

I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.
The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...
Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK
Machhapuchhre Model trekking rough and wild, this trek cuts through less travelled country south of Annapurna II & Lamjung Himal massif. Machhapuchhre Model trek, an alternative to other short treks in this region, probes an un-crowded corner of the Annapurna Conservation Area under the shadows of the Lamjung Himal and the Annapurna II and IV.
Good mountain views and rough terrain, the local people are unaccustomed to trekkers. This trek is a spectacular short trek and traverses a variety of terrain from low land villages and rice terraces up to 3,000 meter where there is the biggest Gurung (Gurkhas) village as well as a national flower forest of rhododendron in the springs. This fabulous camping trek takes you about a week, starting at Seti River and heading north to Mardi Himal, subsequently following the river's west bank up to well-preserved Lachok and Ghachok (1280m.), most probably Nepal's biggest Gurung village.
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Title: | Machhapuchhre Model Trekking |
| Category: | Adventure | |
| Grade: | Relatively Difficult | |
| Total Days: | 14 Days | |
| Group Size: | 2 to 16 Pax | |
| Departure Date: | Everyday During the Season | |
| Maximum Elevation: | 3820m. (12,224ft.) | |
| Transportation: | Drive Only | |
| Accommodation: | Tent (Camping) Trekking | |
| Trekking Hours: | Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day. | |
| Best Season: | September to May | |
| Trip cost: | USD 1270.00 |
| Day 01. | Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 02. | City Tour and freelancing. |
| Day 03. | Drive to Pokhara |
| Day 04. | Trek to Lachok - Ribhan |
| Day 05. | Trek to Chichimle Kharka |
| Day 06. | Trek to Khumai |
| Day 07. | Trek to Korchung – Kharka |
| Day 08. | Trek to Gibil - Takra |
| Day 09. | Trek to Imu-Kwiwan - Langghalel |
| Day 10. | Trek to Mardi Pool |
| Day 11. | Trek to Pokhara |
| Day 12. | City tour in Pokhara. |
| Day 13. | Drive back to Kathmandu / leisure, Traditional Nepali Dinner |
| Day 14. | Departure |
| Day 01. | ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 02. | KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals. Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal. Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors. Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century. |
| Day 03. | KATHMANDU – POKHARA: Early in the morning you will be driven to Pokhara (200km) which is approximately a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. Pokhara lakeside villages are situated in the "front row center" to one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You can enjoy the city by the Fewa Lake witnessing the region of Annapurna range of Himalayas. |
| Day 04. | POKHARA – LACHOK / RIBHAN: From Pokhara the northern route via Tibetan village of Tashi Palkhol, a former refugee camp, takes us through to Hyangja Village. Hyangja is some half an hour from this camp. After the lunch inside the camp, we follow the route to Mardi Khola crossing several tribal villages. After Mardi Khola we head along to the eastern side in order to reach Lachok, then after lunch trek ascend to Ribhan for overnight Camp. |
| Day 05. | LACHOK / RIBHAN – CHICHIMLE KHARKA: we continuous our walk through green paddy fields with flat tracks and on the way we can see the typical Nepalese houses mostly built with stones and diverse vegetation on the way to chichimle kharka having majority of the inhabitants of Gurung, Magar, Brahman and Chhetri. The walk continues through villages and after crossing Seti Khola makes us reach at chichimle kharka. |
| Day 06. | CHICHIMLE KHARKA – KHUMAI: Upon leaving chichimle kharka today, we enjoy the undulation of some flat and continuous ascends where we get to observe some Forest with Rhododendron flower, some small water streams, with community-based water mills on the way and also witness a range of Himalayas. Thereafter, we continuously ascend to arrive at Khumai, a beautiful Camping place of these areas. |
| Day 07. | KHUMAI – KORCHUNG KHARKA: After leaving Khumai we continuously ascend through the Rhododendron forest the whole daylong. Over the campsite you may see the panoramic view of some of the most famous mountains. The magnificent scenery may escort you to forget tiredness of the day’s walk. |
| Day 08. | KORCHUNG KHARKA – GIBIL TAKRA: After your enjoyable day you continuously descend through the forest and reach Gibil Takra. From here you can find another trekking route, the side of Mardi Himal area & its Base Camp. Gibil Takra offers one of the best close-ups and panoramic view of the Lamjung Himal, Manaslu Himal and the entire Annapurna family. |
| Day 09. | GIBIL TAKRA – IMU-KWIWAN / LANGGHALEL: You continuously walk downhill through the series of villages which accommodate the various cultural tribes of Nepal. Then you walk at the hillside of the trail. On the way you can see the green paddy fields and conglomeration of traditional houses. |
| Day 10. | IMU-KWIWAN / LANGGHALEL – MARDI POOL: The trek walks into the river valley from Imu-kwiwan / Langghalel to Mardi pool. On the way you may encounter more typical Nepalese houses of the Brahman and Chhetri community. Our walk through forests and villages takes us to Khoramukh. After lunch we ascend flanked by the riverbank to reach Mardi Pool – a very traditional and tranquil location. You may also get a fair glimpse of the Pokhara valley at night with all the lights twinkling in the distance for your welcoming. |
| Day 11. | MARDI POOL – POKHARA: The trail now descends to Seti River. Here you continuously walk down passing through the settlement of typical ethnic Tamang, Magar and Gurung community. The enthusiasts can also opt for Boating at Fewa Lake. After the lunch drive comfortably back to Pokhara at Hotel. |
| Day 12. | POKHARA CITY TOUR: After breakfast, our city guide leads the tour to Pokhara valley. We’ve sightseeing around the Pokhara valley to explore the various interesting places like David Falls, Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple and many interesting Caves including Mahandra Cave. Boating in Fewa Lake viewing the Mt. Fishtail along with the members of Mt. Annapurna is an exciting and fascinating lifetime experience. This city is really blessed with natural jewels and is regarded as a Shangri-La for nature’s lovers. Every nook and cranny of this place is worth visiting. |
| Day 13. | POKHARA - KATHMANDU: Early in the morning you will be driven to Kathmandu (200km) which is approximately a 6-hour drive from Pokhara. Arriving in Kathmandu you will be free so that you can go for shopping and picking up some last minute souvenirs. In the evening Traditional Nepali Dinner will be awaiting you. |
| Day 14. | DEPARTURE: After breakfast is leisure for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination. |
September to May is the best seasons for attempting Machhapuchhre Model Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months as its very lowland and peaceful greenery. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cooler and temperatures can fall to 10 Degrees C*. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Summer (June, July & August) is a bit hot temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.
The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.
01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Water bottle
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Small wash towel
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Toiletries
Pre - Meeting Before Trip
Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Machhapuchhre Model Trekking you will spend six nights at 3-star in Kathmandu or Pokhara and Seven nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.
Meals During Machhapuchhre Model Trekking
All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Trekking Staff:
The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.
Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.
Acceptance of risk:
The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.
INSURANCE:
It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects
Climate:
Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.
The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.
Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.
Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.
Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.
Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.
Health:
There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked
Altitude Sickness:
Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:
These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.
Client Details:
In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.