Most Bruneians opt to travel to their usual favourite tourism destinations within the region but it is not the case for Marianah binti Tujoh and her family.
The family of four along with their relatives and friend decided to travel to a more adventurous place instead.
The government servant, her husband Iskandar bin Haji Omar, their daughters Nur Bazilina Khalisyah binti Iskandar (19) and Nur Amni Qurratul’Ain binti Iskandar (17), relatives Suliza binti Markineh and Suhazirah binti Markineh, and friend Dayangku Masleda binti Pengiran Daud went to Nepal and trekked the peak of Mardi Himal.
Marianah, who conquered Nepal’s Annapurna Everest Base Camp (EBC) in 2016 and 2017, always reminisced on of the sceneries of Nepal, sharing the experience with her children.
The idea of trekking in Nepal during the year-end school holidays popped up in April this year and seven people agreed to go.
Marianah said, “I always wanted to bring my family and relatives to experience Nepal. I told them that the views are rewarding and the culture is unique.
“We started planning for the trip in August and trained by hiking the hills in Brunei frequently. We travelled to Kuala Lumpur in September to purchase some gears since choices are limited in the Sultanate.”
Recalling the trip, Marianah said, “We landed in Nepal on December 7 and travelled eight hours to Pokhara by bus two days later.
“We trekked 1,925 metres (m) to Deurali and 2,600m to Forest Camp on December 10 and had a head guide and two porters to carry our necessities.
“On December 12, we continued our trek to the High Camp which is 3,550m. However, my daughter fell ill and could not continue the journey, while the remaining team move forward to the highlight of the trip, the View Point at 4,250m. Despite the heavy snow and exhaustion, we reached the View Point. It was a sense of accomplishment.
“We began our hike at 5am in pitch black and reached the View Point five hours later. We were very tired and didn’t have breakfast prior to the hike.”
Marianah said, “The view was breathtaking. We saw three mountains – Annapurna I (8,091m), Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Machhapuchhare (6,991m). It was a view we will never forget. We may be the first Bruneians to reach the View Point at that moment.
“We are very proud for making it to Mardi Himal View Point.”
Her advice for families who are looking into going to Mardi Himal View Point, “Train more, especially hikes involving stairs. Bring snacks like jelly and chocolates as jelly can hydrate you in cold and dry weather. And be mentally strong.” – James Kon
