MARDI HIMAL TREK

  • DURATION12 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELModerate
  • GROUP SIZE1-12

Highlights

  • Explore centuries-old monuments in Kathmandu
  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Phedi
  • Off beaten and adventurous trekking route
  • Witness gorgeous sunrise from the Upper Viewpoint
  • Observe the daily lifestyle of the locals

Trip Overview

Mardi Himal Trek is a lowkey off beaten trekking trail in the Annapurna Himalayas that offers a stunning landscape and captivating snow-capped mountain views.

Trekking through remote villages, following dense forests, steep slopes, and rugged paths, the trail takes you to the Upper Viewpoint. It is the highest point of Mardi Himal Trek and offers radiant sunrise with marvelous scenery. These days Mardi Himal Trekking is known as the best alternative to the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trail is less crowded and presents an equally rewarding journey.

Located east of the famous ABC trekking trail, Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is slowly gaining popularity among travel lovers. The route is surreal and involves adventure trekking. Most of the trail goes through lush forests, where you will see different vegetation and wildlife occasionally. The trail offers unspoiled nature and the best views of some of the western Himalayan Mountains.

Mardi Himal Trek is also known as the best short trek. Trekking through subtropical forests, you will pass by green meadows and reach the alpine zone. You will pass by the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, which is also known as Mt. Fishtail- a virgin mountain. Mardi Himal Trek has captured the heart of many trekkers with its unbelievable beauty and a lifetime experience.

Major Attractions of Mardi Himal Trek

Explore centuries-old monuments in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is called the City of Temple, and no wonder why, as every corner of the city has a temple/shrine, either it is small or big. Kathmandu itself has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and you will be visiting some of them. The tour begins after your breakfast on the second day. You will be guided by our professional tour guide to the monuments include Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Phedi

The trek begins from Phedi, which is located a couple of hours away from Pokhara. And, the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara is around 6 to 7 hours long. The route follows a well-made road that goes along the Trishuli River and lush green rolling hills. You can see waterfalls and terraced fields on the way as well. Likewise, from Pokhara, the route to Phedi has got a few bumpy parts and offers outskirts views.

Off beaten and adventurous trekking route

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek passes by Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp and takes you to the highest point of the trek. The trail is full of ascends and descends. You will be crossing suspension bridges and walking on steep rocky paths as well. Overall, it is a difficult trek that requires good physical fitness and endurance.

Witness gorgeous sunrise from the Upper Viewpoint

Upper Viewpoint is situated at 4,200 meters that welcome with panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains like Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Himchuli (6,441 m), and many others. Likewise, you will also get to see an astonishing sunrise and calming landscape. Moreover, throughout the trail, you will be enjoying beautiful sceneries.

Observe the daily lifestyle of the locals

Along the Mardi Himal Trekking route, you pass by remote villages, where you can see locals doing their daily chores. You can see their modest lifestyle and ancient culture. Locals are welcoming and friendly. Most of them decently understand English because of the tourists and love to share their stories. On the way, you also come across old temples and monasteries.

Itinerary

Open All DaysClose All

It is your arrival day in Kathmandu. You can meet with our airport representative around the terminal gate. He will welcome you on behalf of the company and accompany you towards the hotel. The remaining day is free, so relax and explore nearby streets on your own.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Sightseeing and orientation day involves a day tour of monuments Kathmandu as well as preparation for the trek. During the tour, you will be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath, popularly known as the Monkey Temple.

Later, you also visit Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. After the tour, get back to the hotel and relax. In the late afternoon, meet with the trek guide and get to know more in detail about the trail.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

A pleasant drive from Kathmandu takes you to the city of lakes, Pokhara. The driving goes side by side through the rushing Trishuli & Marsyangdi Rivers, lush green hills, waterfalls, and terraced fields. Move to the hotel after reaching Pokhara.

You will have the remaining day to yourself to enjoy the charming ambiance of this city. One thing we highly suggest is, spend some quality time around, or if you want on serene Phewa Lake, enjoying the gorgeous sunset and beautiful views of Mt. Fishtail.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 830
  • Pokhara

To reach the starting point of the trek, you have to drive for around a couple of hours. From Phedi, the trail goes through small villages resided by people from Magar, Gurung, and Brahmin communities. Ascend through lovely rhododendron forests to Pothana, and have an amazing view of Pokhara. The trail then gradually climbs to broad stone paths to Deurali.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2100
  • Deurali

Deurali onwards, you follow a steep uphill route through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, maple, hemlock, birch, etc, to the Forest Camp. The glimpse of Mt. Annapurna South along the trail makes the trek pleasing.

Likewise, there are also high chances of encountering wildlife like deer, leopard, monkey, and many species of bird on the way. You will soon reach Forest Camp, enjoying stunning views of other mountains like Mt. Fishtail and Mardi Himal.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2520
  • Forest Camp

Have a warm breakfast before leaving for the Low Camp. The route goes through dense forests, where you can see many species of flora and fauna, including the rare ones. The views of the snow-capped mountains and hills along the way are also magnificent.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2970
  • Low Camp

The trail gets steeper as you embark towards the High Camp. Trekking through lush forests, you reach the point where the route opens up and views of the high mountains get clear.

Further, the trail passes by scrub forests and green meadows towards a ridge top. You can see deep valleys on both sides of the route, with Modi Khola river valley on the left and Mardi Khola on the right. Following a narrow ridgeline, you then ascend to High Camp.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3540
  • High Camp

Today, you will be waking up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise from the Upper Viewpoint. The trail ascends along the narrow Mardi Himal Base Camp ridge.

Upon reaching the top, get to see breath-taking views of Annapurna Range, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Gangapurna, and others, along with the sun rising above the horizon. Later, descend to High Camp to spend the night.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 4120
  • High Camp

The trail mostly follows downhill paths to the Siding village. You will be descending through lush forests and remote villages. In Siding village, you can see the daily lifestyle of the locals and their culture.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 1700
  • Sidhing Village

Descend to Lumre after having breakfast. The trail will be comfortable and go through forests. From here, you drive back to Pokhara. It is an easy short trekking day. Enjoy the rest of the day in Pokhara.

  • Hotel
  • B, L
  • 830
  • Pokhara

It is time to return to Kathmandu. We have arranged a tourist bus/van for the journey. The views will be remarkable on the way. Reach Kathmandu and head to the hotel.

Spend the day exploring around and shopping. Later, meet with us for the last time during the farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

The last day in Kathmandu before you check-out of the hotel to depart towards the airport for your flight back home. Our airport representative helps you in check-out and escort to the international airport.

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What's Included

  • Airport transfers
  • 3-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • A day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • 2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) on the trek
  • Accommodations in lodges on the trekking
  • A guide & porters (1 porter for every two trekkers and a porter carry about 20-22 KG from 2 of you)
  • Paper works, National park entry permits, & TIMS permit
  • Ground transportation Kathmandu – Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service, which will be paid by your travel insurance company
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets, and duffel bag – if Necessary (return after the trek)

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Your Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals (lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara)
  • Your personnel expenses drink water, hot and cold drinks & bar bills
  • Laundry, telephone, hot shower & internet charge
  • Entrances fees while visiting Kathmandu on the second day
  • Tips for the guide and porters
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Useful Information

Fitness Required for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

The Moderate level of fitness level is required with daily walking/trekking between 3 hours to 8 hours for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. You reach an altitude of 4120m above sea level on this trek.

You do not need to have previous trekking experience. However, if you have, then it is an extra benefit. You need to have good health and a strong desire and stamina to complete the trek with positive thoughts. If you have any health concerns please consult your doctor before the booking of Mardi Himal Trek.

Permit Required for Mardi Himal Trek

You need to have trekking permits to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. You are required to have Annapurna conservation area entry and TIMS. We at Escape Nepal apply and get these permits for you once you book the trek from us.

Best Time to do Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is doable throughout the year. However, Autumn (from mid-September till mid-December) and Spring (from the beginning of March until May end) are the best time in terms of weather and visibility.

The temperature is stable at this time. The nights are chilly & cold (between -20 C to 5C), but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon & disappearing at night.

Meals & Drinks on Mardi Himal Trek

A total of 25 meals (11 breakfasts, seven lunch, and seven dinners) are provided on the Mardi Himal Trek package. These meals are taken in lodges. The breakfasts and dinners are taken at the Lodges where stay overnights. And, lunch at the Lodges available along the trail, our guide will stop and provide at lunchtime.

You can find a wide variety of Nepali and Western meals on this trail. However, Nepali set meals ( Dal Bhat is available everywhere). The drinks like coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer, etc.. are also available in all places and note that these drinks are not included in our price.

We suggest you bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the Mardi Himal Trek. You can have normal water for free. So, you use the Medicine and drink, or you have the option to buy bottled water or boiled/safe water to drink.

Accommodation on Mardi Himal Trek

We provide hotel accommodation for 5 nights (3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara) and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for the rest of the 6 nights on Mardi Himal Trek. And, The rooms are basic, just a bed with a pillow and blankets on available lodges. So, remember that some of them are very basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.

Hotel to be provided:

  • Hotel in Kathmandu: Hotel Samsara Resort: 3 nights
  • Hotel in Pokhara: Hotel splendid view: 2 nights
  • Hotel on Trek: Simple Mountain lodge: 6 nights

Notes:

  • If the above hotels are not available, then we provide you other similar hotels.
  • Accommodation will be on double/twin share (triple share available in most places also).
  • Hotel upgrade in Kathmandu and Pokhara is available as there are luxury 4 & 5-star hotels available in these cities so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara.

Extra nights in Kathmandu Pre or post the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Extra nights hotels in Kathmandu, when needed for the pre or post the Mardi Himal trek, is available. If you arrive in Nepal earlier and stay in Nepal later than the scheduled dates, then an Extra night in Kathmandu can be booked at the US $55.00 per night with breakfast and airport transfer.

Transportation Used on Mardi Himal Trek

We provide a private vehicle for airport transfers and sightseeing in Kathmandu and a tourist bus from Kathmandu- Pokhara – Kathmandu.

You also have options to drive by private car/jeep to Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu or a short flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara - Kathmandu.

Please, do let us know if you want to upgrade the modes of transport to private transport or flights.

Electricity and Battery Charge in Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

There is electricity available in Kathmandu & Pokhara and in most of the villages of Mardi Himal Trek, where you can recharge your camera/mobile batteries. You may have to pay a little charge to recharge, and we strongly suggest you have spare batteries in case the charging facility is not available.

Guide and Crew on Mardi Himal Trek

You have a professional tourist guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day two and a trained/certified trekking guide for the whole trekking, who handles the logistics and guide you and your team throughout the trekking.

We provide a Sherpa (assistant guide) when there are eight or more members in the group and porters to carry your luggage, and a porter for every two members and a porter carries about 20 - 22kg, which means 10- 11 KG from each trekker.

Equipment List for Mardi Himal Trek

Equipment plays a vital role in a comfortable and successful trek. So, you need to pack your gear carefully and carry only the things that you need and should have pack anything that you do not need on the trek.

To help you to pack your gear, we have given some list that you should not miss while you are packing for the Mardi Himal trek.

General

  • Four seasons Sleeping bag (Optional), we can provide you one if required
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep all gear, which will be carried by the porter.
  • Daypack for yourself to keep your things such as a camera, water, and things that you need for the day.
  • A down Jacket (we provide you one if you do not have
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2-3 pieces
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • A pair of quick-drying nylon hiking shorts
  • Two pairs of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees
  • Four pairs of warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair of light trekking shoes or sandals for camp/lodges
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium-size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend consulting with your doctor for medication suggestions to take for these regions.

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies), these extra passport photos are necessary to obtain the trekking permits.
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm at least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun cream with SPF 40
  • Water purification Iodine tablets (optional)
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.