Trip Highlight:
“Short and scenic walks to Mardi Himal base camp with incredible views of high peaks Exciting walks with daily views of high snow-capped peaks of Mardi and Annapurna Himalaya Explore local Gurung villages of great interesting culture and traditional farm life Into lovely alpine green woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia and pine trees Walk from low warm areas to cooler alpine hills towards arctic zone of ice and glaciers Treks starts and ends at picturesque Pokhara city and green valley by calm Phewa Lake”.
Brief Trip Profile:
Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge on walks.
Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest Altitude : At Mardi Himal Base Camp 4,500 m high.
Activities : Sightseeing tour, exciting drive and trekking.
People and Culture : Higher up dominated by Gurung people the hill tribe of Annapurna region with Buddhism religion, lower area mixed tribes of Gurung-Magar-Thakali, Hindu Brahmins and Chettries varied culture and custom of Buddhist and Hindu traditional life.
Area of Trekking : Nepal Mid-West around southern Annapurna Himalaya range.
Trekking duration : 06 Nights and 07 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara).
Total Trip : 11 Nights and 12 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).
Introduction:
Mardi Himal around Annapurna Region trekking an adventure that takes you to hidden corners of Annapurna Himalaya, away from the mass flow of trekkers into undisturbed and pristine environment. The areas around Mardi Himal and massive Annapurna Himalaya where few trekkers often visit this unknown fresh new routes which lead you at the very bottom of Mardi Himal and towering peaks of Machhapuchare Himal ‘The Fish Tail’. Mardi Himal stands at 5,587 m high, which was first explored by Col Jimmy Robert in mid-1960s, and named this hidden corners of Annapurna as ‘Other Sanctuary’ after the present Annapurna Sanctuary, which is North West from Mardi Himal. A wonderful walk which is a mere distance of 45 k.m. (as crow flies) from beautiful Pokhara city and its green lovely valley, the region which is within massive Annapurna Himalaya and on the southern flank of magnificent Machhapuchare Himal that towers at above 6,993 m high a virgin and unclimbed peak. Mardi Himal around Annapurna Region trekking begins from Pokhara heading beyond its valley rim past farm villages and well-tended terraces, as walk starts heading into enchanting woodland of tall rhododendron, oaks, magnolia, and pines trees as our route leads from the last villages of Dhampus and Potana. Leaving behind human civilization into complete wilderness within deeply forested areas with views of peaks heading higher to reach our designated overnights stops at Low or Forest Camp and then at High Camp, where tree lines disappear for short alpine bushes. At High Camp with time for a short hike to the highest point of the adventure at above 4,500 meters facing breathtaking panorama of Annapurna-Manaslu with Dhaulagiri including Mardi Himal and towering Machhapuchare Himal. After a marvelous time around Mardi, Himal base camp heading back taking the same route for a while and then on new trail downhill to warmer farm areas and back into villages where a short drive brings you at picturesque Pokhara for last overnight around Annapurna Himalaya.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey (30 mins by air).
Day 04: Drive to Dhampus village 1,540 m (trek point) with 3 hrs walk to Potana 1,900m.
Day 05: Trek to Kokar Forest camp 2,520 m via Pitam Deurali 2,100 m - 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Low Camp 2,970 m - 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to High Camp 3,700 m - 05 hrs.
Day 08: Free day at High Camp for a hike to Mardi Himal base camp at 4,500 m.
Day 09: Trek to Siding village 1,750m - 06 hrs.
Day 10: Morning short walks and drives to Pokhara - 04 hrs.
Day 11: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
Day 12: International departure for homeward bound.
Day 01: Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Mardi Himal around Annapurna Region trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.
Morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for an interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religious monuments, listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of great interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome shaped with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. From here head back to Hotel with free afternoon preparation for Mardi Himal around Annapurna Region Trekking.
Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara 820m (220 k.m) - 06 hrs journey (30 mins by air).
Morning taking a tourist coach or smaller vehicle as per group size for the ocean and drive that leads you away and beyond Kathmandu valley heading low warmer areas with views of snowcapped mountains. As drive continues on busy main highway past farm villages and town then heading Nepal Mid-West to reach at scenic Pokhara city. At Pokhara transfer to nice hotels by the serene lake Phewa with views of Annapurna and Manaslu mountain range with towering peaks of Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight from Kathmandu to land at Pokhara airport).
Day 04: Drive to Dhampus village 1,540 m with 3 hrs walk to Potana 1,900m.
After a pleasant overnight stop at beautiful Pokhara facing views of Annapurna Himal and Fish Tail peak, after breakfast drive beyond Pokhara valley to start our first day walk. Drive leads with views of Annapurna heading past farm villages and towns heading up on Winding road to reach at Dhampus village, a large Gurung farm village offering a super panorama of Annapurna-Manaslu range of mountains with majestic Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’. From Dhampus begin the first day short walk on gradual up into the cool shade of forest to Potana with super views of Annapurna Himalaya with Manaslu range including majestic Mt. Machhapuchare “Fish Tail” and a small peak of Mardi Himal towards North West. Potana for an overnight stop, in this small lovely village facing grand views of mountains located within beautiful green forested surrounding.
Day 05: Trek to Kokar Forest camp 2,520m via Pitam Deurali 2,100m - 04 hrs.
After a pleasant overnight stop at Potana village with fabulous views, walk begins on the main trekking trail to reach at Pitam Deurali. This hill top offers super views of landscapes and snow-clad peaks. After Deurali 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 the forest where few lodges are located for trekkers.
Day 06: Trek to Forest camp to Low Camp 2,970 m - 04 hrs.
From this forest area, walk leads higher on the 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.
Day 07: Trek to High camp 3, 700 m - 05 hrs.
This wonderful area offering a grand vista of beautiful landscapes and snow-clad peaks in perfect tranquility heading higher to reach at High Camp as the air gets thinner and cooler with a steep climb to reach at High Camp where tree lines fades to short rhododendron and juniper bushes. Here at High Camp with a lonely lodge for overnight accommodation with basic facilities commanding super views of Annapurna Himalaya.
Day 08: Explore beyond High Camp to Mardi West Base Camp 4,500m.
Here with 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 4,500 meters. 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 known as 'Other Sanctuary' named by early pioneer Jimmy Roberts, when he first explored this area in early 1970's. After enjoying the views of super mountain panorama return back on the same route to our overnight stop. At Base Camp enjoy views of Annapurna I (8,091m / 26,545ft) Annapurna South (7,219m-23,693ft), Gangapurna (7,455m-24,457ft) and Annapurna III (7,555m-24,787ft), including to Mt. Machhapuchare (Fish-tail) at 6,790 m.
Day 09: Trek to Siding village 1,750m - 06 hrs.
After a fabulous time on the high ridges of Mardi Himal with beautiful views and back into forest of rhododendron and pines trees, retracing the journey back on same trail at Jungle Camp and beyond with more downhill walk to reach at Sidang, a small farm village on route to Mardi Himal within low warm area for overnight stop before completing this wonderful trek.
Day 10: Morning short walks and drives to Pokhara - 04 hrs.
Our last day walk of the adventure starts on the gradual scenic path around farm areas towards road-head with views of Machhapuchare Himal. On completing the walks a short drive of an hour takes you back to Pokhara after a great and wonderful time up in the high mountains.
Day 11: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to respective hotels.
After pleasant and interesting time on high hills and valley of Annapurna and Mardi Himal with last overnight in beautiful Pokhara, morning taking a drive back to Kathmandu on the same exciting highway, where the interesting journey ends on reaching hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu, afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. (Options via air 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara airport).
Day 12: International departure for home ward bound.
Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Mardi Himal around Annapurna Region Trekking.
Cost Details
- Airport pick up and drop. ( In a comfortable vehicle).
- 2-nights hotel in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu / Pokhara/Kathmandu/Besi Sahar by tourist bus/plane.
- Lodge accommodation on the way.
- Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner tea/coffee three times a day).
- ALL Required permits.
- One fluent English speaking, the government registered the most experienced for the respecting area (local), first aid trained, guide.
- Porters.
- All ground transportation.
- Clients personal travel insurance.
- individual expenses of personal natural.
- alcoholic beverage.
- Donation for local communities people or school if the client wants.
- Tipping.
