Highlights
- Adventure to Mardi Himal base camp known as another sanctuary by early pioneers and explorers.
- Exceptional panorama of high Annapurna Himalaya with towering peaks of Machhapuchare.
- Enjoy scenic walks within the serene wilderness away from main trekking trails and villages.
- Walk into the deep forested area of tall rhododendron, pines, firs, and oak tree lines.
- On remote isolated corners of Annapurna Himalaya and close to towering Fish Tail peaks.
- Mode of Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu / Pokhara with the local nice lodge on treks.
- Trekking Grade: Moderate and Adventurous walks.
- Highest elevation: At Mardi Himal Base Camp 4,490 m / 14,817 ft high.
- Activities: Guided tour, overland journey and scenic treks.
- Trek duration: 07 Nights and 08 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).
- Total Trip: 12 Nights and 13 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Overview
Mardi Himal Trek is located in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It stands at an altitude of 5,587 meters (18,330 feet) and this is the popular destination for trekking. The Mardi Himal Trek is a trekking route that takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal and starting from the charming lakeside city of Pokhara, the trek winds through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields and traditional villages. The trail gradually ascends, showcasing the beauty of rhododendron forests during the spring season.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes around 12 days to complete. This includes hiking through different surfaces and authorizing acclimatization over several days to adjust to the high altitude. The trek starts from Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city in Nepal. From Pokhara, you drive to kande and begin your trek. The trail takes you through lush forests, terraced fields and traditional Nepali villages, providing a diverse and picturesque landscape. After a few days of trekking , you reach the high camp located at an altitude of around 3,700 meters (12,140 feet). From the high camp, you can witness stunning panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre ( Fishtail) and Mardi Himal itself. The next day , you hike up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,763 feet). You are rewarded with the realistic and breathtaking views of majestic peaks and surrounding glaciers. You trek through lush woods and high alpine pastures to make your way to the Mardi Himal View Point, where you can enjoy eye-catching sunrise views reflecting a golden hue on the snow capped Himalayan Mountains of Annapurna.
Throughout the trek, You will pass through charming traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and Magar ethnic communities. These communities offer a glimpse into the local way of life, their unique traditions , warm hospitality and interacting with the locals can be a fulfilling cultural experience. The main highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek is the panoramic mountain views it offers. When you climb higher, You will be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of iconic peaks such as Machhapuchhre ( Fish Tail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal Itself. The sight of these towering giants against the backdrop of clear blue sky is truly awe inspiring. The more popular trek in the Annapurna Region, such as Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, The Mardi Himal Trek sees fewer trekkers, creating a quieter and more serene environment. This allows you to truly connect with nature, enjoying the peacefulness and tranquility of the mountains.
Mardi Himal offers the opportunities for wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you may come across various species of Himalayan birds and animals, such as pheasants, deer as well as rare creatures like the elusive snow leopard. Exploring the rich biodiversity of the region adds another layer of excitement to the trek. To undertake Mardi Himal Trek, you will need to obtain permits. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers information Management System (TIMS) card are required to trek in the region. It is always recommended to hire a local guide or porter, who can provide valuable insights, handle logistics and ensure your safety during the trek. The Mardi Himal Trek requires a moderate level of fitness and endurance, it rewards trekkers with unforgettable memories and a sense of achievement. The calmness and peacefulness of the trail, combined with the majestic beauty of the Mountains, make it an ideal adventure for nature willing, photographers and those seeking a more offbeat trekking experience.
The Mardi Himal is a hidden gem in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. It is a remarkable choice for trekkers seeking a less crowded and more off beat adventure in the Annapurna Region. Trek in Mardi Himal offers a unique and less crowded trekking experience compared to some of the more popular routes. The trek combines stunning mountain views, cultural immersion and diverse ecosystems of Mardi Himal shows an unforgettable and memorable experience.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be escorted to hotel in Thamel by All Nepal Excursion staff and guides
On checking your rooms, getting refreshed join with other trekkers for briefing provided by our guide or leader.
Evening enjoys group dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese restaurant with a live cultural program to entertain you with dinner.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour and trek preparation.
After breakfast, we commence our visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites beginning within the Kathmandu District. These sites include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and Bauddhanath. In the evening our guide will come for the briefing about the entire trek.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 822 m and transfer to hotel - 7-8 hrs journey.
Morning at the earliest depart from the hotel by 7 a.m. and then on the road with an exciting drive to Nepal Mid West reaching Pokhara, a renowned touristic and beautiful place of Nepal and whole Himalaya areas.
On reaching scenic Pokhara transfer to your hotel near its serene Phewa Lake, Pokhara is blessed with natural beauty located on the laps of Annapurna mountain range with towering peaks of Machhapuchare the famous ‘Fish Tail’ that touches the surface of Phewa and Begnas Lakes.
Pokhara is a major starting and ending point of many trekking and other adventure around Annapurna Himalaya and beyond, where some can take the options flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara of 30 minutes scenic flight.
Day 04: Drive to Phedi (trek point) with 3 hrs walk to Dhampus 1,540m.
From Pokhara's first day trek begins taking a short drive to reach the starting point of walks, as the ride lead past Pokhara valley facing views of Annapurna peaks.
On reaching Phedi means the bottom of a hill, start to walk with climb past farm villages and terraces with views of peaks, and then with steep up to reach our overnight stop at Dhampus village, populated by Gurung the hill people of Annapurna and Lamjung Himal.
At Dhampus the last village on route Mardi Himal with time here to explore the local Gurung culture in the backdrop of grand views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri with Machhapuchare Himal.
Day 05: Trek to Kokar Forest camp 2,520 m via Pitam Deurali 2,100m-06 hrs.
The morning starts with a short climb with some gradual walks to reach Potana a small village on top of the high ridge, from here into the dense forest of rhododendron and pines to reach Deurali with fantastic views of a high snow-capped mountain range and of the valley.
Having lunch break, afternoon walks with climb and then on the gradual trail for few hours to reach at Kokar a small settlement in the midst of forest for an overnight stop.
Day 06: Trek to Forest camp or Low Camp 2,970 m - 05 hrs.
From the forested area, walk leads higher with a climb to reach a nice green pasture field for an overnight stop at a place called Forest of Low Camp on route to Mardi base camp, form here enjoy views of surrounding landscapes and mountains at close range.
Day 07: Trek to High camp 3, 700 m - 05 hrs.
After enjoying the morning vista of beautiful landscapes and snow-peaks in perfect tranquility, then head towards the higher area to High Camp as the air gets thinner and cooler with a steep climb to reach High Camp where tree lines fade to short rhododendron and juniper bushes.
Here at High Camp with some small lodges for overnight accommodation with superb views of Annapurna Himalaya.
Day 08: At High Camp for hike to Mardi Himal base camp at 4,490 m.
At High Camp for an extra night to explore beyond High Camp taking a day hike to Mardi Himal base camp and to reach the highest point of the trek at 4,490 m, where the route leads with a steep climb on a ridgeline to reach the hidden pleasure at base of Mardi Himal.
Close to towering Mt. Machhapuchare; the area is known as 'Other Sanctuary' named by early pioneer Jimmy Roberts when he first explored this area in the early 1970s. After enjoying the views of the superb mountain panorama returned back on the same route to our overnight stop.
Day 09: Trek to Low Camp on the same route for 05 hrs.
Morning enjoying at the highest overnight spot at High Camp as walk leads to easy downhill and back into dense tree lines at Low Camp for last overnight on high hills of Annapurna Himalaya.
After a fabulous time on the high ridges of Mardi Himal with beautiful views and back into the forest of rhododendron and pines trees, retracing the journey back on the same trail at Low Camp.
Day 10: Trek to Siding village 1,750m-05 hrs. and drive to Pokhara
Morning walk with long descend into the forest of rhododendron and pines trees, as walk heads downhill to Sidang village. After reaching Siding we will take a jeep to Pokhara. A 2 hour jeep ride will bring you to lake city Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
The morning after breakfast in the hotel depart for Kathmandu of more than five hours of interesting and exciting drives following the main highway through nice farm villages and towns with views of the snow-capped mountain range.
As the drive continues then on winding up to reach the top spot on the outskirt of Kathmandu valley and the city, a short drive from the top reaches you to your hotel, with afternoon free for individual activities and shopping.
(Flying options from Pokhara to Kathmandu of 30 minutes scenic flight)
Day 12: International departure to respective countries homeward bound.
Last day in the land of the world's highest mountains and exciting cultures, as per your time for international flight depart from the hotel, where All Nepal Treks staff and guide transfers you to the airport, with grand experience and beautiful memories of Ghorepani and Poon Hill Trekking.
What's included
- All Arrival and Departure transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Full day sightseeing tours in Kathmandu as the itinerary
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
- Twin sharing accommodation on best Lodge available on treks on full board with breakfast-lunch and dinner.
- Luxury tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Jeep drive from Pokhara to Phedi and Siding to Pokhara
- Trekking Information Management System fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit Fees.
- Group briefing and orientation program on do’s and don't of the trip.
- International air tickets re-confirmation.
- Basic First Aid and Medical Kits.
- Applicable government taxes.
- Experienced and well English speaking guide.
What's not included
- Entrance Fees for sightseeing places
- International Airfare and Nepal Entry Visa.
- Personal Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Expenses of Personal Nature-Gratitude-Airport Tax
- Meals(Lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment, down or duvet jackets, sleeping bags. (Sleeping bags and down jackets and climbing equipment can hire in Kathmandu at a reasonable cost).
- Emergency Evacuation by any means of Transportations and personal medical kit.
- Porter as on ratio of 2:1 (one porter for two guests)
- Early return from the trips or breaking up the journey due to personal/medical reason clients has to bear extra expenses in Kathmandu or on route with related expenses as there will be no refund from the company in such situation.
