Family And Friends Trekking To Mardi Himal - 8 Days
About this tour
“An alternative trek for Annapurna Base camp is Mardi Himal trek, a hidden gem where you can trek within a short period of days.”
The most recent popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region is Mardi Himal Trek. Mardi Himal Base camp is situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre in the western development region of Nepal. The trail goes along small winding paths, through magical rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation around 3,300 m. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The highest altitude is 4,500 meters at the Mardi Himal base camp which offers close up views of Annapurna 1(8091m) and South (7819m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchre (6991m) and Lamjung Himal (6931m). There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu, Nepal to Pokhara, Nepal
Drive to Pokhara (200 km. 6/7 hours driving) by tourist bus (at 9:30 AM) in the morning from your hotel and then overnight at the Hotel in Pokhara. Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.
Day 2: Pokhara, Nepal to Deurali, Ghandruk, Nepal
You will drive to Phedi which takes 30 minutes from center of the Pokhara city. The route from Phedi is a good one and very few trekkers choose to start the trek from here. The trail first start with the slowly up then a bit steeper to Dampus village (1650m) where the ACAP / TIMS checkpoint is situated, then after an early lunch slightly uphill to Pothana (1950m) and then up again to Deurali (2100m). Overnight at teahouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 3: Deurali, Ghandruk, Nepal to Mardi Himal Low Camp, Lwang Ghalel, Nepal
There is a right turn in Deurali signposted “Forest Camp” the trail is through the jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over halfway where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Cam (2600m) after about 4 hour trekking. There are now 6-7 lodges in Forrest Camp. We will have lunch there and continue our 2 hours trek to Low Camp. Overnight at teahouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 4: Mardi Himal Low Camp, Lwang Ghalel, Nepal to high camp ( hotel trekkers paradise), ल्वाङ घलेल, Nepal
As usual, we start our trek after a good breakfast walking about 1 and a half hours to Badal Danda from where you could excellent panoramic views of snow Himalaya. Today we will hike very gently as we can enjoy the mountain views from every step. We will go directly to high camp for lunch and in the evening we will experience the sunset view. Overnight at teahouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 5: high camp ( hotel trekkers paradise), ल्वाङ घलेल, Nepal to Mardi Himal Low Camp, Lwang Ghalel, Nepal
It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another 2 to 3 hours to the viewpoint (4200m). The view from the viewpoint is enough but you can continue up to upper viewpoint if you want. Normally many of the trekkers return from Upper viewpoint as the views are similar to base camp. After we will return to the tea house for breakfast and trek to rest camp for 3 hours. Overnight at teahouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 6: Mardi Himal Low Camp, Lwang Ghalel, Nepal to Lwang Ghalel, Nepal
After a relaxed breakfast, trek gently through the shade of the forest and out onto terraced fields. You will follow a different route down, to the upper Mardi Khola, the torrent that was once the ice and snow of the Mardi Himal. Although remote and still off the beaten ‘tea house’ trekking routes, your expedition now follows the arm valley and past friendly villages. Eventually, you'll arrive at Lwang village, your stop for the night. Here, there are organic tea gardens. In the evening, meet a mothers' group that works to raise money for local projects. Enjoy an overnight in your unique and authentic homestay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 7: Lwang Ghalel, Nepal to Pokhara Lakeside, Pokhara, Nepal
We will have breakfast around 8 am and after that, we will hike to Annapurna Tea garden where we can enjoy the Annapurna siblings just facing toward the tea garden from the northern side. We will return to the homestay and the local mothers will offer us the garland saying goodbye. Our last day in the mountain will end by driving directly to Pokhara. The afternoon will be a relaxing time and walk around the street of Lake Side. Overnight accommodation is set with BB Plan.
Day 8: Pokhara, Nepal to Kathmandu, Nepal
After breakfast, you will return back to Kathmandu which is of 6/7 hours drive. You have the option to extend your trip to continue onto Chitwan jungle safari, rafting adventure, Kathmandu valley shopping tour, and scenic Everest flight, mountain biking, and other activities.
What's included
National Park entrance fee and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS card) English speaking, government licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance Twin/double shearing accommodation in the mountain during the trekking Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek (not in Pokhara and Kathmandu) First aid kit Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company) trekking route maps 2-night hotel at Pokhara All necessary government taxes and service charges Porter (For two-person)
Your Nepal visa fees and 2 passport size photos All the International airfare from and to Kathmandu All meals in Pokhara and Kathmandu Accommodation in Kathmandu Food and accommodations in case of early arrivals from the trek or late departures from the airport Your extra personal expenses during trek such as (laundry, baggage charge, phone calls, battery recharge, bar and beverage bill, boiled or bottled water, hot and cold shower, extra porter, etc) Tips for the trekking crew Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control The given price is for a minimum of two pax.
What to know
This trek can be extended and shorten according to you interest and time availability.
Route & locations
Kathmandu, Nepal to Pokhara, Nepal