Mardi Himal Trek

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Trip Overview


Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a captivating adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a sense of tranquility for trekkers seeking a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience. This relatively new trekking route has gained popularity for its pristine beauty and proximity to the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. The journey typically begins in the vibrant city of Pokhara, where trekkers prepare for the trek ahead. After a short drive to Kande, the trail commences through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, providing glimpses of various wildlife and exotic birds. As the path ascends, the scenery also transforms, revealing terraced fields, charming villages, and cascading waterfalls.

Majestic Beauty and Tranquility: Embarking on the Enchanting Mardi Himal Trek

As trekkers ascend higher, the snow-capped peaks, including Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South, gradually come into view, leaving travelers in awe of their majestic beauty. The high-altitude landscapes, surrounded by alpine meadows and icy glaciers, create a surreal environment that feels like a trekker's paradise. The Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), marks the pinnacle of the journey. The sight from here is a reward like no other – a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks, along with the vastness of the Modi Khola Valley below. The sense of accomplishment and tranquility amid this pristine wilderness is truly unforgettable. Unlike some of the more frequented treks, Mardi Himal offers a peaceful and secluded experience, allowing trekkers to connect more intimately with nature and the local Gurung and Magar communities along the way. The genuine hospitality and warm smiles of the villagers create a heartwarming cultural exchange. With the trek generally taking around 6-7 days to complete, the Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Accommodation options include tea houses and lodges that offer basic amenities for a comfortable stay during the journey.

Conclusion and Summary

In summary, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, providing an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure. It's an ideal choice for trekkers looking to explore lesser-known trails while still savoring the grandeur of the Himalayas and creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Trip Highlights


  • Visit the Kathmandu valley’s ancient landmarks, including as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
  • Less crowded trekking trail in Nepal
  • Trekking in a green atmosphere via a rhododendron forest
  • The Mardi Himal Trek Route is surrounded by lush scenery, wildlife, fauna, and terraced farms.
  • Trek to Mardi Himal’s base to take in the breathtaking panorama of the snowy Himalayan Mountains.
  • Fantastic views of Mount Dhauglagiri, Mount Annapurna (II, III, IV, and South), Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Machhapuchhare, and more.
  • Discover about the people’ lifestyles, culture, and traditions by visiting the settlement of Siding.
  • Amazing view of snow-capped mountains including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna from Sarangkot, Pokhara.
  • Enjoy boating on Fewa Lake’s tranquil waters.
  • Visit the historic sites on the way to the Bindabasini temple.

Itinerary


Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

Our airport representative will meet you at Tribhuwan International Airport. He will drive you to the hotel in a private car and assist you to check in. You can take a rest after a long travel or go out of your hotel and explore some of the lovely places of Kathmandu city. You will meet your guide during the Mardi Himal Trek briefing that will take place in the evening. The hike’s information and any missing equipment will be provided by the guide.

Day 02: Take Tourist Bus from Kathmandu (1400m) to Pokhara (822m)

After breakfast in the hotel, you will take a tourist bus to start your Mardi Himal Trek, which might take 8 to 9 hours to reach Pokhara. On the way, you can see the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers along the green Rocky Mountains, rivers connecting each other, and small springs. Pokhara is a beautiful valley known for several lakes such as Begnas, Fewa, Rupa, Dipang, Maidi, Khaste, Gunde, and Nyureni. We can also get a glimpse of Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal from Pokhara Valley.

Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Kande - Trek from Pitam Deurali (2142m)

After Breakfast in the hotel, you arrange private vehicle oo reach Kande, the beginning site of the Mardi Base Camp Trekking, you will depart from Pokhara with our guide. You will climb up from Kande to Australian Camp, then Pothana through a rhododendron forest, and finally Pitam Deurali. You are welcomed by magnificent vistas of the Annapurna peaks as you pass via ethnic Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung communities. For viewing the Pokhara valley and the Annapurna range, Pitam Deurali is the ideal vantage point. Once you’ve checked in, spend the night at a hotel to relax and acclimatize before the next day’s hike.

Day 04: Trek from Pitam Deurali (2142m) to Low Camp (3050m)

You must go cautiously and slowly forward since your Mardi Himal Trek Route from Pitam Deurali will gradually climb in elevation. You will encounter more gorgeous greenery as you go to higher elevations. You will go along a trail that passes through rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock forest. Wildlife such as leopards, deer, monkeys, and several bird species may be seen throughout your route. A steep crossing towards Annapurna South and views of Hiuchuli may be seen as you travel along the path and through the dense wood. After passing through Forest Camp (Kokar) and Rest Camp you will arrive at Low Camp, where you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of Fishtail Mountain.

Day 05: Trek from Low Camp (3050m) to High Camp (3600m)

Your Mardi Himal Trek journey will begin from Low Camp and travel via Badal Danda to High Camp. You must ascend through a rhododendron forest for one hour to reach Badal Danda. Although the routes are challenging, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna Range, and Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain). The ridge gets thinner as you go up, and you can see the huge valleys on each side. You will be facing the Modi Khola river valley to your left, which is bordered by communities that rise up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. You can see the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys to your right. You can even see the Pokhara Valley on clear days. To get to High Camp, you must keep trudging along the ridgeline. On your trip to the high camp, if you’re lucky, you could get the chance to witness Daphne, the national bird of Nepal.

Day 06: Trek from High Camp (3600m) to Mardi Base Camp (4500m) then Trek Back to Badal Danda (3250m)

In order to witness the sunrise over the mountains today, you will get up early. It will be the most memorable and challenging journey of your whole Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary today. Mardi Trek Route is more difficult than you may imagine because of a series of rapid ascents that you must accomplish on uneven and steep steps. To go to Mardi Himal Base Camp, will take you around 5 hours. At the elevation of 4500 meters, reaching the base camp while traversing a lush, green, High Mountain will make you feel extremely accomplished. You will also be captivated by the expansive panorama of the snow-capped mountain ranges of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m), and Gangapurna (7,455m). You will travel down to Badal Danda to enjoy the floating cloud that goes through you after capturing those amazing and delightful views in your heart.

Day 07: Trek down from Badal Danda (3250m) to Siding (1700m) then take Shared Jeep to Pokhara (827m)

It’s time to descend to Siding after spending some wonderful time at Badal Danda capturing lovely memories, taking in the stunning Himalayan scenery, and discovering the natural environment with rare flora and wildlife. Instead of returning to Forest Camp, this Mardi Himal Trek alternate path descends to the remarkable settlement of Siding. You will eat lunch at Siding, and then you will take a shared jeep to Pokhara. You will have evening free time in Pokhara to go boating or explore the lovely lakeside surroundings.

Day 08: Take Deluxe Tourist Bus from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1400m)

You will wake up early today and travel to Sarangkot to take in the splendor of the sunrise. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu may all be seen from Sarangkot. It also offers a wide-ranging vista of the Pokhara Valley, including the Phewa Lake. When returning to your hotel from Sarangkot, you may also tour Bindabasini, the city’s oldest temple. You will take a deluxe tourist bus through the Prithvi Highway from Pokhara to Kathmandu after breakfast. Depending on traffic, it takes 7 to 8 hours to go around 205 kilometers. Along the way, you will pass through various landscapes and see the vibrant and busy bazaars of Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, etc. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek will be successfully concluded with a celebration that you will attend in the evening. Live ethnic music is available as you eat a typical Nepalese supper. You can purchase mementos to take home or take some photographs to remember your trip.

Day 09: Final Departure from Nepal

Depending on your departure schedule, we will often set up an airport transfer service three hours before departure. If you have additional time, we can set up some side trips for you, or you may go exploring on your own.

Price Includes


  • Pick-up from Kathmandu International Airport as your arrival date and time
  • 2 Nights Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Plan (Before and After the Trek)
  • Touris bus ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu
  • 2 Nights Hotel in Pokhara with Breakfast (before and after Mardi Himal Trek)
  • Taxi to Kande (trek start point) from Pokhara
  • 3 times meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • 4 nights tea house accommodation during the trek
  • All necessary permits for the trekking Mardi Himal Trek
  • An experienced and qualified English-speaking guide including his food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
  • Sharing JEEP to Pokhara from Siding village (Mardi Himal Trek endpoint)
  • Deluxe Tourist Bus Ticket to Kathmandu from Pokhara
  • Government VAT and official expenses
  • Purified drinking water (Ef-Chlor – water purification tablet)
  • Free luggage stored at Green Valley Nepal Store During the Trek
  • Airport transfer as your departure date and time

Price Excludes


  • International airfare, visa fees and Travel insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • All drinks include hot, soft, and hard coke, beer, and mineral water during the Mardi Himal Trek
  • Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary.
  • Tips for staffs (it is expected after Mardi Himal Trek)
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