Nepal—a mystical land where mountains pierce the heavens, their towering beauty dominating the landscape. Each peak has a name, a presence, a soul-stirring magnificence that captivates the heart. Among this sea of giants lies a trek wandered by many but truly known by few: the Mardi Himal Trek. It was here, along these quieter trails, that I found myself with Hapbe Adventures, a Black-owned adventure company dedicated to diversity, community, and shared experiences that transcend barriers. Knowing what this company represented, I couldn’t turn down the chance to trek with them—an opportunity for both adventure and connection.
Stepping Foot in Katmandu
Arriving in Kathmandu solo in October 2024 felt like stepping into a long-awaited dream. As an avid backpacker, the Himalayas had called to me for years. I had glimpsed their splendor through screens, photographs, and stories, each time feeling an irresistible pull. Now, as I set foot in Nepal, that dream became reality.
Yet, despite my excitement, anxiety crept in like Greenbrier vines wrapping around my thoughts. Would they like me? Would I be too weird? Would I be accepted? Solo travel had always been my sanctuary—a space where I could be unapologetically myself. But I knew that growth lay in stepping beyond my comfort zone.
Pushing through the hesitation paid off. I quickly discovered that my fellow trekkers were as open, adventurous, and quirky as I was. Trekking with a group of Black adventurers was a rare and profound experience—a reflection of representation in the outdoors that I had long yearned for. Together, we navigated the vibrant chaos of Kathmandu: monkeys dangling from electric lines, a swarm of scooters weaving through traffic without streetlights, and Nepali people moving with a rhythm all their own—barefoot, balancing heavy baskets with cloth bands across their foreheads, hauling vegetables through the bustling streets. Their resilience and grace inspired me.
Then came the landslides.
The Earth Rages
We had planned to fly to Pokhara, but adverse weather canceled our flight. In a country known for the most dangerous airport in the world, the ten-hour drive suddenly felt like a far wiser choice. As we wound through the mountains, the earth unleashed her fury. One by one, then all at once, landslides crashed down like waves breaking violently against the cliffs. Water, mud, and boulders obstructed our path, and our driver maneuvered with a precision that felt both nerve-wracking and masterful. In that moment, when life rested in the hands of a stranger, I found myself trusting those around me more deeply. We were in this together.
When we finally reached Pokhara and arrived at the start of the Mardi Himal Trek, we were no longer just a group of travelers. We were a tribe—ready to take on whatever the mountains had in store. What began in an unassuming parking lot quickly transformed into a stairway leading into a lush forest, where glimpses of distant valleys peeked through the dense greenery. At first, the trail seemed ordinary—nothing particularly striking—just the stairmaster 6000 but by day two, everything changed.
Unveiling the Goddess
What had been hidden beneath a dense shroud of fog the day before was unveiled at dawn—a goddess. Her name was Annapurna II, standing at a staggering 7,937 meters (26,040 feet). Her tiara of snow pierced the crystal-blue sky, revealing her rugged base and towering ridges, a breathtaking contrast against the heavens. Annapurna II remains one of the lesser-climbed giants of the Himalayas, yet her presence is no less commanding—a beacon of both beauty and challenge in the heart of Nepal. The trail wound through dense rhododendron forests, a tapestry of green in every shade imaginable. As we climbed higher, elevation took its toll—our breaths grew heavier with each step, forcing us to pause more often, refuel, and adjust to the thinning air. By the time we reached Forest Camp, our refuge for the night, we were once again swallowed by the mist, nudging us indoors to the warmth of the gathering room.
One of the greatest comforts of this trek was the tea houses—knowing that after an 8 km (5 mi) hike each day, a warm bed, a hot shower, steaming tea, hearty meals, and good conversation awaited us. For those who aren’t fond of camping but crave adventure, the Mardi Himal Trek offers the perfect balance of challenge and comfort. Every morning, we woke up refreshed and energized which prepared us for summit day-Mardi Himal Base Camp 4,500 meters.
The stars danced overhead, their brilliance uninterrupted by city lights, while planets gleamed like celestial beacons. Against the darkness, the mountains stood in quiet silhouette, their presence both formidable and humbling. We moved swiftly, carrying only the essentials, our porters shouldering our water as our headlamps flickered like lighthouses in motion, casting rhythmic beams into the night.
The Gathering of the Tribe
As we stood at the summit, the Mardi Himal Trek whispered her secrets to us: towering peaks glistening in the sunlight, dense rhododendron forests alive with energy, and ridges that made us feel both small and infinite at once. Yet, beyond the breathtaking landscapes, it was the bond between us that truly made this trek extraordinary. Laughter echoed across the valleys, stories unfolded over steaming cups of tea, and a sense of belonging blossomed along the trail.
Three Black women—standing proudly at the peak—reminded us that this was more than just a trek. It was a celebration of resilience, diversity, and the unbreakable power of community. HapBe Adventures didn’t just guide us through the wilds of Nepal; they crafted an experience that united us, grounded us, and reminded us of the limitless beauty that unfolds when we dare to walk the path less traveled.
