Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

An off the beaten trial trek in the Annapurna region

Trip Overview

cultural_tour Duration 9 Days
Moderate Trip Level Moderate
trekking Trip Type Trekking
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included Trekking
best Best Months March, April, May, October, November

best Good Months January, February, September, December

best Lean Months June, July, August

accommodations Accommodation 3-4* category hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and local village lodge/guest house during the trek
meals Meals Only breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara and all meals while on the trek
seasons Best Seasons Best during the Spring and Autumn season.

Trip Highlights

    • Short and relatively easy trek in the Annapurna Region.
    • Astonishing panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and Mardi Himal.
    • Experience the culture and traditions of the ethnic Gurung people.
    • Diverse flora and fauna of the region.
    • Lush forests, green hills, rugged landscapes.
    • Hike to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Trip Description

The Mardi Himal Trek stands out amidst the Annapurna region in Nepal, offering an unparalleled and less congested adventure compared to the more frequented treks like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Its shorter duration, breathtaking panoramas, and diverse landscape render it an exceptional selection for adventures in search of a distinctive trekking experience.

Moreover, the trek offers the opportunity to immerse in the culture of the local villages encountered along the route. Interacting with the locals, participating in their traditions, and observing their way of life. The journey passes through a kaleidoscope of landscapes, each offering its own unique beauty.

The trail traverses through lush forests adorned with rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboo, with the panoramic views Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, and Manaslu in the backdrop. The Mardi Himal Trek stands as an exceptional choice for those seeking a harmonious blend of adventure, natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a sense of tranquility.

The journey begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kande, where the trek officially commences. The trail traverses through charming villages, verdant forests adorned with vibrant rhododendrons and oaks, gradually ascending towards Australian Camp. This initial phase of the trek offers a splendid introduction to the indigenous culture, natural surroundings, and breathtaking panoramas.

Continuing from Australian Camp to Low Camp the trail ascends gradually, allowing you to immerse yourself in the captivating natural beauty. At Mardi Himal Base Camp you’ll be greeted with breathtaking vistas of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South, alongside other majestic peaks. After relishing the panoramic views from the Base Camp, the descent takes an alternate path through High Camp toward Siding, offering a change in scenery and perspective.

The Mardi Himal Trek stands out for its relatively shorter duration compared to some other treks in the region, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the Annapurna region while avoiding the crowds, yet still wanting to witness the stunning Himalayan landscapes and immerse in the local culture.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: In Kathmandu
Day 3. Fly to Pokhara
Day 4: Drive to Kande-Trek to Rest Camp
Day 5: Trek to Badal Danda
Day 6: Trek to High Camp-Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp
Day 7: Trek to Siding-Drive to Pokhara
Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 9: Departure

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, a Wind Horse representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure until the evening. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing followed by dinner, along with a cultural performance, at a traditional Nepalese restaurant. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Day 2: :

In Kathmandu

Today, we will visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

At Kathmandu Durbar Square, we will explore the area around the former palace of the kings of Nepal, viewing various temples and monuments. Following that, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Here, we will circumambulate with pilgrims and visit the surrounding monasteries. Afterward, we will proceed to the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. The evening is free for you to shop for any last supplies or gear needed for your upcoming trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 1350m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs
Day 3: :

Fly to Pokhara

This morning, we will drive to the domestic airport and take a flight to Pokhara. Our guide and vehicle will pick you up from the Pokhara airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Lakeside area. Upon reaching the hotel, you can rest and relax until lunch. After lunch, we will embark on a half-day tour around Pokhara, visiting Devis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, Peace Pagoda, and the Lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

Accomodation: Waterfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Altitude Altitude: 822m
Duration Duration: Including Pokhara sightseeing 3-4hrs
Day 4: :

Drive to Kande-Trek to Rest Camp

The journey begins with a short scenic drive for about an hour from Pokhara to Kande. Ascending from Kande, the trail traverses through Australian Camp where you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range and the picturesque Pokhara valley.

Departing from the Australian Camp, the trail winds through a diverse landscape adorned with lush vegetation, featuring rhododendron, oak, and maple forests along the trial to the rest camp. Journeying through these vibrant forests offers a serene opportunity to deeply engage with the natural beauty and tranquility of the Annapurna region. Overnight in Rest Camp.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2700m
Duration Duration: Drive 1hr/trek 4-5hrs
Day 5: :

Trek to Badal Danda

Beginning on an easy trail for over an hour or two brings you to the low camp. Low Camp provides one of the best views of Mt. Machhapuchre. This is also the juncture where the trail to the Forest Camp and Siding diverges. Continuing for around two hours more, you reach Badal Danda, Badal Danda offers a breathtaking 360° panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges. Overnight in Badal Danda.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Duration Duration: 4-5hrs
Day 6: :

Trek to High Camp-Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp

The hike from Badal Danda to to Mardi Himal Base Camp is an incredible adventure that traverses varied terrain, offering breathtaking vistas along the way.

Ascending towards High Camp, you will navigate along a ridge through changing vegetation. After trekking for approximately about 2-3 hours, you arrive at the high camp, greeted by breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchre, and the Mardi Himal.

After lunch, you will head towards Mardi Himal Base Camp(4500m). The hike takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach the base camp. Once there, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of the majestic mountains. Following some time to soak in the surroundings and appreciate the awe-inspiring scenery, you’ll make your way back to High Camp. Overnight in High Camp.

Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Altitude Altitude: High Camp at 3590m/Mardi Base Camp at 4500m
Duration Duration: Trek 6-7hrs
Day 7: :

Trek to Siding-Drive to Pokhara

The journey from High Camp to Low Camp involves descending along the same trail that you ascended earlier. Once you reach the juncture at Low Camp, you’ll continue by following the path that leads to Siding village. At Siding village, you will board on to a private jeep and drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Accomodation: Waterfront Resort
Meals: Breakfast Lunch
Duration Duration: Trek 3-4hr/Drive 3hrs
Day 8: :

Fly to Kathmandu

After breakfast, our guide and driver will accompany you to the Pokhara airport for your departure flight to Kathmandu. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the rest of the day to yourself. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Accomodation: Nepali Ghar Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: :

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast

Included

    • All transfers by private vehicle.
    • 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara in 3-4* category hotels.
    • 3 nights’ accommodation in tea house lodge during the trek.
    • Only breakfast during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with coffee/tea during the trek.
    • One welcome or farewell dinner with a cultural performance in Kathmandu.
    • 1 full day guided city tour in Kathmandu.
    • English-speaking licensed trekking guide along with a porter (1 porter for every two trekkers).
    • Round trip airfare between Kathmandu-Pokhara.
    • First aid kit and duffel bag.
    • Trekking staff accommodation, wages, meals, trekking gears, and insurance.
    • All necessary paperwork and permits for the trek (ACAP/TIMS card).
    • All government tax and service charges.

Not included

    • Nepal Visa.
    • International airfare.
    • Meals other than listed (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, bar, beverages).
    • Bottled/boiled water, battery recharge and Wi-Fi and hot showers during the trek.
    • Tips and gratuities to Guide, Porter and driver.
    • Travel medical insurance covering rescue and emergency evacuation.
    • Personal trekking gears and equipment’s.
    • Trip cancellation cost due to your health, weather condition, political situation, and any other unforeseen events.
    • Any other expenses other than the listed above.