Mardi Himal Trek is a quick and economical trekking package as compared to other packages making it suitable for almost every nature-loving bee. The route to Mardi Himal is opened recently for the trekkers and perhaps because of its charm, it has been growing popularity gradually among domestic and overseas travellers ever since its inauguration.
The adventure begins from Pokhara, which is famous for the lakes and mountains and often popular as the tourism capital of Nepal. Subsequently, you will catch a drive from Pokhara to Kande, which covers not more than lush forests. Following a steep course across the rhododendron wood as you arrive at Pitam Deurali, you will see Annapurna massif and Macchapuchhre (Fish Tail) rising above the horizon. Climate is moderate here so no worries. But, as you go higher and higher, you begin to experience fall in temperature. Coming across the Badal Danda (Cloud Hills),which by its name surrounded by fluffy clouds, you become consumed with the desire to have a glimpse of a mountainous panorama. After about 3-4 hours of an arduous trek from the high camp, you will come to the viewpoint, from where rises the lofty Mardi Himal (5,587m),Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Tent Peak (5,695m) above the clouds. This place is packed with tranquillity up to the brim gratifying you with the heavenly sights. At the end of the day, you will rise to the base camp and back to Pokhara via Siding.
Day to Day Itinerary
Greetings!! Welcome to Nepal, a Himalayan nation renowned around the globe for its natural and cultural diversity. As your flight approaches the skies of the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll observe the delightful scenery beneath you. Upon your arrival, you’ll be addressed by one of our representatives outside the terminal of Kathmandu Airport. Subsequently, you’ll be guided to your Hotel where you can loosen up your jet-lagged body. You may head to some of the prominent landmarks of the city in order to perceive its historical achievements. Enjoy a walk down the vibrant marketplace of Thamel at the end of the day.
This very day, we’ll carry our backpack, hop into a tourist bus and travel across the scenic countryside to Pokhara. As we progress on our way to our initial destination, we’ll observe snowy mountaintops as a backdrop beside the lush hillside, raging Trishuli and Marsyandi rivers, towns and settlements adjacent to the windy highway. This long yet pleasurable drive will be one of its kinds experience, you’ll ever undergo in your lifetime; thus, enjoy it to the fullest!!!
You’ll subsequently make it to Pokhara following your arrival at Kathmandu. The starting point for many treks to Annapurna Region in Nepal, the sublime city of Pokhara is an enchantress, which spellbinds visitors with its exquisite Himalayan scenery and picturesque landscapes featuring thick woodlands, gushing rivers, and clear lakes. Bidding farewell to the city, we’ll proceed on a 45 minutes drive to Kande (1,770m). We’ll then purse the trekking trail traversing lush countryside to Australian Camp. Through the forest of birch, rhododendron, and oak, we’ll arrive at Pothana then continue to Pitam Deurali (2,100m). We’ll catch glimpses of snow-covered mountaintops of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Massifs en route.
Leaving behind the other tourist, fellow trekkers, the villages and their natives; we’ll take ourselves off from the main trekking path to Annapurna Base Camp and forge ahead along the tranquil trail across the dense woods with thriving vegetations of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron. If the weather is clear, we’ll witness amazing mountain views via the apertures within the nearly impenetrable forest. Feel the walk into the wilderness! Eventually, we’ll end up in Forest Camp (2,520m) at Kokar.
Today, we’ll pack our bags, tighten our shoelaces and set off. The trail now makes an ascent past Rest Camp to make its way beyond one of its kind ‘cloud forest’ composed of trees nourishing orchids, tree ferns, mosses and lichens on its woody surface. On this segment of the trek route, you’ll discover a handful of natural opening amidst hardier trees in woodland from where we can gaze at the spectacular panoramas of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Besides that, we’ll also observe the beautiful outlook of Modi Khola Valley beneath us at the left. With the gradual uphill climb, we’ll set our foot in Mardi Himal Low Camp (3,150m). Afterwards, we’ll ascend a short yet precipitous climb to Middle Camp then walk further to Badal Danda (3,250m). The surrounding vistas are blissful. In fact, we can see the fluffy clouds drifting below us and lofty mountains. Accompanied by the spellbinding views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, we’ll steadily walk up then finally reach High Camp (3,540m). During the lunar phase when moonlight illuminates the surrounding, contemplate the snow-clad peaks very near to you shining majestically at the night.
Before the crack of the dawn, we’ll conquer multiple rocky ridges to rise up at the viewpoint situated at the elevation of 4,200m asl. The climb under the cloak of darkness can be quite challenging, thanks to the steep pathway, high elevations, freezing winds and low temperatures. From the top, we can see awe-inspiring Himalayan panorama with the vast ice fields and blue glaciers underneath us. Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre seem close enough to poke. In addition, you can also find other soaring summits such as Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Tent Peak (5,695m). After rejoicing in heavenly vistas, we’ll move forward to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) where we can find our delight in surrounding panorama extending from Ganesh Himal to Dhaulagiri. Keep in mind that this final part of the route can be quite difficult. At long last, we’ll retrace our steps back to Low Camp beyond the viewpoint and High Camp.
Resuming our descent, we’ll move down across the terrain covered with dense vegetations and lush greenery to emerge at the traditional village of Sidding (1,700m). Surround by the green hills; the village is scattered over a vast area of land and houses some hospitable people in the region. This lovely village also offers homestay facilities. Get acquainted with the culture, traditions and classic lifestyle of remotely accessible village blessed with a pristine natural setting. Thereafter, a private vehicle will drive us to Pokhara. You can either rest in your hotel room enjoying the offered amenities or you may explore the prominent landmarks of Pokhara City.
Cost Information
Includes
Airport pick and drop to hotel.
One night hotel in Kathmandu.
Two night hotel in Pokhara.
Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus.
Transfer Pokhara to Kande by Private car.
Transfer Sidding to Pokhara by sharing Jeep.
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
Seasonal fruits during treks.
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trekking guide including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation.
An experienced porter (one porter for two people) including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation.
Mardi conservation area permit (ACAP) with one photo.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) with one photo.
First aid Medical kit box.
All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT and 10 % service charge).
Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary.
Excludes
Your Nepal entry visa fee.
Travel insurance and emergency evacuation expenses.
International airfare.
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
All personal expenses (including the gears and clothing taken on hire by the travelers, phone calls, battery charge, hot shower, etc).
