MARDI HIMAL TREKKING

Our representative will welcome you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. He will help you check in. Later in the day, there will be a trip briefing where your guide will brief you about the route, condition of the trail and some dos and don’ts while trekking.

Go through your gear list for the final time. If you have forgotten any item, you can buy or hire from any of the trekking gear shops in Thamel. Your guide will help you out in case you need help. Overnight in Kathmandu.

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).

Today’s trek takes you past a dense forest of rhododendron, oak, birch and hemlock. If you do this trek during Spring season, the rhododendrons will be in full bloom and you will get to walk under canopies of blooming rhododendrons. It will feel like a walk through an enchanted forest. Do be careful while stepping on the gnarled roots spreading over the trail. Covered with algae, these can be slippery and a wrong step will make you fall. After an uphill hike you reach Forest Camp. There are a few teahouses and you head to the one where your room has been booked. Up in the middle of the forest, you can soak in the tranquility listening to nothing but the chirping of birds. Take a well deserved rest.

Overnight in Forest Camp

It’s uphill once again as you gather your things and head onwards to Badal Danda(Cloud Hill). Walk up a forested path. At intervals you will come across a clearing from where you can gaze at the valley below. Enjoy the view of the Modi Khola Valley that leads to the Annapurna Sanctuary from here. After walking for some time, the vegetation begins to change. The lush jungle gives way to short scrub and grasses and the iconic Machhapuchhre(Fishtail Peak appears closer). When you reach Badal Danda, make your way to a tea house. The place is called Badal Danda( Cloud Hill), as oftentimes, the areas below the hill are covered in a sea of white cottony clouds. At night you can stargaze and view the constellations, which appear a lot more closer. Overnight in Badal Danda.

From Badal Danda take a leisurely walk to High Camp. The tree line ends and you get a great view of Machhapuchhre. Walk slowly as you are about to reach above 3,000 meters.

The air is slightly thinner up here and you start feeling the altitude. You are advised of plenty of water to offset the symptoms of altitude sickness. You walk along a ridgeline with great views of Himalayan peaks and green valleys. It is a 360-degree extravaganza.

You remain on this narrow ridge facing Mardi Himal with Machapuchhre towering right above. It is a memorable short hike filled with once-in-a-lifetime views as you walk to the final settlement in this ridgeline, the High Camp. High Camp is the highest point at which you sleep on this trek. There are only a handful of lodges at High Camp and you head to the one where your room has been booked. Spend the rest of the day at leisure reading by the warmth of the hearth, playing cards or explore the ridge and capture incredible pictures of the Himalayas. Take things easy and don't over-exert yourself as tomorrow you have a tough day.

Overnight in High Camp

Wake up early in the morning and hike to Upper Viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp. This hike to the Base Camp is the real highlight of this trek. After walking further on the ridge, you reach the Upper View Point. From here, continue to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

The ridge becomes increasingly narrower, and the views become surreal. The grand summits of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Machhapuchhre appear very close. The peaks loom right above you, and you can see the massive glaciers tumbling down the mountainsides. This is a view to kill for!

Machhapuchhre, which looked so far away from Pokhara, is in front of you. After reaching the base camp, take pictures, have your packed lunch and retrace your steps before the clouds roll in. Make your way down Badal Danda(Cloud Hill) or Middle Camp, from where the valley below is covered with white clouds that look like a sea of clouds. Descend to Low Camp, where you stay overnight at a local teahouse.

Overnight in Low Camp

Get up early to catch breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After breakfast, begin your journey down to Sidhing, a traditional village rarely visited by trekking groups.

At Sidhing our vehicle will be waiting to drop you at Pokhara. The drive is filled with delightful views of green hills and mountains. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you will be driven to your hotel. Take a well-deserved rest.

Overnight in Pokhara.

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.

Bid goodbye to Nepal and the friends you have made during your trip to Nepal. Our representative will drive you to the airport 3 hours before your flight departs. If you want to stay and explore more of Nepal, do let us know.