Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Take in the spectacular mountain views on this great short trek into the stunning Annapurna region including Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). This is one of the lesser known trails and quieter than others in the area. Enjoy the rich local culture as well as incredible Himalayan views, on one of the best short trekking trails in Nepal, ideal for beginners or for those looking for a great short trek.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive Kathmandu (1300m)

  Namaste and welcome to Nepal! On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll need to obtain your visa and collect your luggage before heading to the exit where one of our local team will be waiting to welcome you and help with your luggage. On the drive to your hotel the traffic can be busy but you’ll also have interesting views of day to day life in the city enroute. After time to rest and freshen up, our representative will meet you at the hotel this evening, to brief you about your next few days and answer any questions you may have. We invite you to join us for a complimentary welcome dinner and introduction to Nepali culture at a traditional Nepali restaurant this evening.

• Day 02

  Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation

  This morning it's time for your guided sightseeing of some of the key cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu. After breakfast, you'll be met by your guide before heading to nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive World Heritage Site and hugely important place in Nepalese history and culture. You'll be able to visit the ancient palace complex and the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal , the Kumari. You'll also visit Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandap Temple. From here, we'll drive to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River and an important cremation site. We'll also visit Boudhnath Stupa, an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site and the centre of Tibetan pilgrimage in Nepal. The huge stupa is one of the largest dome stupas in the world and is surrounded by many small monasteries, shops and cafes. Later this afternoon you'll receive a briefing about your trek and will have time for any last minute preparations or local purchases if needed. This evening is at leisure to rest and relax. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 03

  Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m)

  After breakfast, it's approximately 15 minutes' drive to Kathmandu domestic airport for your short 25-minute flight to Pokhara (822m). Set in a lush and picturesque valley with tranquil lakes and green hills surrounded by Himalayan peaks, Pokhara is the start point for treks into the Annapurna region and also known as a hub for outdoor adventures including paragliding, boating and many more. The rest of your day is at leisure to rest and relax and explore the local area with lots of small cafes and shops around the lakeside area. Overnight Pokhara.

• Day 04

  Drive to Dhampus (1640m), trek to Deurali (2100m)

  this morning its a scenic drive of around an hour to reach your trek start point at Dhampus. From here we'll trek to Deurali. The path ascends through the forested foothills of the Annapurnas. It's only a short few hours trek until we reach Dhampus village, at 2100m. Enjoy the wonderful views of Mount Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Peak with its distinctive shape. The rest of your afternoon and evening is at leisure to rest and relax. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 05

  Trek to Forest Camp (2600m) 04 hrs

  This morning we begin the trek up to Forest Camp at 2600m. The trail takes us through dense mixed forest of oak, maple and rhododendron. It's just a short trek today, around 4 hours to reach Forest Camp. There are steep climbs up to Forest Camp situated in the middle of the woods and surrounded by the forest. From here the peak views of Ghandruk, Landruk, and Chomrung are beautiful. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 06

  Trek to High Camp (3600m) 05-06 hrs

  Today it's around 6 hours trek to reach High Camp at 3600m. We start with a bit of an incline as we follow the trail through rhododendron forests (beautiful in Spring when they're in bloom). After around 3 hours trek we'll reach Low Camp, a fairly newly established town with great views of Fishtail Peak and a good spot to take a break. After time to rest, relax and enjoy the views, we continue on towards High Camp where we'll stay overnight. The trail again leads through scenic landscapes with views of the Annapurna mountain range. After another few hours walk we arrive at the settlement of High Camp. Enjoy the views of the Himalayan peaks and, in the distance, the lights of Pokhara town. Overnight local teahouse lodge.

• Day 07

  Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m), descend to Bandal Danda (3210m) 06-07 hrs

  Today is an exciting day as we trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500m. Wake early to enjoy the sunrise views over the Himalayan peaks. After breakfast we begin our trek to Mardi Himal. The trail is good with a few steeper, more challenging sections along the rocky ridges of the mountain. Before we reach Base Camp we'll stop to enjoy the views from Mardi Himal viewpoint (4200m). We often see yaks grazing along this route and we'll pass herders' huts along the way. After around 3 hours trek we reach the Base Camp from where you'll have spectacular panoramic peak views including Mount Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). After enjoying the views we follow the trail down as we descend towards Bandal Danda. Rest and relax this evening. Overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 08

  Trek to Sidhing (1945m) 04-05hrs

  From Bandal Danda we trek to Sidhing at 1945m. It's around 4 to 5 hours trek today, retracing our steps to begin then following the trail through denser forested areas in the foothills of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak). The trail here is steep at times so it's best to take our time and be careful. Rest overnight at a local teahouse lodge.

• Day 09

  Drive to Pokhara (822m) 02 hrs drive

  This morning you'll be picked up for the scenic transfer drive back to Pokhara, around 2 hours drive. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of your day is at leisure to rest and relax and perhaps visit the lively lakeside area with its many cafes and shops or take a boating trip out onto the lake. . Overnight at your hotel in Pokhara.

• Day 10

  Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu

  Today you'll be picked up for the short transfer to Pokhara airport and the short, scenic flight of around 25 to 30 minutes, back to Kathmandu. You'll be met on arrival at Kathmandu for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore locally, to do any shopping in Thamel or near your hotel, perhaps try some of the local cafes or restaurants and generally relax. Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

• Day 11

  Depart Kathmandu

  Today is at leisure until time to check out and head to the airport. If your flight departs later this evening please let us know if you need late check out from your hotel - subject to availability and additional charge. When time to leave for Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be transferred around three hours before your departure flight.