The Annapurna range in central Nepal is home to some of the world’s most iconic mountain landscapes and crisscrossed by some of the country’s most popular trekking routes. For those looking for a less-travelled and gentler glimpse of this spectacular terrain, the 4-5 day Mardi Himal trek is perfect.
Slightly more rigorous than your average mountain ramble, the trek consists of walking up and then along a ridge that juts into the Annapurnas, to a viewpoint perched at the end of it. Stunning views of the lesser-known side of one of the range’s most famous peaks – the 6993 metre-high Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) – alone make the trek worth doing.
Interested in this trek? Have a look at Inside Himalaya: The Mardi Himal Trek During Monsoon
Days | Activity |
---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu |
Day 2 | Cultural Tour - Bhaktapur and Panauti |
Day 3 | Drive to Pokhara |
Day 4 | Drive from Pokhara to Kande & trek to Deurali |
Day 5 | Forest Camp (2550m; 04 Hrs) |
Day 6 | Low Camp (2990m; 03 Hrs) |
Day 7 | High Camp (3580m; 03 Hrs) |
Day 8 | Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m ) & return back to High Camp. |
Day 9 | Landruk (1620m; 07 Hrs) |
Day 10 | Jhinu Hot Spring (1780m ; 03 Hrs) |
Day 11 | Nayapul (915m; 02 Hrs) & drive back to Pokhara |
Day 12 | Kathmandu |
Trekking: Additional information
Please note that the published itinerary can only be a statement of intent and should be used as a guide only. Each day may vary due to the walking times of the group, camping and trail cond
Read More...Royal Mountain Travel is a Nepal-based sustainable tourism operator. We specialize in curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences to showcase indigenous and community based tourism projects. We work with travel agents and tourism companies to help plan travel experiences that highlight authentic, local lifestyles throughout some of the most unique landscapes on earth.
Arrival in Kathmandu
If you fly into the Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport during the day, you will be treated to views of the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance, and the high wooded hills of the Kathmandu Valley. After you are picked up in the arrivals hall by our representative, you will be briefed about our company and given other general information. There are no pre-organized activities today, so you have time to rest and settle into your comfortable hotel, but you’ll set a time for a full briefing.
Overnight in Hotel Traditional Comfort
Cultural Tour - Bhaktapur and Panauti
Bhaktapur is the quintessential Newari city, with some of the finest architecture in all Nepal. Among the three oldest cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur was once the largest and the capital of Nepal during the Malla period. In the narrow lanes and open squares of Bhaktapur, you can see traditional crafts being made, such as pottery, metalwork, art, and the finest woodwork. Newari craftspeople are still renowned today as producers of some of the best traditional crafts in Nepal.
After our sightseeing in Bhaktapur city, we will drive to Panauti (approx 1 hour). Upon arrival at Panauti, we will be welcomed by the whole community. You will be introduced to your hosts, at whose home you will eat a delicious traditional lunch.
Panauti is one of the oldest typical Newari villages, and here you will see a number of beautiful and fascinating Hindu temples. Panauti has generally been spared much earthquake damage over the centuries, even though neighbouring towns and cities have suffered. It is believed that Panautiwas built on a single stone, thus making it more stable and secure that neighbouring places.
Breakfast at Hotel Traditional Comfort.
Lunch with a local family in Panauti
Overnight in Hotel Traditional Comfort
Drive to Pokhara
You may wish to fly, take a bus or drive to Pokhara.
Drive from Pokhara to Kande & trek to Deurali
After breakfast, you are taken on the one and a half hour drive to Kande. We begin our journey walking on stone paved steps, local settlements, followed by forest and wildflowers, and reaching Deurali, we will be welcomed by the stunning views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare.
Forest Camp (2550m; 04 Hrs)
The trekking route goes through a lush green forest accompanied by the bunch of colourful rhododendrons, Nepal’s national flower. It is a tranquil trail, which is quiet, peaceful till the forest camp. We can take rest and explore the area which is also known locally as Kokar.
Low Camp (2990m; 03 Hrs)
We perpetuate to ambulate through dense forests revering Nepal’s opulent 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.
High Camp (3580m; 03 Hrs)
If fortuitous, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (national bird of Nepal) peregrinating to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which the final destination of the day. However, on the beginning of the trekking day, 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.
From here the mountain views are stunning.
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m ) & return back to High Camp.
We hike along a narrow ridge afore reaching the Upper Viewpoint. The view of the Himalayan vista from here is astonishing. We visually perceive 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.
On the same day, we return to High Camp, which will take 2 hours to reach from Base Camp.
Landruk (1620m; 07 Hrs)
Jhinu Hot Spring (1780m ; 03 Hrs)
Nayapul (915m; 02 Hrs) & drive back to Pokhara
It is an easy three hours drive back to Pokhara. Here, you can get a hot shower and relax in one of the many bars and cafes along Lakeside.
Kathmandu
Returning to Kathmandu in the morning, you have the rest of the day free. You might like to try out one of the many cooking classes or workshops on offer, go for some more sightseeing or do some last minute shopping.