Mardi Himal Trek
Preferred destination for most trekkers due to quick access to base camp
Trip Overview:
Location
Nepal
Region
Annapurna
Max-Elevation
4,500 m
Duration
11 days
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge
Best Seasons
Spring and Autumn
Group
Min. 1 Pax
Difficulty
Moderate
Start Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Permit
Required
Food
Three Meals/Day
Introduction to Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is also known as the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, a newly established but very popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek will take you to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. Mardi Himal Base Camp is located east of Annapurna Base Camp and near Pokhara.
The Mardi Himal Trek route has been open to trekkers since 2012, but has quickly gained popularity and is used by thousands of international and local trekkers each year. Along the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek you can see the most beautiful mountains Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna.
In addition to the mountain views, the trek also offers the opportunity to discover the transitional villages, the endless cultural diversity and the alluring views of the river. The trek passes through ancient rhododendron forests and brings you close to Mardi Himal.
There are many starting points for the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek, but Kande and Dhampus phedi are the most popular. The Mardi Himal trek itinerary is given below also starts from Dhampus phedi after 40 minutes drive from Pokhara. First, the steep trail leads up to the village of Dhampus, then on a flat and steep walk to Pothana (1,950 m) and then to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m).
There is a right turn in Deurali sign posted âForest Campâ. The trail is through the jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge. There is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height. Then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2,550 m)).
This trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp, but soon gets less steep as you again get up on the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp in the jungle again, but the trees soon start getting smaller. After about an hour of trekking, exits the jungle with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre on the open ridge and Annapurna south to the left. Finally, you reach High Camp above the treeline, you must prepare for colder temperatures.
High Camp is the last tea house stop where most of the trekkers stay for the night before going to Mardi Himal Base Camp. If you stay the night at Low Camp or Badal Danda, it is possible to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and back to High Camp in a single day. But it's hard.
This makes a long day trek, but there is also a viewpoint about halfway, the amazing view can be seen from here. After that, we trek to the High Camp, then to the Low Camp, and then we proceed to Siddhing and Lumre. From Lumre, we drive back to Pokhara and the next day drives back to Kathmandu.
11 days Mardi Himal Base Camp trek includes 6 days trekking (or 8 days from Kathmandu) and one day sightseeing in Kathmandu, two days for arrival and departure from Kathmandu.
Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek
Itinerary
After you arrive in Kathmandu airport please check our company board outside the main gate there will be our airport representative you will meet with him and he will transferred to hotel by private vehicle and our representative will help you to check-in your hotel after that if time enough, representative will take you to our office for short briefing about the trip but if not enough time then give a short trip brief in hotel and request to pay the due balance for the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, Kathmandu visits Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa which are all World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square throws light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage places for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. Late in the afternoon, we introduced you to your mountain/trek guide. overnight at Hotel
200 km: Early Morning (7.00 AM) departure to Pokhara by Tourist Bus transfer to Hotel. Arrive in the Pokhara afternoon about at 3 Pm. Relax or walk around Lake Side. O/N Hotel.
From Pokhara half an hour drives to Phedi, from where we will commence our Mardi Himal trekking. We will start the trek by climbing the stairs from Phedi which will eventually level level. The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through rhododendron and pine forests till we reach the Dhampus, a Gurung village known for the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We will continue our ascent until we reach the small village of Pothana, surrounded by forests and exhibiting marvelous mountain views. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, we start our trek with a steep uphill climb through thick forest along the beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is the home to many rare wildlife, and we may catch a glimpse of some of the rare birds and animals along the way. After walking for around five hours, we will reach the forest camp. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
The trail from the Forest camp to the high camp follows a steep ascent through the rhododendron and Juniper forest. The pattern for the day is a steeper climbing to get over a hillock, then relatively flat for a while and again start the ascent. On Reaching the top, we will be highly rewarded with the magnificent, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Mount Macchapuchre. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
We will rise early to appreciate the spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna range from the high Camp. After the breakfast, we will start our ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 4500 meters. The trek today is challenging with a walk along a narrow, rocky trails. The hardship of the day is generously rewarded with the stunning mountain views along the pristine surroundings at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. After spending some time at the base camp, we will retrace our steps back to high camp. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
We will retrace our steps and follow a steep descent to low camp from where we will trek into the forest to Mardi Khola. After a delightful walk along the river and the forest, we will reach a warm and hospitable village of Siding. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our easy descent to Lumre. The trail follows the contour of the Mardi river valley and gradually descends down the pastures through beautiful Tamang and Gurung Villages. Our Transport will wait for us at Lumre from where we will take an hour long drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.
It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, End of our services with departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination.
Not Satisfied with the above itinerary? We also offer flexible, tailor-made trips according to your preferences and specification.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Reviews:
Soumia Msallek (USA)
Nepal Incredible Experience!
Endless thanks, respect for this company and the people who runs it! From my initial email, Binod was prompt, organized and helpful, creating the perfect personalized itinerary to suit our timeframe and hiking level. My group of 7 and I had an amazing experience trekking the Mardi Himal trail to...
Linda Susan Bean (USA)
Mountain Champions!
Heartfelt gratitude for an adventure that was life affirming in every sense. Led by Bishnu & his incredible team of human beings we were immersed in the culture and majestic surroundings of Nepal, Pokhara & Kathmandu. Alpine Adventure Clubâs degree of professionalism , kindness and technical expertise allowed our entire...
Rebecca Felicia Lyne (USA)
Unforgettable Trip with a Compassionate Guide
What an amazing trip! Our guide Bishnu and his entire crew were professional and accommodating. My group felt safe and taken care of. I was particularly delighted with how excited and in awe the whole staff was with the mountains still after years of experiencing them! Would rebook without any...
