Officially this trekking trail was opened only in 2012 A.D by the government of Nepal. At the beginning, there was very limited trekkers were accessed only with tents and catering team though now this hidden trail has teahouses and lodges along the route with very simple facilities as it takes you past remote hidden paths in Annapurna. Mardi Himal trek can be completed between 5-9 days which depends your time limit. This trail is almost 30 km north of Pokhara and south west from Mt. Machhapuchhre. Mt. Annapurna South (7,010m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m) are the highlights Himalaya views of the trek. Mainly, the rhododendron forested area along with the rocky mountain terrain richly diverse the trekking trail. The spectacular view of Annapurna Base Camp can be seen down to the north. 4,500m/14,764ft) is the highest point of this trek. It covers almost 90km from starting to ending point of this trekking. Everyone either elder or young can enjoy this trek and will be best destination.
The Mardi Himal trekking have mainly 2 option either start from Phedi to Dhampus or start from Kande to Austrian camp. Both route merge at Pothana then continue the main trail through Pitam Deurali, Forest camp up to the base camp of Mardi Himal. Return back will be the same say up to Low cmap then the new trail proceeds toward to the Sidhing Village. Altitude sickness will not be a really problem though travel insurance and a first aid kit is advisable. This moderate type of Mardi Himal trek will be an ideal choice as “off the beaten path” trekking in Annapurna region of Nepal.
Upon your arrival, either me or my Company representative will be standing in front of arrival gate to meets you at Tribhuban International Airport, Kathmandu holding a board of our company SNOWPAL TREK AND EXPEDITION Pvt. Ltd. along with your Name plate for your convenient if you are a first-time visitor to Nepal and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel
Early breakfast at the hotel, the trekking guide will pick up you to the Pokhara bus station. Tourist standard comfortable bus drive early in the morning about 7 hours to arrive in Pokhara. On the driving way to Pokhara, Beautiful farming land terrace, rivers, uncountable green hill mountain with villages of different ethnic group of people are the scenic views. Pokhara located in the Midwest of Nepal has many natural lakes overwhelming with the view of snow caped mountain. Great view of the Himalaya can be seen from the dam side/ south part of Pokhara though lake side has huge density with touristic facilities. Overnight in Pokhara.
After breakfast we almost drive an hour from Pokhara to Kande with spectacular view Pokhara valley and snow caped mid-western Himalaya of Nepal. Trek start from Kande to Australian Camp located on the top of the green hill. This is also a view point place to see incredible scenic view of white mountain. We continue walk through tranquil forest to a small village Pothana for the night.
First day is as rehearsal of the trek. Today, we start after breakfast about 7:30 AM through the dense rhododendron forest. Rhododendron is also national flower of Nepal. The trail is very quiet as it is a real nature walk with fresh air. Forest Camp locally called Kokar where we stay for the night.
We start the path going up to the steep hillside to low camp with amazing views of landscape. After lunch at low camp, continue walk through rhododendron dense forest and charming view of Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre). On the way, we may encounter of Danphe (the national bird of Nepal) if the fortune came on our side. As we arrived to the High camp, Beautiful views of mountain and reach fresh air environment around will delight to reduce your tiredness of your all way walking. Overnight in high camp.
After breakfast we proceed to upper view point through Yak pastures land and hike a narrow ridge trail. Amazing views of the Himalayan vista from upper view point is amazing and awesome. Including Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna south (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Tarke Fang (7,647m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Singhuchuli (6,501m), Baraha Shikhar and many others mountain are the main attractive views. After few hours walk, we reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) from where we can view of the Annapurna Sanctuary down to the north. Retrace the trail and overnight stay at High camp.
We retrace up to low camp then we take right trail to Sidhing village. Amazing walk down path through rhododendron forest and alpine trees, leads us to warmer place to Sidhing village where we spend the night.
Today is the final day of this trek. Walk just two hour and drive back to Pokhara by Jeep and Leisure day in Pokhara
Explore the second largest city of Nepal dominated by the peaks of Annapurna range. Pokhara (8,27m/2,713ft), is only fifty kilometers south from Annapurna (8,091 meters) clearly seen from the valley. The prominent peaks from east to west are Annapurna South (7,219m), Varaha Shikhar (7,647m.) Annapurna I (8,091m.), Khangsar Kang (7,485 m), Tarke Kang (7, 193m) Gangapurna (7,455), Annapurna III (7,555m), Machhapuchhre (6,997m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983m). In addition to these Dhaulagiri I (8,167m) can be seen to the north- west and Manaslu and Lamjung Himal to the north –east.
Main Sightseeing spot in Pokhara.
Drive to world peace pogada and on the way back travel to David’s fall and see the Hindu shrine at Gupteshow Mahadiv Cave. Go to Seti Gandaki Gorge, Old bazaar, Mahendra cave and in the evening boating in the Phewa Lake than visit to a temple dedicated to Varahi on a small island, where devotees go for their worship. Explore the Mountain Museum. Get the spectacular views of the Himalaya. In addition, some other activities for the adventurous people such as paragliding, Ultra-light flight, mountain biking, zip flyer all day creates a perfect stamina or choose your favorite restaurant and Bar around lake side to solely sip hot mug of coffee or a large mug of Beer listening live music.
Either drive back 200km the same way or take a 30-minute flight to return back to Kathmandu. Different air company operating several flights to Kathmandu daily. Passenger May carry 25kg as normal luggage and a carry-on bag of 5kg hand carry. A small bag or laptop bag is considered a hand carry bag but should not exceed 5kg. Excess baggage will be charged at the rate of Rs 75 per kg. All Passenger are required to present their passport (for foreigners) and citizenship or driving license (for Nepali citizens) at the check-in counter. Most plane have a seating capacity of 29/30 person and is equipped with toilet facilities. Passengers are required to arrive at the airport at least an hour before of departure time. Because of unavoidable circumstance/situations, flight can be delays/cancelled which airline will inform via e-mail or call and we inform our guest but last-minute delays due to weather conditions will be known only at the airport. If the passengers cancel the flight, there will be a charge of 10% for cancellations made 7 day prior to departure date on normal and residential fare. If the cancellation made on the same day at least 6 hours before of departure time are subject to a 50% charge while a no snow merits No Refund. If the weather clean, an amazing spectacular panoramic Himalayan scenic view can be seen “like a Himalayan flight” during the flight Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu
Transfer from hotel to international airport to board onward journey flight. Or combine with other trip like white water rafting or safari tour at Chitwan Park or more sightseeing around World heritage sites. The cost would be extra for rafting and safari.