Mardi Himal Trek on a shoestring - 9 Days
Mardi Himal Highlights:
Off-the-beaten-path, Mardi Himal is a great short-trek. Yet, it is still one of the least visited trekking trails in the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal is one of Annapurna's best kept secrets and the diverse hiking route is perfect for those who want to explore uncrowded new paths. As the altitude increases, forests are replaced by fields of rhododendrons and the route up to the Base Camp offers spectacular views of the entire Annapurna mountain range.
Mardi Himal is ideal for the adventure travelers looking for a short but challenging trek in the Himalayas.
Day 01. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus (approx. 6-7 hours)
Accommodation: Guest house.
Day 02. Transfer to Kande by private car (approx. 1 hour drive) / Trek to Australian Camp (1880m) | ≈ 2 hours
After breakfast, we will drive to Kande, starting point of our trek. We will begin our walk and climb up to the Australian Camp, where we will stop for the night. It'll be a very short hike today (approx. 2 hours).
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 03. Trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp (2550m) | ≈ 6 hours
Beautiful hiking day through the subtropical forest. We will walk down to Pothana village. Then, we will ascend steeply up to Forest Camp, via Deurali village.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 04. Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2990m) | ≈ 5 hours
We will continue our ascent through the rhododendron forest, from Forest Camp to the Low Camp plateau. We will enjoy amazing views of Machhapuchhare at Low Camp.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 05. Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3580m) | ≈ 4 hours
We will continue our trek up to Middle Camp. Then, we will climb up to High Camp. You will be gaining elevation today. We will stay at High Camp in order to acclimatize properly to high altitude.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 06. Trek from High Camp to Upper View Point & Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) / Trek from Base Camp to Badal Danda (3250m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will wake up very early and hike up to the Upper View Point. Witness the spectacular sunrise over the Annapurnas and enjoy the fantastic views of Machhapuchhare, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Hiunchuli. We will continue our ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m). Then, we will hike back to High Camp for lunch. After lunch, we will descend to Badal Danda.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 07. Trek from Badal Danda to Sidhing (1850m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
We will take a different route and descend through the terraced rice fields and magnificent rhododendron forest to Sidhing.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 08. Trek from Sidhing to Lwang | ≈ 3-4 hours
Short and last hiking day (3-4 hours). Beautiful walk through the subtropical forest to the charming Gurung village of Lwang.
Accommodation: Tea house.
Day 09. Transfer to Pokhara by private car - End of the tour
We will drive back to Pokhara.
Please note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline; local conditions and weather may necessitate slight itinerary variations.
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks and med-heavy wool socks.
- Crampons for Upper View Point and Mardi Himal base camp (especially in February).
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Trekking poles.
- Sleeping bag.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Flashlight.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- All ground transportation (tourist bus: Kathmandu to Pokhara / private vehicle: Pokhara to Kande and Lwang to Pokhara).
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis: Guest house in Pokhara on day 1 & Tea Houses during the trek.
- Trekking permits.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights and domestic flights.
- Meals.
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, nutri-bars, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Good walker in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 4 to 8 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
