Situated to the east of the most popular Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal trek is a wonderful trek to escape the crowded treks of the Annapurna and yet experience the spectacular Annapurna range. Trekkers make their way up to the Mardi Base Camp located on the base of the Mardi Himal. The trek is a relatively new route and offers the trekkers with the beautiful walk exploring the region that is still not conquered by many of the trekkers.
The Mardi Himal trek is an enjoyable trek which offers the trekkers with the marvelous views of the entire Annapurna Range. The trek also provides you with the impressive views of the Machhapuchhare, Mardi Himal, and Hiunchuli.
Trekkers will walk along the rugged landscape and through the dense forest of rhododendron, oak, maple and hemlock. You might also come across some wild pig, leopard, porcupine, and langur monkeys. Trekkers are also likely to encounter Mountain Thar, blue sheep, yak and pheasant.
Starting the trek from Pokhara at 1400 meters, the trek will take the trekkers up to the altitude of 4200 meters at Upper view point. The landscape along the trail changes abruptly and there is minimum availability of the food and accommodation along the route. Yet, the trek to Mardi Himal is a popular trek in Annapurna Region where not everybody makes to go.
Mardi Himal Trek is a classic trek that gives you the taste of unspoiled culture and villages. You will be pleased to receive the warm hospitality of the local people and explore the Magar and Gurung culture.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE KATHMANDU
You will be met at the airport and be taken to the hotel. You may relax or explore until the group meets at dinner.
DAY 2 – TOUR AROUND KATHMANDU
We will spend a day exploring Kathmandu: the capital city of Nepal. The medieval city, the streets, local markets, temples, shrines and Buddhist stupas are crowded by the people of almost every caste, color, and race throughout the country.
We start our tour by visiting the monkey temple; Swayambhunath. The temple rests on the top of the hill and provides a spectacular view of the Kathmandu city from the top.
After Swayambhunath, our next destination will be Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is also popularly known as Basantapur Durbar Square and Hanumandhoka. The Kumari: Living goddess of Nepal lives in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here.
You will also visit Patan Durbar Square. You will cross the Bagmati River over a bridge that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan. Patan is a beautiful city which is a historic storage of the temple and squares. The Patan is a pure reflection of the Newari craftsmanship. The Patan Durbar Square is a beautiful place to walk around to fresh your mood.
DAY 3 – FLY FROM KATHMANDU TO POKHARA AND DRIVE PHEDI (1130 m) AND TREK TO POTHANA (1925 m)
You will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Pokhara. The scenic flight to Pokhara provides the tourists with the spectacular views of the Himalayan vista. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will take a drive to Nayapul on a private vehicle. The drive is of about an hour.
From Pokhara we will drive to Phedi. We will reach Phedi in maximum of 1 hour drive. Our trek starts from Phedi. We start our trek from Phedi to Pothana. The trek starts with a uphill climb for about 1 to 2 hours until we reach Dhampus. The trail to Pothana offers the trekkers with the views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhare.
Overnight in Pothana, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4 – POTHANA TO KOKAR (FOREST CAMP 2600 m) 5 HOURS HIKE
We start our day early today. We head towards Pitan village and continue along the trail that takes along the rhododendron, oak, maple and hemlock woods. May be you also encounter animals like wild pig, porcupine, langur monkeys, and leopard. Further ascending uphill, we will stand on our destination: Forest Camp. The ‘Kokar’ is the name given by the locals. We will spend tonight in Kokar. The lodges are basic and you will dine with the owners so you get the opportunity to know more about the local people and culture.
Overnight in lodge Kokar, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 5 – KOKAR TO LOW CAMP (3150 m) 4 HOURS HIKE
After an early breakfast in Kokar, we leave for a new destination: Low Camp. As the trail continues through the forest, the vegetation changes from wooded rhododendron trees to tress covered with moss, lichens and ferns. After walking about 4 hours we will now reach Low Camp at 3150 meters. The lodges will be basic again. However, the Low Camp will provide the amazing views of the Mount Machhapuchhare.
Overnight in lodge in Low Camp, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 6 – LOW CAMP TO HIGH CAMP (3600 m) 4 HOURS HIKE
After breakfast, we start our trek towards High Camp. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal Ridge on grass. The rhododendrons become somewhat sparse along the way. Along the trail, trekkers can see the undisturbed views of Annapurna south and Hiunchuli. If you are lucky enough, you can get a chance to see the colorful Danphe: the national bird of Nepal. As we arrive the High Camp, you will be transferred to your lodge. The lodges here are quite larger and have dining rooms and heaters too. You also get to see the magnificent Dhaulagiri peak from High Camp.
Overnight in lodge in High Camp, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7 – TREK TO UPPER VIEW POINT (4200 m) 4 HOURS HIKE
We will spend a day at Higher Camp today. You can get a beautiful view of the sunrise over the mountains in the morning. Since we will have a spare day, we will go for the trek to Mardi Himal. The trek might be more difficult than previous days. However, the trail is well established with only few steeper sections. The first steep climb will take us to the ridge top where lies the Mardi Himal Base Camp (MBC). The top provides the splendid panorama of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare. We continue our hike back to the High Camp for overnight stay.
Overnight in lodge in High Camp, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 8 – HIGH CAMP TO SIDING VILLAGE (1750 m) 6 HOURS HIKE
From High Camp, our trek now takes a turn back. Don’t worry we won’t bother you with the same trail we made it up to the High Camp. From High Camp, we continue to walk towards the Siding village. The village is a traditional village with distinct Nepali lifestyle and untouched and isolated from the other trekking destinations. The trekkers can get a cultural experience by staying in homestays run by the local people in the village. Traditional foods served by them and the dining with the host family will be the best part of your trek.
Overnight in homestay in Siding village, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 9 – SIDING VILLAGE TO LUMRE (3 HOURS HIKE) AND DRIVE BACK TO POKHARA
After breakfast in Siding village, we continue to follow the trail that descends slowly downhill. We will cross a suspension bridge and walk along the local villages until we reach Lumre. In Lumre, we will have a vehicle waiting for us. We start our drive from Lumre to Pokhara. After almost 2 hours drive, we will now reach Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 10 – LEISURE DAY IN POKHARA
We spend a spare day in the beautiful Pokhara valley. Pokhara is the tourism capital of Nepal for having numerous tourist attraction sites. You can explore the beautiful lakes in the valley. Boating in the Phewa Lake is a ‘should not’ miss activity in Pokhara. The boat will take you to the Bindabasini temple in the middle of the lake.
A walk around the lakeside in the evening is a great idea to explore the lively evening. The evening seems busier. Pokhara offers you with every option whether it be local foods and tradition or western music and bars.
Overnight in Pokhara, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11 – FLY TO KATHMANDU
We will now catch a morning flight to Kathmandu. The scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu will take around 25 minutes. Upon landing Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel and have rest for the rest of the day.
DAY 12 – DEPARTURE
This will be your last day in Nepal. With gratitude and honor, we will drop you to the International Airport to catch your flight back to your country.
Inclusions
Government Trained License Holder English-speaking guide/leader
All domestic and International airport transfers on arrival and departure
Good standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/cities with twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
All road transport by private vehicles
All domestic airfares
All meals and accommodation on trek including tea and coffee
Morning bed-tea on trek
A free high-quality Dolma Treks duffel bag/relative trekking map and Tee-shirt
Trek staff and full porteragem
All camping gears in our camping treks
High altitude Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped
