Situated just east of one of the most popular treks of Nepal – the Annapurna Base Camp trek, Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem and is a newly opened eco-tourism, trekking trail spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre
Situated just east of one of the most popular treks of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem and is a newly opened eco-tourism, trekking trail that takes trekkers to the base camp of Mardi Himal. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre.
The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
From High Camp (3580 m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range.
Mardi Himal trekking includes a full day guided tour to some of the major sites of the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley. The package includes full board during the trek and bed and breakfast before and after the trek. Due to the unavailability of tea houses and lodges, the nights are spent in a tented camp during the trek. Cooks are hired to serve your choice breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Upon your arrival the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Wanders who will take you to our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali cuisine restaurant where you will be able to enjoy authentic Nepali meal with a brief cultural program. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
This is a day to explore Kathmandu where we organise guided sightseeing to the Buddhist and Hindu sights in Kathmandu, to Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Swayambunath – the Buddhist monkey temple and Pashupatinath – a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River. Three major towns are located in the valley, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each having a great artistic and architectural tradition. Kathmandu is the capital and the largest city in the country. Patan, the second largest is separated from Kathmandu by a river. Bhaktapur, the third largest, is towards the eastern end of the valley and its relative isolation is reflected in its slower pace and more distinctly mediaeval atmosphere. In the Kathmandu Valley the landscape is dramatically sculpted by the contours of the paddy fields. The towns and villages are alive with the colours of farm produce, ranging from pyramids of golden grain to the vivid reds of chilli peppers laid out on mats to dry in the sun. In the streets and towns there is a constant bustle of activity, especially in the bazaars and markets where the farmers sell their vegetables and fruit. You should get back to the hotel after your sightseeing tour around midafternoon and the rest of the day is free for you to explore the city further and pack bags ready for the start of the trek the following morning. You can leave a bag at the hotel with items you will not need on the trek. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Today, in the morning our guides will come to pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the bus station to catch an early morning, comfortable tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus will head towards the west of Kathmandu Valley and continue the journey towards the western part of Nepal following the Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River. The bus will stop twice – one for breakfast and one for lunch and then continue until we reach Pokhara. The evening can be utilized to explore the lake area. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara
Pothana is the destination set for the day. After having breakfast, the trip continues with a 40 minute bus ride to Phedi. The upward hike begins from here. A climb through the jungle, passing several small villages takes us to the beautiful Gurung village -Dhampus. From Dhampus, a steep climb will first take us to the Australian Camp, passing Deurali. We further walk up to Pothana situated on the Annapurna Circuit trail. The evening can be spent exploring Pothana and enjoying the views of the mountains. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
The Forest Camp is the destination set for the day. From Pothana, the upward hike continues on the stone paved trail till Deurali. On reaching Deurali, we leave the circuit trail and catch an off-the-beaten trail that heads east. The trail passes through the dense forest, presenting the glimpses of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif and some wildlife en route to the Forest Camp. We reach the forest Camp around the afternoon, where we set up the tent for overnight stay. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
The High Camp is the destination of the day. Leaving the Forest Camp we proceed towards the High Camp. Though the distance is short the climb through the forest of Rhododendron and Juniper forest is quite steep. The settlement is almost nil around this area. We first pass Manjh Danda to reach the low camp, and then we pass the Nangge Danda to reach the high camp. The top greets you with the most spectacular view of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna Range, the valley of Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
Mardi Himal Base Camp is the destination set for the day. Today we wake up earlier than usual to enjoy the sunrise view from the High Camp. Today is a challenging day as the day requires walking on a narrow, rocky trail. Leaving the High Camp, we ascend for about 4 hours to reach the base camp of the Mardi Himal. After enjoying the views from the base camp, we walk back to the High Camp. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
Siding Village is the destination set for the day. From the High Camp crossing the Nangge Danda, a steep descent brings us back to the Low Camp. From the Low Camp, we leave the trail used earlier and head towards the Mardi Khola River through the dense forest. The walk continues till Sidhing. Overnight in a teahouse lodge
Pokhara is the destination set for the day. Leaving Sidhing, we now hike down following the line of the river valley, passing various small settlements of Gurung and Tamang people until we reach Lumre. At Lumre, we catch a vehicle that will take us to Pokhara in one hour. The evening can be spent exploring the Lake area. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara
After a number of days of tiring hike, we spend the day relaxing the tired muscles. Pokhara is a beautiful place that offers a number of attractions to both tourist and the local people. Today we spend our time exploring various attractions of Pokhara. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara
Kathmandu is the destination set for the day. Today we fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which leaves you enough time to spend your day in Kathmandu. A private vehicle will be awaiting your arrival at the airport, which will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The day can either be spent resting at the hotel or exploring the cities of Kathmandu. In the evening, we again meet for the farewell dinner and discuss the trek and the feedback. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu
Our representative will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to international airport for onward journey.
10 breakfasts
8 lunches
9 dinners
Ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as stated in the itinerary
One way flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Kathmandu (3 nights)
Tea house (no facilities) (5 nights)
Pokhara (3 nights)