Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek offers reasonably well established and quiet trail through the grass in the Annapurna region off the hustles and bustles of urban life. Exploring the heritages of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar Square in the culturally vibrant Kathmandu valley enhances the overall experience. The real trek starts with the trek to Pothana (1,950m). Stopover in the spots of Forest Camp (2,550m), High Camp (3,900m) leads us to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The unparalleled close-up view of Annapurna, Fishtail and Mardi Himal is one of the major attractions of this trek.
With a few steeper sections in between the effort is worth the magic that the white snow unfolds before trekkers. We trail back through the cultural treasures of Landruk and other smaller settlements on the way to Nayapool in the later part of our trip. This is the amazing trek which is slightly more than a classic Nepalese trekking experience. A relatively easy terrain, peacefulness in the trekking route, twists and turns along the ridges and forests that seem to be the face of the lofty Himalayas make this trek a worthwhile experience. The seasons: Autumn(September, October & November), Spring(March, April & May) are considered as the Mardi Himal Trek best seasons, however, the trek is also possible in winter season as well.
How fit do you need to be?
Mardi Himal Trek follows one of the unspoiled routes of Nepal and presents an awesome trekking experience for trekkers. And just with an average level of fitness and proper planning, anyone can join this trek. No direct climbing is involved so it becomes easier for inexperienced trekkers as well.
Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu City Tour
The very first day is set aside for the exploration of the medieval capital city of Kathmandu and the culturally affluent neighboring city of Patan or Lalitpur. We shall pay visit to the Hindu sacred pilgrimage of Pashupatinath Temple, abode to one of the most worshipped deity of Nepal. We shall also visit the Buddhist heritages and pilgrimage of Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest stupas in Nepal) as well as the Swayambhunath Stupa, the 14th century old stupa also known as the Monkey Temple. We shall also explore the architectural excellence at the Patan Durbar Square, the example of world class arts and architecture of Nepal and the symbol of ancient legacy. You shall also interact with the guide and get the information regarding the trekking trip beginning from the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara(800m) by Bus/Car/Air
Today we shall drive to the most beautiful city of Nepal, the Lake City of Pokhara. We travel along the winding path, traversing through the settlement along the highway accompanied by the Trishuli River watching the lush green hills and views of the mountain peaks in the far away distance. The cool and white watered falls, occasional interaction with the locals and their varying way of living are some of the attractions of the travel. When you reach to the vicinity of Pokhara, you are greeted by the beautiful Mount Machhapuchhre before anything else. The closer you get, the better view you have of these glittering and humongous peaks besides the green vegetation and people with big smile on their lips. We may either take a flight to Pokhara. A short flight through the courtyard of peaks in distance, this flight gives the bird-eye view of lush valleys, terraced fields and panoramic view of peaks. Get rest in the hotel of your stay in Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 03: Pokhara to Phedi by private Jeep then trek to Pothana. 1950m (4/5 hrs)
Today we shall start the actual trekking to the settlement of Pothana. Prior to that awe shall have a drive to Phedi from Pokhara by a private jeep. The trip navigates along the Siddhartha Highway. With the green hills and blue sky above ahead in sight, we move past playing hide-and –seek with the shades of trees and rays of sun, observing the cultivations and local markets, waterfalls and roadside shops, typical red-mud painted houses of the hills, gates welcoming you at some places and locals greeting you with smile makes the trip to Phedi and enjoyable one. We start our trek from this place. The trek is a steep ascent till the marvelous village of Dhampus, a Gurung village that provides marvelous view of the snow peaks including the Annapurna range, the Manaslu peak and Lamjung Himal. Further we move on through the dense yet enchanting forests as we enter the premise of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Exploring the vegetation and occasional glimpses of the wildlife, we reach the small village of Pothana. It is surrounded by forests and is looked over by the gorgeous snow capped peaks.
Overnight in Pothana.
Day 04: Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp. 2550m (5/6 hrs)
After some hours of initial trekking, we leave the classic trail for Annapurna circuit trek and follow the less explored trek near to the settlement of Pritam Deurali. This off the beaten trail provides solitude to the trekkers as they have the trail all by themselves till they reach their destination for today. Accompanied by the chirps of birds, ups and downs in the trail with mosses and forests dotted with pine trees besides the beautiful rhododendron flower is a feeling that can be experienced and not expressed through words. We may have occasional glimpses wild animals including Leopard, deer monkeys and different species of birds. This trail, initially a short plain walk, has paths mostly dotted by rocks. Our destination for today is Forest Camp, also known to locals as Kokar forest. This section of trail provides the view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs as well.
Overnight in Forest Camp.
Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp. 3900m (5/6 hrs)
A section rich with forests and vegetation as well as biodiversity, today we shall trek to the High Camp through the Low camp. As we move further along the ridges of Manjh Danda and Nangge Danda, surrounded by the forests of Oak, Rhododendron and Bamboo as well as other vegetations the trail starts opening up as forests becomes thinner. We also come across another scenic spot of View Point. This spot provides view of snowy mountains of Himchuli, South Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail as well as villages of Chhomrong, Ghandruk besides the surrounding alpine forests. Further ahead of the View Point, we have an uphill walk till we reach the destination in the least touristy trail for today, the High Camp.
Overnight in High Camp.
Day 06: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and then back to High Camp. (6/7 hrs)
A relatively longer day of trek and a relatively strenuous one, we move to the Mardi Himal Base Camp in the first phase of our trek for today. At the Mardi Himal Base Camp we have the amazing and panoramic view of Annapurna, Fishtail Mountain and Mardi Himal. The trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes us along the well-established trail on the ridge of Kali Danda that has a couple of steeper sections that isn’t much challenging. Look out for the grazing dzokpo (crossbreed of Yak and Cow) and the beautiful Danphe pheasant (national bird of Nepal) besides the sheep and goats that are bought in summer season. On reaching the Base Camp, the panoramic view of entire Annapurna range and others creates the trek worth the strain. After capturing the memories in the base camp we return along the trail previously followed and extend our walk to the High Camp. The trek back to the High camp has to be gradual without much strain on our shaky legs.
Overnight in High Camp.
Day 07: Trek from High Camp to Landruk. 1565m (6/7 hrs)
We further descend along the Annapurna side trip trail to the meeting point of this trail with the Annapurna circuit trek trail at Landruk. We navigate along the ridges of Nangge danda and Manjh Danda and we part our way at the Kokar Forest Camp and follow our way to Landruk. Intermittently, we pass through alpine vegetation, cloud forest with fern trees, mosses and lichen, steeper trails as well as variety of wildlife along the trail. After a long, strenuous yet beautiful day we reach to the destination for today, Landruk. It is a traditional Gurung community village, with the scenic view of Annapurna range.
Overnight in Landruk.
Day 08: Trek from Landruk to Nayapool . 1100m (4/5 hrs) then drive to Pokhara by private Jeep.
This is the last day of the entire trek that involves the physical trekking after which we drive back to the city of Pokhara. We trek through the Gurung villages exploring the rich cultural heritages and traditions, views of the majestic mountain peaks, prayer flags and prayer wheels, warm welcome by the locals in the villages along the trail, pristine rivers and forests and occasional glimpses of the wildlife. Slower and gradual ascent shall be our priority as we don’t want to give unnecessary strain to the body. After we reach to Nayapool we drive to Pokhara by a private jeep passing through the settlements of Kande, Naudanda, Phedi, Lamachaur and Bagar before we reach the destination for today, Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 09: Pokhara Rest
After a physical trekking for over a week we shall have a rest today in the beautiful city of Pokhara which is full of wonderful sites to visit. From the gorgeous Phewa lake with the reflection of Fishtail mountain (if you are lucky) to the World Peace Stupa on top of the hill across the Phewa Lake and from the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave to Mahendra Cave and Bat Cave Pokhara has a lot to offer. International Mountaineering Museum (for information on development of mountaineering as well as the history and cultures of various communities), Davis Falls, boating in the Phewa Lake are other places of attraction in this beautiful city looked over by the mountains from all the sides.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Pokhara to Kathmandu by Bus/Car/Air.
We return to Kathmandu after completing the beautiful trek into the hills of western Nepal and having the Pokhara city explored. Either we drive the entire journey of around 6-7 hours by Bus or Car along the river banks with the scenic views of the rural landscape and lifestyle besides warm and welcoming locals along the highway. We may also fly back to Kathmandu on a short flight through the vicinity of the mountains over the lush green hills and valleys that provide an enchanting view to the travelers.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Activities
Cost Included
- Kathmandu arrival and transferred to hotel
- Kathmandu to Pokhara return by private jeep or flight
- All ground Transportation
- All necessary permits and TIMS cards
- All meal during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and staffs wages and insurance
Cost Excluded
- Bar bills, laundry and tips
- Rescue, insurance, souvenir shopping
- Items of personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal rescue if needed
#Note above day to day itinerary. May be change depending on weather and flight.