Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Enjoy fantastic mountain views on this great short trek in the Annapurna region. Peak views include Annapurna South, Mount 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.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive Kathmandu (1400m) and transfer to hotel.

  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 our representative 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 en route. 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 you'll be met by your guide to begin your guided sightseeing of some of the key cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu. 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)

  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. 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)

  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

  Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m), descend to Bandal Danda (3210m)

  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. We often see yaks grazing here and we'll pass herders' huts along the way. After around 3 hours trek we reach the Base Camp viewpoint from where you'll have spectacular panoramic peak views including Mount Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. 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)

  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) 05 -06 hrs scenic 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. 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 (drive to Kathmandu also available - please contact us for details) and the short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu. You'll be met on arrival at Kathmandu for the drive 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

  Full day at leisure/buffer day

  Today is a full day to rest and relax and enjoy Kathmandu, with various activities available on request - included guided tours into the Kathmandu Valley, a chance to try out a cookery or pottery workshop, maybe the adrenaline of a zip wire or a relaxing massage and spa treatment - or something else! We're happy to share ideas and suggestions or you may prefer just to explore Kathmandu again by yourself. It's also useful to have this as a 'buffer day' in case of any delays or weather conditions that may affect your trek or flights or to have as an option if you wanted to extend your trek by one day. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 12

  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.