Mardi Himal Trek

Embark on a captivating day tour to explore the heart of Kathmandu Valley's cultural treasures. With the convenience of a car and driver awaiting your every stop, delve into the wonders of five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Begin your journey at Swayambhunath, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, a haven of peace and spirituality. Continue to the historical Durbar Square, where ancient temples stand in testament to unique art and architecture, offering a chance to witness the living goddess, Kumari. Visit Patan's Durbar Square to marvel at its exquisite urban tapestry. Seek blessings at the revered Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, before concluding your tour at Bouddhanath, the world’s largest stupa, radiating serene energy. (Note: Entry tickets and lunch are not included in this experience.)

Setting off early from Kathmandu, we embark on our journey to Pokhara via a tourist bus. As Nepal's second-largest city, Pokhara is often referred to as the adventure capital, serving as a crucial gateway to the treks in the Annapurna region. The journey to Pokhara is as scenic as it is thrilling, with views of cascading waterfalls, verdant hills, meandering rivers, and picturesque terraces along the way. Upon our late afternoon arrival in Pokhara, you'll have some free time to explore this enchanting city. You can soak up the serene ambiance of Phewa Lake, marvel at the majestic sight of Fishtail Mountain, and wander through the lively Lakeside area, which is brimming with shops, cafes, and vibrant marketplaces. It's the perfect prelude to our trekking adventure that begins tomorrow.

Embarking from your hotel, the journey to Mardi Himal commences along the Baglung Highway, meandering through scenic farmlands and lush forests to Dhampus Phedi at 1130m. A welcoming trail ascends from Phedi through the agricultural expanse of Dhampus at 1700m, leading towards Pothana at 1890m for a well-deserved lunch break. The trek progresses uphill to the vibrant Brahmin village of Pitam Deorali, a cultural and scenic hub. Here, the vista opens up to a breathtaking panorama featuring Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, with Dhaulagiri I at 8167m and Manaslu at 8156m framing the grandeur. This view also encompasses the serene Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake below. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Pitam Deorali, nestled amidst these magnificent Himalayan spectacles.

Today's trek ushers you into the heart of nature, where rhododendron trees flourish from altitudes of 2000 to 4800 meters, gradually transitioning into shrubs as the elevation increases. April and May see these forests ablaze with the vibrant blooms of rhododendron, creating a picturesque setting for your journey. Your path traverses dense stands of mixed oak and rhododendron along the eastern ridge spine, cradling the Modi and Mardi Kholas - vital waterways feeding the Annapurna Sanctuary and Mardi Himal respectively. While bird and small animal life thrives in this habitat, sightings are rare, adding a sense of mystery to the trek. The trail may challenge you with its rough and steep sections, but a picnic lunch en route offers a delightful break amidst nature's splendor. Your day ends at the Forest Camp in Kokar, a simple yet charming teahouse offering a rustic retreat with a warm welcome. Here, at the Forest Camp, you're invited to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures, embraced by the tranquility of the surrounding woodland.

Ascending further, you transition into the ethereal realm of the "cloud forest," a distinctive ecosystem marked by its adaptation to higher altitudes. Here, the towering trees give way to shorter, more resilient species, while the undergrowth burgeons with lichens, mosses, tree ferns, and orchids, painting a lush tapestry of green. This mist-enshrouded landscape offers a chance to spot Nepal’s national bird, the resplendent Danphe pheasant, among other elusive wildlife. Lunch will be enjoyed amidst this natural splendor, offering a moment of rest and reflection. Your day concludes at Low Camp, which houses three lodges, promising a serene overnight stay in the heart of the cloud forest, where the whisper of the wind and the subtle calls of the wild create a tranquil backdrop for rest and rejuvenation.

As dawn breaks, your journey continues from the dense embrace of the forest to the expansive openness of grassy slopes. This shift in scenery unveils unparalleled views that stretch from Hiunchuli in the west to the rugged paths leading into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, eventually reaching its majestic glacier. Majestically, Machhapuchhare emerges ahead, towering above Mardi Himal, commanding attention with its unique fishtail shape. The trek to High Camp, though not lengthy, involves a steep ascent of 1000 meters. Progressing slowly is key to avoiding altitude sickness, allowing for acclimatization and enjoyment of the breathtaking landscape. Lunch along the route offers a respite and a moment to relish the high-altitude scenery. High Camp, now hosting two large lodges, serves as your resting point for the night. Here, amidst the realms of 3500 to over 5000 meters, you'll find the yak, a symbol of high-altitude resilience. These animals, crucial to local livelihoods, are valued for their ability to carry loads, produce milk, provide soft under-fur, hides, and even dung for fuel in the unforgiving mountain environment. The dzo, a yak-cow hybrid, thrives at slightly lower elevations, bridging the gap between domestic cattle and the rugged yaks. The sustainability of yak farming, with its low resource requirements and healthy, low-fat meat, underscores the harmony between local practices and the harsh Himalayan landscape. Your night at High Camp offers a chance to reflect on the day's journey and the delicate balance of life at high altitudes.

An early breakfast fuels the final ascent, a deliberate climb of 600 meters to the base camp of Mardi Himal, a peak standing at 5553 meters (18220 feet) and marking the southern frontier of the Annapurna massif. First conquered in 1961, Mardi Himal and the sacred, unsummited Machhapuchhare are connected by a col, a testament to their majestic presence in the Himalayan skyline. The trek’s pinnacle views unfold approximately two hours beyond, where the path, briefly a knife-edge trail, widens as it approaches the base camp. This segment of the journey offers a moment for reflection and awe, with a picnic lunch enjoyed at either the west base camp or a specially chosen viewpoint. In clear weather, the panoramic spectacle spans from Annapurna South to Manaslu, encapsulating the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary, the lodgings at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Machhapuchhare Base Camp (MBC), and the awe-inspiring vertical sweep of peaks, including Annapurna I at 8091 meters, that tower above the Annapurna South glacier. This breathtaking array of Himalayan giants offers a moment of profound connection with the natural world.

The return journey from High Camp unfolds as a lengthy descent, marking today’s trek with a gradual re-immersion into the serene cloud forest before reaching Low Camp for lunch. The path, familiar yet newly captivating in the descent, leads you onwards until you encounter a fork. Here, taking the left path steers you into the verdant Mardi Khola Valley, where the trail weaves through dense forest canopies and eventually opens up to reveal terraced rice paddies, a testament to the harmonious agricultural practices of the region. Your descent culminates in the tranquil Gurung-Brahmin village of Sidhing, nestled comfortably above the river. This village, with its quiet charm and welcoming ambiance, offers a stark contrast to the ruggedness of the high-altitude landscapes you’ve traversed. Sidhing’s unique setting, coupled with the warmth of its residents, provides a perfect backdrop for reflection on the journey undertaken. Here, surrounded by the gentle hum of village life and the natural beauty of the valley, you’ll spend the night, allowing the day’s experiences to settle into memory.

The final leg of your trek to Lumre is a gentle journey, meandering well above the Mardi Khola. This path guides you through a picturesque tapestry of terraced agricultural villages, each sustained by the clear, mountain streams that traverse this fertile region. The villages are alive with the cultivation of rice, grain, and vegetables, painting a vivid picture of the local agrarian lifestyle that thrives in the shadow of the Himalayas. Upon reaching Lumre, you'll transition from the tranquility of the trekking trails to the bus journey towards Milanchok, and subsequently, to Pokhara. This vibrant city, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, extends a warm welcome with its serene lakes, bustling markets, and the insightful Mountain Museum—a must-visit for anyone keen to delve deeper into the geological and cultural tapestry of the region. Your adventure culminates with an overnight stay in Pokhara, providing a moment to reflect on the journey’s myriad experiences. Here, amidst the comfort of your hotel, you can rest and rejuvenate, with the profound beauty of the mountains still lingering in your heart.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will embark on our journey back to Kathmandu. Rest assured, the vehicle provided will be of tourist standard, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The Pokhara-Kathmandu highway, known for its well-maintained roads, offers captivating scenery along the way. Upon arrival, the team will escort you to your hotel where you can check in and spend your remaining time in Kathmandu at your leisure. As tomorrow marks the end of your journey and your return home, take this opportunity to explore and possibly indulge in some window shopping in the bustling streets of Thamel. To celebrate the conclusion of our adventure together, we will host a farewell dinner in the late evening, where you will also be presented with a trek certificate. Note: For those preferring a quicker return to Kathmandu, an option is available to take a 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu for an additional fee.

Congratulations on completing one of the most challenging and exhilarating treks in the Himalayas. As your remarkable journey draws to a close, it's time to return home. Rest assured, our team will ensure a smooth departure by escorting you to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring you arrive three hours before your flight departs from Nepal. Thank you for choosing this adventure, and we hope your experiences in the Himalayas remain with you forever.

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