This trek is around the hidden northern side of Macchupuchhre - and is a beautifyl trek well off beaten tracks. We pass through s pectacular mountain views and pristine forests reaching a  maximum altitude 3820m or 4115m. As parts of this area are rarely visited, some trails are not clearly marked. Two routes are available, one with a maximum altitude of 3810m and a more difficult route taking you to 4115m. Typical highland birds we might see are: Crimson Browd Finch. Blood Pheasant, Upland Pipit, and the Spotted Laughing Thrush.
Macchapuchhre off beaten tracks bird_watching trek
Day 01 Hyangja 900m
We start with a 6 hrs drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. After Pokhara we continue with a short drive to the Tibetan Refugee Camp at Hyangja. Day 02 Armala 1600m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We head across terraced fields, across paddy fields through Suikhet and the Mardi Khola. We cross the river by a footbridge at Lamachok were we stop for lunch. A short steep climb brings us to the Gurung village of Riban. The trail now becomes steeper as it climbs through bamboo groves towards a dominating slab of gray rock and leads onto a ridge and into Rhododendron country. Our campsite is in a small flat field near a single house. Day 03 Lalka 2450m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
From a small clearing at Lalghar we continue up through jungle by an ill defined trail to Odane hill. From here we have a superb view of the Annapurna range and Fishtail and more distant views of the Manaslu range to the east and just a glimpse of Dhaulagiri. We follow the crest line with a few ups and downs to our campsite in the forest. Day 04 Kumai 3260m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We follow a forest covered ridge that ascends to Kumai where the campsite is in an alpine meadow. It is a wonderful day of ridge walking with the ridgeline pointing to the center of the famous Machhapuchhre (6995m). The final climb to the campsite is through steep rocky grassland edged by Rhododendrons Day 05 Katle 3730m Walking approx. 6 hrs.
We continue to climb over steep rocky grassland to Korchon 3680m. The beauty of the Annapurna range is breathtaking. We can expect to see plenty of Pheasants and Red Panda is a common resident. Day 06 Pipar Lake 3270m (Lower route) Walking approx. 6 hrs
Most of today's walk involves ups and downs as we descend across several ridges and after crossing a small river climb heavily forested jungle to Pipar Lake. Day 07 Sirkha 3900m (High route) Walking approx. 6hrs
This is a region of high ground and rock ridges forming the rim of a vast cirque with the mountains to the north. The camp is on a ridge facing the mountains. Today will be our best chance to see Blue sheep and Himalayan Thar. Day 08 Pipar:
Full day for exploring the surrounding jungle for birds and other wildlife. We should be able to find a large number of birds here and all six species of Himalayan pheasants. Day 9 Pipar 3270m (High route) Walking approx. 7hrs.
The descent to Pipar, through heavily forested jungle, is steep. The chances of sighting the Danfe Pheasant and other interesting high altitude birds and animals are good. The camp is located at a beautiful site by a small lake. Day 10 Kodi Khola 1400m Walking approx. 6 hrs
The trail continues steeply downhill, first through open grass covered steep slopes with rock outcrops followed by Rhododendrons and later thick forest. We have lunch at a small level field before continuing down to the Kodi Khola. Day 11 Lahachok 1200m Walking approx. 5 hrs
A pleasant walk along the valley floor is followed by a short climb to the plateau above the river. A short steep decent brings us to Lamachok and our campsite besides the river Day 12 Pokhara 1400m Walking approx. 2 hrs.
A short walk to the roadside from where we take a bus to Pokhara, camping at the Tourist Camping Ground. You will also have time to swim in the lake, take a boat out or explore the forest on the southern shore of the Lake.
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