Mardi Himal Trek- 9 days

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9 Days

Trip Duration

Difficulty

Easy

Activities

Trekking

Group Size

Mini 1 People

Max. Altitude

4500m./14764ft.

Destination

Nepal

Best season

March to May and Sept to Nov

Meals

9 Breakfast
5 Lunch
5 Dinner

Accommodation

3- Star Hotel at Kathmandu and Pokhara
Guesthouse during trekking

Transportation

Airport Pickup and drop out by private vehicle and Pokhara - Phedi, Sidhing- Pokhara on a private vehicle
Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek- 9 days

Explore Pokhara and enjoy Fewa Lake’s serene shore.
A well-maintained trail leads to the off-beaten path which offers a soothing experience while reaching the Mardi Himal trail.
Get ready to witness the astonishing view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal from Upper Viewpoint
Dive into the wilderness, diverse culture, amazing landscapes, and terrains with a cozy vibe and excellent hospitality along the off-beaten, less crowded path.
Beginner-friendly and easily accessible trek.
Take you through various routes, including Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre

Trip Overview of Mardi Himal Trek- 9 days

The Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those looking for a short-duration trek that is beginner-friendly and tranquil. The mountain is enclosed by the Annapurna massif and Mount Fishtail (Mt. Machhapuchhre) (6993m) on its side, it makes for a breathtaking view. As you hike through the trail, you’ll witness beautiful forests, villages, and fields showcasing the local culture, flora, and fauna. When you reach the upper viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Annapurna (8,091m/ 26538 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,680 ft), Machhapuchre (6,993 meters / 22,950 ft), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454m / 24,450 ft).

The Mardi Himal trek is a newly established and newly explored route that has been open since 2012. It is a less crowded and more off-beaten path that offers a soothing experience. This trek has gained recent popularity among both domestic and international tourists. It is an alternative route for those seeking to catch a glimpse of the majestic mountains in the Annapurna region.

Why Mardi Himal Trek? If you are looking for a short-duration trek with a beginner-friendly. Then why not. The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly established trek that offers a unique experience of wilderness and off-beaten paths, with well-established routes open since 2012. It has become increasingly popular among domestic and international tourists as an alternative trek to explore the mesmerizing view of majestic mountains like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Mardi Himal. Along the trail, you can witness the ever-flowing river, excellent paddy fields, and lush forests of rhododendrons, oak, and bamboo, similar to the Annapurna base camp trek. This trek offers breathtaking views and an opportunity to explore the region’s rich and diverse culture and nature.

This trek will take you through various routes, including Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre. The exact route and duration of the trek depends on your preference. The journey starts from Pokhara, takes a short drive to Phedi, and starts hiking toward Pothana and walking through the coolness of the forest along the way and reaching Thulo-Kharka, popularly known as Australian base camp, witnessing the graceful view of Annapurna mountain range and fantastic sunrise and sunset. We spend the night there to begin hiking to our destination, Upper Viewpoint, via the high camp passing forest camp.

The Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek

October to November is the autumn season in Nepal. During this time, the sky is clear, and days are warm. Thousands of trekkers opt for trekking in Nepal during this time of the year due to favourable weather.

In the same way, the spring season, which falls from March to April, is another peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is warm as it invites the summer season simultaneously. In this season, flowers fully bloom, and trails are green. In general, it offers spectacular weather to view the mountains.

Is The Mardi Himal Trek Difficult?

No, the Mardi Himal Trek is an easy trek. A beginner with no prior trekking experience can easily hike along the routes and complete the trek efficiently. The trail is slightly uphill, but one can reach the destination with small breaks between the hikes.

However, trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp stays below 4,500 meters. Therefore, they are easily attainable throughout the year with the least risk of altitude sickness. Light exercises, like walking, jogging, and running, are recommended to be helpful before trekking.

Detail Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek- 9 days

Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu

A Representative of our team will meet you at Kathmandu airport and escort you to your assigned hotel. According to your arrival schedule, you can take a short trip around the lively area of Thamel, where you can stroll through the streets and enjoy the glimmering lights, fascinating shops, and the constant flow of people. Afterward, you can relax and spend the night at the hotel.

Activity & Duration

30 mintues drive

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (910m), Duration: 8-9 hours

On the second day, you head towards Pokhara via bus in the early morning, enjoying the natural beauty of Nepal along the way. You will encounter giant hills, distant mountains, ever-flowing rivers, rural villages, and more. Upon arriving in Pokhara, you check into a hotel and take a short trip around the beautiful city. The majestic mountain in the background as you roam around the shore of Fewa Lake will greet you with a cozy vibe.

Activity & Duration

8-9 hours drive

Highest Altitude

910m. (Pokhara)

Meals

Breakfast included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel

Day 3: Drive to Phedi and Trek to Pothana (1,925m), Distance: 5-6 km. Duration: 3-4 hours

Today is the day you’ve been eagerly awaiting for your trekking journey. You wake up early and have breakfast before driving for half an hour from Pokhara to Phedi. From there, you will begin your hike towards Pothana, following a steep stone staircase and lush forest until you reach the beautiful villages of Dhampus. Take in the scenery as you rest and have your lunch. Continuing your hike, you will climb up to the Austrian Base Camp, a famous spot for enjoying unforgettable views of the Annapurna range and breathtaking sunsets and sunrises. While some hikers may continue to hike up to Pitam Deurali, you will conclude your day after reaching Pothana, where you will spend the night.

Activity & Duration

30 mintues drive and 3-4 hours walking

Highest Altitude

1925m. (Pothana)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m), Distance: 9-10 km. Duration: 5-6 hours

You will begin your journey from Pothana to the charming village of Pitam Deurali, which provides a stunning view of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal. These mountains look awe-inspiring in the bright sunlight. During the journey, you will pass through forests of Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, and Hemlock, and you might be able to spot various species of wildlife, such as leopards, deer, monkeys, and different species of birds, if you’re lucky. Finally, you will reach the Forest Camp at Kokar and spend the night there.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours walkimg

Highest Altitude

2600m. (Kokar)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 5: Trek from Forest Camp (2600m / 8,530ft) to High Camp (3600m / 11,811ft), Distance: 12-13 km. Duration: 5-6 hours

Today, you will continue your trail from the forest camp at Kokar to the high camp. You will come across a dense forest with rhododendrons and trees covered with lichen and moss. You will stop at Low Camp for lunch while enjoying the scenic view of Mt Machhapuchhre. After lunch, you will climb further along the Mardi Himal ridge, where you can glimpse the colorful Danphe/Himalayan Monal (Nepalese National Bird). As you reach the high camp at the end of your day and rest there, you will be mesmerized by incredible views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mt. Machhapuchhre from the lodge, which are phenomenal.

Activity & Duration

5-6 hours walking

Highest Altitude

3600m. (High Camp)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 6: Trek from High Camp (3600m / 11,811ft) to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m /14,763ft) and to Low Camp (3,050m / 10,006ft), Distance: 11-12 km. Duration: 6-7 hours

Wake up early, energized, to embark on your special day as you climb along the ridge where the trail gets steeper. But the fascinating landscape view keeps you excited. Seeing dzopkyos (a hybrid between yak and domestic cattle) grazing in the pastures with pheasant chatter in the fields makes your hike remarkable and unforgettable. After ascending for three more hours up to the rocky viewpoint at 4500m, the upper view anticipates you to dive into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Take some time here to enjoy the scenery and panoramic view as the clouds float over the Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli, and other massive peaks while sunlight glitters over them. Your journey concludes by descending to low camp via high camp, where you will have your launch.

Activity & Duration

6-7 hours walking

Highest Altitude

4500m. (Mardi Himal base Camp)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Accommodation

Overnight at Guesthouse

Day 7: Trek to Sidhing Village (1,529m/5,016ft), Distance: 15 km walk 5 hours, then 2 hours’ drive To Pokhara,

From Low Camp, follow the same trail you went up. you then leave the trail and trek into the forest, heading to the Mardi Khola River. you descend further to Sidhing and then drive back to Pokhara.

Activity & Duration

5 hours walking and 2 hours drive

Highest Altitude

1529m. (Sidhing Village)

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch included

Accommodation

3-star hotel

Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu: Duration: 8-9 hours

After bidding farewell to Pokhara, we will head towards Kathmandu early in the morning via tourist bus. The journey will take around 6-7 hours. In the evening, you’ll join the farewell dinner hosted by Hike Holiday Treks, where you’ll receive your achievement certificate in recognition of your trekking journey and reminisce the beautiful memories of the Mardi Himal Trek.

Activity & Duration

8-9 hours drive

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast and dinner included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel

Day 9: Tours End

Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, one of Hike Holiday Treks’s representatives will drop you off at the airport, where you will depart with many incredible memories. Breakfast is included.

Activity & Duration

30 mintues drive

Highest Altitude

1335m. (Kathmandu)

Meals

Breakfast included

Includes and Excludes

What is included?

All ground (airport/hotel) transfers by private vehicles
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
Surface transfer to and from Pokhara on a tourist bus
Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek
Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek.
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and porters (1 porter for two people), including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance
Hike Holiday Treks Duffle Bag, Down Jacket, and Sleeping Bag during the trek
Hike Holiday Treks T-shirt, Trekking Map, and Trip Achievement Certificate
A comprehensive first-aid medical kit
Annapurna Conservation Permit and Tims Card for permit
Farewell dinner after completion of Trip
All government taxes & office service charges

What is excluded?

Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary
Travel Insurance
International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee (You can obtain a visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A multiple-entry tourist visa suitable for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 50 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 125. Please bring two copies of passport-size photos.)
Hot showers during the trek
All kinds of cold drinks, e.g., water, coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
Personal Trekking Equipment
Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers