Overview

Trip introduction

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a newly opened trekking journey in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek lets us avoid the crowd and just enjoy the natural views and cultural exploration. With amazing views of Mt. Machhapcuhre and nearby Annapurna Himalayas, this trek has got potential to be the next best-seller at Annapurna.

Overview of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek initiates after you arrive at Kathmandu Valley. With cultural sightseeing around world heritage sites and a drive to Pokhara the next day. Khande is the starting point from where our trekking activity begins.

We reach there after a short drive of 45 minutes from Pokhara. Slowly following the trail, we head towards Pothana enjoying the natural and cultural highlights of nearby beautiful villages. Passing through beautiful rhododendron forests and staying overnight at Forest Camp, also known as “Kokar” in the local language. Leaving behind forest camp, we descend towards low camp which gives us some glimpses of Machhapuchre and other snow-capped mountains.

Finally, on the seventh day of our trip, we trek to the Base Camp of Mardi which exhibits stunning views of the Himalayas at 4,450m altitude. And we get back to high camp for an overnight stay. Further, we descend drastically downhill and pass through Cultural Siding Village, Lwang Village, and Khora Muk followed by a short drive to Pokhara. In this way, we end our trek and enjoy sightseeing and further exploration of the paradise city of Pokhara and the culturally affluent Kathmandu Valley.

Best season and requirements for trekking Mardi Himal

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek can be joined during any time of the year but the best seasons are during spring and autumn. Especially during spring, you get to pass through magical blossoming rhododendron forests. Whereas, during autumn you will get to view unobstructed views of the great Himalayas.

Previous trekking experience is not required for this trek. But you must be physically fit and able to take up the challenges; with a passion for walking and exploring. Therefore, join this amazing trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. And get to visit unspoiled cultural villages while capturing amazing never-seen views of the Himalayas.

Overview

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft)::

Welcome to Nepal, the abode of Lord Gautam Buddha, the Land of the Himalayas, and the oldest nation in South Asia. As you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu (the city of temples) and complete your Customs formality, you shall be greeted by our representative and transferred to the Hotel by a private vehicle.

Depending on the time available, you may explore the surrounding areas and shop for the gear and equipment required for your trekking expedition.

Day 2 : Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation::

Today we shall have an exploration of the cultural richness of Kathmandu valley and also get prepared for the trekking starting the following day. We shall explore the landmarks listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and others as permitted by the time. We shall pay a visit to the sacred Hindu architecture of Pashupatinath Temple, the Buddhist shrines of Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), the architectural excellences of Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square. Other monuments shall be visited depending on the circumstances.

We shall meet with the guide for our trekking and receive guidelines and information necessary for the trek. Use this opportunity to clarify your queries related to the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m/2,690ft) approx. 5 hours::

Today we shall move on to the adventure hub of Nepal and one of the most beautiful cities, the beautiful Pokhara on a scenic drive. Eye-dazzling view of the lush valleys and green hills, terraced landscape, and serpentine rivers, and picturesque landscape of the Pokhara Valley is an enchanting experience for travelers. The beautiful valley welcomes you with the sight of glittering mountains, a picturesque landscape with several lakes of the valley, and a cool climate. After landing at the airport you will be escorted to the hotel of your stay. Explore the bustling area of Lakeside which seems to embrace all the aspects of modern life with open arms while also supporting the traditional heritages through artifacts and related souvenirs. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 4 : Drive Pokhara to Khande about 45 mins and trek to Potana (1,950m/ 6,397 ft) approx. 4 hours::

Today we shall start the real trekking of this expedition. We shall trek to Pothana from the village of Khande after a drive from Pokhara to Khande. We drive along the highway passing through popular roadside places like Bagar, Lamachaur, Hyanja, Phedi, and Naudanda to reach the starting point of our trek, Khande. Alongside we shall drive past the sacred Bindhyabasini Temple, the Ghobang River that crosses the road on several turns, and the beautiful green hills, waterfalls, and roadside settlements.

After we start the trek, we shall have a slower march to our destination to assist in the acclimatization. Through the forests, witnessing different species of wildlife, and listening to the chirps of birds we reach Pothana. The village of Pothana is a small settlement perched on top of the hill and hence provides a beautiful viewpoint of the Himalayas. Overnight in Pothana.

Day 5 : Trek Pothana to Forest Camp (2,500m/ 8,202 ft) approx. 7 hours::

Today we shall march further along the trail. We shall trek past the settlement of Pritam Deurali as we start our trek in the route of the Annapurna circuit side trip, branching away to an off-the-beaten-path on the east from near the settlement of Pritam Deurali. We can enjoy a quaint trail and have it all by ourselves till we reach our destination for today. We shall march along the trail experiencing some climb and downhill journeys for some hours before we reach the destination of our overnight stay.

Along the way, we shall pass through beautiful forests primarily dominated by Pine trees and other vegetation including the beautiful rhododendron, and glimpses of Leopard, deer, monkeys along different species of birds. Our destination for today, Forest Camp is also known as Kokar among the local people. We shall have magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif along the trail. Overnight in Forest Camp.

Day 6 : Trek Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,990m/ 9,809 ft) approx. 4 hours::

Today we shall have a shorter trek to the Low camp. Trekking today and onwards shall introduce us to the higher elevation which requires us to proceed carefully and steadily. The higher altitude we are introduced to, the beautiful vegetation we get to experience. Along the steep and challenging trail, in the beginning, we shall have a gradual climbing trail as we proceed further in the path. The flora changes into the cloud forest with the tree ferns, mosses and lichen, and other hardier trees. Along the trail and through the natural ‘windows’ in the dense forest we have glimpses of Hiuchuli and a sharp traverse towards Annapurna South. While we have Modi River on our far left, ahead we shall be accompanied by the forest till we slowly reach the Low Camp to have the marvelous view of the ever-beautiful Fishtail Mountain. Overnight in Low Camp.

Day 7 : Trek Low Camp to High Camp (3,580/ 11,745 ft) approx. 4 hours::

Another slower and short trek today as we need ample time for our body to adjust to the increasing altitude in the trail. Further along the ridges, through the occasionally grassy landscape leading towards the Mardi Himal, we march into the alpine vegetation from the tree line. We left the Manjhi Danda near the Low Camp and we moved past the Nangge Danda before we reached the High Camp. High Camp is a small pasture with a couple of lodges that provide an awesome view of the Annapurna range, the valley of Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal, and the Machhapuchhre Mountain.

You shall be enthralled by the view wherein the Annapurna South seems to be a stone’s throw away and Fishtail Mountain even closer. With the feeling of being above the cloud, we acclimatize at the High Camp as we get ready to ascend to the Base camp of Mardi Himal. Overnight at High Camp.

Day 8 : Trek Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450m/ 14,599 ft) and back to High Camp approx. 8 hours::

A long, big, challenging yet beautiful day has a lot to offer today to us. We shall start earlier today to view the Sunrise from High Camp. Along the narrow and rocky trail, more difficult as compared to the earlier trekking days, we shall have a slow and gradual trek to the Base Camp. After a couple of hours’ steep trek, we reach the top of a ridge marked as the MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp), however, the real Base Camp is another couple of hours away.

On reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, we have a spectacular view of Mardi Himal and Mount Machhapuchhre right above us while the majestic Annapurna I, Annapurna III, and Gaganpurna peaks seem to watch from a distance. After achieving the feat of witnessing the view and living the moment we descend to the High Camp to be welcomed by the steaming mug, hot food, and shelter. The fantastic views of the blue glaciers of the Sanctuary wall, the lofty Himalayas all around, and the Himalayan Monal hovering above are the other highlights of today’s trek. Overnight at High Camp.

Day 9 : Trek High Camp to Siding Village (1,885m/ 6,184 ft) approx. 7 hours::

After achieving the much-awaited feat the previous day, we shall be on the other section of the trekking expedition. On a slower descent, we trail back from the High Camp on a steep trail to the Low Camp after crossing the Nangge Danda, and from there, we part away from the previously used trail as we head towards the Mardi River through the beautiful and dense rhododendron forest. This trail, being different from the classical ‘teahouse trek’ explores the less-beaten path of the valley and navigates through the friendly villages on the trail. We have a trail similar to that we encountered past the Low Camp which continues to the small village of Siding, a blissful Nepali countryside. Along the trail today we traverse through the terraced fields, past the farms, and crossing over the interesting bridges. Overnight in Siding.

Day 10 : Trek Siding Village to Lwang village (1,460m/ 4,790 ft) approx. 5 hours::

Further down on the trail towards the lower altitudes, we shall be leaving the simple and traditional village of Siding to the other settlement at Lwang which is gradual up with some flat areas as well. Through the smaller villages such as Kalimati and Keshbang, we reach the Ghalel village, a small traditional village that has some small restaurants and the facility of Home Stay for the tourists along the trail. Past this beautiful village, we march towards the destination for today, Lwang village. Lwang is a traditional old Gurung village with a tea garden, the ACAP office, and the facility of Home Stay. The singing of folklore and dancing on those songs by the locals in the evening shall be an additional treat to the trekkers. Overnight in Lwang.

Day 11 : Trek Lwang Village down to Khora Muk (1 hour) and drive back to Pokhara(820m/ 2,690 ft), approx. 2 hours::

Today we shall be concluding the strenuous trekking on hills in the vicinity of Mardi Himal and drive back to the scenic Pokhara. Before we travel back to Pokhara, we trek down to the Khora Muk for about an hour as the last section of our trekking expedition where we have the panoramic view of tea gardens and peaks such as the Annapurna range, Mount Machhapuchhre or Fishtail Mountain, Lamjung Himal, and others. In the later part, we catch a vehicle to reach Pokhara City after a couple of hours. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 12 : Pokhara Sightseeing Day::

Heaven is a myth, Pokhara is real. Today we shall explore the magic of the Lake City of Nepal, an ever-enchanting Pokhara. A place of extraordinary natural beauty, a hotspot of adventurous activities, the gateway to several trekking routes, and a city of rich cultural heritage, Pokhara has many places of attraction for sightseeing. You shall regret missing the Fewa Lake (the reflection of the Fishtail Mountain on the lake is beyond description). Other lakes such as the Begnas lake, the natural amusements in Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave and Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave, the famous Davis Falls (a waterfall that seems to get lost in the underground), the shy Seti River, panoramic view of Himalayas rising all around the valley and the modern lifestyle around the popular Lakeside makes the city a vibrant one. The land of Gurungs and Magars and the entrepreneurial Thakali community, Pokhara also has the International Mountaineering Museum displaying the various aspects of mountaineering. View from the marvelous World Peace Pagoda, sunrise from the Sarangkot Hill, boating in the Lakes, and paragliding from the surrounding hills are the other marvels in Pokhara worth experiencing. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13 : Drive to Kathmandu::

After having our meal in the Tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara, we shall be leaving this beautiful city. Either we shall catch a Tourist bus or some private vehicle from the tourist bus park in Pokhara and be driving through winding roads via beautiful hills, small roadside towns, and torrential rivers to reach the medieval capital city of Kathmandu. We may also fly back to Kathmandu by a short flight of around 25 to 30 minutes. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 14 : Departure Day::

Here you come to the end of a memorable trekking experience. Depending on the time available you may explore the local market for shopping the souvenir else, we shall proceed straight away to the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) for your departure to the respective destinations. Hope we shall meet again and make another visit of yours a truly amazing one. See you again!

Price Includes

• Airport pick up and drop service
• 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or Similar Standard)
• 3 nights Hotel in Pokhara
• All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
  • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
  • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
• All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
  • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
  • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
  • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
• Transportation costs: Drive(Ktm – Pkr- Ktm) with other driving fares.
• Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
  • Experienced: With experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations which might occur during the trek.
  • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
• Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
  • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
    
• Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card and Annapurna Conservation Area(ACAP) fees
• Trekking gears like sleeping bags and down jackets made available on rent
• T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with the company logo.
• Rescue Arrangement Service
• First aid medical box
• 13% VAT and 10% company service charge
• Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

• Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses
• Tip for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments