9849536206
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Activity
Grade 2
Best Season
Spring (March-May): Best for blooming rhododendrons and pleasant weather. • Autumn (September-November): Best for clear skies, stable weather, and vibrant landscapes.
Difficulty
Grade 2
Group Size
1
Transportation
Public Bus and Shared Jeep
Meals
Accomodation
Hotels / Tea houses / Lodges
Overview
The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering trekkers a serene and less crowded alternative to more popular routes. Situated beneath the majestic Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the trek provides stunning close-up views of the Annapurna Range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
The trail takes you through lush rhododendron forests, peaceful valleys, and rugged ridges, with dramatic changes in the landscape as you ascend to higher altitudes. Reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m is a rewarding experience, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding snowcapped peaks. Perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike, this trek combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and the thrill of exploring an offbeat path.
Itineraries
• Activities: Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel, a vibrant tourist hub in Kathmandu. After check-in, enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the bustling streets or preparing for your trek.
• Overnight: Hotel in Thamel.
• Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast hotel in Kathmandu
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Depart Kathmandu early in the morning and head towards Pokhara. Enjoy scenic views of rolling hills, rivers, and rural villages along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel. Spend the evening exploring Phewa Lake or the cozy cafes in the area.
• Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
• Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast hotel in Pokhara
• Drive Time: 1 hour
• Trek Duration: 3-4 hours
• Activities: A scenic jeep ride takes you to Kande, the starting point of the trek. Begin the gradual ascent through lush forests and terraced fields. Pass through the Australian Camp before reaching Pothana, a charming village with mesmerizing views of the Annapurna range.
• Overnight: Tea house in Pothana.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Start with a climb through rhododendron and oak forests. The path becomes serene as you move away from populated areas, providing an intimate experience with nature. Forest Camp, also known as Kokar, offers basic accommodation surrounded by dense woods.
• Overnight: Tea house in Forest Camp.
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Activities: The trek continues uphill, with a stop for lunch at Low Camp (3,150m). From here, witness panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Mardi Himal. Proceed to Badal Danda, a ridge that often sits above the clouds, offering an ethereal experience.
• Overnight: Tea house in Badal Danda.
• Trek Duration: 6-7 hours (round trip)
• Activities: Ascend to High Camp, where the surroundings shift to alpine terrain. After a brief rest, embark on the challenging hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Revel in the up-close views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Return to High Camp for the night.
• Overnight: Tea house in High Camp.
• Trek Duration: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Descend along a different trail to Siding Village, a traditional settlement offering insights into the Gurung community’s culture and lifestyle. The walk is scenic, passing terraced fields and small streams.
• Overnight: Tea house in Siding.
• Drive Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: A comfortable drive back to Pokhara marks the end of the trekking adventure. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Pokhara, reflecting on the journey or exploring the city.
• Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
• Accommodation and Meals: Bed and Breakfast hotel in Pokhara
• Drive Time: 6-7 hours (private jeep)
• Activities: Return to Kathmandu. Once back, take the evening to unwind or shop for souvenirs in Thamel.
• Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Accommodation and Meals: Bed and Breakfast hotel in Kathmandu
Route Map
Elevation Profile
Inclusion
Package Inclusions
1. Local Permits
The package includes all necessary trekking permits required for the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. These include:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card
These permits are essential for trekking in the Annapurna region and are included in the cost, making your entry to the trekking area hassle-free.
2. Experienced and Licensed Guides
To ensure you have the best experience, we provide a licensed, insured guide who is proficient in at least C1 level English. Our guides are experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled in handling all aspects of trekking. They are well-versed in the local culture, flora, fauna, and geography of the area.
Each guide is assigned for every 4 trekkers, ensuring that you get personalised care and attention. If you prefer to have more individual assistance, our guides are happy to adjust. Additionally, for every 2 trekkers, there will be a porter to carry your trekking gear, ensuring a lighter pack and a more enjoyable experience.
3. Emergency Rescue Management
Your safety is our top priority. In case of any emergency, such as an injury or altitude sickness, we will manage a helicopter evacuation funded by your travel insurance. This ensures that you can receive timely help and be safely transported to the nearest medical facility. Your guide will always carry a satellite phone for communication in case of emergencies.
4. First Aid Kit and Health Accessories
A basic first aid kit is included, with essential medical supplies, such as bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and other basic health accessories. Your guide is trained in first aid and will be ready to respond to any medical situation during the trek.
5. Shared Jeep Transportation
We provide shared jeep transportation, offering a convenient and comfortable journey:
- Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek,
- Siddhing to Pokhara, after completing the trek.
6. Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Your accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara is at a 3-star or equivalent hotel. The package includes 2 nights of accommodation in each city with a bed and breakfast option. After a long day of travel or trekking, you’ll have a comfortable place to rest, with breakfast provided each morning.
Kathmandu’s hotels are usually conveniently located near Thamel, where you can explore the bustling streets, markets, and restaurants. In Pokhara, your hotel is ideally located close to the serene Phewa Lake and other scenic spots.
7. Trekking Gear and Accessories Renting Arrangements
We make rental arrangements for all essential trekking gear for your comfort during the trek at a fair price.
- Sleeping bag for cold nights,
- Down jacket for extra warmth,
- Crampons (if needed, depending on the trail conditions),
- Trekking poles can be provided upon request. Additionally, we give a complementary jacket and cap from the company to ensure you stay comfortable during your trek.
Exclusion
1. Tips and Gratuity
While the guide and porter will provide exceptional service, tips and gratuities are not included in the package cost. Tipping is a customary gesture to show appreciation for the hard work of your guide and porter, and it is left to your discretion.
2. Beverages
Any beverages including water, soft drinks, and so on will need to be purchased separately.
3. Snacks
Snacks, such as chocolate bars, energy bars, or trail mix, are not included in the package. You may want to bring your own, or purchase them along the trail at additional cost.
4. Travel Insurance
While we provide emergency evacuation management, travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance before your trip, covering trekking activities, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation.
5. Nepal Visa
The cost for your Nepal Visa is not included in the package. You can obtain a visa on arrival at Kathmandu Airport, or apply for a visa beforehand. The visa process is simple, but we advise you to check the latest visa requirements before traveling.
6. International and Domestic Flights
Flights to and from Nepal, including international flights and any domestic flights, are not included in the package cost. However, we can assist in booking your flights, ensuring you get the best options and prices.
7. Meals And Accommodation During the Trek
The package does not include your meal and hotel rooms during the trek. You will pay for it each day at the time of check out.
Information
Information:
Accomodation
During the trek, you will stay in tea houses that are simple yet cozy, offering a traditional trekking experience. These tea houses provide basic rooms with comfortable beds and blankets, though the facilities can be modest. Shared bathrooms are common, but some tea houses may offer private rooms at an additional cost. In larger settlements, some tea houses may have attached bathrooms. The accommodations are clean and offer a warm, friendly atmosphere with the chance to interact with fellow trekkers and locals. You will stay in these tea houses for the majority of the trek, from Pothana to High Camp and on the way back to Siddhing.
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll be staying in 3-star hotels or equivalent with bed and breakfast. These hotels are equipped with modern amenities and offer a relaxing atmosphere after your travel. The included breakfast offers a variety of options from local dishes to international favorites, providing a great start to your day.
Meals
Along the trail, meals are provided at the tea houses. The food in the tea houses is generally simple but delicious, with a variety of Nepali and continental dishes available. Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice, vegetable curry, pickles, etc.), momo (dumplings), noodles, and potatoes are popular choices. You will typically have breakfast at your accommodation, with options like porridge, eggs, toast, or pancakes. For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy local flavors like dal bhat, momo, or a selection of Western food, including pasta, fried rice, and soups.
Keep in mind that the meals along the trek can be more expensive than in the cities due to the difficulty of transportation and the remote nature of the locations. Snacks, drinks, and extra items may come at higher prices than in Kathmandu or Pokhara. However, the tea houses offer a warm place to relax and recharge after a day of trekking.
