Mardi Himal Trek

This morning, you’ll head out for a sightseeing day tour in order to get acquainted with the grandeur of Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site since 1979. Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll explore the structures and monuments highlighting the historical as well as cultural accomplishments of this time-honoured valley composed of three sister cities (Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur). Starting the tour with a visit to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, we’ll then drop by the holy Buddhist stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambunath. Experience the spirituality within the tranquil ambience of these utterly significant religious sites. Subsequently, you’ll come to see the Patan Durbar Square. Often hailed as one of the classical examples of ancient architecture in Nepal, you’ll be amazed to see artistic works and the fine craftsmanship that adorns the magnificent complex of elegant buildings and temples. Gear yourself up for the upcoming trek at the end of the day.

Today, you’ll start out a comfortable road trip to Pokhara. This scenic drive via Prithvi Highway first follow the banks of the Trishuli River then continue further alongside the river Marsyangdi, making its way past high wooded hills, rustic settlements, terraced farmlands, and verdant valleys. With so many new things to discover throughout the journey, you’ll feel the surge of energy and excitement within the body before the beginning of the actual trek. Once you reach Pokhara, check into your hotel and then direct your steps towards the lakeside to relax in a serene atmosphere. Pokhara is the gateway to numerous trek to Annapurna Region. The city of lakes is a spellcaster. From there, you can observe snowy mountaintops especially the iconic Mt. Machhapuchhre (famously known as Fishtail Peak).

The first thing you’ll do this day is, hop into a private vehicle that will take you to Kande. This point onwards, you’ll walk a long way to reach the ultimate destination of the escapade. You’ll trek on the well-marked trail, gradually climbing over a ridge to arrive at the clearing in the forest with lodge settlement is known as Australian Camp (1,880m). Here, you’ll rejoice to observe panoramic views of Annapurna Massifs and entire Pokhara valley. Through the rhododendron woodland, the trail now winds to a mountain pass called ‘Deurali’. Tugged in between Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Deurali overlooks into the Modi Khola valley. You’ll now descend to Pothana (1,950m) and get your hands on some amazing glimpses of Mt. Machhapuchhre. After continuing uphill across woods, you’ll reach Pitam Deurali (2,100m).

Early in the morning, you’ll wake up to see sublime views of the snow-clad summits, a perfect approach to start the day. Pitam Deurali is the point where the trail splits into two. To the left, it leads to Landruk. You’ll head to the right and proceed to Kokar. Bidding farewells to villages, natives, tourists and fellow trekkers; you’ll advance into the wilderness. you’ll have to overcome the steep climb over a ridge then traverse the forest of rhododendron, hemlock, mountain oak, birch and maple scented with pleasant earthy odour. A complete pristine setting, you’ll get to observe some breathtaking mountain vistas and listen to harmonious insect noises while trekking along the off-the-beaten trail to Forest Camp (3,050m). The woods transform itself into a dreamland, full off vibrant colours during the blooming seasons of rhododendron flowers.

Subsequent to breakfast at a local teahouse, you’ll perform a gradual half an hour ascent through foggy woods to Rest Camp. Afterwards, you’ll forge ahead on an uphill route across the ‘Cloud Forest’ comprising wooded trees that nourishes a variety of lichens, tree ferns and orchids on its surface. As you proceed further, you’ll find some natural windows in the dense forest that opens up fascinating vistas of Hiunchuli and the deep cutting traverse in the direction of Annapurna South. Beyond the horizons, as we look down to the left, you can see the Modi Khola valley leading up to the Annapurna Base camp. You’ll finally reach Low Camp at lunchtime to spend rest of the day relishing the sight of Machhapuchhre which seems close enough to hold close in the arms.

In the day seven of the adventure, you’ll climb your way through the shady woods to the Middle Camp prior to the daybreak in order to witness an enchanting sunrise. Though it is far cry from what you’ll see tomorrow, the beauty of nature in front of you this very day is pretty much bliss to your eyes. Above the treeline, you’ll now descent then ascend over ridges while being on the course to Badal Danda. As the name translates into hills of clouds, you’ll find fluffy clouds floating above as well as beneath you. Then begins a quest to the High Camp. Constantly overlooked by gorgeous Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre, you come across some steep ups and downs to a point where the trail again splits into two. The segment on the left side is comparatively short but consist of precipitous ascent while another to the right is a bit long but easy to trek upon. Make a choice then move forward to High Camp (3,900m). The outlook of the mountains from here is even closer and more majestic when compared to what you have seen in the past few days. We take much of the afternoon soaking in the flabbergast landscapes and exploring this awesome spot. If you are lucky enough to reach High Camp on a clear night flooded with plenty of moonlight, you’ll witness the charm of shiny peaks under the cover of twinkling stars. You can even click an excellent photograph of the mighty mountains during the night hours.

It's time to answer the calls from the lofty summits. Early in the morning, we’ll depart from the High Camp to the Viewpoint. The darkness, higher altitude and freezing cold can make today’s ascent a challenging task. After covering some distance, you can two routes to the top. Again, one section to the left is very steep and leads straight to the top; whereas, the other on the right side is fairly easy taking a round trip around precipitous ridges but consumes more time. Decide a route and move up. Succeeding few hours of a strenuous climb, you’ll reach a flat land and encounter a final ridge to be conquered before setting your feet at the Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m). From the vertex, you can observe the summits of Annapurna Massifs, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal looming almost over the head, so near, but yet so far. Depending upon weather conditions, you’ll stay with the trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). Despite a relatively dangerous and demanding path awaits ahead, you’ll surely advance forward to experience the joy of getting as far as the base of a Himalayan peak. This is as close as you can get to the snow-capped mountaintops in this trekking venture. Embrace the awe-inspiring panorama extending from Dhaulagiri and Annapurnas to Ganesh Himal, which also includes great ice fields and blue glaciers below. Eventually, you’ll retrace your tracks back to High Camp.

With the shoelaces tighten and backpack on your rear side, you’ll hike back on the same route to Low Camp via Badal Danda and Middle Camp. You’ll then start moving down gently beyond the shadow of the woods and make out onto tranquil Nepali countryside that flaunts remarkable terraced farmlands to Sidhing (1,700m). Alternatively, there is another route. This trail also directly direct descent to Sidhing Village but passes across precipitous descends, pristine woodlands, and cascading waterfalls. Keep in mind that this alternate trail does not house any settlements and teahouses till the final stop; therefore, you need to pack your lunches and water for the day. Some people often refer this path very dangerous and unfit for trekkers. But in reality, for individuals who have endured all the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back, this trail not pose any sort of serious dangers or difficulties. On top of that, remember that there is your guide by your side eliminating any possibilities of being lost en route. Ultimately, it totally depends on your preferences to decide your way down.

Following a long and wearying journey, all you have left to do is add the finishing touch. Take a relaxed walk past pastures and Gurung villages to Lumre where one of our transfer vehicles will transport you back to Pokhara. Here, you might want to treat yourself to celebrate success. So, stretch your legs and head out to search your euphoria! Pokhara has many more to offer than one can ever imagine!

You'll eventually take a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Have you missed any views? Now is the chance to see it again. Once at the capital city, you can sightsee some of the local markets in search of souvenirs. This evening, we’ll organize a farewell dinner for you at one of the cultural restaurants in Kathmandu.

We are more than happy to be able to help you with our field expertise. We hope you liked our services and help us to spread our name in your homeland. You will be transferred to Tribhuwan International Airport in time for your scheduled international flight. We expect to meet you again on your next trip to Nepal. Cheers!