Mardi Himal Trek – 10 Days

You will explore Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. Durbar Square reveals the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most significant places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple and Bauddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, you are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip to our office. Overnight in Kathmandu.

You can either travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or take a flight. It takes about 6-7 hours by bus whereas only 30-35 minutes by plane. Once you reach Pokhara, you can enjoy the amazing sights and its stunning setting by Phewa Lake.

After breakfast, drive for about 40 minutes to Kande on Pokhara Baglung highway. The trail climbs for about one and a half hrs. to the ridge at 2,060 m. As you move ahead, you will reach an area in the forest with lodge settlement which is known as ‘Australian camp’. The place is scenic with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. The trail farther winds through the rhododendron forest to Deurali. Deurali is viewing into the Modi Khola valley stuffed between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal / Mt Fishtail.

We go off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest camp after lunch continue to Low Camp. The trail steadily ascends through the rhododendron woods following the ridge. The low camp has got a couple of tea houses in the clearing of the forest. You can observe the breathtaking scene of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal up close. You find yourself closer to clear blue sky with a view of layers of Himalayan foothills and a sweeping valley towards the south. Note: You can trek 1 more hr. to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) above the tree line in the consent of a guide for a better view. There is only one lodge in Badal Danda.

The trail further ascends along the hill towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. From Badal Danda, we leave the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Snowcapped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail rise in a distance over the deep valley on either side. High camp is a small meadow where you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snow-capped peaks.

The day trip is more difficult than other days with a steep climb and longer walk. The trail becomes more turning at some spots with rugged and steep rocky trails. The first sheer ascent will take about 2 hrs. to the moraine top which is regarded as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However, the real base camp will take about two hrs. more along the ridge. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III also appear at a distance. We come back to High camp for lunch then move back to Middle Camp or Low Camp.

On the way back we take another route. As we reach Low Camp, there is a trail that goes down to Siding village. Then trek down to Lumre. Afterward we will drive back to Pokhara. Overnight stay at hotel in Pokhara.

To return to Kathmandu, you can take either take a 30-minute flight to Kathmandu or a 7-8 hour bus long drive. You will witness amazing landscapes either way. Upon reaching Kathmandu, feel free to stroll around the places of Kathmandu. Join in farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

We thank you for being a part of our tour and travel. We bid you farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs. Our representatives will drop you at the airport 3 hours before the scheduled time of your flight. Time to say good bye and see you soon for next trip to Nepal.