Born and raised in Nepal’s vibrant capital, Kathmandu, I often found myself dreaming about the majesty of the mountains. While I had spent years creating travel blogs and content about the Himalayas, the thrill of seeing those towering peaks up close remained elusive—until now. This October, I embarked on my first high-altitude adventure: the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, alongside three clients from Germany. Here’s a glimpse into this unforgettable journey.
Our journey began at Sorhakhutte, Kathmandu, where the entire team gathered—Madhav Dai, Ashish Dai (our guide), Raj Dai (our porter), Birgit, Hannah, Jonas, and me. Excitement buzzed in the air as we snapped group photos and shared introductions. For Jonas and me, it was a particularly thrilling moment—our first high-altitude trek awaited.
Birgit (whom I fondly called “Mom”) and I quickly rekindled our bond from previous encounters, sharing stories during the nearly nine-hour drive to Pokhara. The bumpy ride was softened by scenic views and a lunch stop at Malekhu. As darkness enveloped us, we finally reached Pokhara, eager for the trek ahead. After checking into our hotel, we took a stroll through the city, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere and indulging in Belgian waffles, courtesy of Ashish Dai.
Awakening before my alarm, I spotted Ashish Dai performing yoga and meditation on his balcony—an inspiring start to the day. After a hearty breakfast, we drove two hours to Dhampus, the starting point of our trek. Birgit and Hannah, both seasoned trekkers, radiated enthusiasm as we embarked on the hike. Hannah even carried her own backpack, a testament to her determination.
The 4-kilometer trek to Pitam Deurali (2,100m) was a steady ascent through misty trails, taking about three hours. Although fog obscured the views, the warmth of the dining room’s oven created a cozy atmosphere. While others practiced yoga, I savored ginger lemon tea and watched the serene surroundings. That evening, Jonas introduced us to the card game “Yaniv,” which became an instant favorite. His sarcastic magic tricks provided plenty of laughter before we called it a night.
Despite hopes for clear weather, the mist persisted as we gathered at 7:00 a.m. for a garden yoga session—my first-ever attempt at yoga. The crisp air and soothing poses created a sense of tranquility, enhanced by a sound-healing session that immersed us in the melodies of birdsong and rustling leaves.
Our 9-kilometer trek to Forest Camp was an enchanting journey through dense forests alive with wild mushrooms and occasional leeches. A tea stop at Lovely Hill Danda broke up the hike before we reached our destination by mid-afternoon, refueling with comforting dal bhat. Despite the rain, our determination led us to continue yoga in the tea house corridor, illuminated by headlamps.
Evening activities included helping Raj Dai practice English with our German guests and another spirited round of Yaniv before bedtime.
The mist lingered at Forest Camp, yet optimism prevailed during our morning yoga session. The day’s journey involved a challenging 6-kilometer climb to Badal Danda and onward to High Camp. Hannah and I collected trash along the trail, hoping to contribute to preserving the pristine environment. I shared tales of Nepal’s Kumari Goddess, which captivated Hannah.
Rain greeted us in the afternoon, but ponchos kept us dry as we trekked on. After a grueling seven-hour climb, we reached High Camp, greeted by warm ginger-lemon tea. Braving the cold winds, we completed an intense yoga session, performing two rounds of Surya Namaskar before the biting chill forced us indoors.
Dinner brought warmth and joy, with Birgit leading us in dance. A midnight walk under a full moon gifted me a surreal sight—Machhapuchhre’s peak shimmering in silver light, a moment too ethereal for any camera to capture.
With only a few hours of sleep, I woke at 3:00 a.m., battling a mild headache. Jonas, however, showed signs of altitude sickness and wisely decided to rest at High Camp with Raj Dai. The rest of us, guided by headlamps, set off for Mardi Himal Viewpoint.
As the full moon illuminated our path, we caught our first magical glimpse of Machhapuchhre around 4:45 a.m. Energized by the sight, we pressed on to the 4,000-meter viewpoint, where the sunrise over the Annapurna range rendered us speechless. After capturing the beauty on camera, we meditated as the sound bowl harmonized with the mountain breeze.
Descending proved tough but rewarding, especially as Jonas shared tales of witnessing the sunrise from High Camp. After a brief tea break, we continued to Low Camp, where I rested to ease a persistent migraine.
Our final day dawned with a breathtaking sunrise over Machhapuchhre. A yoga session focused on leg stretches helped relieve our sore muscles—even Hannah attempted a headstand! The steep descent to Siding tested our endurance, but the anticipation of Pokhara kept us motivated.
By noon, we boarded our jeep, filled with memories of an unforgettable trek. The bonds we formed, the challenges we overcame, and the beauty we witnessed made this journey more than just a trek—it was a transformative experience.
