Mardi Himal Trek

Duration: 12 Days

The Mardi Himal Trek is an underrated and relatively unknown trek in the Annapurna region. Even many people living in Nepal are unaware of the trail’s existence. Much of the trail’s allure comes from this fact. Enjoy a great feeling of solitude on the trail, as you travel through, and stay in, charming villages. The interactions that you will have with the locals on the Mardi Himal Trek are more personal than on most other trails in Nepal. Have a meaningful cultural experience while getting up-close to some of the world’s highest mountains. 
Join Roar Himalaya Adventure for this marvelous, off-the-beaten-path trek. The trail follows a loop in the eastern Annapurna region, each day is filled with refreshing, new scenery. Find peace in the quiet roar of the river and the sound of the wind through the trees. You will see lots of rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. In fact, between 1,400 and 3,600 meters, you can find entire forests of them!  During the spring season, these bright, blooming flowers create a brilliant spectacle on the trail. 

The highest point reached on the trek is 4410 meters, where unbelievable views of Mardi Himal (5587 meters) and plenty of other dazzling peaks can be seen clearly. 
The adventure starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then to Kunde the following days. Stroll through dense forests and lively villages. Become mesmerized by the cascading terraced hills, with grow the local vegetables and rice. Continue ascending through the glacial valley and hidden slivers of the Annapurna region. 

As we move higher, the landscape changes from the lush green of the forest to the stark grey of the mountains. We eventually arrive to a ridge high above the meadows and forests. There is nothing between you and the mountains. Upper Viewpoint provides the incredible views, from where you can see Mardi Himal, Macchapucchre (6993 meters), Hiunchuli (6441 meters), Baraha Shikhar (7647 meters), Singu Chuli (6501 meters) Annapurna I (8090 meters), and Annapurna South (7219 meters) in all their glory. The views get even better at Mardi Himal Base Camp, where an expansive panorama of the Annapurna range is seen. From here, we finish the loop and head back to Pokhara and Kathmandu for two full days of relaxing and sightseeing.

Book the Mardi Himal Trek all throughout the year. Though the trek is available anytime, certain seasons provide the best weather. In the springtime (March to May), the rhododendrons are blooming and scenery is lush. During autumn (September to November), skies are clearest and mountain views are best. Summer (rainy season) and winter do not provide the best trekking conditions, but on the other hand, you can enjoy more solitude on the trail. If you have any questions, please contact us!

Trip Highlights

  • Off-the-beaten-path trek in the eastern Annapurna region
  • Enjoy solitude and bliss on the unfrequented trail
  • Be surrounded by bright red rhododendron forests, a sight to behold in the springtime
  • See some of the world’s most majestic peaks, including Mardi Himal (5587m), Macchapucchre (6993m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna I (8090m), and Annapurna South (7219m) 
  • Have genuine interactions with the local villagers and learn about their lives

 

Day to Day Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 02:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m).
  • Day 03:Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pothana (1990m).
  • Day 04:Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2550m).
  • Day 05:Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2990m).
  • Day 06:Trek from Low Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4410m).
  • Day 07:Trek back down to Sidding (1185m).
  • Day 08:Trek to Lwong (1460m), drive to Pokhara.
  • Day 09:Chill out day in Pokhara.
  • Day 10:Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 11:Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.
  • Day 12:Departure from Nepal.

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01:Arrival at Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel. A representative of Roar Himalaya Adventure heartily welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Take a rest or wander around the winding streets of Kathmandu. In the evening, we give you the lowdown on your upcoming trek. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 02:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m).Cruise for about 6-7 hrs from Kathmandu to the precious lakeside town of Pokhara. Taking the always exciting Prithvi Highway, we drive alongside rivers and terraced hillsides to arrive to the day’s destination. The landscape along the drive is entertaining and builds our anticipation for the upcoming trek. Pokhara has a laid-back vibe, surrounded by verdant vegetation and sits next to the massive Phewa Lake. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 03:Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pothana (1990m).Departing from Pokhara, we cruise through the picturesque landscape to Kande, where the footpath starts. The route is easygoing and there are few trekkers, adding a peaceful ambience. We make a steep-ish uphill and then a nice downhill to end in Pothana, where we check into the ACAP booth. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 04:Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2550m).Wake up with a lovely view and start the day. We soon pass Deurali and continue through pine and rhododendron forests, which brighten the trail. After several hours of hiking, we reach Forest Camp, having lunch along the way. Overnight in teahouse lodge.
  • Day 05:Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2990m).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.
  • Day 06:Trek from Low Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4410m).Today is the most strenuous of the trek, but with the challenge comes a great reward. Drink lots of water, because we gain a lot of altitude today. Enjoy the view of snow-capped peaks throughout the journey. The landscape at the beginning of the day is much different from the end. From grassy fields and forests, we proceed past the tree line to rocky, rugged alpine terrain. See Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, and maybe more soaring peaks. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 07:Trek back down to Sidding (1185m).Enjoy the last moments at the base camp with a memorable sunrise view over the Annapurna range. Then, eat a filling breakfast and trek down through the dense rhododendron forest. We take a new way, so the scenery is different and refreshing. We have lunch at Low Camp and carry on down to Sidding to spend the night. Overnight at teahouse lodge.
  • Day 08:Trek to Lwong (1460m), drive to Pokhara. After breakfast in Sidding, we start towards Lwong, a gradual uphill with some flats as well. Stop for lunch in Ghalel, a quaint Gurung village that has a homestay facility. Then, continue the short walk to Lwong, a traditional village with a charming feel. Upon arrival, our ride awaits us and we conclude the trek with a ride back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel on B&B basis.

  • Day 09:Chill out day in Pokhara.Spend the day chilling out and enjoying the positive vibes of Pokhara. Also, spend some time seeing Pokhara’s most renowned tourist destinations. There is so much to see so choose wisely. Check out the Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, and much more. The day’s itinerary can be fitted to your interests and what you would like to see. Overnight in hotel in Pokhara on B&B basis.

  • Day 10:Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.The time in Pokhara is done, but our adventure continues. Take a pleasant drive through the country’s hillsides next to the Prithvi Highway. The 6-7 hour drive flies by as we are distracted by the eye-catching landscape. When we arrive in Kathmandu, spend the evening freely exploring the side streets or buying some souvenirs in Thamel. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 11:Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.After breakfast, we invite you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu. It would be a shame to visit Nepal without seeing some of the country’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Spend the rest of the day as you wish. Overnight in hotel on B&B basis.
  • Day 12:Departure from Nepal.Before your flight, we take you to the airport and say farewell. We hope you had a blast with us and we appreciate you choosing Roar Himalaya Adventure as your trekking guide! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cost Includes:

  • Airport transfers before and after trek
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara (on Bed & Breakfast basis)
  • Transportation to and from the trailhead as per itinerary
  • Accommodation at local teahouse lodges during the trek
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) permit
  • ACAP fees
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance and wage for guide and porters
  • Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • First Aid Kit
  • Mardi Himal Trekking Map
  • Roar Himalaya Duffle Bag
  • Service charge and government taxes
     

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Insurance (must cover rescue evacuation in case of emergency)
  • Meals and drinks in Kathmandu and Pokhara (besides breakfast)
  • Personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Sightseeing entrance fees
  • 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.)

 

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Trip Fact

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Private Vehicle / Bus
  • Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel/Teahouse/Lodge
  • Max Elevation: 4410 meters