Mardi Himal Trek - 12 Days

Trek Route Summary

Maximum elevation:
4,500m/ 14,763ft
Destination :
Nepal
Region :
Annapurna Region
Activity :
Annapurna Treks
Duration :
12 Days
Distance :
49.6 Kilometers/ 30.8 miles (Nayapul to Nayapul)
Group Size :
Min 02 and Max 10 (For solo, we offer a private package)
Nature of Trek :
Lodge to Lodge Trekking
Best Season :
February, March, April, May, June, September, October and November
Activity Per Day :
About 5-6 hrs walking
Transportation :
Private Transportation (Kathmandu Airport-Kathmandu hotel-Kathmandu Airport, Kathmandu- Pokhara-Kathmandu, Pokhara-Kande, Lumre-Pokhara)
Accommodation :
Hotel in Kathmandu, Local Lodge / Teahouse during the trek
Start / End Point :
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Required Permits :
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card
Attractions :
World Heritage Sites (Temples, Durbar Squares, Stupas), Pookhara valley, Pitam Deurali, Forest Camp, Mardi Himal Base Camp

Trip Highlight

  • Sightseeing of Historical, Cultural and Religious shrines of Kathmandu valley.
  • Spectacular panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Visit local antique settlements with diverse cultures, astonishing landscapes, stunning terrains, and snowy peaks.
  • Follow off the beaten trail and avoid the crowded touristic zone.
  • Remarkable sunrise and sunset views from different vantage points.

Trip Overview

One of the best ways to acquire a peaceful journey in Nepal is by going a trek that is more or less on an off the beaten trail which normally doesn’t see many visitors and people even in the peak tourist seasons like Autumn and Spring. And by saying that, we mean traveling away from the rather popular touristic sites and heading into somewhere less known or visited by travelers.

Among such journey is our 12 days Mardi Himal Trek which is considered to be a perfect trek for those novice trekkers who wish to experience a quaint trekking trail filled with exotic natural scenery and vibrant ecosystem where they can simply leave the hectic vibes of the urban city areas and spend a couple of their days wandering into somewhere beautiful and peaceful. Not to mention the fact that going on a trek inside the Mardi Himal region allows travelers to see and observe a different side of Nepal which mostly kept hidden away in the enchanting forests of the Annapurna region.

Our Mardi Himal Trek offers deeply enthused views of majestic Himalayan snowy peaks, green hills, and pristine forested trekking routes. You can meet indigenous tribal communities, cross rivers, and experience a blissful journey while exploring the breathtaking glacial valleys scattered with stony rocks and ice. Along the trail, you can also witness a glorifying view of the iconic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Manaslu mountain ranges hovering above the clouds at incredible altitudes where only some adventurers dare to go.

But more than that, the trek lets you visit the legendary Mardi Himal Base Camp which is a phenomenal destination often missed out trekkers who prefer traveling to popular touristic sites as Annapurna Base Camp. However, those who make it to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, are gifted with unimaginable joy and satisfaction of reaching there as the entire region is blessed with an amazing blend of natural and cultural heritages that are sure to take your breath away.

How can I get there?

Most of the treks in the Annapurna region begin and end at Pokhara, Mardi Himal Trek also does so. Pokhara is the heavenly site of Nepal full of beauty and offers a plethora of activities like sightseeing, paragliding, zip-lining, day hikes, and short and long tours as well.

Pokhara situates just 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu where travelers can reach using both the land and airways. All the domestic airlines have regular flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara which costs USD 110 - 125 each person. Using the land, you can transverse via private car or tourist bus. Tourists' bus departs from Kathmandu 7-8 a.m.  Using the land, travelers reach spending 7-8 hours whereas flight takes only 25 minutes to land there.

When to Trek in Mardi Himal?

Most of the other countries, Nepal has four seasons- Spring, Autumn, Summer, and Winter. Among them, Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to December) are the peak seasons for trekking among others.

Trek Mardi in autumn

The best season for Mardi is Autumn which falls in September, October, and November. As downpours stops and the mountains remain visible and skies remain crystal clear during this time. Trekkers experience lustrous greeneries, magnificent pasturelands, and topographies. The villages look colorful and decorated because of the festivals as Dashain and Tihar lie during this period.

The weather and temperature remain stable and the chances of rainfall are less in this period.  In the daytime, you will witness 20-degree Celsius whereas in the nighttime it decreases up to 10 degrees.

Trek Mardi in Spring

With the spectacular views of the surroundings, Spring (March to May) is another peak season for this trek. Unobstructed views of the Himalayas, colorful hills with rhododendron and other flowers, clearer skies, lustrous and fresh greeneries welcome the numerous explorers each year.

With fewer chances of snowfall and rain, the temperature remains 17-20 degrees Celsius in the daytimes whereas it decreases getting 2-7 degrees Celsius in the night and morning.

Note: Trekking can be organized in winter and summer as well. But in winter, there may snowfall in the highlands and teahouses may get closed whereas in summer trekking can be affected by the downpours which may cause floods, landslides, and muddy trails.

Accommodation food during the trek

Accommodation in Mardi trek is different than other popular destinations as there are not many permanent settlements. Teahouses are seasonal with quite basic amenities. In the upper parts of the trek, you may not find electricity, gas shower, etc.

Those inns are quite standard; a simple room with beds, an outside toilet, and shower, dining area with shared rooms. In some circumstances, trekkers should stay 4-5 people in the same room.

Daal Bhat Tarkari (rice, lentil soup, chapati, grilled vegetable, and spinach), is the most common food during the trek. In the lower part of the trek, other cuisines as Nepalese, Indian, Chinese, and Western food are also available. Soup, spring rolls are also available in the teahouses.

 How difficult is Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately difficult trek. Trekkers reach 4500m/14763ft above sea level. Trekkers should encounter some rocky terrains, diverse landscapes, steep ascends, and descends throughout the journey.

Previous hiking experience will be beneficial but not mandatory. Trekkers having certain fitness and stamina to complete the journey successfully. Altitude related problems are not big issues in this trek. Having proper acclimatization, staying hydrated, eating plenty of untreated food makes the journey more comfortable.

How fit I should be

Trekkers need to have certain physical fitness to complete this journey easily however it does not need any climbing skills. They should walk 5-7 hours each day for 7 days. Some cardiovascular exercises as running, jogging, swimming, cycling helps you to cope with while walking uphill, rocky sections, and rough terrains.   

 

Want to go on our Mardi Himal Trek? Then, contact us immediately and book this trip today!

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlight Overnight
Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival (1,350m/4,429ft) Kathmandu
Day 2 Kathmandu Sightseeing Day Tour and Trek Preparation Kathmandu
Day 3 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft ) Pokhara
Day 4 Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pitam Deurali (2,100m/ 6,890 feet) Pitam Deurali
Day 5 Trek Pitam Deurali to Kokar Forest Camp (2,520 m/8064 ft) Kokar Forest Camp
Day 6 Trek Kokar Forest Camp to Low camp (2,990m) Low camp
Day 7 Trek Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m/11,745ft) High Camp
Day 8 Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (West) (4,500m/ 14,763ft) and return High Camp (3,580m/11,745ft) High Camp
Day 9 Trek High Camp to Sidhing (1,850m/6,069ft) Sidhing
Day 10 Trek Sidhing to Lumre and drive to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) Pokhara
Day 11 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu Kathmandu
Day 12 International Departure from Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Open All Days

Bonjour!!! Today we will meet you outside the terminal hall in Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, greeting will be exchanged and you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, you will be introduced to your trekking guide with whom you can have a prevalent discussion about the trek route, needs and necessities and general suggestions required during preparation for your upcoming adventures. An afternoon wander around vivid Thamel market will be a good idea to get acquaint with the locale.

Altitude:1,350m/4,429ft
Accomodation:Kathmandu Sunny Hotel
Overnight at:Kathmandu

After a short briefing, you’ll have a sightseeing day tour around the Kathmandu City. Early in the morning, you’ll be visiting the sacred Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath situated on the bank of holy Bagmati River and sacred Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath. You will be also visiting Patan Durbar Square located in the ‘City of fine arts’: Lalitpur. It is also the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley. Along with the Durbar square, you’ll be visiting Krishna Temple, Kumbheswore Temple, Golden Temple and many more. Continuing with the day you will now visit the 2000 years old legendary Swayambhunath Stupa that is located on the elevation, also nicknamed ‘Monkey-Temple’. The remarkable architecture it exhibits will simply compel you to wonder. The tour ends with the visit of Basantapur Durbar Square flaunting the living goddess Kumari, the freak street, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav and more under the rays of the setting sun.

Altitude:1,350m/4,429ft
Accomodation:Kathmandu Sunny Hotel
Meals:Breakfast
Overnight at:Kathmandu

Today we will drive 200km on Prithvi Highway to Pokhara from Kathmandu on a private vehicle. It takes about 7-8 hours depending on the traffic conditions. It is a delightful and pleasing drive with the cool breeze on the face along with the fascinating view of the countryside including the paddy fields, exquisite landscape, stunning panoramic view of the Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal and most of the Annapurna range. We follow the river Trishuli till we reach Muglin, head north and cross the suspension bridge then the Marsyangdi river will accompany us down the way. At Pokhara, you can have a relaxing evening. Either you can do cycling around the delightful Lakeside area or you can just wander around clicking pictures as memories of your visit.

Altitude:820m/2,690ft
Accomodation:Hotel Mount View
Meals:Breakfast
Overnight at:Pokhara

We head out early in the morning. It is about 40 min drive to Kande from Pokhara via Pokhara-Baglung Highway on a private vehicle. After arriving on Kande, we trek on the trail climbing an abrupt upland for about 2-3 hours at the elevation of 2,060m where we can observe a forest glade with lodge settlements known as ‘Australian Camp’ (2,060m). This place is a pool of breathtaking natural vista with panoramic and splendor view of Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. Then we move slightly downhill to Pothana (1,950m) and to the ACAP/TIMS checkpoint. Furthermore, the trail climbs and meanders through the rhododendron forest to the small human settlement of Pitam Deurali (2,100m). The Modi Khola valley is dominated by ‘Pritam Deurali’ wedged between Mardi Himal/Macchapuchre and Annapurna South.

Walking Hours:4-5
Trek Distance:5.5km/3.4 miles
Altitude:2100m/ 6,890ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:Pitam Deurali

After viewing those heart throbbing sights the previous day, we now head off the main Annapurna trekking trail by turning right from the signpost that indicated the direction to different destinations including Kokar Forest Camp. Then, we string along with the rhododendron forested elevation. Subsquently, the trail descends abruptly and slowly ascends back onto the upland. Finally, after 4-5 hours of trek, we arrive at Kokar Forest Camp (2,550m). Since trekking trail to this destination is new, there are no teahouses along the way therefore, we need to carry lunch pack and sufficient water.

Walking Hours:5-5:30
Trek Distance:8.3 Km/ 5.1 miles
Altitude:2,520 m/8064 ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:Kokar Forest Camp

The day initially starts with the walk on steep stretch of the trail but as soon as we approach the upland we climb through the rhododendron forest. We trek through additional jungle areas with the much closer glimpse of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. We will find ourselves in close proximity to the clear blue sky with the outlook of coverings of Himalayan piedmont and vast valley towards the south. An additional 1-hour trek can lead us to a place known as Badal Danda also known as cloud hill (3,250m), atop of tree line where we can get a pellucid view of snow-capped mountains and overview of villages below. Only one teahouse with 5 rooms of 10 guest capacity is situated there. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Low Camp that offers a couple of teahouses in the clearing of the forest.

Walking Hours:4-4.5
Trek Distance:5km/3.1 miles
Altitude:2,990m/ 9,808ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:Low camp

Today, we trek on the trail that leaves low camp and advances alongside the narrow hilltop towards Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. Pursuing the trail, we now withdraw from the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. On either side of the deep valley, the snow-capped peaks of Hiunchuli, Annapurna south and Machhapuchhre emerges in the distance above. After the trek of about 3-4 hours, we arrive at High Camp (3,580m). It is small grassland where we can find ourselves adjacent to snow-capped mountains and up above the clouds.

Walking Hours:4-5
Trek Distance:5.5km/3.4 miles
Altitude:3,580m/11,745ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:High Camp

Today is probably the most memorable and difficult trip of our entire adventure with a series of abrupt climb sometimes through uneven and rocky steps due to which the trail becomes more challenging than expected. The first abrupt climb will utilize about 2-3 hours to reach the top of the elevation marked as MBC (Mardi Base Camp). Nonetheless, hitting to the actual base camp will take about another 2-3 hours of the hike through lush, green and high mountain at the elevation of 4,500m. The panorama is astounding and breathtaking all along the upland. While the Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal emerge atop us, the sight of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m) and Gangapurna (7,455m) also becomes visible far away. After seizing those wonderful and delightful sights in our hearts, we trek back to High Camp (3,580m).

Walking Hours:7-8
Trek Distance:9km/5.5 miles
Altitude:4,500m/ 14,763ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:High Camp

After enjoying the lustrous sunrise from the High Camp, we descend to Sidhing (1,850m) a village populated by the mixed community of Brahmin and Gurung taking about 6-7 hours of hike. This is an alternative route which descends to the traditional village of Sidhing rather than going back down MBC back to Kokar. Walking through; we get to see the beautiful red rhododendron bloomed throughout the entire splendid forest. This trek route is still far away from the modern and busier trek routes. At Sidhing, there is a high probability that we’ll stay at a homestay run by the people who also own one of the lodges at low camp. It will be an incredible experience to get involved with the locale, their ethnic culture and lifestyle at their own locality.

Walking Hours:6-7
Trek Distance:11.3km/7 miles
Altitude:1,850m/6,069ft
Accomodation:Mountain Lodge
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at:Sidhing

Leaving Sidhing and its friendly locale behind, we now head to Lumre. Following the trail, we will pass the village of Lwang Ghalel which is a traditional village where the cultural heritage is well preserved and also offers community homestay. This village is also famous for tea garden, almonds farming & adventurous canoeing. After 3-4 hours of trekking we arrive at Lumre then we drive back to Pokhara on a private vehicle. It takes about 2 hours to reach Pokhara. Once at Pokhara, you can amble or cycle around the peaceful lakeside area watching the spell-binding evening outlooks of the prepossessing Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Lake Phewa.

Walking Hours:2-2:30
Trek Distance:5km/3.1 miles
Altitude:820m/2,690ft
Accomodation:Hotel Mount View
Meals:Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at:Pokhara

Today you will head to Kathmandu from Pokhara by a private vehicle via Prithvi Highway. It takes about 7-8 hours to cover approximately 200km depending upon traffic conditions. You will observe different landscapes, colorful and crowded bazaars etc. along the journey. At afternoon in Kathmandu City, you can enjoy the traditional Nepalese dinner with ethnic live music or you can click some pictures as memories of your visit or buy souvenirs to take back home.

Altitude:1,350m/4,429ft
Accomodation:Kathmandu Sunny Hotel
Meals:Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at:Kathmandu

As today is your last day in the country we appreciate your decision to choose us as you travel companion. We are honored to be a part of your beautiful memories and hope that we had met your expectations. At the airport, we will be with you in your last moments in the county. Wish you a safe fight back home. Sayonara!!!

Meals:Breakfast

Altitude Chart

Mardi Himal Trek

Price Includes

  • All airport pickup/drops and hotel transfers via private vehicle according to itinerary
  • Three nights’ twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu Sunny Hotel or similar hotel in Kathmandu
  • Two nights’ twin accommodation on sharing basis alongside breakfast at Hotel Queens Park or similar hotel in Pokhara
  • City tour accompanied by a professional tour guide in Kathmandu with private vehicle transfers & including temple/monument entry fees
  • Land transportation from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu via private vehicle (However, tourist bus will be provided for solo treks)
  • TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits (Please bring 2 passport size photos for permit)
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Local teahouse accommodation during the trek (twin sharing)
  • Trekking Crew - one professional English speaking trekking guide and porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, food, accommodation, equipment, transportation, and insurance
  • Duffle bag, sleeping bag, and down jacket to for use throughout the trek
  • Holy Mountain Treks T – shirt, trekking map and certificate to mark the achievement of the trip
  • First aid medical kit
  • All government taxes and office service charge

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa, International/domestic airfares, travel and rescue insurance
  • Trekking equipments and clothings (except down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffel bag which we provide for use)
  • Additional night/s accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara caused by early arrival, deferred departure, early dropout from the trip than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu or Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from trek than the scheduled itinerary)
  • All kind of beverages (water, alcoholic or non alcoholic hot/cold drinks)
  • Personal expenses including phone calls, internet usage/data, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower, extra porters, etc
  • Tips for guides and porters

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