- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:10 Days
- Trekking Duration:10 Days
- Trip Grade:Moderate
Trip Highlights
Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region with spectacular views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. It's a peaceful trekking route with very few trekkers along the way. Though the availability of foods and accommodation on the route is at the bare minimum, Mardi Himal Trekking is still an enjoyable trekking route which requires minimum effort.
• Best Views of Annapurna, Fishtail and Mardi Himal
• Picturesque landscape and rhododendron forest
• Best Sunrise and sunset view from Australian Camp
• Stunning terraced fields
• Less crowded area
Trip Overview
Mardi Himal Trek a newly explored trip in the Annapurna. It is a great introductory to isolated and off- beaten trials for breathtaking scenery, traditional rural village, lush forests, rhododendrons in full bloom, diverse range of dramatic landscapes in the high alpine and complete wilderness with the backdrop of the soaring snow-capped majestic mountains, Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli.
This trek is considered as an alternative trek route for Annapurna circuit trekking as trek encompasses all of the elements of a classic Nepal trekking experience of villages, wildlife, panoramic mountain views and range of landscape from forest to high alpine.
Trekking around Mardi Himal base camp is a shorter trek making it a great for first timers and more experienced trekkers, as it takes around the least explored trail much away from the crowd of trekkers through south of Annapurna then towards Mardi Himal (5587 m), a prominent peak lying directly under the inspiring summit of Machhapuchare and directly opposite the massive south face of Annapurna 1.
First we take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara that takes around six hours of drive. Then drive to trail head at Phedi, the starting point of our trek. The walk goes on through the forest until low camp with the best views of Machhapuchare.
During the spring season, routes are in its best with the blossom rhododendron forests offering a spectacular demonstration of pink and red. The landscape changes into a rugged high mountain landscape with views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, Annapurna south and Hiunchuli. We arrive at high camp which again offers stunning views overlooking entire Annapurna range. Reaching at base camp of Mardi Himal rewards us with the views of overlooking Annapurna ranges- an excellent introduction to trekking in the Himalaya. Leaving High camp we descend to natural hot spring at Jhino Danda to have refreshed. We drive back to Pokhara where our trek package completes.
Trekkers visiting Mardi Himal trekking can experience Himalayan ranges, mountain landscapes, natural hot springs, mixed indigenous lifestyle, rhododendron forest, alpine meadows, an abundance of wildlife, ancient caves, waterfalls, various species of flora and fauna- truly wilderness experience.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary will be 5 to 7 days from/to Pokhara and 1 to 2 days transportation day from/to Kathmandu depending on time you have and level of your physical fitness. This trek can be combined with other related treks to Annapurna; many people combine this trek with Ghandruk trek, Panchase Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek etc. Our carefully designed 8 days itinerary is standard that suits to all average trekkers. Taking domestic flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu and start the trek on same day shortens the trip as flights save your time. We also offer tailor-made Mardi Himal Trek so please send us your detail and requirements.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300m
- Day 02: Drive to Pokhara 827m
- Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali 2100m
- Day 04: Deurali to Forest camp 2,520m
- Day 05: Forest Camp to Low camp 2970m
- Day 06: Low camp to high camp 3540m
- Day 07: High camp to Upper Viewpoint 4250m
- Day 08: High camp to Sidhing Village 1700m
- Day 09: Trek to Lumre, drive to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu
- Day 10: Final departure
Detail Itinerary
Welcome to the land of Mountains. After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transfer to your respective hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu
We can enjoy the beautifully terraced farms, little shops by the side of the road and the raging Trishuli River on our drive to Pokhara also referred to as the ‘City of Lakes.’ From the city, we get great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna. Pokhara is also a tourist destination, so we take some time out in the evening and enjoy!
After an early morning breakfast, we start our adventure with a drive to Phedi and start 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.
Our trail passes through lush forest dotted with the red rhododendrons. The flowers are a common sight in Nepalese hills and it is no surprise that its Nepal’s national flower. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We can take rest and explore the area which is also known locally as Kokar.
We continue to walk through dense forests admiring Nepal’s rich biodiversity and reach the low camp. From here, the fantastic view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) up the valley is mesmerizing. We can spend some time in the evening observing the local lifestyle.
We trek 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. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning.
On our trek to the upper viewpoint we ascend and descend, and sometimes 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 trek back to the high camp for an overnight stay.
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.
After an early breakfast, we walk towards Lumre finally reaching the road from where we begin our drive to Pokhara. After reaching the city, we continue our drive to its domestic airport and fly back to Kathmandu.
Our friendly representative will drop you off at Tribhuwan International airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight. We are sure that you will be inspired to visit Nepal again after this trek. We hope that you choose us to plan your next trip to Nepal.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.
