Mardi Himal
- Destination: Kaski, Nepal
- Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
- Max Altitude: 4,500m
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is a captivating adventure through some of the Himalayas’ most unspoiled and serene landscapes. This relatively lesser-known trek offers a unique chance to explore the Annapurna region away from more frequented trails. Starting from Pokhara, the route meanders through enchanting forests, charming villages, and terraced fields, presenting a diverse range of scenery as you ascend. The trek provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) and Mardi Himal, culminating at Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at around 4,500 meters/ 14,763 feet. This vantage point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Himalayan giants.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Mardi Himal Trek offers rich cultural experiences. As you pass through traditional villages, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local communities and gain insights into their daily lives and cultural practices. This trek is suitable for a range of trekkers, from beginners to those seeking a unique adventure in a less-crowded setting. With its combination of stunning scenery, cultural engagement, and a sense of exploration, the Mardi Himal Trek stands out as an exceptional choice for those looking to experience a more tranquil and intimate journey in the Himalayas.
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) and Mardi Himal from Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Experience varied terrains, from lush forests to alpine meadows.
- Interact with local communities in traditional villages.
- Benefit from a serene trekking experience away from the crowds.
- Discover diverse plant and animal life along the trail.
- Get stunning views of the Annapurna range up close.
DAY 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft).
DAY 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m/2696ft).
DAY 3: Drive to Kande (1,770m/5,810ft) and Trek to Deurali (2,100m/6889ft).
DAY 4: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,500m/8202ft).
DAY 5: Forest Camp to Low- Camp (2,990m/9809ft).
DAY 6: Low-Camp to High-Camp (3,580m/11,745ft).
DAY 7: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,763ft) and back to High Camp.
DAY 8: Trek from High Camp to Siding Village (1,700m/5577ft).
DAY 9: Drive from Siding to Pokhara.
DAY 10: Drive / Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
DAY 11: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
DAY 12: Final Departure.
DAY 1: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a Manram Voyages representative who will assist with your transfer to your hotel. The bustling capital city of Nepal offers a mix of rich culture and modern amenities. Warm welcome and check-in at the hotel. Our representative will meet in the evening to discuss the trip in detail.
*Note* Airport to Hotel drive time: 15- 30 minutes. Overnight at Hotel. Sleeping Elevation: 1400m/4593ft.
DAY 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara – B
After breakfast set off early for a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The journey from the Prithvi Highway offers captivating views of the Trishuli River and terraced fields. The drive meanders through rural landscapes, providing glimpses into traditional Nepali life. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and unwind. You might want to take a stroll around Phewa Lake, where you can enjoy the serene surroundings. The evening is free for you to explore the local area and enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
*Note* Drive time: 6-8 hours approx. Drive distance: 200 km approx. Overnight at hotel. Sleeping Elevation: 822m/2696ft.
DAY 3: Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali – B.L.D
After breakfast in Pokhara, drive for about 30 minutes to Kande, a small village where the trek begins. The hike starts with a gentle ascent through charming villages and terraced fields, gradually transitioning into lush oak and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the vibrant greenery and occasional glimpses of distant hills and mountains. After a scenic lunch break, continue ascending to Deurali, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and a peaceful environment. In Deurali, settle into a cozy lodge for the night, rest, and acclimate to the altitude in preparation for the next day’s trek.
*Note* Drive to Kande: 1.5 hours approx. Trek Distance: 12 km approx. Trek Time: 5-6 Hours approx. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 2,100m/6,889ft.
DAY 4: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp – B.L.D
After breakfast, begin the trek from Deurali to Forest Camp. The trail meanders through dense rhododendron forests and oak woods, creating a lush and serene environment. As you ascend steadily, you’ll encounter occasional clearings that offer stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, providing rewarding views and a sense of accomplishment. The Forest Camp is a tranquil spot nestled amidst natural beauty. It’s an ideal place to rest and acclimatize to the altitude, with its peaceful setting and picturesque surroundings allows to relax and prepare for the next stages of your trek.
*Note* Trek Distance: 14 km approx. Trek Time: 6-7 Hours approx. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 2,500m/8,202ft.
DAY 5: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp – B.L.D
Today’s trek takes you from Forest Camp to Low Camp. After breakfast continue the trek through enchanting forests and alpine meadows, with the dense rhododendron and oak forests gradually giving way to more open and airy landscapes. The ascent becomes more pronounced and notice the vegetation becoming sparser as we climb higher. The views start to expand, offering increasingly spectacular vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Low Camp is a small clearing that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges. From this vantage point, glimpse the grandeur of the high Himalayas and enjoy the serene, high-altitude environment. This spot serves as a perfect place to rest and take in the stunning scenery before continuing your trek.
*Note* Trek Distance: 10 km approx. Trek Time: 4-5 Hours approx. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 2,990m/9,809ft.
DAY 6: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp – B.L.D
After breakfast, begin the trek from Low Camp to High Camp. The trail involves a steady ascent through rocky and alpine terrain, with vegetation gradually thinning out. As we climb, the views become increasingly breathtaking, offering expansive vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. High Camp is perched on a ridge that provides stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as Mardi Himal. The elevated position allows for uninterrupted views of these majestic mountains, making it a perfect spot to appreciate the grandeur of the Himalayas and capture memorable photographs.
*Note* Trek Distance: 8 km approx. Trek Time: 5-6 Hours approx. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 3,580m/11,745ft.
DAY 7: High-Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Back to High-Camp – B.L.D
Start early for a challenging trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail ascends through rugged, rocky, and occasionally snowy terrain, demanding steady effort and careful navigation. Upon reaching the base camp, you’ll be rewarded with unobstructed, breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Machapuchare. Spend some time taking in the panoramic scenery and capturing photographs. Afterward, descend back to High Camp, enjoying the dramatic mountain vistas along the way. Once back, relax and reflect on the day’s adventure while appreciating the stunning surroundings.
*Note* Trek Distance: 14 km approx. Trek Time: 7-8 Hours approx. Mardi Himal Base Camp 4,500m/14,763ft. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 3,580m/11,745ft.
DAY 8: Trek from High-Camp to Siding Village – B.L.D
After breakfast descend from High Camp to Siding Village. The trail transitions from rugged alpine terrain to diverse landscapes, including dense forests of oak and rhododendron, terraced fields, and traditional Nepali villages. Passing through these areas, witness the vibrant agricultural practices of local farmers and gain glimpses into the daily lives and customs of the mountain communities. Siding Village, with its friendly locals and picturesque setting, offers a charming rural atmosphere, experiencing the warmth of local hospitality and reflecting on the trek before heading back to Pokhara.
*Note* Trek Distance: 18 km approx. Trek Time: 6-7 Hours approx. Overnight at Lodge. Sleeping Elevation: 1,700m/5,577ft.
DAY 9: Drive from Siding to Pokhara – B.L
After breakfast drive from Siding Village to Pokhara, retracing your route through the scenic countryside. Once in Pokhara, check into your hotel and unwind after your trek. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Lakeside area, enjoying serene views of Phewa Lake, or indulging in a meal at local restaurants offering a variety of cuisines.
*Note* Drive Distance: 60 km approx. Trek Time: 2-3 Hours approx. Overnight at Hotel. Sleeping Elevation: 822m/2696ft.
DAY 10: Drive/Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu – B
After breakfast, there is an option between a short domestic scenic flight or a drive back to Kathmandu. If you take the flight, you will arrive in Kathmandu more quickly, giving extra time to explore the city upon arrival. Once in Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel and take a moment to refresh and relax. With the remainder of the day at your disposal.
In the evening visit Patan Durbar Square. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Patan Durbar Square is a marvel of Newari architecture and arts. The Patan Museum, located within one of the old residential courts of the Royal Family, houses some of the most important religious, historical, and sacred arts of Nepal. Explore this ancient marketplace, a center for trade between Tibet, Nepal, and India, and visit traditional craftsmen and their studios and shop for souvenirs
Note* Flight time: 30 minutes. Drive to Kathmandu: 6-8 hours approx. Drive Distance: 200 km approx. Overnight at a hotel. Sleeping Elevation: 1400m/4593ft.
DAY 11: Sightseeing in Kathmandu – B
After breakfast, visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) on a hill west of Kathmandu for panoramic city views and see the monkeys and shrines. Next, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with palaces, temples, and the Kumari Ghar (home of the living goddess). Despite earthquake damage, it remains a key cultural landmark. End with a rickshaw ride through the spice market to Thamel for lunch and shopping.
In the evening, visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. Tibetan Buddhists start and end their day with a circumambulation of the stupa, a sort of daily pilgrimage. The stupa comes alive in the evening with butter lamps lit all around.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Boudhanath Stupa.
*Note* Sightseeing around Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel. Sleeping Elevation: 1400m/4593ft.
DAY 12: Final Departure – B
Today is the final day. After breakfast based on your flight time, the Manram representative will transfer you to the international airport for your onward flight.
***End of Manram Himalayan Voyages services***
- Airport pick-up and drop by private transport.
- 3 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on a BB basis sharing twin bedroom.
- Teahouse Accommodation with Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner throughout the trek and 3-times tea/coffee in a day.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Private Jeep from Pokhara to Kande and Siding to Pokhara.
- 1 porter for 2 trekkers.
- 1 professional trekking guide.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits.
- Comprehensive Medical Kit.
- Insurance of Guides and Porters.
- All taxes are imposed by the Nepal Government.
- International Flights fare
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara stay
- Expenses incurred for extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara (in case of early arrival, late departure, and early retreat from the trek)
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Personal Expenses like alcoholic beverages, mineral water, battery recharge, laundry expenses, hot shower, and extra meals than in the cost included section.
- If you wish to take the flight to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu, additional costs will be applicable.
- Sightseeing in Pokhara city is not included, on your own, you can visit around the lakeside.
- Tips for Guides and Porters