Nepal: Mardi Himal Trek
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Introduction
Trekking grade: Moderate
Mardi Himal Trek is an up and coming trekking destination and therefore could be an ideal choice for those looking to traverse ‘off the beaten’ path in the quieter parts of the Annapurna region. This one ultimately gets you to the base camp of Mardi Himal, right in the laps of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. Could the majestic mountain views get better than this?
As with other Annapurna trails during this trek we get to acknowledge beauty of the lush green forests, interesting villages, remote valleys, terraced farms, ever flowing rivers and mesmerizing views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli mountains. Another positive thing about this trek is that its trail makes a small circuit up to the base camp of Mardi Himal so trekkers do not have to repeat walking on the same terrain.
Tour Highlights
- A 9 days adventure with 5 days of trekking to the Mardi Himal for spectacular views of Mounts Annapurna Ranges & Machepuchare staying in lodges for 2 nights & camping for 2 nights. In Kathmandu & Pokhara stay in hotels
- Trekking guide, camping equipment and porterage for 20 kgs
- Assistance representative for transfers and transportation by SUVs
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) & TIMS Permit Fee
- Entrance fees to monuments in Kathmandu as mentioned in the itinerary
- Prices on request
Destinations Covered
Kathmandu
The City of PeaceKathmandu - city of peace, lives true to this description. The city is charming, busy, bustling, serene, alive and asleep - all at once. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the most accessible city in the country - it is Nepal's only metropolitan city as well.
Pothana
Pothana is a small village along the Mardi Himal trekking route just south of the Annapurna Range. It’s located in the Annapurna Conservation Area and can be accessed both by walking and by vehicle. The village formed around 1970 when expeditions began to come to the area. In 2000, it was a popular camping ground.
Forest Camp
You may spend a night or just stop for lunch in Forest Camp. If you are doing an itinerary of five days or less, you’ll likely come here for lunch on the way to Low Camp. Longer itineraries (six to seven days) may spend a night here. Forest Camp is a large village that formed over 30 years ago. Around 2010, it became a popular stop along the Mardi Himal trek and teahouses began to pop up left and right. Now the town has twelve teahouses (and counting) making it a comfortable place to stop on the trail.
Pokhara
A mirror to the HimalayasWith its stunning scenery, adventurous activities, a galore of food and many other attractions, this city of Pokhara will tick the right boxes on your Tour planning .Cradled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Pokhara is a metropolitan city in Nepal - it is even called the Tourist Capital of Nepal. This city offers a myriad of options for travelers of all kinds - from thrilling adventures and unforgettable journeys into the wild, to tranquil contemplation and serene meditation.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu
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Day 2
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
After breakfast commence sightseeing tour of the below sites.
SWAYAMBHUNATH
Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hillock 02 kilometres west of Kathmandu overlooking the valley. The oldest written reference to the stupa dates from the 5th century, but it could have existed much earlier. Moreover, a legend has it that the stupa evolved spontaneously at the time of the Kathmandu valley’s creation. Swayambhunath is famously known as the ‘Monkey Temple’ owing to the presence of a large number of monkeys around the area.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
The main durbar square with its arrays of temples, courtyards, monuments and the ancient palaces of the former Nepali Royals is located in Basantapur in the heart of Kathmandu city, the country’s capital. Chief attractions here include Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; the temple of Ashok Vinayak dedicated to lord Ganesh (elephant headed deity), and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. There is a giant pagoda of ‘Kasthamandap’, a structure which is said to have been built out of a single tree (this structure collapsed during April 2015 earthquake). The name of the capital ‘Kathmandu’ is said to be actually derived from ‘Kasthamandap’.
THAMEL
After sightseeing tour of Durbar Square get on a rickshaw (tricycle) for an interesting 20-minute ride to the tourist hub of Thamel. Travelers and the locals consider it a tourist haven. Its filled with narrow streets, all lined with budget hotels, small shops selling everything from food and provisions to clothes, carpets, walking gears, music CDs, DVDs, handicrafts, paintings which make it an ideal place for souvenir shopping. The area also has some very good restaurants when you need to stop for munching.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Located 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, the Patan city popularly known as ‘the city of artisans’ accommodates a magnificent square housing the palace buildings of the then royals, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples – a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of the Malla kings. It is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments.
Overnight at hotel (B)
- Day 3 Fly To Pokhara, Drive To Kande, Trek To Pothana (4 hours)
- Day 4 Trek To Forest Camp Via Deurali (5 hours)
- Day 5 Trek To High Camp (6.5 hours)
- Day 6 Trek To Mardi Himal Base Camp Back To Badal Danda (6-7 hours)
- Day 7 Trek To Sidhing Village (3.5 hours) Drive Back To Pokhara (3 hours)
- Day 8 Fly Back To Kathmandu
- Day 9 Final Departure
