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Unique Experiences: Mardi Himal Tree Planting for Nature and Community

Mardi Himal Tree Planting initiative

Protecting the Himalayas and Supporting Communities

On July 5–6, 2025, Himalayan Circuit led a Mardi Himal tree planting initiative to help preserve the fragile Himalayan environment and support local communities. With deforestation and global warming threatening the region, planting trees has become more important than ever. This project not only contributes to environmental conservation but also provides meaningful work for our trekkers during the off-season when tourism slows down.

Choosing the Right Trees and Location

Local People Participating in Tree plantation.
With gentle hands and deep roots, a grandmother joins the Mardi Himal reforestation — a true symbol of community commitment.

The trees were grown in a nursery run by the Pokhara Division Forest Office. Out of 280 seedlings planned, over 250 strong native trees were selected. These included Rhododendron (Nepal’s national flower), White Frangipani (Champ), Cinnamon, and Black Pepper (Timur).

The timing was perfect because monsoon rains help young trees grow. We planted the trees in Kalimati (“black soil”), a fertile area along the Mardi Himal Trek. Our team, led by Sanu Bhujel, worked with the Mardi Himal Eco-Village Hotel. This sustainable community grows organic food such as corn and rice. They helped us find good spots safe from cattle grazing.

Expert Tips from a Local Trekkers

One of our trekkers, Sagar, from the Kirant community, shared his tree-planting tips:

  1. Dig a hole about one foot deep in soft soil.
  2. Remove grass nearby because it grows fast and traps heat.
  3. Leave 3 to 4 meters distance between each tree.
  4. Most importantly, “Smile and enjoy the moment.”
Tree pleantation in Mardi himal route
Sagar in action — planting not just trees, but a deeper connection between people, nature, and the mountains we call home.

Building Strong Community Bonds

Connecting community through sustainability
The faces behind the work — each smile a reminder of what’s possible when communities and nature come together.

During two busy planting days, strong bonds formed between our team and the local community. The Eco-Village promised to care for the trees by adding organic fertilizer and trimming grass. Sanu will visit again in six months to check on their growth.

Looking Ahead

Mardi Himal eco lodge
Mardi Himal Eco-Village Lodge — a true partner in sustainability, where organic farming, local wisdom, and conservation come together.

We ended the project with a warm farewell ceremony. It reminded us all of our shared duty to protect nature and build a Green and White Himalaya. We thank everyone who helped. We look forward to planting more trees next year with even more people.

Special thanks to Freedy, a key contributor to this project, for sharing her experience and insights during the tree-planting initiative.

As a side note, the Mardi Himal Eco-Village is also a fantastic spot for birdwatchers. It hosts over 125 bird species, including some endangered ones. You can learn more on their Instagram page.

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