and busy life of cities. Mardi Himal trek offers an amazing view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, and Manaslu ranges. Mardi Himal Base Camp, Jhinu Hot Spring, and Ghandruk village are the major attraction of this trek. Situated just east of one of the most popular treks of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem that is known to less. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre.

The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. From High Camp (3580 m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range.

There are simple guesthouses and home-stays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months please check with a local tour operator if the lodges are open. Mardi Himal trek is a less-traveled route in the Annapurna region. It is best to experience the brilliance of solitary ever snow-capped peaks and great opportunity of an excellent cultural experience and venture of Machhapuchhare Base camp. The exotic and interesting trail wanders through lush valleys, alpine meadows, lichen-laden dense forests, numerous streams, and waterfalls, all the while the fascinating mountain sceneries glossy upon the close horizon. The trail starts from the very beautiful city Pokhara having a chance to boat in Phewa Lake and enjoy spectacular views. The trail goes through the pine, Juniper, and rhododendron dense forest with raging rivers making a sound, and then, the different route takes us steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola.  The stream flows from the melting ice and snow of the Mardi Himal.  The trail follows through the lovely rice terrace, unique culture villages, and glorious views of silvery mountains.

Trekking on this route will give you a great place to get a taste of the real thing if you are light on alpine experience. The climbing trip can be combined with a trekking adventure in the remote steep-sided valleys heavily wooded with bamboo and rhododendron. Above the forest, high alpine pastures provide good grazing and undisturbed habitat for wildlife.  Its prominence on the wilderness zone of mountains 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.

Motive.

In order to complete our pending plan to trek to Mardi which we had planned for, 2 years before but had to postpone it due to our busy schedule, we had to wait for a suitable time. Personally, I participated in this trek in order to farewell to Ghumphirbarsa 2073.

Trek Members.

Ashib Avisek Rabi Kabin Suman Nabin Dipesh Kiraj Renu Jasmine Niva Sapana Kanchan.

Trek Diary.

Day 1- 2017 April 9 (Bhaktapur-Pokhara-Kande-Pothana).

I was so eagerly waiting for this date because we were going to complete our pending plan of trekking to Mardi along with expressing farewell to the Ghumfirbarsa 2073. I woke early in the morning in order to pick up Sunrise and then we moved to the bus stop where our remaining pals were waiting for us. We reached on time but we had to wait for Ashib because he was coming from Kamalvinayak which consumed our time. After gathering, we moved forward were on the way, we picked up Kabin from Adarsha, Renu, and Jasmine from Suryabinayak, and lastly Suman and Nabin from Sallaghari. We were moving on as per our time and everyone gathered at Kalanki including Kanchan didi, where we had our breakfast. Before that, I was in tension and I kept rounding here and there, but finally, I got relaxed after recharging my mobile cell. After this, I joined my pals who were enjoying their breakfast. Our driver -Khan Sahab, informed us to get ready to move on for Pokhara. We were so exhilarated for the journey but Dipesh and Kanchan were feeling nausea-tic making me quite uncomfortable. I was ragging the rest of the fine pals but they were enjoying themselves interacting with each other. Suman and Renu were the first to interact with each other, while the remaining were enjoying their joking funny interaction.

On the road, our bus tire got punctured at Baireni. Everyone got outside and I found that Ashib was not in good condition because he stepped in the drainage near the spot where our bus was stuck. Everyone got a good laugh because he even did not notice that both his legs were in the drainage. He headed to the tap to get cleaned. The rest of us were relaxing and after 15 minutes, Khan sahib informed us that our bus was ready to travel.We traveled until we reached Beni Ghat where we had our lunch. I enjoyed the lunch thoroughly where rest of the pals too were enjoying the lunch except Kanchan and Dipesh. We spent about 30 minutes there. After lunch, everyone was feeling active, reviving the lost energy. We were enjoying in a such a way that we even did not realize that our bus tire got punctured again. Khan sahib braked the bus and hurriedly moved to check out the tires. Everyone got out of the bus and in order to enjoy the free time, we snapped some pictures , which were the 1st pictures of the trip.

Then, we straight headed for Pokhara and arrived there at 2pm but not again.... we got stuck there for hours because of the need to repair the tires. We were feeling so hot that everyone was searching for a shady place. We moved to a shaded place where everyone was enjoying the coolness. I was feeling so excited to have the smell of mutton which made me too active during this boring time. We had some oranges brought by Kanchan but it was not juicy. After hours Khan sab joined us and informed us to get on the bus. He asked for a ghaspaat (cannabis) with Suman and sedimenting it, they both moved to the bus. Then, we were destined to reach Kande, from where we were going to begin our trek. I was feeling hot and feeling uncomfortable sitting at the last seat of the bus. Rabi, Kabin, Nabin and along with me, used to shout after crossing every hurdle due to the discomfort. On the way, Aashib shot a short video from the running vehicle. Good music was being played on the bus and luckily, my favorite song also played on the track......haha haha I felt so happy to hear my favorite song. Rabi and Ashib began to rag me by mixing the song in their own way. That 5 mins song made my day and that was the best moment of the first day. We reached Kande at 4pm where we got ready to trek to Pothana where we would be ending our 1st-day trek. Khan sab farewell us by taking a few selfies with us.

We walked for hours. I was feeling so hot that I took off my shirt.I reached Australian Base Camp ( AuBC) where the rest of my pals were joining others locally and  were singing the song. I headed to the ground of ABC and spent a few minutes there. Upon returning from there, I found that my shirt was missing.I moved on to Pothana thinking the rest of the pals could find it on the way but they did not. I lost my shirt in this day from the beginning of the trek. We reached Gurung Guest House at Pothana at 5pm . After reaching the hotel, firstly I moved on to get a shower in order to get fresh. Everyone was chilling themselves by having tea,c2h5oh and playing guitar, etc. While we were enjoying, Sunrise was feeling happier because her friends were also coming to the hotel where we were staying at overnight. We had our dinner at 8pm, and after two years, I had the same taste as like of Ulleri(lies in Annapurna Base Camp route to Ghorepani). Kanchan, Aashib and I were in the same table whereas rest were in another table.

After dinner, we discussed for tomorrow's trek plan alongside which the c2h5oh program was going on. We ordered chicken for it, however, although waiting for hours, it was not delivered and thats why I decided to move to the room for rest. At 10.30 pm, Rabi arrived at the room disturbing me. He was singing a song with the tragedy which was making me laugh but I was not responding to him, because if I had, there would be noise and so I acted as if tired and sleepy. His disturbance was going on until Ashib arrived too. He told Rabi to go to his room and he put blanket over me and headed to his respective room.

Day 2 2017 April 10 (Pothana-Deurali-Forest camp-Rest camp).

This was our 2nd day of the trek. Everyone was feeling excited to trek.We departed from Pothana at 8am having heavy breakfast. I was not feeling comfortable to walk because my bag was not supporting me because of the broken clip of the bag. I took scarf from Mr. Horaw aka Sabin. We marched until we reached Deurali. There, we got the news that forest camp was all occupied by other trekkers and  so locals suggested us to head to rest camp and book a room for High camp for the next day. We kept on walking on the way where Rhododendron spread like a red carpet full of it was welcoming us. The weather was sunny, therefore, we were moving taking our time. We reached Pitam deurali where we took our first break. Resting for minutes, we decided to move forward. We were walking in mid of the forest in a single row as in a parade.

I was surprised to know that the  4 girls were joining Suman  to sediment the ghaspaat which reminded me of Langtang trek where Prabina and Juneli were helping him for sedimenting the ghaspaat. It was fun for me and Suman was just happy that this moment would be memorable for the girls. Climbing few meters uphills, we shot a slow motion video which energized everyone to walk again.We were marching continuously for hours with the bottles of water and tiffin packed by  us. We were thrilled to view the mountain ranges and rhododendron covered forest. On the way, I saw that Renu and Jasmine were having a cap of c2h5oh. They felt that they used to gain energy after having it. Having a cap of c2h5oh continued. Walking in the forest, I was feeling passive, and hence, to reactivate myself, I played my favorite song. Aashib and Raby began to re-mix the song which was fun for everyone. Moving on to forest camp, I was wishing to have boiled noodles with sauce, because I dearly missed it.We decided to take rest at the forest camp for noodles break. I was very happy to have my wish fulfilled and this was my best part of the second day. Spending for 45 minutes here, we moved to rest camp which was just 3o minutes far from the forest camp.We were enjoying the trek ragging each other and recalling previous trek days.

I, Suman, Raby Dipesh, Aviesk, Nabin, and Ashib were walking relaxing and resting. I  was feeling that I still had not walked like ABC trek because I was not getting the overload of walk. Very soon, we reached rest camp at 4pm, where I saw Kabin was feeling tired and lazy to walk. We were in a dilemma about whether to move on or stay at the rest camp. A conflicting situation was arising here because half us was wishing to move to low camp but after knowing that the hotels there were full of guests, we concluded to stay at the rest camp. Due to this decision, Kabin got relieved and I could tell...suddenly his mood changed and lightened up. We moved to our allocated room then discussion between me and Ashib begun .

 After discussing we decided to gather, where some were enjoying playing card and some having c2h5oh.  I was enjoying the funny activities shown by my drunk pals. I moved to the dining room where I was chilling myself by having tea and then Sunrise and Sabin joined me. We were discussing about tomorrow's trek when suddenly Raby came to join us. Sunrise was disappointed with Raby because he was totally drunk. She told me that she wanted to beat him. Jokingly, I supported her that she should beat him but she realized luckily I was not drunk. Sabin was also feeling irritated for which I told them not to react his words. As per my suggestion, they did not respond to him and hence, Raby moved out to another table for getting drunk again. I was interacting with a trekking guide about his previous experiences along with Mardi trek. He was so glad to meet us and with happiness, he shared his trekking experiences. At noon, a couple of guests arrived at the hotel with whom we interacted for hours. I felt that they were annoyed by us because they were ignoring us and communicated themselves in their own languages. I noticed Kabin had stopped interaction but Suman was still on with his description about their tomorrow trek route plans. We had our dinner soon because everyone was tired after walking uphills and downhills. After dinner, Suman was eager to have c2h5oh but I was not supporting him because wine brought by us was too non-dilute. So he asked to have barley wine for which I agreed. Along with me, was Suman, Raby, Ashib, and Dipesh. When it was poured in the glasses, Dipesh ran away from the dinning hall which avails us to perform acts of him. He did not return to have it but our program continued for hours. We discussed why Fishtail is called a virgin mountain. Aashib explained that as local mountains unless fishtail was clear at noon which became a nice joke to laugh. At 10pm, we moved to our allotted room for rest. In the room, Kabin was already in a deep sleep but our discussion was still on. Suman and Ashib's talks continued from one to another room. At last, with no responses from either side, everyone got asleep.

DAY 3 2017 April 11 (Low camp-Badal danda -High camp).

This was the 3rd day and I was feeling lazier than yesterday because due to an uncomfortable bed, I could not sleep properly. We were wakened up by the girls with the deadliest ringtone ever....(by knocking the doors). Along with Kabin, Renu, Jasmine, Kanchan Niva and Sabin were all ready to move ahead. The rest of us were walking by resting and snapping photos.We marched uphills and uphills covered by rhododendrons. Avisek and Dipesh were walking with the support of each other whereas the rest of us were enjoying the beautiful mountains and forest.

We took our group snap at mid of the forest which was quite funny because the stand of the camera was not cooperating with us and it was falling frequently.We were walking and snapping the pictures until we reached the Low camp. There we rested for hours because High camp was just one and a half hours far from low camp. We were very close to the mountains because it was just one day far from high camp. Before leaving from low camp, we took another group snap highlighting Fishtail.

@ Low camp.

Trek was going well but then I heard that the day before, one of the tourist died because he slipped from the uphills. I was informing everyone to be alert and cautious.We were walking in a group until we reached Badal Danda. Former to it, on the way we got a clear and a spectacular view of Annapurna and Fishtail and so, we hurriedly snapped these pics.

on the way to Badal danda.

After snapping pictures, I was thinking how the photos were taken. Everyone was stunned to know that photos had been snapped by Avisek from his camera remote. Then, we moved on to Badal Danda for lunch, where everyone was waiting for us. The rest of our team were chilling themselves in Badal Danda. We had a very delicious lunch here and I found that everyone was having lunch wildly creating fun for everyone . We had an hour break after lunch but Kabin, Renu, Jasmine, Sunrise, and Sabin moved forward. I was feeling too lazy to walk and so I was informed my pals to walk slowly by having royal rest as the high camp was only 1 hour farther from Badal Danda. The weather was sunny and clear but I was not in the mood to walk.We slept rest for 20 minutes on the way before reaching high camp. 

We were thinking about tomorrow's weather at MBC. The black cloud covered up the sky and so we decided to moved on High camp where we reached at 2pm. After reaching the hotel, I quickly headed for the bathroom. While I was playing with water, one of the guides, suggested me to stop doing so in order to prevent altitude sickness He also advised me to go to the room. I followed his advice and went to room to get warmed up. The rest of pals were playing games and singing songs. Staying in the room bored me, so I moved to the courtyard in order to hangout with a guide.While we were interacting, there we saw a Lophophorus, our national bird. It was my first time ever that I had seen the national bird naturally and closely. Woooow.... its take-off was too awesome and I was just astounded to view its feather and circled a spot on its body. 

At 5pm, we had our noodles break, then after that everyone moved here and there. I was not feeling right but I also did not know why. I was in the dining room in order to get warmed up. At 8pm, we had our dinner but I did not enjoy the dinner like before. The girls were asking what the matter was, to which I did not respond and so, I headed to my room for sleep. After a few minutes, everyone joined me in the room where Suman brought barley wine which made me a little bit fine. I was telling Ashib that I was not in the mood to move to trek to MBC. He told me to sleep but I was unable to do so .I was chatting with Suman about this and that and after knowing that everyone slept, we also decided to sleep.

DAY 4 2017 April 12 (MBC-Badal danda- Low camp).

@MBC4500M.

This was our most important and the 4th day of our trek. Therefore, to have the spectacular view of Mardi Himal early in the morning, we left High camp at 5 am. I told my pals to head on because my shoes and socks were still frozen. In order to unfreeze them, I was in the kitchen. Oops! I burnt my socks because of high heat, however, I decided to wear them even though it was burnt and hurriedly moved to MBC. I was walking alone and so, I was confused about the way. I was walking along with the signal of the torch lights. I managed to meet my pals and whenever I saw them I used to shout out "MARDI CALLING MARDI CALLING ". While we were moving on, we got the chance to view the Lophophorus. Consequently, the lucky view motivated everyone to pace up with more excitement. We were climbing over the high hills. Everyone was busy in order to capture the magnificent view whereas Ashib and Rabi were shooting the moments. The way being interesting and adventurous, we used to click some pics after reaching every checkpoint.

Our trekking continued through walks over one hill to another, eventually taking us closer to the mountain.Ii was chanting "Mardi calling Mardi calling" so as to activate my pals walking with me. Our excitement was pushed up by the appearance of snow. I was intending to skate and play in the snowy hill after the ascension of MBC. Before that, we skated over the small hills which everyone enjoyed. Everyone was happier to fulfill their wish. After crossing the High viewpoint, the mountains go closer and closer contradictory to the way, which was getting harder.

We struggled to climb the snowy hills and everyone was getting exhausted but no one was willing to have rest because we were so nearer to our destination. The weather was playing with us: at one point everything got covered by the windy smog due to which we could neither see the way nor able to view our pals. At that moment, I was feeling that we would have to return from there but still, I was searching the way. It was covered for a few minutes and then I saw two people were walking, eventually, I informed my pals that we had reached our final point- MBC. Everyone ran toward the destination and congratulated each other.We reached MBC at 8.30 am as our predicted time. I was glad that I bid farewell to Ghumphir barsa 2073 reaching the place where I had wished for. The weather was favoring us this time because we had had the spectacular view and natural scenery which we were wishing from the first day of our trek. Everyone got busy to snap the pictures, whereas I was collecting signatures from my pals as well as tourists from Netherland in "GHUMPHIRBARSA2073" papers. After collecting the signatures, I pasted them in the last point of MBC 4500m. 

Like the previous trek, I along with Ashib, Rabi Kabin, Suman, and Nabin danced in their own Hariyali song, which was the best part of the final point. Everyone was busy to take their pictures that they forgot my plan. Thus, I requested them to gather soon for final pictures carrying Ghumphir barsa2073 pictures in order to farewell. After gathering, I distributed the signed up pictures to everyone and requested the foreigners to click our final group pictures. We tooked many shots for a better one which was making fun because everyone was posing in their own way.

Farewelling Ghumphirbarsa2073

I was eagerly waiting for this moment since the beginning of the trek. After  snapping pictures, I felt that I had pursued my dream of trekking Mardi Himal during 2073. Everyone was happier than ever before. Raby was videoing when we were congratulating each other, Ashib began to dance again and everyone along with the tourists joined him. I was extremely happy that I visited the place I planned to and murmured myself to visit this place again. The rest of my friends were having a beer, which was also one of our plan to do in the base camp. Moments after, we moved to skate where I was telling them to not skate by the chest and bump but they denied, and consequently, they realized why I warned them. We sat in a corner of the mountain and began to sing the song 'Scientist'. We kept silent for some minutes until the music was over. Staying there for 45 minutes, we decided to return back to High camp. We marched back enjoying as before, while I was waiting for the hills to come where i was intending to skate, but unfortunately I could not because everyone suggested me not to.

We were descending with the last view of the Himal chanting "bye-bye Mardi see you again". We were having fun by ragging each other and cracking jokes. The weather was sunny and cool which put everyone in good mood. Along me were Ashib, Suman, Rabi, and Avisek discussing today's plan whereas the rest of the other pals were resting for the last time. At the end of the last cliff, we snapped a pic which made me sad that our trek was going to be over. I was recalling every moment from morning to till now and thinking when would I be back to this place again.

I strongly felt that everyone was missing the moments which we have been passed through today because the environment was not like before. After crossing the last cliff, we sped up our pace and at 12.30 pm we reached the High camp where we had our lunch. I came to know that low camp had been booked up with tourists. I decided to move forward to Low camp in order to find out the availability of rooms. Avisek joined me and we both moved for Low camp but when we reached there, I found that room had been booked out. I was consulting for rooms with the hotel owner who agreed to provide us two rooms. After a few minutes, Kabin, Renu, Jasmine, Niva, Sapana and Kanchan arrived there. The discussion began whether to move forward or not, girls were ready to head on and that's why along with Kabin and Avisek they headed to Shiding. I was waiting for the rest of the pals and after 30 minutes, Suman , Rabi, Dipesh, Nabin, and Aashib arrived. They were surprised when I told them to move back to Shiding. They denied and we concluded to spend our night at Low camp. We began our plan of having our own wine which was too non dilute for me. We were trying to call Kabin but it was not reachable. At 7:30 pm, he called us to inform us that they were moving to Pokhara, thus, was a relief to confirm that everything was under control. Then, we moved to dinning hall for dinner, where we interacted with Sherpas. In the course of interaction, they expressed the different meanings of trekking: they told us that what we did, is not real trekking. Listening to their real experiences, I could hardly bear their real facts which taunted me and so, I decided to go away. But the rest of the pals were still interacting for a longer period. At 10 pm,  everyone gathered but our conversation did not. I told them that I was flying in the air: they knew what  I meant to say, eventually, everyone got into a deep sleep.

DAY 5 2017 April 13 (Low camp-Shiding-Pokhara).

This was our second last day of the trek. We woke up early in order to move to Shiding. Everyone was getting ready but I was prepared beforehand for heading to Shiding. We predicted to reached there at 9am: so we left Low camp at 7:3o am.

We were walking as if we were in a rush but it was not the reason. Because the way was inclined to down hills only, we were running and jumping which helped us to get rid out of leg pain and shivering. On the way, I did not know why but everybody was not coordinating well; they behaved as if they were angry. Feeling such, I remained silent until the half when we got a call from Kabin who informed us that they were moving to Lakeside at Pokhara. With everything under control, we marched forward relaxedly taking our time. As predicted, we reached Shiding at 9.03 am and without wasting further time, we caught up the jeep and headed for Pokhara. During the drive of an hour, we saw that one lady was mediating; which made us go......wooooooo. This moment made us realized that peace can be attained even though we are alone.We were still looking at Mardi when suddenly we were surprised to know that we did not see any water resource in our entire trek, while the driver told us that river is nearby us.

We requested the driver to stop the jeep for some minutes, hence we played in the river like we had never ever seen water before; this actually was a very rare memory of this day. One of the local jeeps passed through us in which we saw locals traveling at the roof of the jeep. We desired the same and with excitement, we too traveled on the top of the jeep. Ashib and Rabi were shooting the video. We used to scream whenever jeep passed through the water. I sat over the jeep top for about 30 minutes only, after which I and Raby seated back inside the jeep because of consequent pain in the bump due to lack of space. The rest of the guys were still enjoying the above. After driving for hours, we reached Harichowk, where we dropped out of the jeep. Then, we caught up a bus to move to the Lake side where the jam was making us very difficult because everybody was hungry. While we were in the bus, I became very restless, hence thought to hang out with Suman. However, he was not in the mood to talk but he put me into silence until we reached to hotel for lunch, when he illustrated a dialogue. We got out of the bus at Prithvi chowk and then moved for the hotel to lunch. I was informed by my pals that we appeared different than others because local people were staring at us. While searching for the hotel, I was informing Ashib that we had to have lunch anyhow because we were postponing our lunch since yesterday from Low camp. We moved to Lakeside by walking where the rest of the pals who got to Pokhara, the day before were waiting for us. I was very irritated to walking for hours. It was too hot for me that I was restless again. They had ice cream but I denied having it. Rabi and Ashib were consoling me that the hotel was nearby us but it was taking time to reach there. 

Finally, after reaching the hotel, I straight headed to the bathroom for the shower because of the hot weather and low battery in the cell I was in aggression. None of us could communicate and coordinate with each other due to bulging hunger. It took a much longer time for lunch, whereas I was suggesting them to control the hunger because a hungry man is an angry man. 

We had a very heavy and delicious lunch. Ashib was shooting the video while the rest of us were busy having our lunch. After rest, we rest for a minute in order to discuss today's plans. At 1.30pm we moved to form the hotel.

On the way, we snapped some pics and Ashib was shooting video. We reached the hotel at 2pm where we had to wait for Kabin, Renu, Jasmi, Sunrise, and Sabin who were returning from the Peace Stupa. We called them and finally, everyone gathered afters 12 hours again. I came to know that Avisek and Kanchan had already departed for Kathmandu through the night bus. Hahahahah....... Kabin was so happy to meet us and was greeting us saying, "mula where were u, Mula yesterday I was in huge tension mula etc...". He was speaking the word 'Mula' every time he opened his mouth, which was so very funny for all of us...... "Mula" ......hahaha..... We took rest for hours and then, decided to move to Lakeside. I was not in the mood to go there because it had only been a week that I had been there.

Kabin told me that today was the last of 2073, so we should go and view the last sunset. Reluctantly, I agreed with him, amidst this, Dipesh and Ashib were in restlessness to meet someone else. I was looking at everyone and except Dipesh, the rest of was enjoying the moment. I was feeling so tired that I informed everyone to sit down. Everyone was enjoying my speech of commenting on the surroundings and the visitors. One of the Israeli visitors came up to us for a pen and wished to learn to say 'happy new year' in nepali; we taught him to say so.

We were relaxing with silence at the moment when the very last..the very last sunset of 2073, was setting. I was chanting 'bye-bye Ghumphir Barsa 2073' because this   sunset marked end to my Ghumphir Barsa. Then we moved on to search for a hotel for having tiffins. Dipesh was so eager to meet someone else which creating fun for the rest of us. He luckily got his chance to meet his friend. Everyone was chilling in their own way while Kabin was getting hungry and so, we decided to go to a local hotel. We informed everyone to gather, with the search still on. Finally, (thank god)..we found one, meanwhile here in the hotel, our orders were being delivered once at a time. When one order was brought, it would be shared among all of us. it was kind of funny but because everyone was hungry, it was not laughable as well. At the time my order arrived, I felt awkward to have it because everyone was looking at my dish. I had a little bit of it, and momentarily everyone attacked to have it. I was laughing from inside but outside, I appeared to be angry, and so Suman ordered another one for me again. The latter one, I enjoyed alone while the rest were sharing their dishes. After that, we moved to the hotel and decided to have a beer. Omg........ I could not control my laughter...we laughed so hard...because the girls were behaving high after the drinks, especially Sabin. They were so eager to look at Rabi's 6abs.

ahahhahaha......it was such a funny scene which again Rabi's shyness doubled the humor. We kept on talking about this and that's and my own "Behind the Scenes" talks. Our thundering laughter disturbed the rest of the guests. Consequently, we decided to go to our own room. It was not easy for us to leave the room because Sabin was not allowing us to do so. At last, we left at 12 a.m wishing everyone a Happy New Year-2074. Our hanging out the program was still on. Outside the hotel, Ashib was chilling with his friend where at the moment, Raby approached her and bowed his head down to greet her. Looking at his act, Ashib's friend's friend was stunned and quickly managed her one-piece dress thinking that Raby might bow his head down at her too. She was feeling awkward. However, Raby was not able to confront her because he was totally drunk. After this, I, Suman, Sunrise, Kabin and Raby chatted for a while and we moved back to our room. We slept only after watching Barcelona losing its match, which angered Rabi.

DAY 6 2017 April 14 (Pokhara-Kathmandu- Bhaktapur).

Today marked the last day of our trek. I woke up early in order to get ready and catch up on the bus home soon. Except for girls, the rest of the boys woke up at their own time. After everyone got ready, we moved to Lakeside for breakfast but after this, instead of going for the bus except me and Kabin, the rest of the boys moved for boating. I, Kabin Renu, Sunrise, Sabin, and Jasmine decided to wait for them. But after a few minutes, Kabin got tempered and in aggression, he decided to move ahead leaving them. Renu and Jasmine joined us. At the bus stop of Prithvi Chowk, we took the time to negotiate for the fees. While we were about to step inside the bus, Kabin got a call that the rest of the members were also coming here, and then, we unified after 30 mins just similar to our first-day group. It was so hot inside the bus that everyone kept silent except me. But I think it was just a part of my behind the scenes. At last seat of the bus, I, Sunrise, Sabin, Kabin, and Rabi shared the seat. Our bus moved so fast that everyone was enjoying the moments. After crossing the Mugling bridge, we got stuck in the jam which was an excuse to escape the hot weather.

We moved to the bank of the Marshyangdi river where everyone was chilling in their own way. We had to stay in the jam for 2 hours, after which we got the signal for cleared way.. OMG !....not again..the temperature of the day was too hot...I was sweating and so, I took out my clothes. Sabin teased me why I was showing my abs-less chest. But the fact was I was feeling very hot, not showing my abs-less body..hahaha. I informed Rabi that I could not control anymore when luckily my favorite song was played on the bus and it cooled me down for a little while. I wished to play that song again but it was no. This 5 minutes of my coolness had been my best part of this day. 
Around 4pm, we had our break at Malekhu and everyone enjoyed the food. Resting for a few minutes, our bus was ready to roll again. Hahahha.... funny it was..... after passing few meters ahead, Suman realized that his jacket was missing; so he moved to the hotel for his jacket. I was speaking continously from the time we got into the bus whereas rest remained silent. Sunrise, Sabin, Kabin, Rabi, and I were enjoying and ragging each other. Rabi was playing Dipesh's hair whereas Kabin disturbed Renu. She thought Dipesh was the one to disturb her. We laughed at the moment because it seemed like it was done by Dipesh but in fact, he was in deep thought about something else and was unknown about what was going on. Our ragging and traveling continued until we reached  Kathmandu. We dropped out at Kalanki where we were waiting for the bus to reach Koteshwor. Rabi, Kabin, Renu Jasmin, Sabin and Sunrise rode in the first bus whereas remaining of us rode in the second bus. OMG!......, the bus was so packed that we even did not have space for placing our foot. I felt pain remembering our return from Shiding because we traveled at top of the jeep although we had seats inside. But currently, we neither had any seats nor space for placing our foot, this difference made me thoughtful. We gathered at Koteswor and caught the bus to Bhaktapur. The bus moved faster and every one of us enjoyed it.We left the bus at Suryabinayak and went for having ice cream. Except for me , everyone rejoiced to have the ice cream. Jasmine called me to meet her father to which I denied and ran away. I was chilling myself with the apple cider outside the shop where Renu joined me. She asked for my apple cider, but I refused and she replied to me as a greedy boy. I shared with her that whenever I have ice cream, I feel like throwing up. Feeling disgusted, she ran away from there, but I was still enjoying my apple cider. The rest had a cup of ice cream as well. Nabin and Jasmine departed from here, while the rest of us moved to Taumadhi for having paan, a treat we have in New Year day. Before this, we visited ga:hiti to view our cultural chariot, thus, making us happy to be able to part of our festival.

We had our paan after clicking a pic for the very last time.From there, everyone dispersed for their respective home. I was with Rabi, Ashib, Dipesh, and Sunrise. We saw the brawls moments at Sukuldhoka and passed from there quickly. Rabi was escorting Sunrise. I knew about their bro-sis love relations from the exchange of love letters on the bus which occurred in 2008. I felt what kind of love exchange was this and so, I asked Sunrise, who replied that at that time in 2008, there was no phone and so, letters were more preferable.......hahaha....it was fun knowing the answers. At Tachapal, we dispersed after drinking water where Rabi headed west, Aasib to north and I and Sunrise to the east direction for home. I dropped her home as promised after which I went to mine by listening to my favorites songs on my walk. I was happy with the songs and finally, reached home at 9 pm.

  The trek to Mardi was a source for promoting the Nepalese Tourism Industry. Exploring Heavenly Nepal and adventurous Mardi, promoting domestic tourism for Better Nepal was the aim of my Ghumphirbarsa2073. Trekking to Mardi Himal was a dream come true, and thus, it represented my personal farewell to 2073.  
Overall, I would conclude that this trek was a complete package of enjoyment, new friendships, normal misunderstandings, and confrontations. Much more unexpected things happened, which have added memories for a life time. From beginning to the end of the trek, I am thankful for everything. 

MARDI HIMAL

Watch Our blog Trek to Mardi Himal in 15 mins.

 

BISKA JATRA BHAKTAPUR WITH SONG

Ghalegaun- Kaulipani (Gaunsahar) Trip - 3rd Excursion - 2017 JAN 16-18

Ghalegau

About Ghale Gau.

Ghale Gaun is one of the best villages among South Asian villages and a perfect example of home-stay based tourism destination in Nepal, situated at an altitude of 2070 m from sea level belonging to warrior ethnic Gurung tribe. This beautiful village lies in along the round Annapurna circuit route, the world’s as well as Nepal's most popular trekking destination. Most of the men serve in military groups in Nepal army, Indian army, British army as well as police services. Besides this, the main occupation includes agriculture and animal husbandry. The total numbers of houses are about 115 and majority inhabitants are Gurungs. This majestic village is only 205 km northwest of Kathmandu and 125 km northeast of Pokhara.

The rustic and traditional settlements, the ancestral home of brave Gurungs: Ghale gaun, lies in the Ghale UtterKanya Village Development Committee. The road lanes are stone paved and clean. One can feel peace and harmony when one will be there. Now-a-days, everyone is praising the place. Similarly, during these few years, Ghalegaun has developed tremendously along with the home stay. It has attracted many foreign as well as the domestic visitors. Women here, normally wear blue and red attires, called Ghalek and Lungi whereas men were Kachaad, Bakchu etc.

Motive: Educational tour of Annapurna E.B.School.

Tour coordinator: BHTTC.

Date of Trip: 2017 Jan 16-18

Personal Trip Dairy

This was my third trip of the year. I have collected my memories and experiences, below here.

Day 1 2017 Jan 16.

As before, I woke up early in the morning in order to reach Suryabinayak for the bus but I got the information that bus was coming from Banepa, so I felt it was better to wait at Jagati. I had to wait for 25minutes and so, I had a cup of tea while reading newspaper. I got miss call from Kumar dai, so I went to bus stop to catch up the bus. Then, we straight headed to Chundevi to pick up Raaga sir, and after that, we moved to Sallaghari bus permit clearance. I was not feeling excited because something was playing in my mind. I was staying alone until we reached Annapurna School to pick up the students. Everyone was ready for moving on. While waiting for some students, the school principal and chairman sir along with Raaga sir were discussing about the school establishment and experiences. I was so interested to listen the incidents that occurred in 2046 and about the civil war. I wished to hear more but then, we had to move on to Kalanki. In order to avoid the traffic jam, we chose the alternative way to save our time. Due to limited number of students, we soon completed our breakfast and moved on to target Benighat for lunch. But after crossing Thankot, we observed there was road jam, hence, we began to discuss about our recent trip road jam while returning Bhaktapur. We stuck in the jam for 30minutes. So, to utilize the free time, students wished to view a movie. Kumar dai played the movie ‘Chaaka Panja’. Raaga sir began to act some scenes of the movie which was making us entertaining. We reached hotel Blue garden at 12 pm and like before, there was no crowd of guests. Without wasting time, we had our lunch. While we were having lunch, I found that sir was feeling like before and so, I suggested him to have lemon and salt. I moved forward to gather students, when I found Prajwal was drawing mermaid in the sand, which made my memories refresh. When I was at class 11, for the first I came to this hotel and like him, I had also drawn the pictures in the river bank. Prajwal and Bipin were so excited to hear about my experiences and I added that I would be sharing my experiences and we would be enjoying more in Ghale gaun and Gaushar. 
                                                      We approached the bus and I was assured that sir was more active than before because I had shared hajmola of my previous trip, given by Tulsi sir and ms.Anu. We were recalling our memories when we had trekked Ghale gaun 4 years before. Students were enjoying the remaining half part of movie and sir was still continuing his acting of the dialogues of movie. Kumar dai sped up the bus. I was remembering and sharing our Ghalegaun memories. I was comparing my position 4years before with current one because this time my position was completely different. Students were enjoying the view of beautiful nature and when they saw Marshyangdi river flowing, they got more excited for the remaining trip. We reached Besisahar at 2pm where Dawa dai was waiting for us to march to Ghale gaun. 
Students were so surprised to meet him and wished to take a photo. Then, he told us that the way was farther and thus, we needed to move quickly before 5 pm. I was at the last seat where I started to interact with the student Prajwal, who was very excited to be with me, I could tell. They shared their junk foods with me and I shared my experiences. After driving for hours, we took a break time on the way.

Pemba stunned me, because he reminded me of my classmate Shankar, who also used to do the same act whenever we took a break. Everyone was feeling so excited but I was warning them that the way was very dangerous and we had to trek up hills and up hills continuously. After break time, I saw Dawa sir praying for good luck. Watching that, I began to worry and started to think if driver dai was scared, then what would be our conditions. I left my seat to approach chairman sir along with Raaga sir, and then, we sat over the floor to discuss for tomorrow’s plan. Students were scared viewing the up hills and down hills. At Ramasigh, our bus got stuck and it took minutes to clear up the problem. However, as predicted we reached Ghalegaun at 5 pm. I was astonished to find that Ghale gau had changed. I was just waiting to view the whole Ghalegaun sites wanting to compare it 4 years before and after it. Raaga sir registered everyone and allocated them their respective homestay. On the other hand, we moved to Krishna Maya aama homestay, where she welcomed us by serving local organic tea. Then, few hours later, we had our dinner, when I felt surprised to know that Bivutu did not know how to have dinner with hand. He tried to copy me but I could tell that he was feeling difficult to do so. He asked for a spoon then. We enjoyed the dinner and after that, principal sir and chairman sir began to share their experiences. I was so interested to hear their experiences.

               After discussing for hours, at 10 pm everyone moved to their room for rest.

Day 2 2017 Jan 17.

@Ghalegau viewpoint

This is our second day of our trip. Early in the morning, everyone woke up in order to move to the viewpoint to watch sunrise. We were on time, due to which, we got the chance to have a clear view of sunrise. Everybody was enjoying the natural scenery whereas I along with Raaga sir, sat in a chair to discuss about the upcoming plans. I was feeling very different because when I was at Ghalegaun for the first time, I couldn’t view the scenery like this and it was raining as well at that time. Raaga sir took the first ever group pic, and we spent 30 minutes. Everyone was just snapping pics and at departing time, for captivating memories, I requested Prajwal to click my pictures.

@Ghalegau viewpoint

Then, we moved to Uttarkanya temple but before that, we crossed a school and reached a football ground for which we had to pass through slippery hills. I skated over the slippery area and Prajwal and Bipin tried to copy me but they slipped. After crossing, Uttarkanya temple, we moved to local tea farming where we spent 15 minutes. Snapping pictures was still on, and then later, we informed them to have breakfast at respective home stay, after that got ready to move. We had our breakfast at 8 am, soon later we marched to check out. There Dawa dai, and Raaga sir were discussing, because Dawa dai wished to travel with load, not an empty bus. He was describing that it was difficult to drive in rough road with empty bus. Everyone got ready to travel by bus but some of the mam, had already moved front through the trek trails. So, principal sir phoned one of the mam to wait at the main road. After driving for minutes, we picked up the remaining teachers. Then, at 11am we reached Rapasingh where we had our lunch . I was recalling my memories because home stay had tremendously changed but aama over there, havenot. We spent hours and aama farewelled us by tika and garlands. Everyone was so happy to have such a farewell, we took our pictures and had some rest for few minutes.

@Rapasingh.

After that, we decided to move forward for Gausahar. I was walking by sharing my experiences and at one point, we just got dispersed. I was moving with Bipin Bikash Prajwol Aman Sijan Sidhartha Dikpal Pemba Piyush Aakriti Krtitishma  Samana Sahin Sneha Itisha etc .We walked for hours to reach Chihandanda. Incidentally, we decided to approach in a group and as per my command, students were walking. They were very excited to hear my Ghalegaun experiences. 
Walking for hours, they were exhausted and thirsty too. I told them to have patience because I knew that a local tap was nearby us. We rested for 15 minutes at a local school premise when Raaga sir informed me to stop. We waited for rest of the teachers and students, and after gathering, we moved forward for Gausahar.  
                                 Walking for hours, Siddhartha waited to have some rest. I was describing about my Ghalegaun trip to Aman .We reached Gausahar at 4 pm and I was surprised because I had told Aman that there would be a welcome gate, consequently he asked me about the gate. I showed him the gate. There was a drastic change comparing four years ago and there was not a hall before and a way to Kaulipani temple was under renovation. In the hall, everyone got busy in their cell phone and I decided to visit home stay, where I rested before 4 years ago. Aama was so surprised to meet me and we interacted for few minutes. Waiting for hours, everyone was feeling bored, so Raaga sir told me to take them to Kaulipani temple. Interested joined me and we headed for temple. After reaching there, Siddhartha got excited seeing a fish over the pool. Bipin and Siddhartha tried to catch the fish up and I warned them not to do so. We stayed there for about1o minutes and moved back to the hall. Gathering everyone, we moved to Lamjung Durbar where I interacted with new faces, and after returning, most of the boys went for playing football. They did not leave the ground unless they scored a goal. We waited for Dev sir, who was going to host the welcoming. He requested us to move back to then welcome gate for welcome ceremony. We were welcomed by Pancha kanyas (5 girls). After awhile, we moved to welcoming hall where Dev sir welcomed and called out our name in the dash line. Clapping and hooting began, with louder pitch. Dev sir called out my name to be in dash line. That was my unforgettable part of this trip; I felt so happy to know that in four years, my position had changed. In 2012, I had visited Guasahar as a student, and now as excursionist. I had never thought that one day I would be staying along with teachers. I was recalling my 4 years’ old trip memories and keeping a smile in my face.

2012@gausahar

  Later, Dev sir began to describe about Gausahar Home stay Tourism and its achievements. Gausahar has been award as the best home stay of Nepal in 2014 and has been listed in top ten villages for tourism home stay, on the occasion of “Ghumfirbarsa2073”.While he was briefing; aama was welcoming by putting garland and tikas. Everyone was offered local organic tea, sell roti, corns etc. while we were offered with cold tea knowing that we were fan of it. After welcome session, we moved to hall where Gurung performances and dohari was going to be held. Students took me to make me dance (funny moments….. ahahhahaha). I began to dance and everyone laughed and joined me to dance. Then, dohari began and Bipin informed that he was feeling scared. Dohari started with fun and Sahin joined to help. It was very entertaining and lastly Dev sir ended the dohari program. He requested everyone to move to their respective home stays. While I was moving to Dev sir home stay, I told him about my visit 4years ago and described about the progress and achievements in Gausahar. We conversed for few minutes, and then we had our dinner. Later, I was offered with cold tea but it was getting over me because I had a heavy dinner. Chairman sir was so happy with our guru-chela relation (Raaga sir and mine), and he just adored our discussion styles.

After dinner, we conversed with Dev sir for few minutes and then decided to move to our respective room for rest.

Day 3 2016 Dec 16.
This was our last day of the trip. Wowwwww, a very superb morning, I woke up early to view the mountains in the morning time. Before that, I helped the home stay aama to prepare sell rotis. I congratulated her for, she became a grandmother. I shared my first visit talk and she was surprised that I had been in Gaushar before too. At 7 am, sunrise was making the mountains shine, which made us lighten up and chairman sir shared his memories. I was very curious to listen to their experiences. We had a very heavy breakfast, then later on, with Raaga sir we went to home stay premises, where rest of the people, were getting their bags packed. We began to discuss about the water fountain. Sir told me to open the fountain and I did so. Suddenly, then fountain burst and water soaked me. It was a very funny moment, being watched by our chairman sir who told that the discussion has begun again, (hahahhha) everyone laughed. After getting ready, we moved to hall, where students were waiting for us along with the organizers to farewell us. They offered us garland, tikas, locket and curd etc.

At farewell gate, they sang a farewell song and offered us sell rotis, and cold tea. Raaga sir offered me cold tea in a traditional style and looking at me, students wished to have the same. Just like me, he offered them too. I took a can of cold tea for Kumar dai, who was waiting for us at Sera. We moved downward where we dispersed slowly. I was walking with Aman, who used to control rest of his friends. Walking for hours, I got called from sir informing that sir had arrived at the bus stop. 
Consequently, after 45 minutes of his call, we reached the bus stop too. Kumar dai was so happy to meet us and I told him about the can. He was so pleased to have it. After that, I went to Bheri hospital to pick up rest of the teachers and students. Gathering everyone, we began our travelling and driving for hours, we reached Abu Khaireni at 2pm, where we had our lunch. I found that everyone loved the lunch. After completion of lunch, we directly moved for Kathmandu. For few minutes, I sat in front seat and knowing students were feeling asleep, I approached the last seat where I communicated with the rest of the students. Interacting for hours, everyone started to feel asleep. Hence, I moved to the front to hang out with sir. Seating in front seat, and listening to South Indian songs, was my best part of the trip. Everybody was stunned to listen up the telegu and tamil songs. Kumar dai was questioning me about the songs and I replied him that although, those songs are not understandable, they were heart touching (hahahhahhaa). I was playing my favorite songs, which was making my travel enjoyful, but rest of the students wished to change the music, and so, I played the music according to their desire. We reached Thankot at 5 pm but trapped in the jam at Kalanki, was making us late. At 7 pm, we reached Annapurna school and we dropped remaining stundents at pepsicola and thimi. Then we straight moved to Jagati . I was feeling so fresh because I was listening to my favorite south songs and  before that for the first time, I had visited Duwakot. Soon, we departed from there and we dropped Raaga sir at Chundevi .Then our fun began because Kumar dai was asking meaning about the songs. Me and driver brothers were just laughing and laughing until my last departure.  At Jagati, I left them and they moved on to Banepa.  I was enjoying the 600m walk listening to my favorites song pooolane/pookale/tu chale…(Denakri_ka_dhanita_dha.Denakri_ka_dhanita_dha naaa).

         

       Overall, I enjoyed the trip a lot sharing my previous trip. I hope that students and teachers were also satisfied with this trip.