Mardi Himal Trekking

Overview

The fantastic Mardi Himal Trek is located just east of Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal's most legendary trekking destinations. The Mardi Himal Trek is a great option for those who are seeking an "off the beaten path" trekking experience that takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,763 ft) and the most iconic mount in the Annapurna region, Machhapuchhre, "fishtail."

It passes through breathtaking landscapes, traditional rural villages, lush rhododendron forests, dramatic high alpine terrain, and complete wilderness against the backdrop of the soaring snow-capped majestic mountains of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli Mountains. While trekking along this route, the landscape changes abruptly in the high mountains, with incredible views of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

We will be able to climb to the high camp (3580 m) and later ascend in about 3 hours to reach the base camp of Mardi Himal, which offers spectacular views closer to the entire Annapurna Range.

This is a short-day trek that both novice and seasoned hikers may complete.

The journey starts with a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The next day, we drive from Pokhara to Phedi, where we commence trekking to Dhampus. The next day, we will begin our trip from Dhampus, passing through a lot of tiny ethnic settlements.

Another advantage of this trekking is that instead of having to go back over the same ground, the trail makes a short round-up to Landruk and Jhinu Danda (hot spring).

In conclusion, the Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek in Nepal's Annapurna region where we stay in teahouses (lodges), sample local cuisine, enjoy the beautiful hill and mountain scenery, and take in the expansive views of the enormous Himalayan mountains, including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.

Mardi Himal Trek, unknown alternative in the Annapurnas

The Mardi Himal crossing is a relatively new route, opened in 2012. A hidden gem, still little traveled, in a wild, rustic environment, located east of the Annapurna massif. The trail does not have any difficulty, except for the unevenness, so it is suitable for all people accustomed to moving through the mountains. It is a good alternative to popular routes such as the neighboring Annapurna Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit .

The trek runs through a beautiful landscape and has impressive views of the Annapurna circus and the beautiful Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), which has never been crowned. What makes it different from other routes is that it does not run through a valley but rather along an elevated ridge with spectacular views at all times.

If in the lower part the path crosses rice terraces and other crops, in the upper part it runs through virgin forests and alpine meadows. The vegetation is abundant with oak forests and rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal. At the top, the forest gives way to meadows and glaciers. There is a lot of wildlife. It is full of birds of different species, monkeys and other animals.

The jewel of Mardi Himal

The biggest attraction in the area is the Machapucharre peak (6,993 m) or “Fishtail”, a sacred mountain that has never been climbed. It is venerated by the local population as particularly consecrated to the god Shiva, and therefore ascension is not permitted. Its double summit resembles the tail of a fish, hence the name “Fish's Tail” – Fish's Tail in English.

From the highest point of the route you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the highest brothers of the Mardi Himal: South Annapurna (7,010 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machhapuchhare (6,993 m). The Mardi Himal trek can easily connect with the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek or the Annapurna Base Camp trek , making it a much more complete Himalayan excursion.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu,

The flight into the Himalayas offers breathtaking views of the major peaks Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Mt. Ganesh

(7,422 m), Mt. Purbi Chhyachu (6,637 m), Mt. Langtang (7,227 m), etc. (weather permitting), taking you directly

into the Himalayan capital of Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal

you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, Spend the rest of

the day at leisure for personal activities following your program briefing or you may familiarize with the narrow

lively, and endless streets around Thamel town (Touristic center), where you will find all kinds of good restaurants,

ATMs and exchange money, full of typical Nepali handicrafts, fine jewelry, clothing, and trekking gear stores.

Day 2 : Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara (827m): trekking to Pitam Deurali

Breakfast, in the morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport and we take a 30 Min, flights to Pokhara,

Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, known for its panoramic views of the

Annapurna Range with three out of the ten highest mountains in the world — Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and

Manaslu are within approximately 15 – 35 miles of the valley.

Due to its proximity to the Annapurna Mountain range in the Himalayas, the city is the gateway to famous

Mustang trekking, Mount Annapurna Circuit trail, and Jomsom – Muktinath,

On arrival we take 1 ½ hour drive to the trek starting point at Phedi and we start our trek towards Deurali, we will

pass through picturesque villages with terraced fields and forests before reaching Dhampus. We continue our way

to Deurali, which is a small village beautifully situated on a ridge with good views of southern Annapurna, Mardi

Himal and Machhapuchhre.

Day 3 : Trek: Deurali – Kokar: (Forest Camp)

We continue to drive through lush forest dotted with red rhododendrons which are a common sight in the

Nepalese mountains and no wonder they are the national flower of Nepal. The route to Kokar (Forest Camp) is

very quiet. We will be able to rest and explore the town that is known locally as Kokar.

Day 4 : Trek: Kokar – Low Camp / Badal Danda

We continue walking through dense forests admiring the rich biodiversity of Nepal and reaching the lower camp. From here we have the fantastic view of Mount Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and the fascinating valley. This afternoon we will be able to know the local life of the town.

Day 5 : Trek: Low Camp – High Camp

We walk uphill along a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. The tree lines start to thin out and the area consists mostly of isolated rhododendron bushes along the path. It is common to see the Daphne pheasant (Nepal's national bird) on our way to the high camp at the final destination of the day which offers breathtaking mountain views.

Day 6 : Trek: High Camp – View Point (4250m) – Low Camp:

Today we continue the last destination to the View Point, the route is steep and narrow with the ascent and descent passing through high pastures land and we walk along a narrow trail to reach the View Point. From View Point we will have the amazing view of the Annapurna I mountain range (8091m), Annapurna South (7219M), the Mardi Himal (5587M), Hiunchuli (6441M), Baraha Shikhar (Mount Fang) (7647M), Tent Peak (5695M), Singha Chuli (6501M), Machhapuchhre (6993M) etc. Later we return to Low Camp for overnight.

Day 7 : Trek: Low Camp – Sidhing (1700m):

We return by a different route to another Sidhing village. This different route allows us to enjoy more and more exciting. Sidhing village offers a peaceful stay as it is tucked away off this busy route.

Day 8 : Trek: Sidhing – Lumre – Pokhara:

Breakfast, we continue down towards Lumre passing through the towns of Kalimati and Ghalel, we will arrive at Lumre where we will take a local vehicle to return to Pokhara. In the afternoon, visit the famous “David fall”, a beautiful waterfall, it marks the point where a stream from Phewa

Lake vanishes underground through a narrow gorge into a mysterious hole in the ground, the Gupteswor Shiva Cave, one of the longest caves in Nepal and Tibetan refugee camp, take a boat ride in Phewa Lake and reach the temple of Tal Barahi temple in the island, later simply walk around the main tourist hub near Fewa Lake side, overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

In the afternoon, enjoy the serenity of Pokhara or simply choose some optional tour of paragliding, Zip flyer etc.

Day 9 : Flight: Pokhara – Kathmandu:

Breakfast, In the morning transfer to Pokhara airport and we take a 25 min, flight to Kathmandu, Later, we visit Swoyambhunath Stupa with its 2,500-year history, visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residence, Kasthamandap, Mahadev & Parvati Temple, Kumari palace sacred for Buddhists and Hindus and bazaars.

In the afternoon, visit Patan Durbar Square, the old Newar City with the Golden Gate, the Temple of Taleju, Golden Temple and surrounding beautiful monument, In the evening, a Nepali farewell dinner, we rejoice and express our gratitude to our Sherpa team who accompanied us to make our great Mardi Himal Trek successful!!

Day 10 : Final departure: Kathmandu to the city of origin

Breakfast, In the morning free for personal activities, we can explore the narrow lively and endless streets of Thamel town where we will find all kinds of good restaurants, full of typical Nepali handicraft, fine jewelry, clothing and trekking gear store, later at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for final departure. We wish you a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future. End of Service.

Inclusions

What is included?

Meeting and Assistance on Arr./Dep. at the Airport or Hotel by Sampurna Adventure Representatives.
All transfers on A/C vehicles as per group size in Kathmandu.
Nonalcoholic welcome drinks on arrival at hotel.
Double / twin sharing rooms in bed and breakfast in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Monument entrance fees during mentioned city tour.
English, Spanish, or any other major language spoken by an experienced local tour guide while on the tour in Kathmandu.

During Tea house Trek:

Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Trekking permits: ACAP & TIMS,
Twin / Dormitory room in lodge/guest house inclusive of 3 simple meals, breakfast, lunch & dinner.
Official licensed English-speaking trek Sherpa guide, One Porter for two trekkers basis to carry luggage (Permits max 12 kg. per trekker) Trekking permits.
One assistant Sherpa guide if group size is above 6 pax.
Trekking Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation.
Duffle bag for trekking, First aid medicine kit.
Sampurna Adventure Trek achievement certificate after the successful trek.
Heli rescue arrangement in case of health issue according to your insurance policy.
Authentic Nepali farewell dinner with the Cultural Program.
All presently applicable government tax and service tax,

What isn't included?

International air fares to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee; pay in cash at Kathmandu airport.
Any meal not mentioned in the program.
Photography fees inside the monument (if applicable).
Charging electronic devices and Wi-Fi on the trek.
Hot shower charges during the trek (if applicable).
Extra costs due to natural and political causes such as landslides, unrest, snow, strikes, etc.
All personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, food and drinks, etc., are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Personal Trekking gear / materials.
Tips for guides, porters, drivers, restaurants, etc. (customary)
Personal travel insurance, including helicopter rescue in case of emergency (recommended to possess).
Due to any reason, expenses of any extra transfer, hotel accommodation, and other services abandoning the trekking or expedition trip before or after scheduled.
Any other service not mentioned in the column of services includes.

Trip code
Package name	Mardi Himal Trekking
Duration	10
Max. elevation	4250 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	Flight and all ground transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation	Hotel/Tea House Lodge on the trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 1,197 per person