About Mardi Himal Trek:
Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a pristine and less-crowded trekking experience. In about a week, trekkers can explore the stunning natural beauty and cultural richness of the area. Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region, offering stunningly up-close mountain views, deep valleys, and an alluring Himalayan sunrise. Ideal for beginners and time-bound trekkers, the Mardi trek presents an ultimate blend of adventure and comfort. During the 7 days of the trek, you hike through beautiful villages, cultivated lands, thick forests, and steep, desolate hills to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp at the height of 4500 meters. This newly established and unexplored trekking route was only opened for trekking in 2012. Isolate trail with the most amazing vistas? Sounds perfect to us.
Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those of us who are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trekking experience in the quieter parts of the Annapurna region of Nepal. Mardi Himal Trek is the lowest and perhaps the least visited of the trekking peaks in Nepal. While trekking on this route, leading up to Mardi Himal base camp and finally the high camp, we get to appreciate the solitary trails complete with verdant forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms, dazzling rivers and the extraordinary views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli mountains. Another benefit of the Mardi Himal trekking route is that the trail makes a small circuit up to the base camp of Mardi Himal so that we don’t have to backtrack over the same terrain.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights:
- A short yet incredible trek taking you to the elevation of 4500 meters
- Scenic bus ride on a comfortable luxury coach from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
- Enjoy the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara, before and after the trek
- Hike through tiny human settlements, deep forests, and rocky, barren hills
- Explore the less-travelled trekking trail of the Annapurna region
- Watch the gorgeous Himalayan sunrise from Mardi Himal Viewpoint
- Stand at the Mardi Himal Base Camp with wonderful up-close mountain views
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu:
We can enjoy the beautifully terraced farms, little shops by the side of the road and the raging Trishuli River on our drive to Pokhara also referred to as the ‘City of Lakes.’ From the city, we get great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna. Pokhara is also a tourist destination, so we take some time out in the evening and enjoy! Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 04: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali:
We start our adventure with a drive to Phedi and start trekking from there. We walk on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests before reaching Dhampus where we have lunch. We continue our walk to Deurali which is a small village beautifully located on a ridge with good views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare. Overnight in Deurali.
Day 05: Deurali to Forest Camp Trek:
Our trail passes through a lush forest dotted with red rhododendrons. The flowers are a common sight in Nepalese hills and it is no surprise that its Nepal’s national flower. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We can take a rest and explore the area which is also known locally as Kokar. Overnight in Forest Camp.
Day 06: Forest Camp to High Camp Via Low Camp Trek:
We start our patrol to Low camp through murky forest viewing and applauding the beautiful forest filled with rhododendron and other admirable flora and fauna. From Low camp, we can get a very peaceful and charming view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). We also enjoy the cultures and lifestyle of local residents. After lunch at the low camp, our trek starts leaving the dense forest behind and admiring the beautiful view towards Mardi Himal and Machapuchhre. On the way, we can view the beautiful appearance of the Danphe (The national bird of Nepal) if our fortune becomes on our side. We reach to the High camp and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and the environment around us. Overnight in high camp.
Day 07: Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp Trek:
We trek uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (the national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which is the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning. Overnight in High Camp.
Day 08: High Camp to Siding Village Trek:
We take a different route in the high camp that takes us to Sidhing instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Siddhing offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails. Overnight in Siddhing.
Day 09: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara:
We walk towards Lumre finally reaching the road from where we begin our drive to Pokhara. After reaching the city. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:
After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and 06: 30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 11: Farewell friend and departure/Fly back home:
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Service Included:
- Free airport picks upon your arrival and a drop at the end of your trip
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit. (ACAP Permit)
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara.
- All necessary ground transportation as per itinerary
- Complete free trekking information before going to trek
- Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- All nights in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
- An experienced licensed holder Trekking Guide
- Foods, transportation, accommodations and local tax for guides and porters
- Medical first aid kit box ( which is carried by your team)
- A down jacket, sleeping bag and all necessary trekking gear are available on a hire
- Trekking Map
Service Excluded:
- Your travel insurance ( Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical and emergency evacuation with a minimum cost of USD 100, 000.
- Hot shower, WIFI, and any electronic battery charge only in trekking.
- Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service, and cart meals.
- Extra night accommodation or meals in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, and drivers
- Nepal entry visa fees
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
