Mardi Himal Trek: Unspoiled Trekking Routes in Annapurna

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    10 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    4,500m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-15
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Hotel/Teahouse
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    Autumn/Spring

MARDI HIMAL TREK

Enjoy the feeling of solitude as you trek in this remote less traveled region.

Fewer tourists, but big on beauty!

Snowcapped peaks abound as you enjoy this off-the-beaten-path trek that is full of adventure with fewer people. This trek has a lot to offer and is culturally rich and abundant in beauty. Experience the beauty and remoteness as you follow the trail to Machapuchare Base Camp. The trail takes you through lush valleys, alpine meadows where yaks graze, through rhododendron, pine, and subtropical forests, crossing many rivers with waterfalls cascading from above, and most spectacular of all the gigantic peaks that surround you.

The Mardi Himal Trek begins at the city of Pokhara with Phewa Tal (Lake) at its center. The trail initially takes us through a rhododendron forest and along the bank of rivers. The trail descends to Mardi Khola (river) and then ascends toward Phedi. The Mardi Himal trek offers fantastic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges, Mt. Hiunchuli, and Mt. Machapuchare (Fish Tail).

The trail to Mardi Himal is suitable for most people of average fitness. Climbing from the valley floor may have you breathing hard, but the surrounding beauty will make up for it and be a welcome distraction. Enjoy the solitude on this unusual trek to more remote areas.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

Magnificent sunrise and sunset view from Mardi Himal High Camp.
Incredible landscape, local culture, beautiful rhododendron forest during the spring season (March)
Stunning views of Himalchuli (7893m), Annapurna South (7219m – Annapurna Dakshin), Mardi Himal (5587m), and Machapuchare (6993m - Fish Tail).
A diverse range of flora and fauna on the trek – lush forest draped in low clouds.
Pothana Village trek through rhododendron forest to Low Camp.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu & transfer to hotel (1,350m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Mardi Himal. This will be followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 2 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars and restaurants to choose from.

Day 3 : Drive from Pokhara Phedi & trek to Dhampus (1,600m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

A 30-minute drive takes us to Phedi, the starting point of our trek. The trail takes us up some stone steps toward Dhampus about 500 meters higher on the ridge. The area around Dhampus is inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetri, and some Gurung people. On arrival at Dhampus, you will be rewarded with some fantastic views of the Annapurna Ranges. Tonight we stay at Dhampus.

Day 4 : Trek from Dhampus to Forest Camp (2,480m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trek today takes us through rhododendron, birch, mountain oak, maple, hemlock, and daphnia shrubs (red & white flowers also known as the paper plant). The overnight stay among the forest is very enjoyable and relaxing.

Day 5 : Trek from Forest Camp to Mardi Himal Low camp (3,150m) Duration: 3-4 hours.

Today you will notice the change in vegetation with more cloud and moisture causing the trees to be covered in moss and lichen, with orchids clinging to the trees. It is cooler and has a more jungle feel. Occasionally you can catch a glimpse through the trees of the snow-capped mountains, such as Mt. Machapuchare, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Ranges.

Day 6 : Trek from Low Camp to Mardi Himal High Camp (3,580m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

After an early breakfast, we head out to the highest point on this trek where you will have to get accustomed to the higher altitude. The majestic peaks look close enough to touch. The massive face of the mountain highlights the enormity of Mardi Himal (5587m). We will go a little higher during the day to get a better appreciation of these enormous peaks before heading back to High Camp in the evening.

Day 7 : Hike to Mardi Himal base Camp (4,500m) & trek Low camp (3,150m) Duration: 7-8 hours.

After enjoying the sunrise and a warm breakfast, we embark from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) via the viewpoint where you can enjoy mountain vistas and other views. Our trail today takes us through shaded forest and past the terraced farmland. It is all downhill and not so strenuous, but descends nearly 1400 meters before reaching Low camp. Overnight at Low camp.

Day 8 : Trek to Siding Village (1,280m) & drive to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Our trail today takes us through shaded forest and past the terraced farmland. It is all downhill and not so strenuous, but descends nearly 1,800 meters before reaching Siding Village. Siding Village is also known for its honey-catchers who hang off ropes and extract honey from the cliffs above the village. We follow the trail along the bank of the Mardi Khola and cross several suspension bridges along the way. This countryside is lush and productive for the local villagers. After lunch, we take a local transport back to Pokhara in time to lunch. Mahendra Cave (limestone 152m in length) and David’s Fall are two attractions you may wish to see after arriving back at Pokhara. Alternatively, you may want to hang out on Lakeside and have a few drinks.

Day 9 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu; Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today go by road or fly back to Kathmandu. Tonight may be your last night in Nepal to enjoy our hospitality. We will have a fun night and dinner with us before you leave Nepal. You will take some vivid memories of you time in Nepal with you!

Day 10 : International departure from Kathmandu Airport.

Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!

SERVICES

Costs included:

Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
2 night's at Kathmandu hotel with breakfast.
2 night's at Pokhara hotel with breakfast
Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek.
Fresh fruits every night after dinner.
Trekking lodge accommodation during the trek.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & Tourist Infomation Management System (TIMS) permit.
Transportation by Tourist Bus Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
Private transport Pokhara to Dhampus & Share transport Siding to Pokhara.
English speaking guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
A strong, helpful porter with his salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel insurance company).
Optional use of the sleeping bag, down Jacket, duffel, and walking pole (to be returned after trip completed).
Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
Assistant guide group size above 8+ people.

Costs excluded:

Meals and hotel whilst you are in Kathmandu prior to the trek.
Meals in Pokhara.
Nepal entry visa fee.
International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Battery charging and hot shower during the trek on the tea houses.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of the Manang & Mustang regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.

Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!

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1 Pax USD 790

2 Pax USD 750

3 Pax USD 700

4 - 6 Pax USD 650

7 - 12 Pax USD 600

13 - 18 Pax USD 580

19 - 24 Pax USD 530

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Willam

Poland

6 months ago

an Amazing Mardi Himal Trek

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An amazing dream come true. Nepal. There are not enough words to say how amazing it was. The guides were amazing and the country.....You took my breath away. thanks, Sherpa Team!