Mardi Himal Trek - 12 Days

Trekking in the Annapurna Region

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most legendary trekking destinations of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek. The Mardi Himal trek is an unseen gem yet. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp outstandingly positioned at the base of Mardi Himal and the Annapurna region´s most iconic Mt. Machapuchhre literally meaning "Fish tail". The trail goes along small winding paths, through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation of around 3,300 meters. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

From High Camp (3700 m. some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 2-3 hours, which offers spectacular close-up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months please check with Dream Adventure Treks Kathmandu-based registered adventure trekking company operated by enthusiastic trekking pioneers.

Itinerary

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by a Dream Adventure Treks representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation:Hotel

We start off early but with time for breakfast first. The road out of the Kathmandu Valley twists its way down the valley wall until it joins the Trishuli River below. Here we see rafters braving the white water perhaps this is your future trip in the planning and can see snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Once we reach flatter land, we stop for lunch before heading on to the lake city of Pokhara. After checking into the hotel, there is time to explore the neighborhood: the walkway along the lake, the varied and interesting shops and restaurants, and of course, the mesmerizing Fishtail Mountain towering over the city.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)

 

Our journey begins on the first day of trekking, with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande. We will be traveling on the Pokhara Baglung highway until we reach Kande, a small village settlement. This is where our trek officially starts. Today's walk is relatively easy, with gentle ascents through terraced farms and a Rhododendron forest. Along the way, we will come across an Australian camp, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massifs. After approximately four hours of trekking, we will arrive at Pritam Deurali for an overnight stay. Pritam Deurali showcases the typical rural village setting in Nepal, with its stone-built houses and terraced farms.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Altitude:2,100 m
  • Time:Deurali 1 hour drive, 4-5 hours walk

Today’s path is immersed in dense forests, mostly consisting of evergreen foliage. The vegetation in this region is temperate, with abundant and vibrant jungles sprawling throughout. The trail cuts through these deep woodlands, occasionally allowing for short rests along the way. As we make our way to the forest camp, we will traverse Rhododendron and Oak forests. This particular stretch of the trek is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of 488 bird species including the colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe), which happens to be Nepal's national bird, as well as Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge and Kalij Pheasant. You can also spot various species of eagles, vultures, and owls here.. This section of the trek is defined by its temperate vegetation. As you continue towards Low Camp, you will catch a first glimpse of the magnificent Annapurna massifs in the distance. By evening time, we will have arrived at Forest Camp where we will spend the night.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Altitude:2,985m
  • Time:Low Camp 6-7 hours walk

The most challenging part of the Mardi Himal trek lies in the journey from Low camp to high. Today, as we surpass the 3000-meter mark, the trail becomes narrower. The landscape surrounding us transforms into barren and semi-arid terrain. Though this stretch presents several steep climbs, the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas make it all worthwhile. As you approach High camp, you will feel the effects of altitude taking hold. Be prepared to navigate numerous narrow ridges along your way. Finally, we arrive at High Camp where we will spend the night before continuing our expedition.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Time:High Camp 4-hours trekking

The final phase of the Mardi Himal trek commences with an early morning wake-up call. We embark on a journey to the Mardi Himal Base Camp in the wee hours to witness the breathtaking sunrise. The ascent to the viewpoint takes approximately two hours, and it is not without its challenges. The trail consists of rocky terrain that can be slippery, and you must navigate narrow paths along rocky ridges of the mountain. As you venture beyond 4000 meters in elevation, you will feel a noticeable change in altitude. However, upon reaching the base camp, you will be rewarded with a heavenly ambiance unlike any other. The base camp offers a mesmerizing panorama of Annapurna's majestic peaks. Many consider this spot to offer one of their most unforgettable views during sunrise. After spending some time at the base camp, we descend towards High Camp for our accommodation.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Altitude:4,500 m

Today marks the commencement of our descent from the Mardi Himal trek. We will retrace our steps on the same path we took during our ascent. The journey is relatively straightforward, as we gradually make our way down until we reach Landruk, guiding us through dense jungles nestled at the foothills of Mt. Machhapuchhre. The descent becomes steeper and more challenging, with a trail that proves to be quite slippery. After approximately five hours of hiking, we finally arrived in Landruk. Our overnight stay will be at a comfortable Guest House.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Altitude:1,764 m
  • Time:5 hours walk

Enjoy the final breakfast of the trek before hiking through villages to reach Dhampus, where we can take a local jeep back to Pokhara. Tonight enjoy the bright lights of the bars and restaurants in Pokhara and gaze once again at the lake and up at Fishtail Mountain.

  • Accommodation:Lodge
  • Time:Trek 4-5 hours and 1-hour drive

Sightseeing in Pokhara (Peace Stupa, Davi's Fall, Mountain Museum)

  • Accommodation:Hotel

After breakfast at 10.30 am take a flight to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel free in the Afternoon.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:25 minutes

After breakfast, we drive to Soyambhunath, Baudhanath, and Pashupatinath then back to the Hotel free in the Afternoon

  • Accommodation:Hotel

Today; our representative will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your onward flight. Should you stay longer in Nepal or have a late flight, please note that the hotel check-out time is 11 a.m.

    Cost Details
    Includes
    • Three nights hotel in Kathmandu (Kathmandu Guest House or Similar)
    • Three nights hotels in Pokhara (three-star level)
    • Domestic flight tickets (Pokhara - Kathmandu).
    • Kathmandu - Pokhara by tourist Bus
    • Local transportation airport arrival and departure
    • Three times meals with hot drinks and Accommodation during the 6-day trek
    • Government-licensed English-speaking trek Guide. For more than 5 trekkers, 1 assistant guide
    • Porter to help with trekker's luggage. 2 trekkers will share 1 porter, The maximum weight limit for a porter- is 20 kg (10 kg per trekker, weight limit). You can store non-essential items in your hotel.
    • Covers guides' and porters' wages, their meals, insurance, lodging, transportation, flight, and other necessary equipment
    • Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
    • Annapurna Conservation permit
    • TIMS
    • Seasonal fresh fruits every day
    • All government, local taxes, and official expenses
    • Assistance in arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
    • Souvenirs - company's T-shirt
    • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
    Excludes
    • International flight costs
    • Nepal Entry Visa Fees
    • Excess baggage charges (Limit is 15 kg per Person) on the trek
    • All accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival or late departure, or early return from the trek.
    • Personal expenses ( snacks, boiled bottled water, cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, during in treks, etc.
    • Personal clothing and gear
    • Travel insurance that covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation (compulsory)
    • Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
    • Duration:12 Days
    • Difficulty Level: Moderate
    • Max Elevation: 5,587 m
    • Activity: Trekking and Hiking
    • Group Size: 1-12 Persons
    • Best Season: Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov an Dec
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