At the time when roads are encroaching on the pristine trekking areas especially in the Annapurna region of Nepal, a model trek route has been opened in the Kaski district, near Pokhara.
The Machhapuchhare Model Trekking trail covers seven village development committees - Lahachowk, Ghachowk, Machhapuchhre, Rivan, Lwangghalel, Dhital and Sardikhola VDC - in Kaski district.
The trail can be completed in 3 to 14 days of trekking and starts from either Hemja or Kharapani of Sardikhola.
This accommodation of the Machhapuchhare trek route is a combination of home stay and camping.
Home stay is offered at lower altitude locations like Mishra, Deprang, Lwanghalel, Tarku and Tushe and camping has to be used at higher altitude locations like Hile Kharka, Khumai, Tilicho Kharka, Meshrum Kharka, Lalka for accommodation.
From Korchung of this trail, excellent sunrise view and the views of Machhapuchhare and Mardi Himal can be seen.
A nice view of the Annapurna range and Lamjung mountain can be seen from this trail.
Endangered wildlife and vegetation can also be found along the trail.
The route is being managed by local Machhapuchhare Tourism Development Committee after being handed over by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) Pokhara Chapter.
Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research - North South (NCCR N-S) has developed the new trail in consultation with the trekking operators and the local community.
More than 2.
5 million rupees has been invested in preparing the infrastructures for the trail like porter shelter, trekking trail, drinking water, camping sites.
This is an innovation in the trekking sector, particularly in the Annapurna region where the same trails were being offered for more than a decade.
It should be an exciting proposition for travelers who visit Nepal especially for trekking.