Mardi Himal Via ABC trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek via ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) offers an enchanting journey through the captivating landscapes of the Annapurna region in Nepal. This lesser-known trek combines the serenity of Mardi Himal's pristine beauty with the iconic Annapurna Sanctuary, presenting an unforgettable experience. Starting from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the trek also leads adventurers through lush rhododendron forests, charming villages, and terraced fields. The path gradually ascends, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains. As trekkers approach Low Camp and High Camp, the landscapes shift, revealing panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. Continuing upwards, the journey merges with the renowned Annapurna Base Camp trail, a highlight of the region. The trek enters the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater encircled by towering peaks. Trekkers reward with awe-inspiring vistas of the Annapurna massif, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare, their magnificence complemented by the sanctuary's tranquil atmosphere. The Mardi Himal Trek via ABC provides a diverse range of experiences, from serene forest walks to challenging ascents. Along the way, encounters with local Gurung and Magar communities offer insights into their cultures and lifestyles. Teahouse accommodations allow trekkers to rest comfortably while relishing local hospitality and cuisine. As the trek culminates at Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers are enveloped by the sheer grandeur of their surroundings. The imposing peaks seem almost within arm's reach, creating a surreal sense of accomplishment. The journey back retraces the path, allowing trekkers to revisit the mesmerizing landscapes from a different perspective.Conclusion and Summary
In essence, the Mardi Himal Trek via ABC amalgamates the lesser-known beauty of Mardi Himal with the iconic grandeur of Annapurna Base Camp. It's a fusion of natural wonder, cultural encounters, and physical challenge, making it a must for trekkers seeking a remarkable and multifaceted adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.Trip Highlight
- Breathtaking Mountain Views: The trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre mountains, as well as other snow-capped peaks in the Himalayas.
- Mardi Himal Base Camp: The trek takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal, a less crowded and less explored trekking destination in the Annapurna region.
- Annapurna Sanctuary: You will also trek through the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater surrounded by majestic peaks.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and bamboo groves to rocky terrain and snow-capped mountains.
- Traditional Villages: You will pass through traditional villages and interact with locals, learning about their culture and way of life.
- Hot Springs: The trek includes a visit to the natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda, where you can relax and soak in the therapeutic waters.
- ABC Trek: The trek also includes a visit to Annapurna Base Camp, a popular destination for trekkers in the region.
- Experienced Guides: You will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides who will ensure your safety and provide information about the trek and the region.
Itinerary
After landing flight at Tribhuvan International Airport, representative of Friendship World Treks Pvt. Ltd will warmly receive you. We will move towards the hotel. We will enjoy delicious dinner at night. After dinner we will give brief description of the program to Mardi himal Trekking.
Early morning we will have breakfast and take a drive to Pokhara for about 7 to 8 hours. The panoramic view of the roadside houses and forest will be very enjoyable. In Pokhara spectacular places around the valley will be very interesting. The night will be at one of the best hotel at Pokhara.
Drive from Pokhara to Kade, it takes one hour by driving. The road is reasonably good. Then trek from Kade to Australian Camp (2060m). It takes 2 to 3 hours then
This is beautiful walk through forest. After morning breakfast we trek about 5 hours to reach Forest camp walking through Pothana village. Overnight at Tea House.
As we climb there are natural windows in the woods that view out onto thrilling panoramas towards Hiunchuli Peak and the knife-sharp traverse towards Annapurna South. We have magnificent closer view of Fishtail and Annapurna Mountain range, far below, to our left, we can see Modi Khola Valley leading up into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Overnight at Tea House.
After early breakfast we start trekking to reach our highest point of the trek. With clear weather the view today will never be forgotten. Overnight a High Camp.
Climb at 4450M for the View Point and Mardi Base Camp (4500M) and back to High camp (3900M), free day to explore around. You can see the Fish tail very near from you. Overnight at High Camp.
After early breakfast, we start walking to Forest camp from High camp,
Overnight at Forest Camp (Kokar) Tea House.
Today the trail descent about 1600m through the shade of the forest, and out onto terraced fields. Here, as we make our way along the banks of the Mardi Khola from the hill-side village of Siding, down through the lovely fields, past the simple farms and over the ‘interesting’ bridges, there is no doubting this is indeed the idyllic Nepali countryside.
The day starts with steep downhill through rhododendron forests. Leaving Tadapani, we descend steeply through forests and then the trail eases as we reach Gurjung which is the village of Gurung people, with an easy walk to Chommrong at elevation of 2,140m. Overnight at Lodge.
Towering above the village is the mighty peak of Annapurna South, with the Fishtail facing it across the valley
We head out of Chhomrong along the Modi Khola leaving behind inhabited foothills into the high step and wooded slopes of the Himalayas. We cross the suspension bridge then trek up to Sinuwa Danda. The ascent from Sinuwa becomes somewhat flatter. The trail passes through a thick and dark rhododendron forest up to Khuldighar. Then, we descend long and steep stone steps into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests through which we reach Doban shortly. Overnight in Dovan (B, L, D)
The day starts with a gentle gradual ascent following the trail above the river through thick bamboo, oak and rhododendron forests up the side of the canyon. We pass by Himalaya Hotel and cross two streams over small bridges. The trail passes through solitary places. We get a sense of peace from the beauty of Mother Nature that surrounds us. There is also the possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife species such as wild pigs, deer, and maybe even snow leopards. We climb again to Hinko Cave, an overhanging rock. Our further climb paves the way to Deurali. Overnight in Deurali. (B, L, D)
Our day begins with the climb through bamboo, then rhododendron forests to Hinko cave. The track remains on the west bank of the Modi, now flowing through a more open valley, and eventually emerges into the Sanctuary. Straight ahead is the high lateral moraine of the South Annapurna glacier and the Modi follows a deep cliff to the right. This is the site of Machhapuchhre base camp (3,480m). Overnight at Lodge.
From Machhapuchhre base camp (3900m.), we continue to Annapurna base camp. The area is encircled by the peaks and is recognized as Annapurna Sanctuary. This set gives you an impressive view of huge peaks including Annapurna I, Barah Shikhar, Annapurna South and many other giant peaks. We today walk for around 2 to 3 hours.
We move early morning and witness the wonderful sunrise over the peaks from Annapurna Base Camp. Then, we move down from Annapurna Base Camp via Deurali, Dovan and eventually reach Bamboo. We gradually, walk down to reach the valley where we again see the waterfalls that pours down from a high above. Tonight, we stay in Bamboo at guesthouse.
Leaving Dovan we have a vertical way up to the Kuldi Ghar then Sinuwa, following the stone steps that take us to Lower Chhomrong. After that, we ascend on the stony steps that lead us to Upper Chhomrong. From Chhomrong, Overnight at Chhomrong or Gurjang Tea House.
Today, we move down again to the next river and after going across the suspension bridge we have to go up for about another one and half hour before we get to the most stunning village in the Annapurna region entitled Ghandrung (1950m.), a large prosperous Gurung village. Overnight at Ghandruk Village.
We will wake up early in the morning and see the dazzling view of sun rising through the summit piercing the white snows. We will have a short visit over to the market in Pokhara, Overnight at Hotel.
Today, we wake up early in the morning, we head for the view point in Sarangkot,
Paragliding, Boating in the Fewa Lake, small hike to World Peace Pagoda, visit to Devis Fall, if we have time we go to Other lakes and other places.
Trekking Days: 16 Days Trekking
Trekking Area: Pokhara- Mardi Himal- Machhapuchre – Abc- MBC-Ghandruk-Pkr
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Transportation for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu on a tourist bus
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Dhampus (trek start)and Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
- Accommodation (total 10 nights) in trek regions – Four nights room with attached bathroom at Jhinu Danda (2N) and Deurali (2N). Six-night standard rooms at Forest camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Bamboo (2N), and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) (Generally twin sharing room)
- All standard meals (11 lunches, 10 dinners, and 11 breakfasts) during the trek
- Government licensed Friendship World Trek experienced trek leader (guide), Porters to help trekkers luggage ( 1 porter for two trekkers, max luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg)
- Guides and porters costs – including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Water purification tablets
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir – company’s T-shirt & cap
- Friendship World Trek certificate of appreciation after a successful trek
- Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
Price Excludes
- International flight airfare
- Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport- (USD 50 for a 30-day stay)
- Excess luggage charges (Limit is 9 kg per person)
- All accommodation and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
- Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, and early return from the trek.
- Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage
- Tips for guides and porters
- Additional costs due to various reasons such as delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- All the costs and expenses not listed in “cost includes” will be counted as excludes.
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Free airport pickup
Friendship World Trek provides free airport pickup from Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu during arrival and free airport dropoff during departure to all its clients who are coming for Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camo Trek. We provide this service so that you will not find yourself alone in a foreign country or face navigation problems. When you arrive at Kathmandu Airport, you will find our company representative holding a pamphlet with your name on it. After greeting you, they will present you with a garland and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. To use this service, you must provide us with your flight details after booking the trek.
Journey start
You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu at least one day earlier before 3 pm for last-minute preparations. If, in case, you missed the online trip briefing, it will also provide us time to conduct an in-person trip briefing. During the trek briefing, we will introduce you to our trek team, provide you with vital information about the trek details, and recheck your luggage to ensure you have packed all essential items. On the trek departure date, we will take you to Pokhara from Kathmandu on a tourist bus. After spending a day at Pokhara, you will head to Dhampus, where the trails begin.
Accommodations
You will spend 12 nights during the trek. Out of these 12 nights, you will spend two nights at Silver Oaks Inn in a room with an attached bathroom and other modern amenities like cable tv, laundry service, internet, etc. You will spend ten nights at trek regions in twin sharing rooms – four nights, room with attached bathroom at Jhinu Danda (2N) and Deurali (2N). Six-night standard rooms at Forest Camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Bamboo (2N), and Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). We hand-select the best accommodations in trek regions. You will need at least two nights of hotel stays in Kathmandu – one before the trek starts and the other at the end – but this package does not include those stays. Kathmandu has all sorts of hotels that can match your preferences and budget. We do not want to restrict your choices.
Meals
The Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camp is a long trek at high elevations in the Himalayas. The trek will be physically exhausting. So you will require plenty of nutritious food. Hence, we will provide you plenty of hygienic, tasty, and nutrient-rich food. However, as you reach higher elevations, the food choices will get limited. The food is mainly traditional, western, or Asian.
Though non-veg items will be available in the trek regions, for hygiene concerns, we do not recommend you take them. Instead, you should eat lots of vegetables and liquids such as lemon tea, green tea, ginger tea, and garlic (must) soup. However, we encourage you to avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeinated items, dairy, and hot chocolates.
We will provide 11 lunches, 10 dinners, and 11 breakfasts in the trek regions. Here are the food choices.
Breakfast: Oatmeal, Corn Flakes, Butter, Cheese, Honey, Tibetan bread or Chapati, French toast with Jam, Local Tsampa porridge, Eggs, Pancakes, Muesli Breads, fruits, Vegetables, Hot drinks (varieties of teas and coffees, hot chocolates, etc.)
Lunch: Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable curry, Potatoes, Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni dishes, Tenduk Spaghetti Noodles, Vegetables, Salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Desserts, (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), etc
Dinner: Dhal, Bhat, Tarkari, Tibetan Bread, Noodles Thukpa, Pasta, Vegetable Curry, Potato items, Various Soups, Sherpa Stew, Steaks, Sandwiches, Momo (dumplings), Macaroni, Tenduk, Spaghetti, Vegetable and salad Pizza (Tomato, Mushroom, Mixed), Snacks (Papad, Prawn), Korean Ramen, Desserts items (Rice Pudding, Apple pie), Hard Drinks Steaks, etc
This package does not cover personal bills (alcohol, hot (tea, coffee), and cold drinks) at bars/hotels/tea houses. Similarly, lunch and dinner in Pokhara are excluded from this package.
Best time for the trek
Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is possible throughout the year, and Friendship World Trek conducts this trek in all seasons. However, you must consider the weather when deciding to hike to Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camp, as different seasons will provide you with different experiences.
Most people prefer to trek in the Annapurna region during spring (March, April, May) or autumn (September, October, and November). During this time, the skies are clear, the trails are in good condition, and clear skies let you enjoy the views. Winter (December, January, February) and summer (June, July, August) season treks are less popular. In Nepal, the summer season coincides with the monsoon, which makes the trails wet and slippery. In winter the trek regions at high elevations get cold, and snowfall makes trekking difficult.
Here are the weather conditions at high trek elevations throughout the year.
Spring (March-May)
The treks in the Annapurna region during spring are very favorable and bring in trekkers from around the world. During these months, the temperatures are mild, the chances of rainfall are negligible, and the trails are in great condition. The trekking season begins in March, and by April, the trek trails get adorned with red, pink, and white rhododendrons. The temperature at high elevations ranges from 10 to 0°C. From mid-March, the temperatures rise gradually, and clear skies provide spectacular views.
Summer (June – August)
The summer in Nepal coincides with the monsoon. Though the temperatures are high, the trek regions get wet and slippery. However, the rainfall also feeds the springs, waterfalls, and rivers, making the scenery lively. At high altitudes, the day temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C, and at night, temperatures dip to 5°C to 10°C. The mornings are generally clear, but clouds appear in the afternoon and disappear at night. Nevertheless, the monsoon rain also revitalizes the vegetation giving life to trek regions.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is a busy trek season in the Annapurna region because of mild temperatures, low precipitation, and good trail conditions. The temperatures at high trek elevations can reach 20°C during the day and retreat to around 5°C at night. The summer greens give way to golden foliage that looks lovely against the blue skies. It is also a harvest season in Nepal, and you can see the grains ripening in the enclaves. Most festivals in Nepal – Chhat, Dashain, and Tihar – also fall during this season, adding a festive mood to the entire nation.
Winter (December – February)
Winter treks at the Annapurna region are less popular due to low temperatures and snowfalls at the high trek altitudes. The coldest part of the winter begins in late December and lasts till early February. The temperature at Annapurna Base Camp can get as low as -10°C. After late February, the weather warms to around -5°C. Though it might be cold during these months, the skies are clear, and with fresh snow, the mountains look fantastic. If you do not mind the low temperature and have no cold allergies, you can certainly trek during winter as well,
The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable and changes very quickly.
Group/single
We conduct group as well as private treks. If you have your trek group, you will be eligible for discounts according to the group size. We can handle all trek group sizes and allocate one extra assistant guide for a group of 12 or more. However, you will not get any discount for groups Friendship World Trek assembles.
Trip grade and fitness
Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp trek is a moderate yet highly rewarding hike. The highest trek point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. You will hike for five to seven hours on a trekking day, taking regular breaks to rest, enjoy the scenery, and take pictures. The trails themselves can be steep at times, with many ups and downs as well as straight sections. Previous trek experiences may be advantageous, but not necessary. A healthy person who can hike for five to seven hours while taking enough breaks and with a small backpack can complete this trek. However, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your trek. So, you may engage in stamina-building exercises such as cycling, jogging, and swimming a few weeks before the trek. However, if you suffer from heart, lung, or blood diseases, you need to consult your doctor before booking the trek.
Typical day
Each trekking day will bring new experiences as you hike, take pictures, try local food, climb, witness new cultures and traditions, and explore new places. As you trek, your Sherpa guides will provide you with information about the places as you visit them. Porters will carry your luggage, but we expect you to bring a small backpack for your valuables and essential documents.
The trek will begin at around seven or eight after breakfast, depending upon the length of trails to cover. We will serve you lunch, often mid-way to the next destination. After lunch, you will rest for an hour and then resume the trek. Afternoon treks will be shorter, and once you reach your destination for that day, you can snack on your extra-dietary supplements. Then you are free to explore the nearby places.
We will serve you dinner around 6:30 pm. After dinner, your guide will brief you about the next day’s plan. After this briefing and before going to bed, you can spend your time as you like. You can read books, play games like cards, monopoly, or chess, or learn light and fun Nepali words.
Communication
The lodges/tea houses/hotels you will be staying in have an internet connection, and you can use this internet to connect with your friends and families. However, you might need to pay a small service fee. If you want, you can buy a local SIM in Kathmandu, but based on the network you use, the mobile signals may not be strong enough. Friendship World Trek remains in contact with its trek teams at least once a day via the trek lead to ensure the trip is progressing as planned and everyone is comfortable. We use mobile for communication at high trek elevations.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Annapurna & Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is mandatory and must include helicopter rescue up to the trek’s highest elevation (4,500m) and medical coverage. As with all high-altitude hikes, there remains a chance of catching altitude sickness and other mishaps. Hence, you must submit your insurance copy to Friendship World Trek before departing for the trek. In emergencies, we will use your insurance policy to arrange an effective rescue.
We suggest you call the insurer and ask them specifically if the insurance policy covers helicopter rescue in addition to treatment costs. Do not just rely on what insurers say on their websites.
Passport and visa
Only Indians do not need a visa to enter Nepal. However, most foreigners can receive an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or at immigration checkpoints along Nepal-India and Nepal-China borders. To apply for a visa, you need a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and visa fees. The current visa application fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay. Children under 10 are eligible for a free visa.
SAARC (Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) and Chinese nationals can also get free visas. However, citizens from certain countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan – may not get an on-arrival visa. So if you belong to any of these countries, you must contact your local embassy.
The Nepal government may change its visa rules without prior notice. Hence, for the latest information, please visit https://www.immigration.gov.np/.
Money Exchange
Nepali Rupees (NRS/Rs) is the official currency of Nepal. 1 USD = ~Rs. 130.
Despite the security of traveler’s check, we recommend you bring cash (major currencies) to avoid lengthy paperwork and high bank commissions. Banks charge 4% or more to cash the traveler’s check. However, you can easily exchange your currency for Nepali Rupees in legal money exchanges all over Thamel. These money exchanges display their ongoing rates publicly. Most hotels also exchange small amounts of foreign currency.
Since the trek regions only accept Nepali Rupees, you must exchange your foreign currency in Kathmandu based on your spending habits. We estimate that you will require USD 10 to 20 per trekking day. You can also withdraw Nepali Rupees from ATMs using your foreign card. However, you will have to pay Rs.500 as a fee for Rs.35,000 withdrawal. Most of these ATMs are open 24/7.
If you have Indian Rupees, please note that only Indian Rupee notes of Rs. 2,000 and 100 are legal in Nepal.
Luggage
We assign a porter for every two trekkers, but your luggage weight limit is 9 kg, and we do not allow our porters to carry more than 18 kg of luggage. In addition, we also expect you to bring a small backpack with your valuables and essential documents. We will also recheck your luggage during the trek briefing to ensure you have packed all essential things. You can store your extra luggage, for the duration of your trek, at Friendship World Trek for free.
Trek safety
Friendship World Trek guarantees your safety, security, and satisfaction. We carry standard equipment, first-aid kits, and oximeters to ensure trek safety. If someone falls sick, your trek leader has the authority to decide whether to continue the trek or descend immediately taking into consideration the overall condition of the group. Here are some ways we ensure trek safety. Our trek leaders have completed intensive first-aid training, and in emergencies, we deploy a helicopter for rescue (funded by insurance). Furthermore, you will be trekking in a group for an added layer of safety.
Mardi Himal Via ABC Trek Route Map
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FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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