MARDI HIMAL TREK 7 DAYS
MARDI HIMAL TREK 7 DAYS
Are you seeking a less travelled route into the famous Himalayan Mountains? This is the perfect trek taking you through lush valleys, high altitude alpine meadows, lichen-laden dense forests, across many streams with waterfalls cascading down from above. You will be surrounded by white snow-capped mountains that tower above you in every direction.
Here is a destination that is big on beauty in a far-flung region of Nepal where few tourists venture. You will enjoy the solitude in this culturally rich region that has loads of natural beauty. You will enjoy the feeling of being truly off the beaten track as you trek to Machapuchare Base Camp.
The Mardi Himal Trek starts in Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal with Phewa Tal (Lake) at its centre. The trail first takes you through a rhododendron forest and along riverbanks. The trail descends to Mardi Khola (river) and then climbs toward Phedi. The Mardi Himal trek offers incredible views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South (7219m), Mt. Himalchuli (7893m) and Mt. Machapuchare (6993m - Fish Tail), Mardi Himal (5587m).
The trail to Mardi Himal is suitable for anyone of average fitness. Climbing up from the valley floor may have you breathing hard, but the surrounding beauty will well and truly make up for it and be a welcome distraction. We guarantee you will enjoy the isolation on this unusual trek to a more remote area of Nepal that is off the regular trekking trails. You will get to appreciate the magnificent sunrise and sunset panoramic views from Mardi Himal High Camp.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our journey begins with a 6 to 7-hour drive to Pokhara Valley and its spectacular Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to keep you busy along Lakeside with many shops, bars, and restaurants. (Option: fly to Pokhara on a 30 minute scenic flight)
Day 2 : Drive to Kande and Trek to Pritam Deurali (2,100 meters) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Start your day with a scenic drive to Kande, followed by a 4-5 hour trek to Pritam Deurali at 2,100 meters. Enjoy lush forests, charming villages, and stunning mountain views along the way. Arrive at Pritam Deurali for breathtaking panoramas and a peaceful evening amidst nature.
Day 3 : Trek from Pritam Deurali to Forest Camp (2,600 meters) Duration: 5-6 hours.
Embark on a 5-6 hour trek from Pritam Deurali to Forest Camp, situated at 2,600 meters. The journey takes you through lush, dense forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Experience the tranquility of the wilderness as you traverse well-trodden trails, eventually arriving at the serene Forest Camp. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty that surrounds your campsite.
Day 4 : Trek from Forest Camp to Mardi Himal Low Camp (3150m) Duration: 4-5 hours.
Today there is a noticeable 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 much cooler and has a more jungle-feel. On occasions you can glance through the trees to the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Machapuchare, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna Ranges..
Day 5 : Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m) Duration: 5-6 hours.
An early start takes us to the highest point on this trek which will help you get accustomed to the higher altitude. The majestic peaks look close enough to reach out and touch. The enormous face of the mountain highlights the sheer size of Mardi Himal (5587m). We will trek higher during the day to get a better appreciation of these massive peaks before heading back to High Camp in the evening.
Day 6 : Hike to Mardi Himal base Camp (4,500m) & trek Low camp (3,150m) Duration: 7-8 hours.
After watching the sunrise and after a hearty breakfast, we head from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) via the viewpoint where you can enjoy amazing snow-clad mountain views. The trail today takes us through cool forest and past terraced farmlands. It is all downhill and not so physically demanding and descends nearly 1400 meters before we come to Low camp. We will stay the night at Low Camp.
Day 7 : Trek to Siding Village (1,280m) & drive to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.
Our trail today is again downhill and not as difficult as we descend nearly 1,800 meters before coming to Siding Village. Siding Village is also known for its honey-catchers who hang off ropes on cliff faces to extract honey from wild bee hives. We follow the trail along the banks of the Mardi Khola (river) and cross a few suspension bridges along the way. This landscape is lush and productive for the local farmers in these villages. After lunch, we head back to Pokhara in time for lunch. Mahendra Cave (limestone 152m in length) and David’s Fall are two places you may wish to see after arriving back at Pokhara. You can also choose to hang out at Lakeside and have a few drinks.
SERVICES
Costs included In Your Package
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruits every night after dinner.
- Trekking lodge accommodation during the trek.
- One night standard twin sharing Hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit & Tourist Infomation Management System (TIMS) permit.
- Transportation by Tourist Bus Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
- Shared transport Pokhara to Kande & 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).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara- lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
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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FAQS
What is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new and less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal, a stunning mountain peak, offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The duration of the Mardi Himal Trek can vary depending on the specific itinerary and trekking agency. Typically, it takes around 7-10 days to complete the trek. This includes the trekking days and acclimatization/rest days.
What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?
The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions. However, the trek can be done throughout the year, with the exception of the monsoon season (June to August) when the trail can be muddy and prone to landslides.
Do I need a permit for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to do the Mardi Himal Trek. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What is the difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered to be a moderately challenging trek. It involves walking for several hours each day on varied terrain, including uphill and downhill sections. A reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the Mardi Himal Trek?
The maximum altitude reached during the Mardi Himal Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
What are the accommodation and food options during the trek?
Accommodation during the Mardi Himal Trek is usually in basic teahouses or lodges along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities. As for food, you can expect to find a variety of Nepali and international dishes, including dal bhat (rice and lentil soup), momo (dumplings), and noodles.
Is a guide necessary for the Mardi Himal Trek?
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide for the Mardi Himal Trek, it is recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or have limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable insights, help with navigation, and ensure your safety throughout the trek.
What should I pack for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Mardi Himal Trek include sturdy trekking shoes, warm clothing, a good-quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit.
Can I combine the Mardi Himal Trek with other treks in the region?
Yes, it is possible to combine the Mardi Himal Trek with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Poon Hill Trek. This allows you to customize your trekking experience and explore more of the stunning landscapes and cultural diversity of the area.
Latest Traveller’s Reviews
Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.
100%
Based On 7 Reviews
Jackson Payne
United Kingdom
August 1, 2023
Authentic Cultural Encounters
The Mardi Himal Trek provided us with authentic cultural encounters with the local communities. We had the opportunity to learn about their traditions, visit remote villages, and even stay with local families. It was a unique cultural immersion that added depth to our trek.
Gustave Malachi
United States
May 9, 2023
A Trek for Nature Lovers
The Mardi Himal Trek is a paradise for nature lovers. From colorful rhododendron forests to diverse wildlife, including rare species of birds and butterflies, there was always something to marvel at. It was a constant reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Beata Stankiewicz
United Kingdom
April 5, 2023
A Trek of Solitude and Serenity
The sunrise at Mardi Himal Base Camp was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the first rays of the sun kissed the snow-capped peaks, the entire landscape came alive with a golden glow. It was a moment of pure magic and a highlight of the trek.
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