Mardi Himal trek

Overview:

As one of Nepal’s most scenic short treks, the Mardi Himal trek never fails to impress its trekkers! Taking place in the just south of the Annapurna Himalayas, the Mardi Himal trek takes you up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude 4,500m/14,764ft. The views of in particularly the iconic fishtail shaped Mt Machhapuchhare (6,993m/22,943ft) are absolutely stunning. At some parts of the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal you’ll not only be able to see incredible sceneries of the Himalayas but also experience a unique adventure on less crowded trekking trails!

Arrive in Nepal and meet the team:

Narba treks takes great pride in its excellent customer service. As so, upon your arrival in Nepal to start your booked Mardi Himal trek of 10 days package, our team will be already awaiting you with a small welcoming ceremony custom to Nepal. After a short meet & greet with our team, we’ll be transferring you to your booked hotel in Kathmandu. Most hotels are located in or near the center of Kathmandu’s Thamel area. Known for its many trekking and souvenir shops, Thamel is the place to be if you plan to do any trekking in Nepal! While we prepare your permits for the Mardi Himal trek the next day. You’ll be enjoying a guided cultural sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. With countless temples and stupas we’ll be sending you to some of the most prominent ones, such as Kathmandu’s Palace or Durbar Square, the Swayambunath Monkey Temple, the giant white Stupa in Boudhanath, and the Hindu Temple in Pashupatinath.

In the afternoon we meet up and go over a detailed version of the Mardi Himal trek itinerary, as well as checking your trekking gear and equipment. Should you require any additional trekking gear for the Mardi Himal trek, our team will bring you to some of the best rental and buying shops in Thamel! In the evening we suggest to check out some of the local restaurants and try out the famous Nepalese dumpling called MoMo. The next day morning we’ll be transferring to Pokhara, a lakeside city near the entry point of the Mardi Himal trek.

Pokhara and the Mardi Himal trek:

As we make our way out of Kathmandu, the bussing sounds of the city quickly make way for peace and quiet. The drive to Pokhara takes a bit of time but is quite scenic, and follows largely the famous rafting river Trishuli. Upon getting closer to Pokhara you’ll notice Mt Machhapuchhare towering over the city. Pokhara is nothing compared with Kathmandu, and offers visitors a wide range of activities, such as boating on Phewa Lake, paragliding and even bungee jumping! But, we are here for the Mardi Himal trek, which brings us closer to the Annapurna Himalayas and Mt Machhapuchhare. To get there we’ll take a short drive from Pokhara to Phedi, where we officially start the Mardi Himal trek.

From Phedi the trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp begins with ascending into the forest. The tree line gives a cool feeling and nature in just buzzing in the forest. Making our way up to Pitam Deurali our first overnight destination during the Mardi Himal trek, we pass by Forest Camp. This is another overnight destination, but we at Narba Treks believe that Pitam Deurali offers better lodging as well as views! For the second day and first full day of trekking we head for Badal Danda. The trail leads upwards passed the famous Low Camp and further north until reaching Badal Danda at 3,210m/10,531ft. Breathtaking landscapes can be seen from here, as parts of the southern Annapurna Himalayas, as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhare come in view! On the next day of the Mardi Himal trek we head for High Camp. Located at 3,900m/12,795ft High Camp is our last stop before reaching the main highlight of the Mardi Himal trek, and the highest point of the trek, Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft). The trail goes mostly over the hilltops ridge leading further up and closer to the Fishtail Mountain.

From High Camp it’s a short trek further along the ridgeline towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. Once there we enjoy the accomplishment of the trek and take in the incredible views of the surrounding Himalayas! We head back to High Camp for a well-deserved breakfast and prepare to retrace our steps back down. To get a different experience during the Mardi Himal trek, we overnight at Low Camp. Retracing the trail backwards we’ll spend the day now facing away from Machhapuchhare as we make our way back to a lower elevation. After our breakfast the next day we trek towards Siding village. It’s mostly downhill and the trail leads through forested paths straight to Siding.

We mark the last day of trekking the trail of the Mardi Himal trek and trek down to Lumle from where we drive back to Pokhara. This completes the incredible Mardi Himal trek, but Narba Treks still has a last surprise for you. After spending the night in Pokhara we drive back to Kathmandu, where in the evening Narba Treks invites you to celebrate the success of your Mardi Himal trek with a dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with a live culture show! Book today one of the best less crowded short treks in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure!

Short itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)

Day 04: Drive to Phedi (1,130m/3,707ft) + trek to Pitam Deurali (2,031m/6,663ft)

Day 05: Trek to Badal Danda (3,210m/10,531ft)

Day 06: Trek to High Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)

Day 07: Visit Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft) + trek to Low Camp (3,050m/10,007ft)

Day 08: Trek to Siding village (1,750m/5,742ft)

Day 09: Trek to Lumle and drive back to Pokhara

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

Detailed itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in the Kathmandu
• Our representative will pick-up you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel
• Hotel check-in and take a few minutes rest
• Stroll around the Thamel Bazaar
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing

• Hotel breakfast
• Meet up with your trekking guide for your trip preparation
• Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu:
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambunath Monkey Temple
  • Boudhanath Buddhist Temple
  • Pashupatinath Hindu Temple
• Head back to your hotel
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Transfer to Pokhora
• Enjoy a scenic lunch along the way
• Arriva at Pokhora and hotel check in
• Rest of the day is free to explore around Pokhara and Phewa Lake
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara

Day 04: Drive to Phedi (1,130m/3,707ft) + trek to Pitam Deurali (2,031m/6,663ft)

• Hotel breakfast and departure
• Drive for about half an hour to Phedi
• Start the trek by ascending up in to the forest
• Pass by the iconic Forest Camp
• Ascend further up to Pitam Deurali
• Village exploration
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Pitam Deurali

Day 05: Trek to Badal Danda (3,210m/10,531ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Make your way back to Forest Camp
• Head on the north going trail towards Low Camp
• Pass by Low camp and continue to trek upwards
• Reach at Badal Danda
• Enjoy the incredible views from the village
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Badal Danda

Day 06: Trek to High Camp (3,900m/12,795ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Follow the ridge line up to High Camp
• Enjoy incredible views of Mt Machhapuchhare
• Reach at High Camp and check in to the guesthouse
• Hike up to High Camp’s view point for spectacular views
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse of High Camp

Day 07: Visit Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft) + Trek to Low Camp(3,050m/10,007ft)

• Morning breakfast
• Trek up to Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Take in the amazing views of the southern Annapurna Himalayas
• Make your way back down to High Camp for breakfast
• Retrace the trail backwards back to Low Camp
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Low Camp

Day 08: Trek to Siding village (1,750m/5,742ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Follow an alternative route down to Sidhing
• The trail leads up and down through forests
• Reach at Sidhing
• Dinner and stay overnight at the guesthouse in Sidhing village

Day 09: Trek to Lumle and drive back to Pokhara

• Morning breakfast and departure
• A short trek takes us to Lumle village
• Drive back to Pokhara
• Hotel check in
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara

Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Drive back to Kathmandu
• As you reach to Kathmandu, transfer to and hotel check-in
• Evening farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Mardi Himal trek
• Stay overnight in your hotel at Kathmandu
• End of the trip

Trip highlights:

• Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most known landmarks
• Enjoy a scenic trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
• Trek on uncrowded trails south of the Annapurna
• Visit and stay overnight at traditional guesthouses
• See breathtaking views of Mt Mardi Himal, and Mt Machhapuchhare
• An incredible natural experience

Package Inclusion

• Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while trekking).
• Guide/porters salaries, Their’s insurance, food, and accommodation.
• 2nights hotel at Kathmandu and 2nights hotel at Pokhara with a B/B plan and basic lodge while trekking.
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
• Ground transport (pick up and drop airport).

Package Exclusion

• International flight and visas charge.
• Food while in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Domestic flight.
• Personal members insurance (we suggested, you should do insurance in your country) .
• Rescue operation or emergency evacuation.
• Private vehicle.
• Soft/hard drinks like mineral water, cold drink, alcohol boiled water, etc.
• Tips for staff.

Is the Mardi Himal trek family friendly?

Yes, the Mardi Himal trek is considered a popular trekking route for families in Nepal. As a short trek in Nepal, this trek has less trekking days and easygoing trails with less steep ascends. You can book this trek for the entire family and have a great bonding experience as well!

Can I combine the Mardi Himal trek with other treks?

The Mardi Himal trek is combinable with other treks such as the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Poon Hill trek, or even the Mohare Danda trek. Since all of these treks require the same permits you can combine them all in one big trek as well. To combine any type of treks please send us an inquiry!

How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?

As a short trek in Nepal the Mardi Himal trek is considered easy. There are no acclimatization days required and the risk of accidents during the trek is zero. Mostly done by families the trek offers a great learning experience in to the Nepalese Himalayas as well.

When is the best time for the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal?

The best time for the Mardi Himal trek is during spring if you want to see more fauna and flora, and during the fall/autumn season where chances of snow turn the entire landscape into a white paradise. While the Mardi Himal trek can be done all year around and prices can decrease during the monsoon seasons, for the best experience you either book for spring or fall/autumn!

Which Himalayas can I see during the Mardi Himal trek?

During the Mardi Himal trek you’ll be able to see views of a great part of the Southern Annapurna Himalayas such as; the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. While there are other mountains and peaks that can be seen these are the most prominent giant mountains.