Mardi Himal Trek

You will start your adventure by arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit Thamel, the famous tourist area full of shops, restaurants, and trekking gear outlets. Prior to the trek, a briefing will be held to explain the route, weather, acclimatization, and safety procedures. This session ensures every trekker is well-prepared and has their questions answered. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

The beginning of the trip daily involves a very early morning flight out of Kathmandu to Pokhara and it is a flight that lasts about 25 minutes. The very flight itself is an experience; depending on weather conditions, you may also glimpse the Annapurna mountains, a view of the Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu as well as the Himalayas themselves. After arriving in Pokhara, you will be driven on the road to Kande, as the formal beginning of the Mardi Himal trek. The drive is approximately 45 minutes and it passes beautiful rural scenery, countryside villages and terraced fields. Your trekking starts officially in Kande. Slowly and steadily, the trail ascends into thick woodland of rhododendron, oak and pine forest. One of the initial attractions is the Australian Camp which is a vantage point that is located in an altitude of about 2000 meters above ground to provide a spectacular view of the Annapurna south peak and the Machhapuchhre peak. It is a common resting place where the trekkers stop by to appreciate nature. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Pothana.

A 6–7 hour trek through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and hemlock. The trail is serene, often misty, and occasionally opens up to mountain views. You’ll pass the small settlement of Pitam Deurali before gradually ascending to Forest Camp (also known as Kokar). The peaceful setting and simple teahouses here make it a perfect acclimatization stop. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Forest Camp.

After breakfast, the hiking scene changes as you proceed to climb on the green forest covered with rhododendron trees, oak and hemlock trees. The path is sloping up slowly whilst passing through the moss-covered tracks and densely vegetated paths. When you start to go up you can start seeing fewer trees, and the land starts to get more like alpine shrub and grassland. At Badal Danda the trail gives way to the spectacular panoramic view of Annapurna range with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and famed Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. The view point of the ridgeline at Badal Danda is breathtaking and the best scenario to see this is during sunrise and the sunset time when the mountains are enlightened with various shades and colors. Badal Danda is an idyllic and calm place, where nature is untouched and where you can get rest and recharge yourself before the difficulties lying ahead. The lodgings here are plain, yet homely and the meals are warm and the beds snug. Staying overnight in Badal Danda is important so the body can balance and enjoy one of the most amazing mountain landscapes along the Mardi Himal Trek. Overnight stay at a Teahouse in Badal Danda.

After a refreshing breakfast at Badal Danda the path rises gradually along the ridge through alpine meadow characterized by the wildflowers in spring and summer reliabilities. The forest is clearing here and the landscape views open up remarkably. Towering mountains like Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south and Hiunchuli will surround you forming an unbelievable backdrop wherever. The route is rather moderate yet with gradual work due to the rise of altitude. On the way you are also likely to see Himalayan birds, including Nepal national bird Danphe, and some mountain goats. The air is cool and fresh and fills the senses with a tingling effect as you ascend. The High Camp is the entry point in making the last attempt to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The camp is a small collection of lodges located on a gradual ridge with unrivalled views of the mountains. It is a good location to relax, acclimatize, and get acquainted with the serenity of the high Himalayas. The skies in the night are clear and the stargazing opportunity is incredible. Overnight stay at a Teahouse in High Camp.

This is the most interesting day of Mardi Himal trek, which is both challenging and rewarding. You start early in the morning before the clouds and winds of the afternoon hit you, as you start going steep on an uprise out of High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The path will get rockier and narrower and pass through alpine meadows and steep altitude. The quietness here is deafening, and you can only hear the sounds of wildlife once in a while or the sound of your boots on gravel. Then, finally arriving at the base camp, you will be treated to perfect 360-degree views over Annapurna massif, with the towering Annapurna south, the fin-like Machhapuchhre, the snowcapped ridges of Hiunchuli and up onto the Mardi Himal itself. This is the climax of what you have been doing and it does not only provide the greatest photographic opportunity but also allows absorbing the sublime beauty of the Himalayas. Once you have spent some time at the base camp you will head back down to High Camp to have a well-earned rest and think about the days accomplishments but prepare to leave the camp. Overnight stay at a Teahouse in High Camp.

After breakfast, you will begin your descent along an off-the-beaten-path trail through rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands and picturesque Gurung villages. The trail slowly goes down with some ups and downs provides a brief view of village life, traditional houses and fields where villagers grow their crops. Sidhing village is quiet upstream village that is famous for warm hospitality and culture rich. Here you have the chance to get connected with locals, learn about their customs and eat homemade meals if you want. From Sidhing, a vehicle will take you on a winding 2- to 3-hour drive back to the lakeside city of Pokhara, where you can relax, enjoy modern comforts, and reflect on your trekking journey. Overnight stay at a Hotel in Pokhara.

After breakfast, you will begin the scenic drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. As you travel along the well-maintained highways, you’ll pass through charming countryside landscapes featuring terraced farms, rivers, small towns, and traditional villages. This route offers a glimpse into everyday rural life in Nepal, with locals tending to their fields and children playing along the roadside. You may stop briefly at viewpoints or local markets for refreshments and photo opportunities. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy your final evening in the capital city. This is a great time to explore local markets, dine at one of Kathmandu’s many restaurants, or simply rest after the long drive, relaxing from the long journey of Mardi Himal Trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, our airport representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, arrangements can be made easily. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again!