Seniors, Families, Kids friendly Trek | Mardi Himal Base Camp -7 Days

Last updated on November 18th, 2024 at 10:41 am

A short, beautiful 7 days trek starts from Kathmandu and ends at Pokhara! It brings us at 4200M with superb view of gigantic Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Mardi Himal (5587m). Add one more day and climb the Mardi Himal (5587m) or trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4600m) and paragliding flight down to Pokhara!

Mardi Himal Trip Highlights Includes

Few of the best available short, easy and authentic treks with local villages (Siding and Lumle), pristine rural farmlands and rice terraces of Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP)
Mardi Himal High Camp; One of the few best sunset and sunrise over the Mardi Himal (5587m), Machhapuchhre (Fishtail -6997m), Annapurna South (7219m) and Hiunchuli (6441m)
Perfect alternation for crowded Ghorepani -Punhill -Ghandruk trek for those who likes to avoid crowd
Shortest way to reach to 4200m at the Mardi Himal High Camp

Outlines of Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Kande, trek to Australian Camp (1770m) OR Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kande and trek to Australian Camp
Day 02: Trek to Forest Camp (2540m): 5-6 Hrs
Day 03: Trek to Low Camp (3035m): 4-5 Hrs
Day 04: Trek to High Camp (3535m): 4-5 Hrs
Day 05: Hike to Upper View Point (4200m) or Mardi Himal Base Camp (4600m), back to High Camp (3535m): 7-8 Hrs
Day 06: Trek to Sidhing Village (1850m): 7-8 Hrs
Day 07: Trek to Lumle Village, 2-3 Hrs. Drive to Pokhara, 3-4 Hrs

Price (Per Person)

GROUP SIZE	01	02	03-04	05-07	08-10	11-13	14-15	16 & ABOVE
	$495	$458	$435	$410	$396	$380	$365	$358

Price Includes

All necessary trekking paper works such as trekking permit (TIMS) and conservation permit
Cost of Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and trekking permit (TIMS) fee
Kathmandu -Pokhara -Kande bus transportation
Annapurna region experienced government licensed and trained local English speaking guide
Local people operated room in lodges
Meals (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners. One dish per meal with cup of hot tea in each meal) on trek
Camp/dine fire/warm up charge where available
Guide staff/porter foods, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation & local taxes
Applicable government taxes
Hotel Domestic airport/bus park-hotel transfers service
Travel and rescue arrangement support

The Price Doesn’t Include

International flight, Nepal visa fee, insurance and personal expenses (bar bills, laundry) , single supplements
Any services in Kathmandu and Pokhara; meals, accommodation etc.
Trekking Porter
Tips for staff (We recommend US$60-US$80 total for trek guide and US$35-US$50 total for trek porter)
All except explained in “Price Includes” section above

Would you like to climb Mardi Himal (5587m)? Two more days!!!

Mardi Himal (5,587 m) lies less than 25 kilometers from Pokhara, and was first ascent in 1961 via the East Flank, the only one used so far. It is the lowest and the least climbed or visited peak which is the most southerly peak of the Annapurna range. Mardi Himal came to the attention of western climbers when Baisl Goodfellow first published his photographs of the mountain in 1953.

The mountain separates the southwest ridge of Machhapuchhare as a separate mass at right angles to the ridge and is best seen from the south. The southwest face of the mountain has three well-defined ridges rising from rock buttresses and separated by hanging glaciers. Its east face is separated from the Machhapuchhare ridge by a col at 5,200 meters. The normal climbing route to the summit of Mardi Himal passes through this col. The summit offers a splendid view of the Annapurna Range and the Fishtail mountain ? Machhapuchhare.

Trekking to Mardi Himal and Paragliding down to Pokhara

Three days trekking and hiking from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4600 meter above sea level and flying off tandem to Pokhara on a paraglider! Please contact us for more information and price at +977 98511 95085 (direct phone, WhatsApp, Viber, WeChat and Imo)

Last updated on November 18th, 2024 at 10:41 am

Trekking to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4200m) is a beautiful and new (officially opened in 2012) short alternative trek of Ghorepani –Punhill –Ghandruk, a beautiful five days trek in the Annapurna Himalayan region with superb view of southern face of Mardi Himal (5587m), gigantic Annapurna South as well as Machhapuchhre (Mount Fish Tail). Summit of the peak itself is also possible if you allow extra two days with little bit of climbing techniques as well as basic climbing equipment. While you are inquiring about this trip, please mention in your email whether you would like to make a summit or just comfortable trek till Base Camp.

Mardi Himal Base Camp is located to the east of the Annapurna Base Camp under the spectacular Machhapuchhre. One of the few authentic homestay and camping trekking experience remaining in Nepal. Basic food, primitive lodge and tea houses makes the trek wilderness adventure and less crowd which is possible to trek without tented camping. Out itinerary is well designed and shortest version available not to spend a lot of times in the forests to see jungles instead of mountains. The valleys and ridges south of Mardi Himal are steep and heavily wooded with bamboo and rhododendron. Alpine pastures above the forest provide a good habitat for wildlife.

Drive to Kande (1770m), 8-9 Hrs

After breakfast at hotel, we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu behind by driving on our own car. Our journey into the Himalaya begins with a scenic drive to Kande through Nagdhunga, Malekhu, Mugling and Pokhara. At the top of the Kathmandu valley the views extend west as far as the Annapurnas and Manaslu. As you drop down into the Trishuli Valley you will pass through terraced hillsides, where an exciting, narrow road traverses several ridges to reach the small village of Kande. It is a small village with wide view of Pokhara and Annapurna Himalayan range. Overnight at the teahouse.

Trek to Forest Camp (2540m), 5-6 Hrs

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise view over the Himalaya. Leaving the road and our transport behind, we start an hour and half gentle climb through the rhododendron and oak forest until reaching a small village of Pothana which is perfect spot for a cup of tea with appreciating the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Himalayan view. Further an hour climb brings us to a small settlement on the top of the hill, Pitam Deurali with a superb view of Mardi River far below, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the north, and Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake to the southeast. From here, the trail enters to the forest almost for the whole day. The forest of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron for almost five hours. Forest Camp is a small village with few guest houses and known as Kokar among local people. The last segment of the trail is difficult due to its steep up. Overnight at the teahouse.

Trek to Low Camp (3035m), 5-6 Hrs

After breakfast, we have another day to walk inside the forest thus we won’t have much open view until we reach close to the Low Camp. The higher we reach the vegetation changes with more rhododendron trees in smaller size. The trail is steep and the beginning however changes to gradual climbing after awhile. Low Camp is probably best place to observe views of Machhapuchhre. It is not a permanent village, a very small place with only couple of lodges opened for providing basic food and lodging to trekkers. Overnight at the teahouse.

Trek to High Camp (3535m), 4-5 Hrs

After breakfast, we do our short ascend to High Camp. As we trek higher, the route becomes more open and spacious but less oxygen in the air due to the lack of forest. High Camp has panoramic view of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. High Camp has better lodges than that of Low Camp. Overnight at teahouse.

Trek to Upper View Point (4200m), Trek back to High Camp (3535m), 7-8 Hrs

Upper View Point is 2-3 hours away from the High Camp which is why it’s always better to wake up early in the morning and start the trek for the sunrise view from the way to Upper View Point. The trail goes along a ridge most of the way that makes you feel like you could just keep climbing just a few hours longer and summit Mardi Himal, however just a few meters beyond Mardi Himal Base Camp, it gets significantly more technical. After spending 30-45 minutes up in the View Point and appreciate the panorama of the Annapurnas, we come down to the High Camp for overnight stay at the teahouse.

Trek to Shiding Village (1850M), 7-8 Hrs

The Siding trek down is very reminiscent of a busy village trek. We pass by many villages and rice terraces. It is many ways one of the more beautiful days of the trek to see such pristine rural farming areas. Overnight at the lodge.

Short trek, 2-3 Hrs. Drive to Pokhara, 3 Hrs

After breakfast, we start our day with surreal landscape and splendid rice terraces view as well gigantic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Peak. The dramatic view of rice terraces and farmlands along the way, breathtaking culture villages, alpine forest and the Himalayan peaks from the distance are best antidote of this madness. Overnight at the hotel. Trip ends!

NOTE: On adventure trek on this type, weather, local politics, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary, it is however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary your guide will decide what is the best alternative consulting with you, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Last updated on November 18th, 2024 at 10:41 am

How much does it cost for Mardi Himal Trek?

US$358 per person on group joining basis. Service includes from Pokhara to Pokhara with necessary trekking permissions, overland bus transport, accommodation in guesthouse, English speaking guide, meals (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners). Please write us +9779851195085 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) to inquire for the group availability.

How do I get from Pokhara to Mardi Himal?

One hour drive to Kande village and 3 to 4 days trek. Shortest possible route to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp is: Australian Camp – Forest Camp -Low Camp -High Camp -Lower View Point -Upper View Point -Sidhing Village -drive to Pokhara and it takes 5 days.

How hard is Mardi Himal Trek?

Moderate. Reasonably fit person for hiking 4 to 5 hrs (4 to 5 miles) 8-12 kilometers a day can complete this trek. Mountain Climbers Treks and Adventure rates the Mardi Himal Trek a Grade 3 (moderate) on a scale of 1 (easy) to 5 (challenging). The trail reaches 4200m at Upper View Point and 4600m at Mardi Himal Base Camp as highest point of the trek. It involves some quick steep ascents for three consecutive days; Kokar (Forest Camp), Low Camp (3035m) and High Camp (3535m). And, steep descents down to Sidhing Village with concerns of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS), so acclimatization and hydration is very very important. It is advised that anyone with a pre-existing condition consult their doctor before booking this trip.

Is there mobile coverage on the Mardi Himal Trek? Wi-Fi?

Not always… and it depends on which carrier your mobile network. Namaste from Nepal Telecom (NTC) and NCELL are two major carriers which provide communication services in Nepal. Main cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Australian Camp (first day of trekking) has good mobile coverage as well as Wi-Fi. Deurali, Kokar (Forest Camp), Low Camp and High Camp has very limited or no mobile coverage but you can make a call from the Upper View Point to your beloved one! Wi-Fi is pretty much out of question!

Is Mardi Himal Trek still less-crowded route?

Yes and no. Comparing with Ghorepani -Poonhill -Ghandruk trek route and Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal trek route is still less populated trekking route by tourists. However, Nepalese young generations have started to afford short trekking for 4-5 days especially in their longer festivals and holidays. Two weeks long Dashain festival and one week long Tihar festivals falls under main trekking season of October and November and this is the time Mardi Himal trekking route gets a lot of domestic as well as international tourists. Mardi Himal Trek route has limited lodge options.

What kind of meals should I expect on the trail? Can I drink tap or running water?

Traditional local dishes with rice, potato, pasta and green vegetables. Every guesthouses, trekking lodges and teahouses have standard menu approved by Hotel Entrepreneurs’ Association from the region. Muesli, oat porridge, Gurungs local bread, Nepali chapati bread and toast bread, eggs are typical items for breakfast with a cup of tea. Set of Dal Bhat is always filling (if not refilling) as a national dishes and other varieties of items mainly from potatoes for lunches and dinners. Boiled or fried potatoes, hash brown or mashed or potato roasties, pastas or macaronis or fried noodles and of course Dal Bhat.

Drinking water directly from tap or running water is strictly not advisable unless you have traveled or stayed in India or Nepal before for long period of time. It’s not fun trekking while you are having diarrhea or discomfort on stomach. Instead, we provide iodine or chlorine water purification tablets or drops to purify tap water or running water.

Is it possible to Mardi Himal Trek up and paragliding flying to Pokhara?

Yes!!! We have teamed up with few of the best Nepali and international para-gliders to make it happen. Please contact us for more information and price at +977 98511 95085 (direct phone, WhatsApp, Viber, and Imo)

How long does it take to climb Mardi Himal Peak (5587m)?

One more day with proper logistic support! Logistic support includes base Camp tents, high food, climbing sherpa with supporting staffs, climbing equipment etc.