SKILL LEVEL
moderate
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Mardi Himal Trek is considered to be a hidden gem of Nepal, the trail of which is located just the east of one of the most popular treks of Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp trek. This trip provides the travelers a spectacular view of entire Annapurna Range.
The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. Afterward, the landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre.
From High Camp (3580 m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months, it is important to check with a local tour operator if the lodges are open.
10 Days Trekking / (SKILL LEVEL: moderate)
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Trek to Pothana (6,102 feet / 1,860 m)
Day 3: Trek to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.
Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.
Day 6: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)- 4 hours trekking.
Day 7: Trek to Sidhing village (1,750m) -6 hours walking
Day 8: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara- 3 hours walking and 2 hours driving.
Day 9: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 10: Depart Kathmandu.
Day 1: Welcome to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel.
Flying into Kathmandu, you’ll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Trek to Pothana (6,102 feet / 1,860 m)
After an early breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and driven to the airport to catch your flight to Pokhara. This is a city located west of Kathmandu. Your specialist can help you try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the plane for views of the Himalayas en-route.
Upon arrival, a jeep will be waiting to drive you to Phedi where the trek begins towards Pothana. The trail ascends through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, sandalwood, and pine until you reach the village called Dhampus. This is an authentic Gurung village, which gives you an opportunity to look at the magnificent views of the Annapurna ranges, as well as notable peaks like Lamjung Himal.
From Dhampus, the trail continues to ascend along a stone-paved path through more forests and mossy trees (keep an eye out for orchids). Once you get to the small village of Pothana, you’ll find a range of trekker facilities including shops, teahouses, and eateries. Relax and enjoy the magnificent mountain views.
Trekking time: 4-5 hours (3.5 miles / 5.6 km)
Day 3: Trek to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.
Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.
Day 6: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)- 4 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).
Day 7: Trek to Sidhing village (1,750m) -6 hours walking
Day 8: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara- 3 hours walking and 2 hours driving.
Day 9: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and can enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. Explore Kathmandu’s streets on foot, bicycle, or rickshaw, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or seeing anything you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.
In the evening, choose from a selection of Nepali, French, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern dishes in Kathmandu.
Day 10: Depart Kathmandu.
It’s time to say farewell to Nepal! Enjoy your last moments in Kathmandu with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.
