Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. It is situated east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek but it is a much less traveled route of trekking. It is a stunningly beautiful trek, taking you up through ancient rhododendron forests, to what feels like the face of the mountains themselves, as you get up close and personal with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchare, Mardi Himal and Gangapurna. You can take on this trek at your own pace, depending on the time you have available. There are a number of new basic lodges and homestays along the trek and it is now possible to do this as a lodge based trek rather than camping.
The Mardi Himal trek contains all of the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience including unique villages, wildlife, panoramic mountain views and range of landscape from forest to high alpine. The mountain views from Mardi Himal are superb. You will experience the magic of the Annapurna’s, without the crowds, as well as gaining some cultural insight and getting to know the real Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus (850m)
Day 03: Pokhara to Kande by vehicle and trek to Deurali (2,142m)
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (3,050m)
Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,550m)
Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,900m)
Day 07: Trek from Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp
Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Forest Camp (3,050m)
Day 09: Trek from Forest Camp to Kimche and drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 11: Final departure
If you are not really satisfied with this itinerary, make your own.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Welcome to the Land of Mountain! Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative waiting for holding Popular Treks signboard with your name on it will transfer to the hotel. You may take rest throughout the day or you can stroll around the city if you feel energetic after your flight. We will give you a short brief about our trip in the evening. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.
WELCOME DINNER
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m) takes about seven hours.
This drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warming glimpse of Pokhara Valley and fall in love with its ethereal beauty.
Pokhara is the tourist’s paradise with natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, and Buddhist and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of mountains. You can observe the glistening white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Deurali (2,142m) (4/5 hours)
We drive to Kande and take our first step of the trek. We begin our first day’s hike towards Deaurali (2100m) by ascending an hour up to Australian camp (2060m). After that, the trail goes downhill to Pothana. We take a break at Pothana for lunch, after which we continue our uphill walk to today’s destination – Deaurlai. Overnight in the tea house at Deaurali.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (3,050m) (5 hours)
The trail starts off through jungle at first, and then up an undulating path to the top of a ridge. There is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forrest Camp (2600m) after about 4-hour trekking. You can see spectacular and closer views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range from the top of forest camp. Overnight in the tea house at Forest camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Forrest Camp to Low Camp (3,550m) (3 hours)
The trail continues from Forest Camp to Low Camp through the forest, however as it ascends the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. At Low Camp, there are two basic lodges one with a dining room with open fire. The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley. Overnight in the teahouse at Low Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3550m) (4 hours)
An hour or so above Low Camp the trail breaks out above the tree line and towards the west, there is a good view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on the grass with some isolated Rhododendron bushes along the way. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The lodge at High Camp is larger than lodges at Low Camp and Forest Camp, this one has eight rooms and a separate dining room with heater. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Overnight in the tea house at High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)- 5 hours Trekking
The plan for today is to wake early for the sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Overnight in the tea house at High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Forest Camp (3,050m) (4 hours)
The trail leads us all the way to down through the rhododendron forest. We will stay the same lodge when we ascend. Overnight in the tea house at Forest Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Forrest Camp to Kimche and drive to Pokhara (5 hours)
Today is our last day of trekking. The trail follows all the way down through the lovely village of Landruk. This is also a huge settlement of Gurung people. Walking along the terrace field and enjoying mountain views you feel euphoric. After crossing the river we climb up with the zigzag path and some time undulating also. In this way, we reach our destination called Kimche where our vehicle drive is waiting for us. Then we drive to Pokhara and if we have time we round the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus (7 hours)
In the morning packing everything, we are heading to the tourist bus park to catch our bus. Today is the same that we took on the way. We get amused by the Marshyangdi river valley and its surrounding scenarios and of the Trishuli river valley. After reaching Kathmandu, you deserve a good rest. You may spend your time shopping around Himalayan souvenirs for your friends and family. It is the usual practice for clients to invite their guides/porters to share a farewell dinner and exchange a khata (ceremonial scarf) If you have been happy with the service provided by the guide a tip is given. Relive your experiences of the trek around the dinner table and enjoy your last night in Kathmandu. Tomorrow you will fly home. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Final departure
Our Mardi Himal Trek ends today with your departure. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will pick you up from the hotel to drop you to the international airport for your flight to onward destination.
Included meal: Breakfast
Included in the cost
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Nepali welcome dinner as the first day.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with twin sharing bed.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- English speaking trained and experienced trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Insurance for all staff including porter, guide and assistant guide.
- We provide an assistant guide if there are more than 6 clients.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff including porters and guide.
- Food and salary for all of the staff including porter and guide.
- Duffel bag and a map of Ghorepani Trek
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permit.
- Medical Kit (carried by your guide).
Excluded in the cost
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks and bar items like chocolate etc.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (in case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver
We serve hygienic food in the tea house and good accommodation of twin sharing beds.
You don’t get twin beds at high altitude you have to share with 3 or 5 trekkers during high seasons.
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. It is situated east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek but it is a much less traveled route of trekking. It is a stunningly beautiful trek, taking you up through ancient rhododendron forests, to what feels like the face of the mountains themselves, as you get up close and personal with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchare, Mardi Himal and Gangapurna. You can take on this trek at your own pace, depending on the time you have available. There are a number of new basic lodges and homestays along the trek and it is now possible to do this as a lodge based trek rather than camping.
The Mardi Himal trek contains all of the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience including unique villages, wildlife, panoramic mountain views and range of landscape from forest to high alpine. The mountain views from Mardi Himal are superb. You will experience the magic of the Annapurna’s, without the crowds, as well as gaining some cultural insight and getting to know the real Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus (850m)
Day 03: Pokhara to Kande by vehicle and trek to Deurali (2,142m)
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (3,050m)
Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,550m)
Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,900m)
Day 07: Trek from Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp
Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Forest Camp (3,050m)
Day 09: Trek from Forest Camp to Kimche and drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 11: Final departure
If you are not really satisfied with this itinerary, make your own.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Welcome to the Land of Mountain! Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our representative waiting for holding Popular Treks signboard with your name on it will transfer to the hotel. You may take rest throughout the day or you can stroll around the city if you feel energetic after your flight. We will give you a short brief about our trip in the evening. Overnight in the hotel in Kathmandu.
WELCOME DINNER
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (850m) takes about seven hours.
This drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warming glimpse of Pokhara Valley and fall in love with its ethereal beauty.
Pokhara is the tourist’s paradise with natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, and Buddhist and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of mountains. You can observe the glistening white peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Deurali (2,142m) (4/5 hours)
We drive to Kande and take our first step of the trek. We begin our first day’s hike towards Deaurali (2100m) by ascending an hour up to Australian camp (2060m). After that, the trail goes downhill to Pothana. We take a break at Pothana for lunch, after which we continue our uphill walk to today’s destination – Deaurlai. Overnight in the tea house at Deaurali.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (3,050m) (5 hours)
The trail starts off through jungle at first, and then up an undulating path to the top of a ridge. There is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forrest Camp (2600m) after about 4-hour trekking. You can see spectacular and closer views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range from the top of forest camp. Overnight in the tea house at Forest camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Forrest Camp to Low Camp (3,550m) (3 hours)
The trail continues from Forest Camp to Low Camp through the forest, however as it ascends the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. At Low Camp, there are two basic lodges one with a dining room with open fire. The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley. Overnight in the teahouse at Low Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3550m) (4 hours)
An hour or so above Low Camp the trail breaks out above the tree line and towards the west, there is a good view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on the grass with some isolated Rhododendron bushes along the way. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The lodge at High Camp is larger than lodges at Low Camp and Forest Camp, this one has eight rooms and a separate dining room with heater. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Overnight in the tea house at High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)- 5 hours Trekking
The plan for today is to wake early for the sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Overnight in the tea house at High Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Forest Camp (3,050m) (4 hours)
The trail leads us all the way to down through the rhododendron forest. We will stay the same lodge when we ascend. Overnight in the tea house at Forest Camp.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Forrest Camp to Kimche and drive to Pokhara (5 hours)
Today is our last day of trekking. The trail follows all the way down through the lovely village of Landruk. This is also a huge settlement of Gurung people. Walking along the terrace field and enjoying mountain views you feel euphoric. After crossing the river we climb up with the zigzag path and some time undulating also. In this way, we reach our destination called Kimche where our vehicle drive is waiting for us. Then we drive to Pokhara and if we have time we round the lakeside. Overnight in Pokhara
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by bus (7 hours)
In the morning packing everything, we are heading to the tourist bus park to catch our bus. Today is the same that we took on the way. We get amused by the Marshyangdi river valley and its surrounding scenarios and of the Trishuli river valley. After reaching Kathmandu, you deserve a good rest. You may spend your time shopping around Himalayan souvenirs for your friends and family. It is the usual practice for clients to invite their guides/porters to share a farewell dinner and exchange a khata (ceremonial scarf) If you have been happy with the service provided by the guide a tip is given. Relive your experiences of the trek around the dinner table and enjoy your last night in Kathmandu. Tomorrow you will fly home. Overnight in hotel in Kathmandu.
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Final departure
Our Mardi Himal Trek ends today with your departure. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, our representative will pick you up from the hotel to drop you to the international airport for your flight to onward destination.
Included meal: Breakfast
Included in the cost
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- 2 Night’s twin standard bedroom in 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Nepali welcome dinner as the first day.
- All ground transportation in a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with twin sharing bed.
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- English speaking trained and experienced trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Insurance for all staff including porter, guide and assistant guide.
- We provide an assistant guide if there are more than 6 clients.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff including porters and guide.
- Food and salary for all of the staff including porter and guide.
- Duffel bag and a map of Ghorepani Trek
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permit.
- Medical Kit (carried by your guide).
Excluded in the cost
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone, beverage drinks and bar items like chocolate etc.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (in case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver
