Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the eastern part of the Annapurna region.  The short, easy loop trail takes us up to about 4500m to splendid views of Mardi Himal (5587m) and many other peaks.  Few people know about this trek and it is the least traveled one in the region.  The solitude along the path allows us to develop a greater appreciation for the local villages and the landscapes that envelop them.  The area is perceived as an untouched territory that captivates locals and tourists alike.  You will be fascinated to observe both the diverse sceneries and the cultural charm of the villages. From rhododendron forests to rugged high-mountain landscapes, the Mardi Himal Trek is nothing short of amazing.

The trek to Mardi Himal begins from Kande, after a short drive from Pokhara. As the journey begins, the picturesque scenery is immediately observed. The journey goes through dense sub-tropical oak and rhododendron forest, teeming with life. The bright red of the gnarled rhododendron trees will blow you away. Not to mention, the fresh forest air filling our lungs gives us great joy.  As we climb higher, our environment becomes more and more alluring.  We suddenly break from the jungle onto a ridge with only the mountains in front of us. On this alpine level, the terrain is mostly grazing meadows, surrounded by the highest mountain range in the world.

We feel a rush as we begin to see the mountains.  Particularly at the Upper Viewpoint, the vista is astonishing. We can see of course Mardi Himal (5587m), as well as Macchapucchre (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar(7647m), Singu Chuli (6501m) Annapurna I (8090m), and Annapurna South (7219m).  Few treks in the world expose you to this many high mountain peaks. From here, we ascend back down, taking a different path to freshen the experience.  After trekking to Siding, we drive back to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.

Our Mardi Himal Trek offers a most spectacular view of the Annapurna chain. Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  The Mardi Himal Trek requires basic fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.

Trip Highlights

‘Off the Beaten Path’ Trek with few other trekkers

Sunrise and sunset at High Camp

Lively sub-tropical forests, including rhododendrons (Nepal’s national flower)

Once-in-a-lifetime view at Upper Viewpoint

Remarkable hospitality from local people

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Driving 7 hours by tourist bus.
  • Day 04: Drive to Kade and trek to Deurali (2100m), 30 minute drive and 4-5 hours trek.
  • Day 05: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2520m), 6-7 hours.
  • Day 06: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970m), 5 hours.
  • Day 07: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3580m), 3-4 hours.
  • Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m), retreat trek to Badal Dada (3200m) 5-6 hours.
  • Day 09: Trek from Badal Dada to Sidhing Village (4-5) and 2 hours drive to Pokhara (827m).
  • Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
  • Day 11: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.

Trip note

Accommodation

All our packages include accommodation at the cost.  This accommodation is included during the set itinerary.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2-3 Star hotel for you.  During the trek, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay based on their experience as well as room availability. All the accommodations will be twin-shared basis. In the mountain, Shower and toilet will be on Sharing basis. During high trekking season, you may have to share a room with a same-sex trekker from another group.  Our company provides you with a sleeping bag, two-person tents with comfortable mattress for outdoor camping trek. Our Guide will try to set up your camp with spectacular view.

Food

Nepal has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we can order typical Nepali food, continental, Italian, Tibetan and Indian at teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.  After our trek, we will have a celebration/pre-departure traditional Nepali meal in Thamel. 

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed guide will lead the trek.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Experience

As many of our treks lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our treks have acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness.  The level of fitness necessary for our treks varies depending on the trek.  On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trial.  Generally, the treks can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on a trek.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is possible to trek during the Winter (December to February), but you will face cold temperatures.  It is also possible to trek during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and there is a high chance of rainfall.

Note:

Please be assured that Breeze Adventure manage our treks to the highest standards. Your safety and satisfaction are our priority. We will support you to the best of our abilities with any issues that may arise. We will work with you to ensure you get the most from your trek and visit Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
    Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek. Overnight at hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
    Have breakfast and start sightseeing around Kathmandu in a private vehicle. We will see several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will learn about each site’s historical, religious, and cultural significance. Overnight at hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Driving 7 hours by tourist bus.
    We drive about a 6-7 hrs along the Prithvi Highway to the gorgeous lakeside city of Pokhara. The scenery along with drive, full of by terraced hilly rice fields and valleysbuilds excitement within us for the upcoming trek. Pokhara is a relaxing town, a nice contrast to Kathmandu’s busy-ness. Overnight at hotel.
    • Pokhara
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 827m
  • Day 04: Drive to Kade and trek to Deurali (2100m), 30 minute drive and 4-5 hours trek.
    We drive from Pokhara after breakfast. We reach Kade after a short drive. You can explore the city for a bit before hitting the trail. The trek begins with a steep uphill climb until Australian camp. We trek up to Deurali via Pothana and take a rest for the night. Overnight at guest house.
    • Deurali
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 2100m
  • Day 05: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2520m), 6-7 hours.
    After the breakfast at Deurali, we begin the trek and pass the calm route, filled with the melodious sounds of the birds. The trail departs from the route of the popular Annapurna region treks. We reach Australian Camp in time for lunch and continue through the rhododendron, oak, and maple forests until we reach the properly named destination of Forest Camp. Overnight at lodge.
    • Forest Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 2520m
  • Day 06: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970m), 5 hours.
    From Forest Camp, the trek leads you gradually to the Low Camp. The gentle walk goes through the dense rhododendron woods. It is a mellow walk on a relaxing trail. We reach Low Camp around lunch time and after our, we spend the day exploring the beautiful surroundings. We’ll stay at one of the two lodges for the night. Overnight at lodge.
    • Low Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 2970m
  • Day 07: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3580m), 3-4 hours.
    From the Low Camp, we walk uphill gradually to reach the High Camp. After about an hour of walking, we are above the tree line, with a scenic view point of the snow-capped peaks (including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli) and rolling green hills. Keep your eyes out for the colourful Himalayan monal (pheasant). There is one lodge here with eight rooms and a shared dining room with a heater. The views of Hiunchuli, Annapurn South, and Machhapuchhre are superb.Overnight at lodge.
    • High Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 3580m
  • Day 08: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m), retreat trek to Badal Dada (3200m) 5-6 hours.
    After the breakfast at High Camp, we ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The well-established trail passes through grassy patches and some steeper areas, but nothing too difficult. After about three hours, we reach Mardi Himal Base Camp, the ultimate destination of our journey. The outstanding Annapurna range peaks arecrisp and clear from the top. The snow-covered peaks and the glacial surroundings are brilliant to see. Make sure you take enough snaps of this rare scenery before hiking back down to High Camp for lunch and we head down to Badal Dada. Overnight at lodge.
    • High Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Guest House
    • 4500m
  • Day 09: Trek from Badal Dada to Sidhing Village (4-5) and 2 hours drive to Pokhara (827m).
    The last moment at the High Camp begins with an incredible sunrise view over the Annapurna range. After breakfast, we trek down through the rhododendron forest. We take a different path, so the scenery is always refreshing and new. We take lunch at Sidhing village and carry on down to Pokhara by jeep. Overnight at lodge.
    • Pokhara
    • Breakfast and Lunch
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 827m
  • Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
    After breakfast,we take a drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. Take in any scenery you may have missed along the way. After 6-7 hrs, we reach to Kathmandu and transfer you to the hotel. Take a rest and spend your day freely. Celebratory dinner in Kathmandu in the evening. Overnight at hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 11: Transfer to airport for your final departure from Nepal.
    Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your trekking guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
    • Breakfast

Cost Details

Cost Includes

Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport.

Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.

All transportation for the trek.

Local guest house accommodation in mountain.

Government-authorized experienced guide and porters

Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters

Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.

All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)

First Aid Kit

Maps

Service charge and government taxes

Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

International airfare

Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)

Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.

Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek

Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee

Tips for guide and porter

Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary

Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)