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- Duration
- 6 Days
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- Max. Altitude
- 3,580m
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- Trip Grade
- Easy to Moderate
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- Activity
- Tours and Hiking
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- Group Size
- 8 People Max
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem for the trekking adventurers.
Located east of the classic Annapurna Base Camp, this trail is yet to witness a large crowd like other very commercial treks in Nepal though it finally launched in 2012.
Mardi Himal offers rich terrain across densely forested areas that lead to high rocky mountain trails. The Mardi Himal trek is well decorated with stone-built villages, terraced fields, rhododendron forests, along with incredible spectacles peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre, although it is considered as a short trek.
Mardi Himal Trek is a great choice for travelers who have limited time to spend but are looking for a beautiful trekking experience in Nepal. This trek offers an opportunity to enjoy the solitary walk on the Annapurna region’s remote trails. Short and moderate, Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for both beginner travelers as well as experienced trekkers.
Highlights
- Enjoy views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other peaks
- Trek through rhododendron forests blooming (in March-April)
- Discover a relatively easy trek that many trekkers overlook
- Indulge yourself in Nepali culture and tradition with a local homestay in the hills
Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu(1,400m)
Upon arrival in the Kathmandu Airport after completing your custom formalities Visa, etc. pick up your luggage and look for our representative from Magical Summits, who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
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- Accommodation
- Optional
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 1,400m
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- Time
- Rest
Drive to Kande (about 7 hrs.) and trek to Pothana
We will drive from Kathmandu to directly Kande by mini Toyota Hiace, we will follow the Prithvi Highway, which connects Kathmandu and Pokhara. It passes almost parallel to the Trisuli River during the first half of the journey, and the mighty Himalaya come closer into view.
Once we arrived at Kande, we begin our trek! The trail is steep until Australian Camp and pleasant easy walk up to Pothana.
Today’s walk offers a short and relatively easy, which allows us to become used to the experience of Nepal hiking.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 1,890m
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- Time
- 1,5 hours hiking
Trek to Forest Camp
From Pothana, you walk up to a place called Deurali where you will turn off the main Annapurna Base Camp trek and continue along a quiet trail through a dense forest of oak, bamboo, hemlock and rhododendron.
Tonight, we’re staying at one of the lodges in Forest Camp, or also known to locals as Kokar. There are 3 lodges with woodfire places.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2,525m
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- Time
- 5 hours
Trek to Badal Danda
We continue walking through lush greenery admiring Nepal’s rich diversity and reach the low camp. From here, the superb view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) up the valley is inspiring.
While still surrounded by forest, there are breathtaking northerly views of the ever-closer ‘Fishtail’.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 2,975m
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- Time
- 4 hours
Trek to High Camp
After breakfast, the trek continues along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on bushes with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way.
On this trail section. Towards the west there is a nice view to Annapurna South and Hiuchuli. The lodges at High Camp is bigger than guesthouses at Badal Danda or Low Camp. From High Camp excellent views of Hiuchuli and Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South (Fishtail).
After lunch, hike up to the viewpoint/ Mardi Himal Base Camp, of course if you want!Once you reach at the viewpoint/Base Camp, this is where one can look into the Annapurna range andthe panorama view is spectacular looking at the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Annapurna.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 3,580m
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- Time
- 4 hours
Trek to Siding village and drive to Kathmandu
Today trek back until Low Camp then we take a different route to complete a circuit, from Low Camp there is a trail that goes down to Siding village instead of going back down Mardi Himal back to Forest Camp. Siding is a traditional village and is still very far from the busier tourist trails. From Siding drive back to Pokhara.
We reach Siding then 40 minutes’ drive will take us back to Pokhara, then we drive back to Kathmandu, return to the bustle of the capital of Nepal within about 6 hours.
Optional, if your time permits, spend a night in Pokhara and enjoy the delights of Pokhara, taking a trip to a spa massage or listening to live music. Or simply relax in a quiet café, restaurant overlooking the Fewa lake.
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- Accommodation
- Lodge
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- Meal
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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- Max. Altitude
- 1,700m
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- Time
- 5 hours
Free day / Fly to home
Today is rest and relax throughout the day or say goodbye to Nepal. Enjoy your final moments in Kathmandu with a city stroll or souvenir shopping.
In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurant with culture show.
Our representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.
What to Expect
What's Included
- Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
- Annapurna National park entry permit and TIMS permits.
- Transportation from and to Kathmandu by local Toyota Hiace van(upgrade to private Jeep/car – USD 140 total).
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
- All accommodations during the trek.
- English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staffs.
- Porter to carry your luggage during the trek (1 porter for 2 trekkers).
- Magical Summits duffel bag.
- Hiking pole for the trek, if needed.
- Trek map.
- Farewell dinner including a cultural show.
What's Excluded
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa.
- Tips for guide and porter(tipping is expected).
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on the ‘Included’ section.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?
Mid-September to Early December (Autumn season) and February to April (Spring season) are the best times to trek Mardi Himal.
2. How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?
3. Do I need travel insurance before hiking to Mardi Himal?
Your dream itinerary, crafted with you
I was born and raised in Nepal near the Everest region. I am a proud native Sherpa and have been a mountain guide for over a decade.
Following my passion, I started Magical Summits because I was ready to see a new kind of travel brand, one built on the simple idea of feeling good and doing good.
Since its start, Magical Summits has been super-powered by you, our community; when you “travel” it, we create it. We’re on a mission to make travel better with clean, award-winning adventures that are sustainable and conscious of the planet we share.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!
Trip Designer