Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Thamel. After check-in, you can rest or explore the vibrant streets filled with trekking shops, cafes, and local crafts. In the evening, attend a detailed trek briefing with your guide, complete a final gear check, and prepare for your adventure.

After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive to Pokhara. The journey follows the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, offering beautiful views of rural Nepalese landscapes, terraced farmlands, and distant hills. Alternatively, you can upgrade to a 25-minute flight for spectacular aerial views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The evening is free to explore the lakeside, enjoy dinner with mountain views, or simply relax by Phewa Lake.

After breakfast, we take a 45-minute private jeep drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of our trek. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through charming villages and terraced fields, soon entering a beautiful forest. We pass through Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint offering stunning panoramas of the Annapurna range. After lunch, we continue through forests to reach Pitam Deurali, a ridge-top village with excellent mountain views. This is our first overnight stop on the trek.

Today we leave the main Annapurna trail and head deeper into the pristine forest. The trail winds through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, with trees draped in moss and lichen creating an enchanting atmosphere. You might spot colorful birds, including the Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Nepal's national bird. The gradual ascent through this magical forest brings us to Forest Camp, a small settlement nestled in a clearing with basic but cozy teahouses.

The trail continues its ascent through dense forest, with occasional natural clearings offering glimpses of the mountains ahead. The rhododendron trees become smaller as we gain altitude, and the forest gradually thins. We stop at a viewpoint for lunch, where you'll have your first clear views of Machhapuchhre looming ahead. The afternoon trek brings us to Low Camp, perched on the ridge with spectacular views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli across the valley.

Today's trek is shorter but steeper as we climb above the treeline onto the open ridge. Just a short walk from Low Camp, we emerge from the forest onto a grassy ridge with breathtaking views in all directions. The trail follows the spine of the ridge, with Annapurna South to one side and the deep Mardi Khola valley to the other. Ahead, Machhapuchhre seems close enough to touch. We arrive at High Camp mid-afternoon, with plenty of time to soak in the incredible surroundings and watch the sunset paint the peaks in golden light.

The most memorable day of the trek begins early, around 4 AM, as we hike by headlamp to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp for sunrise. The trail continues along the ridge, getting steeper and more exposed as we gain altitude. The final section is a rocky path with incredible views unfolding in every direction. At Base Camp, you're rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal itself. After soaking in the views and capturing photos, we return to High Camp for breakfast, then continue descending to Low Camp for the night.

Our final day of trekking follows a different descent route through forests and traditional villages. The trail winds down through rhododendron and oak forests, eventually emerging at the picturesque Gurung village of Siding. Here, you'll experience authentic village life with stone-roofed houses, terraced farmlands, and friendly locals. After a farewell lunch with your trekking crew, we take a private jeep drive back to Pokhara (approximately 2-3 hours). The rest of the evening is free to celebrate your achievement with a well-deserved meal by the lake.

After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive back to Kathmandu (6-7 hours) or take an optional flight (25 minutes). Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to our office or directly to the airport for your international departure, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Mardi Himal adventure. If your flight is the following day, we can arrange an extra night's accommodation.