Marahni trek in the GHNP

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Marahni Trek is a rich experience of the GHNP and its ecozone


Marahni Trek is suitable when you only have a few days for visiting the GHNP and you expect to have a great experience of the place. Marahni trek starts at an altitude of 2100 m, much higher than Gushaini, the starting point of Rolla and all other Tirthan valley treks. Hence the total ascent is comparatively less although you reach a maximum altitude of 3670 m at Marahni.

The first day of the Marahni trek is Rangthar which let’s you discover some beautiful Himalayan villages. Then you gradually get in the wilderness of the GHNP going through an oak forest which will give you the feeling of being in a fairy tale.

Kundri meadow is located on the way to Marahni. It is a great camping place and it can be used as base camp for further exploration towards Marahni. Marahni in itself could be a camp site in case the weather permits. The view from the top of Marahni is amazing. Some mammals can be observed on this trek as well, mostly wild sheeps (Goral) and Black Bears (or even the Brow bear).

Feeling too tired on the way to Marahni? no problem, stop at Kundri which is already a very nice destination!
There is a lot of flexibility on this trek.


Marahni Trek features

Duration of your trek  

Day-min : The minimum number of days required for the trek
Day-max : The maximum number of days you can spend on this trek. Prolonged itinerary can be discussed with our team.
AWTD : Average walking time per day (<3 : easy, 3 to 5 : moderate, >5 : strenuous)

Altitudes of your trek  

Min : Minimum altitude of your trek.
Max : Maximum altitude of your trek.
Ascent : The difference of altitude between the trek starting point and the highest point of the trek.
Descent : The difference of altitude between the highest point of the trek and the trek ending point.

Difficulty of your trek  

Stamina : The physical effort involved during your trek. Rated from 0 (easiest) to 100 (most strenuous). If you have an average fitness you can consider all the treks up to 50. See here for more details
Technical : Difficulty of your trek in terms of exposure to danger and required experience.
  0 to 20 : No difficulties,
  20 to 40 : Walking on good mountain trails,
  40 to 60 : Some walking on difficult mountain trails (steep slopes, rocks, etc.),
  60 to 80: You are exposed to some dangers (void, snow, falling rocks, etc.),
  80 to 100 : Experience required (please inquire).
Overall : Average between Stamina and Technical rating.

Altitudes

Min
2100 m
Max
3670 m
Ascent
1570 m
Descent
2100 m

Difficulty

Stamina
50/100
Technical
50/100
Overall
50/100


Marahni trek map

map of the Great Himalayan National Park GHNP

Marahni Trek itinerary summary

On the western side of the Tirthan valley. From Day 2 the trek follows a mountain ridge with great view of both sides: Tirthan and Srikot. You need to go to the trek starting point by jeep with your staff and equipment (9 km, 30 minutes).



Marahni Trek Elevation profile

Elevation profile of trek in the Great Himalayan National Park GHNP

Marahni Trek ascent and descent

Marahni trek starts at a relatively higher altitude, and so you can enjoy a very scenic peak without having to climb too much.



Best time to trek to Marahni


Best time for Marahni trek is April, May, June, and then October and November.

You may also consider July, September and December.
  • Jan

  • Feb

  • Mar

  • Apr

  • May

  • Jun

  • Jul

  • Aug

  • Sep

  • Oct

  • Nov

  • Dec


Marahni trek itinerary

Timing Details
Morning

Marahni trek starts from a village in the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park called Pekhri accessible by a small road from Gushaini. From Pekhri you walk towards Lakcha (two hours), a very charming traditional Himalayan village. Have your packed lunch before Lakcha at a quite scenic spot.

Afternoon

Some parts of the trail to Lakcha are quite steep but don’t worry, anyone with an average fitness can do it.
After Lakcha you still have at least one hour walk. You reach a flat-topped ridge where you will set up your first camp, Ranghthar. From Ranghthar you have an ideal view of the Himalays and the Tirthan valley. A spectacular spot for camping ! It is really great to enjoy your meal at the bonfire during sunset.

Timing Details
Morning

The sun rises over the peaks of the GHNP. Don’t miss out on this ! After a copious breakfast everything is packed and you start your second walking day. The first step is Kauni (or Dushmani), a very nice small summit 350 m above Rangthar. The way to Kauni is the steeper trail of the entire trek. Don’t feel discouraged, it is steep but you will be reaching Kauni very fast and you will be rewarded by the view and the beauty of the forest around.

Afternoon

After Kauni it is a very pleasant hike up to Kundri. You go through a golden oak forest that sporadically let you observe the giant Himalayan mountains that appear closer and closer. You have a choice of camp site : Kundri or Marahni. According to the weather, snow conditions, water availability and your physical fitness you decide with your guide where to camp. Both meadows are great for camping.
If you reach the Marahni meadow it is worth climbing up to the Marahni top (3670 m) before the sunset to admire the whole valley illuminated with golden sun rays.

Timing Details
Morning

From your camp have a walk up to Marahni top to Enjoy the spectacular 360° view. The entire Tirthan valley with its surrounding snow-capped mountains above 5000 m height, one side. The lower green Himalayas and even the plains of Punjab on the other side. If you never reached a high peak in your life you will never forget the pleasure of reaching Marahni !

Afternoon

After enjoying the scenery your guide will take you around to spot wildlife. Many kind of species of Eagles and Vultures will represent the bird life. Wild goats, Himalayan Tahr, black bear and the common leopard can be observed around Marahni. Be patient the mammals are quite elusive.
Tonight you have your dinner and your night at the same place than yesterday. That will give time to your cook to prepare a special dinner !

Timing Details
Morning

Today you will get down to the Tirthan river in the ecozone of the GHNP crossing some villages (without any roads of course). It is a long descent but you will have time to stop in the villages and observe the peaceful lifestyle of the Himalayan people. Very refreshing for the mind !

Afternoon

In the evening you will set up your camp at the riverside. You are now at only 1800 m. The vegetation is very different, many birds can be observed. Enjoy the sound of the river and spend your last night in the wilderness.

Timing Details
Morning

Take you time to enjoy the riverside. Today you have only two hours of walk. You could take photographs of birds or spent more time interacting with the villagers on the way. Or just have a lazy time by the riverside before leaving and hiking to Gushaini, last stage of the trek.

Afternoon

Walk down to Gushaini after your lunch.



Alternate itineraries


In 4 days
   The trek in 4 days is not a loop. It is a return trip from Pekhri to Marahni.
Day 1 From Pekhri to Rangthar
Day 2 From Rangthar to Kundri
Day 3 Exploration day at Marahni and camp at Kundri.
You can use this day for photography and observation of wildlife.
Day 4 From Kundri to Pekhri.
In 3 days
   You have less time? Try Marahni in 3 days.
Day 1 From Pekhri to Rangthar
Day 2 From Rangthar to Marhani.
You can decide to camp either at Kundri or at Rangthar.
If you are not sure about your physical capacity opt for keeping your basecamp at Rangthar.
Day 3 From Rangthar or Kundri to Pekhri


More photos of the Marahni trek

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

At Rangthar

The first night is spent at the Rangthar meadow.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Start on day 2

On this day you will gradually approach the real wild of the Great Himalayan National Park.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

The climb to Kauni

Shortly after Rangthar you have a very steep climb to Kauni. Be ready :-)

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Kauni

After the climb you are rewarded with a great view of the Tirthan valley. Have a break !

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Rangthar from above

This is how your Rangthar camp looks like from Kauni.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Nice hike

You will really enjoy your time after Kauni as you go through meadows and forests.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Views !

While hiking to Kundri the forest sporadically offers you great views in between 2 oaks.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Golden oaks

The ecosystem is dominated by the Golden Oaks which create a very special atmosphere.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Kundri

You reach Kundri from above and so you initially enjoy the view of the meadow.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Bonfire

Enjoy the bonfire at Kundri which is at an elevation of 3400 m.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Towards Marahni

Climbing towards Marahni from Kundri. You may have some snow on the way.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Last steps

It is very exciting to approach Marahni as the view opens and the summit calls.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

At the top

Looking towards the South you have a great feeling being above so much of forests.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Pleasure of the wild

Marahni trek ? In less time, you enjoy a lot of the wilderness.

The trek to Marahni in the GHNP

Last night and day

In case of a 5 day trek you can enjoy the riverside for the last camp and day.



Marahni trek videos

Video about the trek to Marahni, GHNP

Marahni trek

The trek to Marahni organized by Himalayan Ecotourism in GHNP

Video practical info about treks in the GHNP

Trekking in the GHNP

All you need to know for planning your trek in the GHNP with us







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