Trip Facts:
Trek Name : Mardi Himal Trek
Trek Code: BATE NEP 006
Grade : Moderate
Max Elevation: 4500m/14760ft
Accommodation : Hotel / Lodge
Meal : Bed & Breakfast in the city & accommodation only during the trek
Transport : Flight / Private / Public
Trek Days : 07 Days
Total Days : 12 Days
Trip Summary:
Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. This trek is best destination for those who have limited time but like reach and to be close to the mountains within a short period of time. Mardi Himal Trek probably offers you the best view of Mt. Fishtail, you can enjoy amazing view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre and Manaslu ranges. Mardi Himal base camp & local villages are the major attractions of this trek. BATE was one of the first few trekking companies to organize trekking there, one can complete this trek in 5 days and extend up to 12 days.
The trail is good, first slowly up, then a bit steeper to the Australian Camp (2060m - About one hour), then after that slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m) then up again to Deurali or high pass (2100m). There is a right turn in Deurali sign posted “Forest Camp” the trail is through jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2600m). The trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as we get upon the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp again in jungle, but the trees soon start to get smaller and after about one hours trekking we brake out of the jungle and onto the open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to the left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another 4 to 5 hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and return to High Camp in around 4 hours – This makes a long day but there is also a viewpoint about half way, the imaging view can be from here.
Before embarking on the trek we begin with a warm welcome in Kathmandu with a quick safety briefing followed by a comprehensive trip briefing the next day where our guide will also be introduced and any last minute questions entertained
What is included in the tour
Kathmandu Portion:
- 3 nights in reputed 3 star Hotel on BB basis as per the itinerary in Kathmandu
- Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
- 1 professional English speaking guide
- Private transportation during sightseeing
- All entrance fee during sightseeing
Pokhara Portion:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in twin sharing BB basis (Bed and Breakfast) in reputed 3 star hotel in Pokhara
Transportation:
- Private vehicle to and from trek initiation point.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara by private vehicle.
- All the necessary airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Air fare: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Trek Portion:
- Twin sharing accommodation as per the itinerary in lodge en-route
- ACAP National park fee
- TIMS Card
- Professional licensed holder Trekking guide
- Assistant Guides as per number of clients
- Necessary Porters (weight max. 12 kg per clients)
- Insurance for Nepali staffs
- Necessary equipment for trekking staff
- Guide and porter daily allowance
- Emergency medical kit box
- Trekking kit bag
What is NOT included in the tour
- Nepal Visa fee
- Any meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/Coffee) during trek
- Travel insurance (must cover expenses of rescue service including helicopter)
- Personal Gears: ( all trekking gears are easily available on rent and buy in Kathmandu)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Liquor beverages (soft and hard drinks)
- Expenses of personal nature e.g. laundry, phone call etc.
- Gratuity for staff
- Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances
- Services not mentioned herein
- Scenic overland journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- 25 minutes flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu offers stunning view of Mountain if weather permits
- Newly opened off the beaten trail trekking to Mardi Himal ( Mountain ) Base Camp/High Camp
- Opportunity to experience diverse culture of ethnic communities such as Gurung, Chetri, Thakali
- Breath taking view of snow capped mountain and hills.
- Explore traditional Sherpa villages & experience their culture, traditions & hospitality
- Possibility to see wildlife such as Himalayan Munal or Damphe ( national bird), Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr
|
Days |
Itinerary |
Overnight |
|
01: |
Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. |
Hotel (BB) |
|
02: |
Trek briefing and half day sightseeing of world heritage sites. |
Hotel (BB) |
|
03: |
Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara and transfer to hotel. |
Hotel (BB) |
|
04: |
Drive to Kande then trek to Deorali (2100m/6,720ft), 5 – 6 hrs. |
Lodge (EP) |
|
05: |
Trek to Forest Camp (2540m/8331ft), 5 – 6 hrs |
Lodge (EP) |
|
06: |
Trek to Badal Danda |
Lodge (EP) |
|
07: |
Trek to High Camp (3590m/11775ft), 4 hrs: |
Lodge (EP) |
|
08: |
Day trip to Mardi Himal Base Camp 4200m/13776ft, 6 hrs |
Lodge (EP) |
|
09: |
Trek to Sidhing Village. (1700m/5440ft): 6-7 hours |
Lodge (EP) |
|
10: |
Trek to Lumure and drive to Pokhara. |
Hotel (BB) |
|
11: |
Fly back to Kathmandu. |
Hotel (BB) |
|
12: |
Final Departure |
|
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu: 1300m/4265ft:
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area. Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)
Day 02: Half day sightseeing of Baudhanath and Pasupatinath:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara: (820m/2690ft), 7 hrs:
In the morning guide will pick us up and transfer us to the tourist bus station and drive about seven hours along a beautiful river & beautiful views of the Nepalese countryside. Once we reach Pokhara we transfer to the hotel and for the remaining hours we can freely tour around Pokhara lakeside or rest for the day. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB)
Day 04: Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali (2100m/6,720ft), 5-6 hrs:
After breakfast drive to Kande, the trek initiation point. The route from Kande, the trail is easy with steep for first half an hour and trail becoming easy all the way to Australian camp (about 2 hours walk).We will have some views of the villages in the horizon. Australian camp has plenty of beautiful lodges and the view of Annapurna south, Himchuli, Fishtail, Manaslu etc are breathtaking. After Lunch here and we continue further to Pothana and the ACAP/TIMS check point, then up to Deurali. Deurali has only two lodges but they are nice and clean. This will take you about 2-3 hours walk from Australian camp. O/N at Lodge in Deurali (EP)
Day 05: Trek to Forest Camp (2540m/8331ft), 5-6 hrs:
After breakfast, we will continue to trek towards Forest Camp. There is a right turn in Deurali sign posted “Forest Camp” the trail is mostly inside the green forests of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest camp. The section includes some ups and downs and takes about 5 – 6 hours to reach Forest Camp, a small village with few guest houses. Forest camp is known as Kokar among local people. O/N at Lodge in Forest Camp (EP)
Day06: Trek to Badal Dada (3210m/10531ft), 5 hrs:
After early breakfast, we will continue to trek towards Badal Danda mostly uphill. The mountain views will start to appear. At Badal Dada View Point, spectacular view of the mountains can be seen. Far below, to your left, you will be able to see the Modi Khola Valley leading up into the Annapurna Sanctuary. Reach camp for lunch—this is our destination for the day, spending the afternoon at altitude for acclimatization. Though still surrounded by forest, there are spectacular northerly views of the ever-closer ‘Fishtail’. O/N at Lodge in Badal Danda (EP)
Day 07: Trek to High Camp (3590m/11775ft), 4 hrs:
After breakfast we will continue to trek towards High Camp. We have another pleasant walking here with stunning close-up views of Himalayas in front of us. As we climb higher the trail becomes wider and open as there is no forest anymore. The trail continues through high grasslands with occasional Rhododendron trees. There is an ample chance of spotting the beautiful bird called Himalayan Monal; also known as the Impeyan Monal, Impeyan pheasant and Danphe. This is a colorful Himalayan bird represented and it is the national bird of Nepal. Finally, we will arrive to High Camp to spend the night here. O/N at Lodge in High Camp (EP)
Day 08: Day trip to Mardi Himal Base Camp 4200m/13776ft, 6 hrs:
We will wake up early in the morning before the sun rises. The plan is to watch sunrise over the Himalayas. We will then return back to lodge where we will be served with our breakfast. We have time to rest before we start hiking up to the upper view point for magnificent close-up view of the Himalayan Peaks. The trail heading to Upper View Point is well marked through the grassland involving few steep sections. Overall this is a moderate walk, not too easy and not too challenging. In summer season this area is full of yaks and sheep along with several yak herders’ huts. There are few narrow and steep trails requiring careful attention and to watch each other’s backs. At base camp our guide will organize a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N at Lodge in High Camp (EP)
Note: Offer Lungta or prayer flags (printed prayer on flags for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flags in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.
Day 09: Trek to Shiding Village (1700m/5440ft), 5 – 6 hrs:
After breakfast we trek to Shiding village. We take a different route in high camp that takes us to Shiding instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Shiding offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails. This will be the last evening of your trek and trekking crew will organise a farewell ceremony, trekking crew will be allowed to drink. Try Nepal’s famous Khukuri rum or local drink or Raksi (Nepalese wine). O/N at Lodge in Shiding Village (EP)
Day 10: Trek to Lumure and drive to Pokhara 2-3 hours trek, 2 hours drive:
After breakfast we will trek towards Lumure and from there we take a private vehicle ride down to Pokhara. We will be transferred to our hotels and have the rest of the day at your leisure. O/N at Hotel in Pokhara (BB).
Day 11: Fly back to Kathmandu:
Today after breakfast we will drive to the airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel by BATE representative and have a free time onwards: O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)
Day 12: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:
Today either you will have your holiday extended for another tour or we will transfer you to the airport for final departure flight.
