Mardi Himal Trek – 10 Days
Close to Pokhara and to sections of the well-known Annapurna Sanctuary and Annapurna routes, this is in fact a brand new itinerary. Taking advantage of a number of newly built community lodges, it penetrates some very exciting ridge and valley landscape on the south-eastern edge of the mighty Annapurna Massif. Generally at quite moderate elevations and not involving long days of trekking, this is a perfect trek either for a first visit to Nepal or for a different perspective on the country for repeat visitors. We start out in the Modi Khola, hiking up to Australian Camp and Low Camp, before heading into the lap of the Mardi Himal; trekking through rhododendron forest and across open, grassy ridges used by local shepherds and their livestock.
The focus of this trek is to reach the as close to the Himalayas as possible, without requiring any technical equipment. The highest of the lodges we use is at the isolated village of High Camp of Mardi (3900m), an ‘eagle’s nest’ perched on a small valley and offering views of a host of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Our route then takes us back to Low camp & to Siding, through the forests & terraced rice fields of Nepal. This holiday shows off Nepal and its range of colourful landscapes really well. It has a mix of popular and well-known locations (Kathmandu, Pokhara, Mardi) as well as a week of trekking on trails that are as yet little visited.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 01 : Welcome to Kathmandu
- Day 02 : Drive to Kade. Trek to Australian Camp
- Day 03 : Trek to Forest Camp
- Day 04 : Trek to Low Camp
- Day 05 : Trek to High Camp
- Day 06 : Excursion & Trek to Low Camp
- Day 07 : Trek to Siding
- Day 08 : Trek to Lumre. Drive to Pokhara.
- Day 09 : Kathmandu
- Day 10 : Depart Kathmandu
Upon arrival, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel rooms. The rest of the day is free for self excursion around Thamel or trek preparation.
Hotel - Meals: None
This morning, start early and you take a tourist bus to Pokhara. Your total drive to the trek start point will be 8hrs. Upon arrival at Kade, take a 1.5hr easy paced hike to Australian Camp, your night’s stay. Australian Camp is a wonderful place to enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains.
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we start the day continuing the gradual uphill towards Pitham Deurali. Pitham Deurali is also the place where the trekking trail departs from the traditional trek route to an off the beaten path adventure trail. The walk continues into the moss laden forest, until you reach a small stretch of pasture at lunch time. From the lunch point, the trail has gradual ascends and descends towards the end. Your stay overnight will be at Forest Camp (3000m) 6 hrs walk
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Covered with leaves, the jungle trail continues into the moss laden forest of the Himalayas. We start to head uphill till the forest with their windows, give way to the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. The majestic Fishtail mountain comes ever so close at lunch point of Low Camp. Enjoy a well-earned rest after lunch or take an excursion walk around the area. Breath taking views of the Himalayan Range such as Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, Hiuchuli & Gangapurna can be seen from this point at Low Camp (3000m) 3hrs walk
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The way up from Low Camp to High Camp is very steep and the trail itself is basically a series of deep rain gullies in the forest so we need to be careful with our footing. After 30 minutes the forest finally opens into a clearing where we see the face of Annapurna South rise high and wide – an astounding view that can take whatever breath we have left to spare to spare. From here the trail breaks into a combination of scrub forest and open meadow. As we climb the ridge becomes narrower and soon we can clearly see the deep valleys on both sides. To our left we look straight down on the Modi Khola river valley and the villages leading up to the Annapurna Sanctuary; to our right we peer down on the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys over 2000 meters (6500 ft.) below. On very clear days it’s even possible to see all the way back to the Pokhara Valley and Lake Phewa. The trail continues up the narrow ridge line to High Camp (3900m) where we stop for the evening. 4hrs walk.
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy an excursion into the surrounding areas. From here the sun will be lighting up the full face of Annapurna South while Fishtail Mountain looms directly overhead. Later descent back to Low Camp where we’ll spend another evening. 5hrs walk.
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk today is downhill towards the village of Siding. Siding lies on a ridge of a hill besides the Mardi Khola. The route changes as we also get to experience the steps on the forest trail. Siding (1700m). (5hrs walk)
Lodge - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s walk is an easy one, it goes beside the Mardi river. The lunch point of this day is on an open field, beside the river. After lunch, transfer to Pokhara (900m). Bid goodbye to your trekking team, as they return back to Kathmandu.
Hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive back to Kathmandu via tourist bus (7hr). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest & shopping.
Hotel - Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
