Trip Level
Moderate
Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
4500 meter
Trip Duration
10 Days
Overview
One of the most popular treks of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre. The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
From High Camp (3580 m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. For the winter trek we may have to use tent and some fast foods.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,264ft)
After arrival in Kathmandu Airport, our representative will picks up you and transfer to hotel. We will have trip briefing in the evening with dinner and Nepalese culture show.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft) 6-7 hours
We will have scenic drive to Pokhara, referred as the ‘City of Lakes' from there we get great views of the mountains including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali (2100m/6,720ft) 30 minutes drive, 4-5 hours trek
After the breakfast in the morning, we start our trip with a drive to Phedi and trekking from there. We walk on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests before reaching Dhampus where we have lunch. We continue our walk to Deurali which is a small village beautifully located on a ridge with good views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare. Overnight in Deurali.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 04: Deurali to Forest camp (2,520m/8064ft) 6-7 hours
Today, our trail passes through lush forest dotted with red rhododendrons forest and flowers. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We can take rest and explore the area.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 05: Forest Camp to Low camp (2970m/9504ft) 5-6 hours
We continue to walk through dense forests and reach the low camp. From here, the fantastic view of Mt. Fishtail. We can spend some time in the evening observing the local lifestyle.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 06: Low camp to High camp (3540m/11,328ft) 3-4 hours
After breakfast, our trek goes uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail We may have chance to see Daphne pheasant, which is also the national bird of Nepal on the way to high camp from where we can see the beautiful mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 07: High camp to Upper viewpoint (4250m/13600ft), return back to High camp 2-3 hours
After breakfast, we continue to Upper viewpoint we ascend and descend on a steep and narrow trail. Our trail passes through pastures and we hike along a narrow ridge before reaching the Upper Viewpoint. The view of the Himalayan vista from here is astonishing. We see Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchhre (6993m) and others. We have overnight in High camp
Meals Included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 08: High camp to Sidhing Village (1700m/5440ft) 6-7 hours
We take a different route in high camp that takes us to Sidhing instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Siddhing offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Lumre, drive to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu: 2-3 hours trek, 2 hours drive and 25 minutes flight
After an early breakfast, we walk towards Lumre, where we will have road for our drive to Pokhara. We will directly transfer to Pokhara Airport for your flight to Kathmandu. We will pick up from Domestic Airport and transfer to hotel. In the evening we will have farewell Dinner.
Meals Included :Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 10: Final departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast you will be free till your departure. One of our representative will picks up you from hotel and transfer to International Airport.
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
Warm jacket or down jacket
Water and windproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
Long sleeved synthetic fleece
Thermal underwear
Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
Shorts and trousers, or skirt
2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
Proper hiking boots
Running shoes and flip-flops
T-shirts
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
Water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (at least SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
First aid kid
Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen
Camping
Tent
Stove and fuel
Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
Sleeping mat
Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)
Map
Gallery
