Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative who will escort you to your hotel. Situated in the heart of the city, Thamel is a lively and vibrant area known for its diverse selection of restaurants, bars, and shops selling Nepali handcrafted items and trekking gear. Spend the afternoon exploring the area and soaking up the local culture. You'll also have the chance to meet your guide and address any final concerns or queries regarding your upcoming Mardi Himal Trek.
Today we will embark on a sightseeing tour of some of the most iconic cultural sites in Kathmandu. We will start our tour with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist stupa sits atop a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. You'll get a chance to observe the devotees performing their religious rituals and witness the playful monkeys that inhabit the area.
Next, we'll head to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Nepal and an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and monasteries, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan culture.
Our last stop is Patan Durbar Square, a magnificent example of traditional Newari architecture. The square is surrounded by intricately carved temples, palaces, and statues, and is a testament to the incredible artistic and architectural achievements of the Newar people. You'll have a chance to explore the narrow streets of this ancient city, meet the locals and indulge in some delicious Newari cuisine before returning to your hotel in the evening.
In the morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we will drive to the bus station to catch a tourist bus to Pokhara. The journey is approximately 6 hours and takes you through stunning landscapes, passing by terraced fields, small villages, and river valleys with occasional views of the Himalayan peaks.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Pokhara is a beautiful city, famous for its stunning natural beauty, with the Annapurna range as a backdrop and the serene Phewa Lake. You will have the rest of the day to relax and explore the town or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
From Pokhara, we will drive to Phedi, which takes around an hour. From Phedi, we will start our trek to Pothana, which is situated at an altitude of 1,950 meters. The trek starts with a steep climb up stone stairs through terraced fields and small villages. The trail winds its way up to Dhampus village, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna range. We will stop for lunch at Dhampus and then continue our trek to Pothana. The trail from Dhampus to Pothana is relatively easy and passes through rhododendron and oak forests. Once we reach Pothana, we will check into our teahouse and rest for the evening.
After breakfast, we leave Pothana and begin our trek towards Forest Camp. We start with a gradual climb through a beautiful rhododendron forest, which is in full bloom during the spring season. We pass through several small villages and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. As we ascend further, we leave the main trekking trail and enter a less-traveled path that leads us through dense forests, past waterfalls, and over small streams.
After a few hours of walking, we reach Forest Camp, our destination for the day. Forest Camp is a small settlement with a few lodges and tea houses. We settle into our lodge and spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring the surrounding area, and enjoying the beautiful views.
From Forest Camp, we will ascend through the lush forest of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo towards Low Camp. The trail gradually becomes steeper as we continue to climb to High Camp, where we can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
After a brief rest at Low Camp, we will begin our trek towards Badal Danda. This section of the trek is relatively short but steep, with several switchbacks leading up to the ridge. Once we reach the top, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and other surrounding peaks. We will spend the night at Badal Danda, taking in the beauty of the Himalayas under a starry sky.
Leaving Badal Danda, the trail gradually climbs up through the lush forest of rhododendron and oak trees.we ascend through the forested trail and continue to climb up to High Camp, situated at an altitude of 3580 meters. The trail offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks such as Mt. Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). High Camp is a small settlement with a few lodges and guesthouses offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. We stay overnight at High Camp to prepare ourselves for the next day's trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
After an early breakfast at High Camp, we will start our trek towards Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4450 meters. The trail today will be challenging, as we will be trekking through rocky and steep terrain. However, the breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding valleys will make it worth the effort.
Once we reach the Base Camp, we will have some time to take in the stunning scenery and snap some photos before heading back down to Low Camp, where we will spend the night. The descent will be a bit easier than the ascent, and we can take our time to enjoy the scenery and take breaks as needed.
At Low Camp, we can relax and reflect on our amazing journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp. We can share stories with our fellow trekkers and enjoy a warm meal before retiring for the night.
After breakfast in Low Camp, we'll start our descent towards Siding Village. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and offers stunning views of the mountains. We'll also pass by several small villages along the way, giving us a glimpse into the rural life of the Nepalese people.
Once we reach Siding Village, we'll take a jeep or bus ride back to Pokhara. It's a scenic drive through the countryside, with beautiful views of the hills and valleys. We'll arrive in Pokhara in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the traffic.
In Pokhara, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, or explore the town's many shops, restaurants, and bars. It's the perfect place to unwind after a challenging trek and reflect on your amazing experience in the mountains.
After returning from your trek, take some time to relax and explore the beautiful city of Pokhara. Start the day with a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. You'll have the opportunity to admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and see the famous Tal Barahi Temple located on a small island in the middle of the lake.
Next, head to David Falls, a picturesque waterfall that has become a popular destination for visitors. You can take a short walk to see the waterfall up close and even walk behind the cascading water for a unique perspective.
Afterward, visit Mahendra Cave, a limestone cave that features unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. It's a cool and refreshing break from the warm weather outside and a great opportunity to see the natural wonders of the area.
In the evening, take some time to wander around the Lakeside area of Pokhara, filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a great place to grab a drink and relax after a day of sightseeing.
You will embark on a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, which takes around 6-7 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy picturesque views of the Nepalese countryside, passing through small towns and villages nestled in the hills.
There will be stops along the way for rest and refreshments, and you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the local markets. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and reflect on your journey so far.
Thank you for visiting Nepal and choosing us as your travel partner. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu according to your flight schedule. We hope you had an enjoyable and memorable experience in Nepal and look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Have a safe journey!
Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate level trek. The trail involves steep ascents and descents, and the altitude can reach up to 4,500 meters. It is recommended to have a good level of physical fitness and stamina to undertake the trek.
Accommodation during the trek is in tea houses and lodges. These are basic but comfortable, with twin or triple sharing rooms and common bathrooms. The tea houses and lodges offer basic amenities, such as hot water, Wi-Fi, and charging facilities, but it is advisable to carry a power bank.
Yes, you need a trekking permit for Mardi Himal Trek. You need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card before starting the trek. Your trekking guide can assist you in obtaining these permits.
The risks associated with Mardi Himal Trek include altitude sickness, physical injuries, and adverse weather conditions. It is important to take necessary precautions and follow the guidelines of your trekking guide to ensure your safety and security throughout the trek.
