Mardi Himal
If you have a short time but like to explore the Himalayas, then the Mardi trek is just for you!
The Mardi trail is considered an introductory trek that offers stunning views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Annapurna I and Mardi Himal. The trekking is relatively short but can be considered a bit challenging as the trail has segments that are steep uphill and downhill.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
KathmanduWelcome to Kathmandu, Nepal!
Our representative will meet you at the airport upon your arrival, and transfer you to your hotel.
Begin your journey with a welcome sunset rooftop dinner overlooking Nepal’s largest stupa, the Boudhanath Stupa. This UNESCO world heritage site, which was once a central trade route, now protects Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions. Explore the area, and walk around the stupa to get good luck. Offer butter lamps and make a prayer, before retiring to your hotel.Kathmandu Valley encompasses three old kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu valley is ornate with palaces, intricate pagodas and monumental stupas which are a testament to the artistic talent of the Newars (natives of the valley). The Newari craft was held in high regard by the kings of Malla and the Mongol rulers of 18th-century China. The Gopala and Kirati dynasties were the first rulers, followed by Licchavi (300-879 AD), who flourished in trade and crafts.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration Accommodation4-star hotel Meals-/-/D Altitude1,400 m Drive duration– Trekking duration– Day 2
Kathmandu SightseeingAn immersive full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley.
Start by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. The temple is situated atop a hill offering panoramic views of Kathmandu valley. The large domed stupa is surrounded by a variety of small shrines and temples, each ornate and luxuriously decorated with gold and vibrant prayer flags and is considered holy to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The site is believed to date back to 460 A.D. and was reconstructed by King Manadeva in the 13th century.Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old royal courtyard with over fifty temples, including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar has two courtyards; an inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors of the main palace have been converted into a museum dedicated to display the three generations of Shah kings of Nepal and also showcases some ornaments from the medieval periods. Thus, the palace is also known as “the Museum of Temples”. The outer courtyards have a Kasthamandap (was a three-storied public shelter), Kumari Ghar (which houses the Goddess Kumari), and a Shiva-Parvati Temple. The outer courtyards also have an abundance of handicraft shops, and a nearby Bazar and locals markets.
Visit Patan Durbar Square, also known as the city of artisans. The area is home to some of the finest artisans of Kathmandu Valley, who have preserved the cultural and ancient techniques of art and craft, such as wood, wax, painting and metal work. The former Royal Palace of Patan has been converted into a museum to display the unique crafts. Apart from the museum, Patan includes Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Golden Window, and Mahabouddha Temple and many other unique cultural attractions.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration Accommodation4-star hotel MealsB Altitude1,400 m Drive duration– Trekking duration– Day 3
Fly or Drive to PokharaFlight Option:
A morning 20 min flight to Pokhara and spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the lakeside city.Drive Option:
An early morning drive to Pokhara, starts by leaving the valley and following the river before stopping for lunch. The road then turns towards the north, before reaching Pokhara late evening.Pokhara is considered the gateway city to the Annapurna Himalayas. This lakeside city has abundant cafés, restaurants and adrenaline day activities. A place many travelers spend their time in, as it is less polluted and has more natural surroundings than Kathmandu.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Flight duration Accommodation3-star hotel MealsB/-/- Altitude822 m Drive duration7-9 hrs Flight duration30 min Day 4
Drive to Kande and trek to Australian Base CampAfter breakfast, begin the journey to Kanda.
Once in Kande, begin the trek with a short hike to Australian Base Camp along a forestry path uphill. Along the way you will see the views of the towering Annapurna Mountain Range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South Hiuchuli, Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal (weather permitting). Upon arrival, check into the simple lodge, where the remaining evening, will be at leisure.Note: From day 4 to day 7, accommodation will be in a simple lodge with basic and limited facilities, mostly having shared bathrooms.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration AccommodationSimple Lodge MealsB/L/D Altitude2,060 m Drive duration1 hr Trekking duration2-3 hrs Day 5
Trek to Forest CampAfter breakfast with views of the Himalayas, continue on the trail to Forest Camp. The trail takes you into the wilderness as you enter the forest of birch, giant rhododendron, mountain oak, maple, and hemlock. Catch an occasional glimpse of the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration AccommodationSimple Lodge MealsB/L/D Altitude3,200 m Drive duration– Trekking duration6-7 hrs Day 6
Trek to Middle Camp (Bandal Danda)After breakfast, continue along the ascending path through forests until reaching a clearing with impressive vistas of the Fishtail mountain and the Annapurna range. Continue hiking along the hillside ridge, with both sides dropping into deep valleys filled with clouds.
Reach Badal Dhanda, for lunch, and spend the remaining day at leisure.Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration AccommodationSimple Lodge MealsB/L/D Altitude3,210 m Drive duration– Trekking duration5 hrs Day 7
Trek to High CampA relatively short day of trekking starts by ascending along the ridge (which is sometimes covered with snow) to High Camp. Reach there by lunchtime, and spend the afternoon acclimatizing and admiring the views of Annapurna South and Fishtail, which are much closer than the day before.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration AccommodationSimple Lodge MealsB/L/D Altitude3,734 m Drive duration– Trekking duration3 hrs Day 8
Hike to Mardi View Point and back to Middle CampAn early morning start to reach Mardi View Point. Spend some time at the viewpoint and witness the sunrise view and close-up views of the Annapurna I, Machhapuchere mountain range and panoramic vistas from Dhaulagiri to Ganesh Himal.
If you are fit to walk, you can walk an additional 2 hrs. to reach Mardi Base Camp (5,000m).
Later, hike back to the High Camp, and after lunch, make the way back down to Middle Camp.
Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration AccommodationSimple Lodge MealsB/L/D Altitude3,900 m Drive duration– Trekking duration6-7 hrs Day 9
Trek to Sidhing and drive to PokharaAfter breakfast, follow the steep descending path through dense forest to Sidhing. Upon arrival, meet the driver and drive back to Pokhara.
Once at Pokhara, check in to the hotel, and spend the remaining day at leisure.Optional add-on: Visit Sarangkot via Cable Car
Optional add-on: Pokhara Ultralight flight
Optional add-on: Visit international Mountain MuseumAccommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration Accommodation3-star MealsB/-/- Altitude822 m Drive duration3-4 hrs Trekking duration3 hrs Day 10
Pokhara SightseeingStart the sightseeing tour, by visiting Pumdikot, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 1,500 m offering impressive views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Annapurna, and Mt Machhapuchhre. The viewpoint also has a new 3-story view tower, Shiva Damaru, a gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. This 51 ft high statue sits on top of an enormous dome and is surrounded by 108 Shiva Linga.
On your way back, visit Shanti Stupa, located on Anadu Hill at an altitude of 1,100 meters. The pagoda is built in the pagoda style of the Nihonsan Myoboji monks. The word “Shanti” means peace in Sanskrit, thus meaning Peace Tower. The shrine was built as a symbol of peace. Nepal is home to two of the world’s eight peace pagodas and the other Shanti Stupa in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The peace pagoda in Pokhara offers panoramic views of the Annapurna Mountains, Pokhara City, and Fewa Lake.
Choose either to hike for 2 hours or drive for 15min back to Pokhara.
Optional add-on: Helicopter tour of Pokhara valley and Annapurna Base Camp
Optional add-on: Visit international Mountain Museum
Optional add-on: Bungee Jump
Optional add-on: ZipliningAccommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration Accommodation3-star MealsB/-/- Altitude822 m Drive duration– Trekking duration– Day 11
Fly or Drive back to KathmanduFlight Option:
Have a leisure morning, before catching your flight back to Kathmandu, where you will spend the rest of the day at your leisure.Drive Option:
An early morning drive to Kathmandu. Stop for lunch by the riverside, before reaching Kathmandu in the evening.Relax with a 45-minute complimentary foot massage in Kathmandu.
Optional add-on: Half day sightseeing to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Try a pottery session.
Optional add-on: Thangka painting class
Optional add-on: Yoga class
Optional add-on: Cooking class
Optional add-on: Singing bowl classAccommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Flight duration Accommodation4-star MealsB/-/- Altitude1,400 m Drive duration7-9 hrs Flight duration30 min Day 12
KathmanduEnjoy the day at your leisure. Relax with a 45-minute complimentary foot massage in Kathmandu.
This additional day in Kathmandu is recommended to avoid missing your international flight, due to the unpredictable weather in the mountain region and the domestic flight might be cancelled due to bad weather.Optional add-on: Full Day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, the ancient city inside the Kathmandu Valley.
Optional add-on: Day trip to visit Monastery in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Rock climbing in Pharping.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Changu Narayan temple.
Optional add-on: Day trip to Kritipur (a Newari styled area in Kathmandu)Accommodation Meals Altitude Drive duration Trekking duration Accommodation4-star hotel MealsB/-/- Altitude1,400 m Drive duration– Trekking duration– Day 13
DepartureWe will drop you off at the airport for your continued adventures.
Mardi Himal Tour Map
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Information
What is Included
Our package includes all the following.
- Welcome dinner in Boudhanath Kathmandu upon arrival
- 2 way domestic flights between Kathmandu & Pokhara OR 2 way private land transfer between Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Dedicated trekking guide and porter during trek
- 5 nights Kathmandu at 4-star hotel with breakfast
- 3 nights Pokhara at 3-star hotel with breakfast
- 5 nights simple lodge accommodation with 3 meals during trek
- Sightseeing day in Kathmandu
- Sightseeing day in Pokhara
- Private irport pickup/drop-off services
- All entrance fees & taxes mentioned
- 24/7 support during your trip
- 45-min foot massage
- TIMS card (Trekking information management system)
- ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation area project)
Not Included
Our tours do not include the following expenses, however, we do provide assistance if needed to provide them for your holiday.
- Tourist visa fees
- International flight
- Excess baggage charges (Limit is 10kg per person)
- Personal expenses
- Personal clothing
- Non-specified meals
- Personal travel insurance