Mardi Himal Trek
At a Glance
  • Duration12 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Country Nepal
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu

The Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering a unique and less-traveled route with stunning natural beauty and cultural experiences. This journey unfolds against a backdrop of rich natural beauty, offering a harmonious blend of cultural exploration and insights into the highland lifestyles. The trek derives its name from the extensive ridge on the southern slope of Mt. Machhapuchhare, colloquially known as fishtail, characterized by its distinct triangular shape and summit, which forms the western lower slope of the mountain.

The remarkable skyline of Mardi is visible even from the serene Phewa Lake in Pokhara. Positioned at the southernmost high point of the Mt. Annapurna massif, it provides a spectacular view of the central Himalayan region, showcasing five of the world's 12 highest mountains. The Mardi Himal Trek beckons adventure enthusiasts seeking a fresh and captivating trail that unveils panoramic mountain vistas, lush vegetation, and the unique culture and lifestyle of the indigenous inhabitants.

Commencing at Suiket Phedi near Pokhara, the Mardi Himal trek ascends to Dhampus, offering breathtaking views of Machhapuchare (6997m) and the Annapurna Mountain ranges. This exclusive trail, known for its privacy, winds along the ridge through enchanting forests of birch, rhododendrons, hemlock, and pines. The journey unfolds with Machhapuchare and Annapurna South dominating the scenery, while the Mardi Khola river gracefully winds through the valley below.

Trekkers have the flexibility to tailor the length of their adventure, ranging from a short five-day trek to a more extended two-week exploration. As the trek progresses, you'll have numerous opportunities for hiking and exploration. The trail culminates in Pokhara, where you can reflect on the unforgettable experiences before flying back to Kathmandu. The Mardi Himal trek promises an immersive journey into nature's wonders and cultural richness, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and rewarding trekking experience.

Best time for Mardi Himal Trek

The best time for the Mardi Himal trek is during the two primary trekking seasons in the Annapurna region: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the most favorable weather conditions and clear visibility, providing an optimal trekking experience. Here's a breakdown of the seasons:

Spring (March to May)

  • Weather: Spring is considered one of the best times for trekking in the Himalayas. The weather is mild, with moderate temperatures during the day and relatively stable weather conditions.
  • Scenery: The trekking trails come alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms, and the overall landscape is lush and green.
  • Visibility: Clear skies offer excellent visibility of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal time for photography and enjoying panoramic views.

Autumn (September to November)

  • Weather: Autumn is another favorable season with stable weather conditions. Days are generally clear, and temperatures are mild, providing comfortable trekking conditions.
  • Scenery: The autumn season offers stunning views of the landscapes, with clear skies and visibility of the snow-capped peaks.
  • Cultural Festivals: This season aligns with major Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar, providing an opportunity to experience local culture and traditions.

 

Itinerary

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A Himalayan Joy Adventure representative will greet you at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival and provide transportation to your hotel. After checking into your room and refreshing, our HJA representative will describe the details regarding your trek. Then, you can visit the tourist hub in Thamel. There are many places to shop for trekking gear and souvenirs. In the evening, Himalayan Joy Adventure will host a welcome dinner at the typical Nepali restaurant with a Nepali cultural dance. After dinner, you will be dropped off at your hotel. Overnight in hotel.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,300m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, our city guide will take you to various historical places and world heritage listed sites. These will include Pashupatinath (One of the greatest Hindu temples in Asia), Bouddhanath stupa (Buddhist stupa), Swayabhunath (Buddhist stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple) and Kathmandu Durbar Square (home of the living goddess Kumari)). After sightseeing, you will be dropped at your hotel with time to prepare for your trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,300m
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

 

At 7 o’clock in the morning, you will board a tourist bus bound for Pokhara, a journey that takes approximately 6-7 hours. The drive is scenic, offering diverse landscapes, including the Trishuli River, a renowned rafting destination. The bus will pause in Kurintar for lunch before proceeding to Pokhara. Spend the night in Pokhara.

  • Max. Altitude: 820m
  • Duration: 6-7 Hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Early in the morning, you will drive about 45 minutes to Phedi and starts your trek ascending through forest, past small village and terraced farmed land to village of Dampu. Dampus is beautiful village on the top of hill offers magnificent view of Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna range, Lamjung and far beyond manaslu. After lunch, you will slightly ascend to Pantana through forests and meadows. Potana is a trekker’s hub surrounded by forest. The trek continues to Deurali through rhododendron forest with up and downhill however, you can witness some beautiful flower and birds. Overnight in Deurali

  • Max. Altitude: 2,100m
  • Duration: 6 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-House
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Today you will trek whole into the forest. There is no any tea house en-route to forest camp. That’s way you will be provided pack lunch. At first you will ascend leaving famous Ghorepani poonhill trail. The trail leads through the forest enjoying variety of plants and birds. After 6 hours walk you will get in forest camp. Overnight in Forest camp

  • Max. Altitude: 2,500m
  • Duration: 6 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-House
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast you will start the trek ascending again through the forest of rhododendron to Low camp 2970m for lunch. From here you can see most amazing view of Mt. fishtail. After lunch, you will continue up to a view point place where you will have fascinating view of Annapurna range, Hiuchuli, Ghandruk, Chomrong village and Annapurna base camp trail valley. Then finally you will get at high camp. Overnight in high camp

  • Max. Altitude: 3.550m
  • Duration: 4 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-House
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will begin your day with slow and through the series of steep rocky ascend to Mardi himal base camp 4500m. This altitude is the highest of whole Mardi himal trek which offers magnificent view of 14 mountain peaks including Annapurna I,Mardi himal, Gangapurna, Gandharba chuli, Fishtail and hiuchuli. After enjoying the view you will descend same way down to high camp. Overnight in high camp.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,500m
  • Duration: 7 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-house
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will begin your day with most precious sunrise view and have breakfast then descend to Low camp. You will continue descend through a beautiful rhododendron forest to Siding 1700m. Overnight in Siding.

  • Max. Altitude: 1.700m
  • Duration: 6 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-House
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast you will start the trek slightly up and flat passing Kalimati to village of Ghalel. Ghalel is small village with teahouse and home-stay where you will have lunch. Then trek continues crossing paddy field to Lwang. Lwang is a traditional village with ACAP office, temple, stupa and tea garden. Overnight in Lwang.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400m
  • Duration: 6 Hours
  • Accommodation: Tea-House
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

You will begin your last day trek with visit to green tea garden and view then along flat trail via farmed land following the river get at Hemja kot. Here, wonderful Mardi himal trek ends and drive to scenic valley Pokhara in nice comfort hotel. In the evening, dinner will in near lake side. Overnight in Hotel.

  • Max. Altitude: 8,20m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

In the morning, you will drive along the Prithivi high way to Kathmandu by tourist bus.You will cross the Trisuli River (famous rafting river) and cable car station. After a six hour drive, you will arrive back in Kathmandu with transportation to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu. In the Evening Himalayan Joy will host as a farewell dinner in the typical Nepali restaurant. Drive back to hotel.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,300m
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Himalayan Joy Adventure will drop at the Tribhuwan International Airport terminal with sufficient time to check in for your flight. We hope that you had an incredible time in Nepal and encourage you to share your experiences with us on Trip Advisor or email. We welcome all feedback and hope that you had an experience of a lifetime with us! Have a safe flight !

  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Mardi Himal Trek Route Map

Mardi Himal Trek map

Service Details

What's Included
  • Airport picks up and drops by Private Vehicle.
  • 3 nights Hotel (3 *) in Kathmandu in twin sharing basis on BB plan
  • One day sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • One night hotel in Pokhara on BB plan
  • 3 meals (Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner) with a cup of tea/coffee
  • Fresh fruits served every evening
  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis during the trek
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to pokhara
  • Tourist bus Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Kowledgeable english speaking guide
  • Porter (One porter for two guests)
  • Insurance for trekking guide and porters
  • Food and sallery for guide & Porters
  • T-Shirt and Duffel bag Himalayan Joy Adventure brand
  • TIMS and Annapurna Conservation Area Permits
What's not Included
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation (Most Required)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax 
  • Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 and Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
  • Cold drinks such as Mineral water, Cola, Beer etc.(Mineral water will cost per liter from Rs. 100 till Rs.500 and if you bring water purifying tablet is best idea cause you will help to save nature from not using plastic bottles and also its much cheaper then mineral water )
  • Bars bill such as Mars, Sneaker, Bounty chocolate etc
  • Personal trekking and climbing Equipment
  • Tips for trekking staffs and driver
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section
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