The moderately new Mardi Himal Trek is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Since its official opening in 2012, this trekking trail has attracted a large number of avid hikers. The main reasons are that it is shorter than other Annapurna trekking routes and that everyone can see everything from forested areas to the Rocky Mountains on the short trail. The Mardi Himal Trek ascends to Mardi Himal's base camp. Mardi Himal is located east of Annapurna Base Camp, almost directly beneath the impressive Mount Fishtail, also known as Machhapuchre in the local language.
The features of Mardi Himal Trek are the Spectacular glacial valleys and the hidden landscape of the Annapurna with perspectives on Mt. Annapurna I (8090m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhare - Fishtail (6993m), Hiuchuli (6444m), Baraha Shikhar (7647m), Gangapurna (7575m) and Mardi Himal (5553m) and so forth. Moreover grand terraced scene and rhododendron timberland, stunning Dawn and Nightfall View from the High Camp are different attractions of this climbing course.
Pokhara serves as the entry point for the Mardi Himal Trek, as it does for other Annapurna trekking routes. You can reach Phedi from Pokhara in a half-hour drive. From Phedi you begin traveling following Dhampus then Pothana. From Pothana, walking through the rhododendron forest path is quite exciting. The forest path continues for about 3,300 meters before turning into a rugged mountain setting with stunning views of Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal.
DAYS |
ACTIVITIES |
ACCOMMODATION |
Day 01 |
Arrive in Kathmandu |
Hotel in Kathmandu |
Day 02 |
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara |
Hotel in Pokhara |
Day 03 |
Drive to Kande, trek to Pothana |
Local Lodge |
Day 04 |
Trekking: Pothana to Forest Camp |
Local Lodge |
Day 05 |
Trekking: Forest Camp to Low Camp |
Local Lodge |
Day 06 |
Trekking: Low Camp to High Camp |
Local Lodge |
Day 07 |
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek back to Low Camp |
Local Lodge |
Day 08 |
Trekking: Low Camp to Sidhing Village, drive to Pokhara |
Hotel in Pokhara |
Day 09 |
Drive back to Kathmandu |
Hotel in Kathmandu |
Day 10 |
Final departure |
Upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will meet and escort you to your hotel.
After checking in at the hotel, there will be briefing session where you will be informed about all the necessary equipment for your trek. In the evening you can stroll around Thamel area where you can buy or hire anything that you’ve forgotten for your trek .
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast today, we head towards the beautiful city Pokhara which is about 200km west of Kathmandu. This is a 7 hour scenic drive through mountain terrain. Pokhara is a beautiful valley and gateway to Annapurna Trekking. You can enjoy strolling around Lakeside street market in Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
After an early breakfast, starts the drive from Pokhara to Kande which is about 40 minutes. Then your trekking starts from Kande with an uphill walk to Australian camp. It’s around 1 hour hiking to reach Australian camp, locally known as Thulo Kharka. It is a grazing pasture land with an amazing panorama of Annapurna range with Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Machhapuchare. After the scenic break, continue walking on the forested trail to reach Potana, a small village located in midst of the alpine forest.
Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, start the trek following the trail that passes through the rhododendron forest to Deurali, mountain pass overlooking into the Modi Khola Valley stuck between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal/ Mt Fishtail. From here the route leads into compete wilderness away from main Annapurna trekking trail. You head towards north along a ridge line into deep forested area where the temperature drops to cool with fresh. While walking you enjoy on super views of Annapurna I and South, Hinchuli, and Lamjung Himal.
Overnight at a mountain lodge.
From Forest Camp, the trail leads higher on the uphill ridge with a steep climb. While climbing you see views of Hinchuli and Annapurna South. Far below, to the left, you also see the Modi River Valley leading upto the Annapurna Base Camp. When you ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. Low Camp is the beautiful pasture land where Mount Fishtail is visible.
Overnight at a mountain lodge.
An hour or so above Low Camp, the trail breaks out above tree line and towards the west where you have a good view of Annapurna South and Hinchuli. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on the grassland with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. You may see colorful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The view from high Camp is superb to Annapurna South, Hinchuli and Machhapuchre (Fishtail).
Overnight at a mountain lodge.
The plan for today is to wake up early for the sunrise view then walks up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grassland with a couple of steeper sections. However overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/cow crossbred) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer, the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought upto graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours of walking you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m. from the base camp, you can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary with a panoramic view of the south face of Annapurna, Hinchuli and Machhapuchre (Fishtail). Then hike back to Low Camp for night Halt.
Overnight at a mountain lodge.
After breakfast, you follow another trail that goes down the Sidhing village rather than going back down to the forest camp. The trail passes through the shade of the forest and out onto terraced fields. Sidhing is a traditional Nepalese village. From Sidhing you take a drive to Pokhara. It take approx. 3 to 4 hours of drive to reach Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast today, you will be driven back to Kathmandu in our private vehicle. The rest of the evening is at leisure. You can do some last minute souvenirs shopping for your family and friends or just rest at the hotel.
In the evening you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to a Nepalese Restaurant by our representative . you will be offered farewell dinner with Nepali cuisines and cultural dances.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.
COST INCLUDES: