Are you ready to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Well, then Mardi Himal Trek is for you! This trek is a hidden gem of the Annapurna Region with as much views and attractions as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek but only better with off the beaten trails.
The trek starts off as either the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek or any other trekking packages of the Annapurna region; with a drive to the Pokhara City. Riding the boat at Fewa Lake with clear reflections of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks are as heavenly as it could get. The following day our drive sees us at Phedi which then takes us to Pothana through a lush green forest. Follow the hidden trails of the region to finally get to Pritam Deurali and then to the Forest Camp or as the locals clepe, the Kokar Forest through the rhododendron, oak, and juniper forest.
Trail outside of the Kokar Forest takes us along the path with thinner vegetation and tiny rhododendron bushes to Low Camp. Further climb uphill steeply marks our arrival at the High Camp. En route, Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli peaks and Ghandruk and Chhomrong villages look spectacular. The parade to the base camp of the 5587 meters tall peak of Mardi Himal is quite a strenuous task. Though arduous, this trek ends with the panoramic views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Singachuli, and Mardi Himal standing out from the rest of the hikes along the Annapurna Region. Getting back down to Landruk is not much of a problem and from there, trekking towards Birenthanti and Nayapul is as easy as pie. Finally, from Nayapul, a drive towards Pokhara marks the end of our trip.
Mardi Himal Trek is toilsome, they say. Are you ready to challenge yourself on the offbeat path to Mardi?
Set foot at the Tribhuvan International Airport where our representative will transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and freshen up prior to meeting up with the guide and discussing about the upcoming trek. And, don’t forget to try out your first ever typical Nepali cuisine.
200 kilometers long stretch covered in 7 hours! Though long, the drive from the capital city of the country, Kathmandu to the city of eight lakes, Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway is more than enough to shower you with a dramatic scenery comprising of rivers, valleys, rocky gorges, and more. Check in at the hotel and boat at the Fewa Lake with serene Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre peak’s reflections on the water.
A picturesque drive through the hills of Pokhara along the Siddhartha Highway will see our arrival at the village of Phedi. From there, the trek slowly and steeply ascends towards Dhampus. Get past the lush forest and a little further is Pothana. During the day, Annapurna I, II, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Lamjung, and other peaks of the region look intimidating.
Follow the hidden trails of the Annapurna Region to Pritam Deurali and from there, we’ll trek to the Forest Camp besprinkled with rhododendron. The locals call it the Kokar Forest.
An easy walk through the oak and rhododendron forest will see our arrival at the Low Camp. The forest dwindles yet the path stays colorful with small rhododendron bushes. Slowy and steadily, we’ll arrive at the High Camp. Relish in the views of the Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Fishtail Peaks, and also the Ghandruk and Chhomrong villages along the way.
The day we’ve all been waiting for! Today we hike steeply uphill towards the base of the Mardi Himal. During the trek, the views of the Annapurna South, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Singachuli, and of course, Mardi Himal look more than amazing. Drop back down the High Camp for overnight.
Plummet towards the Low Camp and then to the Forest Camp. Further downwards sees our arrival at the village of Landruk. Take in the views of the Annapurna massif and learn about the Gurung lifestyle and culture from the locals.
A plunge towards Birenthanti followed by a short hike to Nayapul ends the trekking for us. A short drive will take us back to the city of eight lakes, Pokhara.
Get the last look at the Annapurna Mountain Range and bid farewell to them! Early drive along the Trishuli River will see us back at the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.
This day marks the official end of your trek! If you have plans to stay and explore Nepal more, we can arrange scenic tailor-made trips for you. However, for those of you having to travel back, we will arrange your travel to the airport and wish you a happy journey ahead.