Mardi Himal Trek

This day, you get on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. The major destinations on the tour will be the UNESCO world heritage sites. Beginning from Swayambhunath, you explore the Monkey Temple and head to the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Then, the tour leads you to Pashupatinath followed by an evening at the Boudhanath Stupa. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a road journey to the west of Kathmandu. You’ll drive through Prithvi Highway along the massive Trishuli River, lush forested hills, and colorful
towns en route. The scenic ride will offer a unique experience of riding through the serpentine roads of Nepal. Upon your arrival at Pokhara, you’ll be welcomed with the magnificent views of Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna I (8091m). Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

After an early morning breakfast, you’ll drive around 40 minutes from Pokhara to Kande village. After a brief rest, you’ll commence the trek towards Mardi Himal. You’ll begin the ascent through the scenic lush forests of Annapurna region towards Australian Camp from where you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of Annapurna range along with Pokhara valley. After a brief stop, you’ll resume the trek and continue through the forested ridge towards Forest Camp. Overnight stay at Forest Camp.

You’ll continue along the trail that gradually climbs through the lush rhododendron forest towards Low camp. The Low Camp has few tea-houses and the vantage point offers a scenic view of Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Mardi Himal (5553m) appears much closer. You can choose to trek an hour more towards Badal Danda just above Low Camp to enjoy a clearer and closer view of the mountains. Overnight stay at Low Camp.

The trail climbs closer to the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. Through Low Camp, you’ll leave the forested area and arrive at a shrubby alpine zone. From here, you can witness the majestic snowcapped peaks of Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6997m) looming in a distance. Overnight stay at High Camp.

You’ll continue the final ascent through a steeper trail which can prove to be difficult. You’ll trek longer today as you approach the Mardi Himal Base Camp. It consists of a steeper climb which takes about 2hrs to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp. However, you’ll further ascend for a couple of hours to reach the Upper View Point which offers a close look into the Mardi Himal summit (5553m) along with Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna I (8091m), Gangapurna (7454m), and Annapurna III (7555m). You’ll descend back to High Camp for the overnight stay.

While descending you’ll take a different route and make way towards Siding village that lies close to Low Camp. All throughout the trek, mesmerizing landscapes will accompany you. The Annapurna Conservation Area and its abundance of floras and faunas make the trail even more enticing. Siding is a quaint traditional village lying amidst the lush forest in the foothills of Himalaya. Overnight stay at Siding.

Today, you’ll descend to Lumre village and catch a commute back to Pokhara City. You’ll pass through Kalimati and Ghalel villages en route. Kalimati mostly comprises of Brahmin inhabitants while Ghalel is mixed with Brahmin and Gurung inhabitants. You’ll find a jeep at Lumre waiting for you which will take you back to Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

Leaving Pokhara, you get on a ride to head Kathmandu. The views of Annapurna I (8091m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m) will offer you a final goodbye. Stepping on to the Prithvi Highway, the drive continues along the Trishuli River to reach Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you can spend your time exploring the city. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.