Mardi Himal Trek - 12 Days

After a short briefing, you’ll have a sightseeing day tour around the Kathmandu City. Early in the morning, you’ll be visiting the sacred Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath situated on the bank of holy Bagmati River and sacred Buddhist shrine of Boudhanath. You will be also visiting Patan Durbar Square located in the ‘City of fine arts’: Lalitpur. It is also the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley. Along with the Durbar square, you’ll be visiting Krishna Temple, Kumbheswore Temple, Golden Temple and many more. Continuing with the day you will now visit the 2000 years old legendary Swayambhunath Stupa that is located on the elevation, also nicknamed ‘Monkey-Temple’. The remarkable architecture it exhibits will simply compel you to wonder. The tour ends with the visit of Basantapur Durbar Square flaunting the living goddess Kumari, the freak street, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav and more under the rays of the setting sun.

Today we will drive 200km on Prithvi Highway to Pokhara from Kathmandu on a private vehicle/tourist bus. It takes about 7-8 hours depending on the traffic conditions. It is a delightful and pleasing drive with the cool breeze on the face along with the fascinating view of the countryside including the paddy fields, exquisite landscape, stunning panoramic view of the Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Ganesh Himal and most of the Annapurna range. We follow the river Trishuli till we reach Muglin, head north and cross the suspension bridge then the Marsyangdi river will accompany us down the way. At Pokhara, you can have a relaxing evening. Either you can do cycling around the delightful Lakeside area or you can just wander around clicking pictures as memories of your visit.

We head out early in the morning. It is about 40 min drive to Kande from Pokhara via Pokhara-Baglung Highway on a private vehicle. After arriving on Kande, we trek on the trail climbing an abrupt upland for about 2-3 hours at the elevation of 2,060m where we can observe a forest glade with lodge settlements known as ‘Australian Camp’ (2,060m). This place is a pool of breathtaking natural vista with panoramic and splendor view of Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. Then we move slightly downhill to Pothana (1,950m) and to the ACAP/TIMS checkpoint. Furthermore, the trail climbs and meanders through the rhododendron forest to the small human settlement of Pitam Deurali (2,100m). The Modi Khola valley is dominated by ‘Pritam Deurali’ wedged between Mardi Himal/Macchapuchre and Annapurna South.

After viewing those heart throbbing sights the previous day, we now head off the main Annapurna trekking trail by turning right from the signpost that indicated the direction to different destinations including Kokar Forest Camp. Then, we string along with the rhododendron forested elevation. Subsquently, the trail descends abruptly and slowly ascends back onto the upland. Finally, after 4-5 hours of trek, we arrive at Kokar Forest Camp (2,550m). Since trekking trail to this destination is new, there are no teahouses along the way therefore, we need to carry lunch pack and sufficient water.

The day initially starts with the walk on steep stretch of the trail but as soon as we approach the upland we climb through the rhododendron forest. We trek through additional jungle areas with the much closer glimpse of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. We will find ourselves in close proximity to the clear blue sky with the outlook of coverings of Himalayan piedmont and vast valley towards the south. An additional 1-hour trek can lead us to a place known as Badal Danda also known as cloud hill (3,250m), atop of tree line where we can get a pellucid view of snow-capped mountains and overview of villages below. Only one teahouse with 5 rooms of 10 guest capacity is situated there. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach Low Camp that offers a couple of teahouses in the clearing of the forest.

Today, we trek on the trail that leaves low camp and advances alongside the narrow hilltop towards Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. Pursuing the trail, we now withdraw from the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. On either side of the deep valley, the snow-capped peaks of Hiunchuli, Annapurna south and Machhapuchhre emerges in the distance above. After the trek of about 3-4 hours, we arrive at High Camp (3,580m). It is small grassland where we can find ourselves adjacent to snow-capped mountains and up above the clouds.

Today is probably the most memorable and difficult trip of our entire adventure with a series of abrupt climb sometimes through uneven and rocky steps due to which the trail becomes more challenging than expected. The first abrupt climb will utilize about 2-3 hours to reach the top of the elevation marked as MBC (Mardi Base Camp). Nonetheless, hitting to the actual base camp will take about another 2-3 hours of the hike through lush, green and high mountain at the elevation of 4,500m. The panorama is astounding and breathtaking all along the upland. While the Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal emerge atop us, the sight of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,555m) and Gangapurna (7,455m) also becomes visible far away. After seizing those wonderful and delightful sights in our hearts, we trek back to High Camp (3,580m).

After enjoying the lustrous sunrise from the High Camp, we descend to Sidhing (1,850m) a village populated by the mixed community of Brahmin and Gurung taking about 6-7 hours of hike. This is an alternative route which descends to the traditional village of Sidhing rather than going back down MBC back to Kokar. Walking through; we get to see the beautiful red rhododendron bloomed throughout the entire splendid forest. This trek route is still far away from the modern and busier trek routes. At Sidhing, there is a high probability that we’ll stay at a homestay run by the people who also own one of the lodges at low camp. It will be an incredible experience to get involved with the locale, their ethnic culture and lifestyle at their own locality.

Leaving Sidhing and its friendly locale behind, we now head to Lumre. Following the trail, we will pass the village of Lwang Ghalel which is a traditional village where the cultural heritage is well preserved and also offers community homestay. This village is also famous for tea garden, almonds farming & adventurous canoeing. After 3-4 hours of trekking we arrive at Lumre then we drive back to Pokhara on a private vehicle. It takes about 2 hours to reach Pokhara. Once at Pokhara, you can amble or cycle around the peaceful lakeside area watching the spell-binding evening outlooks of the prepossessing Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Lake Phewa.

Today you will head to Kathmandu from Pokhara by a tourist bus/private vehicle via Prithvi Highway. It takes about 7-8 hours to cover approximately 200km depending upon traffic conditions. You will observe different landscapes, colorful and crowded bazaars etc. along the journey. At afternoon in Kathmandu City, you can enjoy the traditional Nepalese dinner with ethnic live music or you can click some pictures as memories of your visit or buy souvenirs to take back home.

As today is your last day in the country we appreciate your decision to choose us as you travel companion. We are honored to be a part of your beautiful memories and hope that we had met your expectations. At the airport, we will be with you in your last moments in the county. Wish you a safe fight back home. Sayonara!!!