Mardi Himal Trek

on the off beaten trail to the base of Mardi Himal around Mt. Machhapuchare- Fish Tail

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Group Size: 2 - 10 People in Group
  • Trip Type: Tea House Trek
  • Trek Start & End: Kathmandu
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Season: March - June | Sept - December
  • Accommodation: Hotel & Tea House
  • Transport: Tourist Bus
  • Max Elevation: 4,100m | 13,448ft

Highlights

  • On the off-beaten trail seldom ventured by other trekkers around the Mardi area
  • In the hidden ridges of Annapurna at Mardi Himal beneath Machhapuchare Himal
  • Fantastic views of the world’s highest Annapurna-Dhaulagiri to Manaslu mountains
  • Enchanting rhododendron, birch, and pine tree forest in complete wilderness
  • Visiting lovely traditional Gurung villages of interesting culture
  • Scenic drive between Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • 9 Breakfast, 7 Lunch, and 6 Dinners (hygienic meals)

About Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best mountain views with a full flora-fauna trek located in the Annapurna Trekking Region, it's offers a natural paradise and a great option if you are looking for a short beautiful trek in Nepal. It presents an awesome destination for Mardi Himal Trekking on the hidden ridges of Annapurna Himalaya and towering Machhapuchare “Fish Tail Peak”. The trek is a fabulous adventure on the off-beaten trails and few trekkers seldom visit this amazing area. The area around Mardi Himal was christened or named “Other Sanctuary” after the popular Annapurna Sanctuary by early pioneer Col. Jimmy Roberts when he first explored the area in the early 1970s.

How You Can Start Mardi Himal Trek

Anyone can begin this trip after reaching Pokhara, a beautiful city from Kathmandu via the overland drive. It takes about a 6-7 hours bus journey to see the River and countryside landscape either you can take a 25minute flight from Kathmandu to see mountain scenery and then head towards the high hills of Annapurna Himalaya, trekking for a few days on the main route with views of snowcapped peaks.

Mardi Himal Flora & Fauna

On the Trek route of Mardi Himal after the Deurali ridge top with fantastic scenery our route heads on the hidden path into deep lovely forest areas of tall rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees to reach isolated areas at Jungle camp with facilities of few simple lodges as long the trek you can also explore real Nepali ethnic families with their cultural heritage which will be extra ornament from the Mardi Himal Trekking

What to See & Offers

 The natural beauty of the trek offers the view never ends as the walk continues heading to higher ridges where tree lines drop for a few bushes at Mardi Himal Base Camp and high camps at an altitude of above 4,400 meters, our highest spot of this adventure. The scenery expands as the trail rises, offering stupendous views of Himalayan giants from Dhaulagiri (8167m) to the Annapurna group: I (8091m), II (7937m), III (7555m), IV (7525m), South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m). Over 60 peaks in this region are higher than 6000m. Few other locations can offer so close an encounter.

Exploring the high ridges of the Mardi Himal Area, the Mardi Peak broken sections of the towering Machhapuchare Himal lower ridgeline offer a grand vista of surrounding mountains and amazing landscape scenery. After a great marvelous time around hidden areas of Mardi Himal Trek, conclude this scenic walk to Pokhara with a short drive and then back to Kathmandu after completing one of the most exciting and fabulous adventures with Nepal Spirit Adventure and its guide and staff.

Itinerary

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On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport receive by Nepal Adventure Spirit Adventure airport representative then transfer to your hotel downtown in the hub of Kathmandu city, after checking in and refreshments we provide a briefing on the hotels, Kathmandu, Nepali culture with Mardi Himal trekking overnight in Kathmandu.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1315m | 4314ft

Morning taking a tourist coach or a private vehicle (depending upon group size) drive leads on the foothills of high Himalayan Mountains and rolling green hills, passing through many farm villages and towns to reach a famous and popular tourist spot in Pokhara. Located on the laps of Annapurna's massive mountain range where it reflects on the serene Phewa Lake. On reaching Pokhara transfer to your hotels with time in the afternoon for walks around the lakeside, full of excellent restaurants and nice hotels.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 820m | 2700ft

starting this wonderful and exciting Mardi Himal & Machhapuchare Trekking with a short drive on the outskirt of Pokhara to reach at Dhampus Phedi (bottom/base), after getting organized a steep climb on stone steps leading to farm areas of terrace field, offering great views of snow peaks and valley below entering a patch of cool forest with last climb to reach at the ridge top of Pothana village for overnight stop. Dhampus village with cooler temperature offering a super panorama of Annapurna Himalaya with Dhaulagiri and Manaslu range including majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “Fish Tail” and a small peak of Mardi Himal towards North West.

  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Pothana
  • Altitude: 1890m | 6300ft

After a pleasant overnight inPothana with fantastic views, walk begins on the main trekking trail into a forested area to Deurali with super views of landscapes and snow-clad peaks. After admiring the surrounding scenery leaving the main trekking trail heading north along the ridgeline into a serene forested area with cool temperature with a panorama of Annapurna I and South with Huinchuli to the east Annapurna IV -II and Lamjung Himal and then reaching our overnight stop in the middle of a forest where few lodges are located for trekkers.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Forest Camp
  • Altitude: 2480m | 8134ft

From this forest area, walk leads higher on an uphill path with a steep climb to reach a pasture land for an overnight stop on route Mardi base camp with fantastic views of surrounding landscapes and mountains at close range.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Low Camp
  • Altitude: 3150m | 10332ft

This wonderful area offers a grand vista of beautiful landscapes and snow-clad peaks in perfect tranquility heading higher to reach Base Camp as the air gets thinner and cooler with a steep climb to reach Base Camp where tree lines fade to short rhododendron and juniper bushes. Here at Base Camp with a lonely lodge for overnight accommodation with basic facilities commanding super views of Annapurna Himalaya.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: High Camp
  • Altitude: 4100m | 13448ft

Herewith another night stop to explore beyond High Camp with a day hike to Mardi Himal higher ridge reaching the highest point of this trek at 4,400 meters / 14,432 ft. The walk leads to a steep climb along a ridgeline to reach a hidden plateau at the base of Mardi Himal South Face with towering Mt. Machhapuchare; this area is known as 'Other Sanctuary' named by early pioneer Jimmy Roberts when he first explored this area in the early 1970s. After enjoying the views of the super mountain panorama return back on the same route to our overnight stop.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: High Camp
  • Altitude: 4100m | 13448ft

After a fabulous time on the high ridges of Mardi Himal with beautiful views and back into a forest of rhododendron and pines trees, retracing the journey back on the same trail at Jungle Camp and beyond with more downhill walk to reach Sidang village located between the junction to another East and West route to Mardi Himal on warmer area for overnight stop before ending this lovely trek next day.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Accommodation: Tea House
  • Location: Siding Village
  • Altitude: 1750m | 5740ft

Our last day walk of this fabulous adventure on the hidden trails of the Annapurna region walk follows the Mardi River on the wide valley reaching warmer areas of rice/paddy farm villages finally walk ends at Mardi village for a short drive back to Pokhara.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Pokhara
  • Altitude: 820m | 2700ft

Morning drive back to Kathmandu on tourist coach or in private vehicle leading on the same interesting road with few stops for refreshment and lunch, after 5-6 hours of good ride brings you back in the hustle and bustle of city life in Kathmandu. (option by air taking morning or afternoon flight to Kathmandu with 30 minutes of scenic views during a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu).

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1315m | 4314ft

After a wonderful time on the high hills of Annapurna to Mardi Himal & Machhapuchare trekking with the grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per the flight time transfer to the international air terminal for your departure homeward bound or to the next respective countries.

  • Meals: Breakfast
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Cost Details

  • Transfer by private vehicle on arrival and departure
  • Two nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (one night before & one night after the trek)
  • Annapurna conservation permit and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System)
  • Tourist bus service from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Two-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Private vehicle: Pokhara to Phedi and back to Pokhara after the end of the trek
  •  Experienced government registered trekking guide and 2 trekkers: 1 porter price including daily wages, medical insurance-transportation allowance- meals, and accommodation
  • Twin-share (room) tea house lodge along the trek
  • Daily 3 times hygienic meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Daily 3 cups of black tea or coffee
  • Quality trek equipment: Sleeping bag, Down jacket, and company duffel bag (return after the trek)
  • Travel and rescue arrangements
  • All the government and local tax paperwork
  • Nepal Spirit Adventure exclusive medical kit
  • Personal daily trek expenses: Alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, hot shower, and, extra  tea-coffee
  • Nepalese visa fee (you can apply online or obtain it after arrival in Nepal)
  • Travel insurance & Rescue operation
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Food in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • International flight tickets

Dates & Prices

Departure note

Departure dates are guaranteed to run the trek, if isn't convenient for you; you may choose alternate trip departure dates as per your comfort holidays, we are pleased to open a new trip date the private trek can be organized at any time of the year.

 

Departure DateStatusPriceNote  
19 Mar, 2024 - 29 Mar, 2024AvailableUS$640Confirm
27 Mar, 2024 - 06 Apr, 2024AvailableUS$640Confirm

Useful Information

IS AIRPORT PICKUP INCLUSIVE? (Upon Arrival In Nepal)

Yes, it is included in the trek package!! On arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative or staff will receive you as per your flight landing hours with your name on the display board of Nepal Spirit Adventure then transfer to your respective hotels in Kathmandu. Afternoon or evening time we will review and discuss much information regarding your trip itinerary and include/exclude services as per the trip itinerary chosen, at the same time introduce your guide who will help you with the final preparation for your trek as well as your may have a question and answer about the trip.

DOES HOTELS INCLUSIVE IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA?

Both cities Kathmandu and Pokhara Hotel are included in the trip package, we provide clean comfortable tourist standard category hotels on a sharing (Room) basis with breakfast. If you are trekking in groups joining a basis, you will share a room with someone of the same gender from your group prefer a single room supplement in Kathmandu and on-route trekking, you can request for the single supplement (which will be at an extra cost besides the trip price stated). We can also help you to book at different deluxe star category hotels on request for more details and information please feel free to contact us

A TYPICAL TEA HOUSE (Lodge) TREKKING DAYS

A typical trekking day means walking from morning to late afternoon. Each morning after packing your bags and then having a good breakfast, we will set off for day walks to our next designated overnight stop. We suggest that you carry a small day pack to put your water bottles, sunscreen cream, hats, raincoat, camera, and warm jumper just in case the weather changes to cold, while the rest of your belongings that you don’t need for the day goes in large duffel/kit bags for porters to carry. The walk will last for 3 to 4 hours in the morning until lunch at midday. We stop for one hour to have lunch and rest before heading to our overnight destination in the comfort of a tea house/lodge in the villages.

At the end of the day after checking in the lodge, rest (read books, write your diary) or explore the village. After lunch, you will be walking for 2 to 3 hours, normally reaching the overnight stop around 3 to 4 PM. Our guide will provide you with the best accommodation available in Tea houses and lodges. Some days complete day walks by lunchtime at designated overnight stops, where you will be free after lunch in the afternoon.

After tea and coffee breaks, one can spend time exploring the village or just relax and do some washing the laundry. The dinner will be served around 6 to 7 P.M. the dining room (Restaurant) inside the tea house/lodge. For dinner as per the menu or recommended by your guide must be ordered one hour in advance. After dinner evening will be spent often playing cards or discussing the day’s topic and events or writing a diary if we are habitual of it before heading off to bed for good sound sleep.

WHAT KINDS OF ACCOMMODATION DO YOU PROVIDE in TREK

Trekking into the Mardi Himal zone, we provide accommodation in tea houses (mountain lodges-Homestay). A Tea House is a combination of a guest house, restaurant, and social hang-out. The rooms are with twin beds and little additional furniture like small tables or chairs. Blankets are generally provided (we recommend that you carry your sleeping bags). Most bathrooms are common with squatting (Asian) toilets or of Western comfort with sitting toilets. Most Tea Houses / Lodge have running water facilities. You can take showers but with an extra charge, approximately 3-4 dollars for each person's hot shower.

WHAT KIND OF FOODS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

As per your booking of the Mardi Himal trek, always provide hygienic full board meals are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). We provide food from these local lodge/tea houses as per choices on the menu. Breakfast and dinner provided at the same tea house/lodge while lunch would be on the trail. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, seasonable vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soups. Some lodge serves Western foods such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea house restaurants. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast.

WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF SAFE DRINK WATER?

Along the trek, safe drinking water is very important while we are on high altitude journey. We recommend that one should drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day (this helps from de-hydration and altitude problems AMS). As long as possible we recommend you buy sealed packed mineral water and can buy from every local shop and lodges. Remember! River, spring, and tap water are free, we should not recommend you directly drink it even water looks very clean, can not drink it by adding water purification pills or filters then will be suitable to drink. You can buy also boiled water from every lodge boiled water and sealed packed water cost 1-2$ dollars per letter and its cost also depends on where we are from the sea level. So, you need to prepare and pack the extra cost for all the table drinks.

WHAT LEVEL HEALTH & FITNESS IS REQUIRED?

Health and physical fitness is the most important part of travel and participating in trek and hiking. If you do not have previous trekking experience as required, you can start with morning walking exercise or cycling for weeks or months before/after booking the trip with us, if you have previous trekking and climbing experience it will add a plus point to the trek chosen, most of the trek is non-technical effort walks. The highest height gain on this trip is at 5,360m in Gokyo Ri Top above sea level. The walk involves lots of ups and downs, walking through local villages, farmlands, terraces, and riverside as long as you have energy walking for 4- 6 hours a day, and if you are qualified for the trek but still require moderate health and fitness. We strongly advise travelers to consult their medical doctor before traveling do a regular check-up and hand the report to us while booking a trip with us.

IS YOUR TREKKING CRES ARE EXPERIENCE?

Yes, our trek guide and porter are experienced and are certified for work. Nepal is a mountainous country walk takes you to a remote region, you must be accompanied by an experienced and qualified guide and leaders for a safe journey and making the trip a success. We at Nepal Spirit Adventure employ native trekking guides and porters who are trained and qualified for this type of trip and have worked with us for a long time.

Our experienced guide provides you with much local information and offers you advice on how to use your free time and coordinate day-to-day events of the tour, although (sometimes) he might need you to understand that if things do not go according to our plan set. Our trek guides are fully trained and licensed by the Nepal Government, and certified by TAAN and the Nepal Mountaineering Association.

All our trekking and climbing guides are well qualified and highly experienced with 9- 10 years on this job. We provide training for our staff yearly on medical and climbing, with their efficiency, and cheerful attitude, providing help, information and the needs of the guests of nationalities.

Assuring that all our trips are well managed by the expert team of tourism professionals all our guides have a good knowledge regarding the culture and customs of the routes on trekking and tours, share experience and cultural insights of the country that’s missed out in travel guide books. During your time with us, you will have time to learn Nepali phrases and other cultural aspects during the journey. As we organize varied treks in Nepal Himalaya, on group trekking we provide a trek leader with an assistance leader on each trekking depending upon the size of the groups.

This ensures safe travel with us as our guide/assistance guides get any health medical problem, we still have other main guides and leaders to run the trip smoothly as per our standard itinerary. To make the trip enjoyable we provide one guide to support and carry your bags among two people with one Sherpa helper in certain conditions.

WHAT IS THE LIMIT CAN POTER CARING?

Our porter is fully equipped with warm gear and insured on each trip by the company. We take care of our staff/porter's welfare as well as the client’s safety.
We closely work with (the PAC) Porters Association International Act. We allow a maximum load to be carried by our porter of 20 to 30 KG and make sure that your trekking duffel-kit bag should not be more than 20 to 30 KG.

IS TRAVEL & TREKKING INSURANCE NECESSAY?

Trekking and Travel insurance is a must and necessary you are insured when booking trips with Nepal Spirit Adventure. Insurance protections should cover Travel / Medical sufficiently as well as emergency and immediate rescue evacuation by any means of transportation including helicopters on medical grounds.
As well covering against loss or theft of your belongings and valuables please make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal such as Trekking and Climbing including other trips and adventure sports.

Nepal Spirit Adventure holds no responsibility and liability in case of loss, theft, or damage of your belongings. We also let you know that Nepalese insurance companies do not have a travel insurance policy for foreign nationals. They have this policy only for Nepalese nationals. We advise you when you travel to Nepal please bring your insurance documents it is top important.

CAN WE RE-CHARGE BATTERIES ON THE TREK (Electronic items)?

We can recharge your batteries and devices with electricity or solar power sources. In Nepal, 220 240 volts 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second) power is supplied. Just need to have a plug adaptor in case of socket fitting, which you can buy in Kathmandu before the trip since the plugs in Nepal might be different. You might have to pay a small amount of fee/hour for using recharging facilities.

RISK LIABILITIES

We are fully committed to providing the best quality services providing an enjoyable and mesmerizing holiday so that one can experience a “once in a lifetime journey” with us, we perform our duties honestly and seriously to make your journey very smooth and pleasant. The entire programs are conducted strictly under the rules and regulations of the Nepal Government Act and policies. Nepal Spirit Adventure Pvt. Ltd shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as govt. restriction, landslides, road blockages, floods, other natural calamities, political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness, or accident. Any extra cost incurred due to some situations clients should be borne the expenses on the spot.

WHAT IS THE NEPAL VISA COST?

Nepal visa, you can apply online system and pay the following cost for a Nepal visa. On-arrival visa fee at entry points.

  • 15 Days – 30 USD
  • 30 Days – 50 USD
  • 90 Days – 125 USD

WHAT HAPPENS WITH HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

Altitude sickness often known as acute mountain sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally at altitudes of over 3000 m. Most people will feel some effects of altitude, shortness of breath, and possibly light-headedness, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness, and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action. When symptoms of altitude sickness develop, please tell your trekking guide. He will advise you to deal with your problem. Generally, overexertion and dehydration contribute to altitude sickness. So drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day besides tea and coffee which act as diuretics.

WHAT'S GROUP SIZE?

We organize any route of Nepal trek with fix departure basis or private trip, the minimum group size would be 2 the maximum group size is 10 or more on request. We can also organize a private trip for a solo person with a single supplement cost. Otherwise, join our estimated group departure dates available online market or ask us for your suitable flexible dates, and we will open group dates on the same date.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MARDI HIMAL?

Nepal has two best seasons for trekking Mardi Himal, as this trip is very adventurous and challenging, we always recommend that you book this kind of trip at the right time of the year possible. Trekking in Nepal is possible at any time of the year, depending on the area of the trekking area chosen. In Nepal, you can trek anywhere in any four seasons (Spring-Summer-Autumn / Fall or Winter), but the most popular trekking seasons are Spring and Autumn times. Nepal Spirit Adventure offers you to consider the following advice on the outstanding aspects of each season.

Autumn (September- October- November):
Autumn is one of the best seasons for trekking in the Himalayan region offers excellent weather and outstanding mountain views, the weather is clear and we can guarantee that you can witness fantastic mountain views and panorama. This season is the peak time for trekking in Nepal Himalaya and you can also witness several Hindu festivals such as 15 days long Dashain, the biggest festival for all Nepalese, celebrating the triumph of good over evil, and shortly afterward the 5 days Tihar or Dipawali (Festival of Lights) follows.

Winter (December-January- February):
In winter snowfall times at higher elevations, the snowline descends considerably, and the weather is cold. So it is an ideal time for trekking at lower elevations below 3,000m in the foothills of Nepal with great views of the Himalayas, it can get cold at night and in the mornings, but during the day temperatures are mild when it is sunny.

Spring (March-April- May):
Spring is one of the best seasons for trekking in the Nepal Himalayas. Many visitors travel to Nepal in the spring as trekking is fine in all Himalayan regions. The meadows and forest will be in full bloom with riots of colors of wildflowers especially rhododendrons the, national flowers of Nepal, which come in great varieties from bush to tall trees. The weather is warmer at lower elevations and the higher elevations over 4,000m visibility is excellent and the temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (June-July- August):
During summer trek is warm and sweaty in the wet summer months, and also constitutes the monsoon season which can continue up to mid-September. Summer is a good time for keen botanists and forest researchers as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is not generally recommended to trek during the summer season except in the arid rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Kailash.

Nepal Himalaya will be in the grip of wet monsoon season starting from mid-June to early September months, although mornings are often clear for a few hours for the views of sunrise and mountains, it can rain heavily almost every day, and cloud hangs around by mid-morning, with frequent rain and occasional thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening times. The advantages of trekking in the summer months trekking along with a few crowds of trekkers and on the quiet trail.