Mardi Himal Trek – Grace Trekking

Mardi Himal (11 Days)

This trek is a great introduction to Nepal’s high mountains in a short time period and without too much height.

The trek is east of the Annapurna Base Camp trek and has all the same views: Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Annapurna I and of course, Mardi Himal. The trek to Mardi-Himal’s base camp (4,500m) is also a hidden gem with fewer trekkers.

Day 1 Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city. In the evening we’ll have a Welcome Nepali dinner.

Day 2 Flight to Pokhara

We’ll fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is the starting point for the Mardi Himal Trek. Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful lakeside city.

Day 3 Deurali (2,100m)

We’ll drive to Kande and start trekking towards Deurali. Before the 1950’s this area was used only for sheep grazing in the summer. Shepherds would stay in Hinku Cave for shelter.

Prior to the 1970’s, women weren’t allowed in Deurali because it was considered a highly religious area and women were considered impure because of their periods. With the arrival of female trekkers and mountaineers, they made an exception and now women are allowed in the region.

It’s illegal not only to kill or eat certain animals (buffalo and chicken) in the area, but those animals can’t walk past the temple along the trekking route either. You’ll notice mules are used below Bamboo to carry items to the teahouses, but above the temple only humans can pass as they might taint the holy mountain.

Day 4 Forest Camp (2,550m)

We’ll trek through lush rhododendron forests to reach Forest Camp. Forest Camp is a relatively new village. Around 2010, it became a popular stop along the Mardi Himal trek and teahouses began to pop up.

Day 5 Low Camp (2,990m)

It’s a gentle trek uphill to Low Camp where you can witness breathtaking views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain.

Day 6: High Camp (3,580m)

We’ll continue trekking towards High Camp, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The trail gradually ascends, and you might encounter snow patches during the winter season. As you can see, the villages on this trek were built especially for the Mardi Himal Trek – which shows little imagination in naming them.

Day 7: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)

We’ll have an early start to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highlight of the trip. You should see the spectacular sunrise as the trek starts. The trail is rocky and narrow but worth the view of panoramic scenes around the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks. We’ll return to High Camp for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Siding Village (1,280m)

We’ll descend through the forest to reach Siding Village, passing by traditional Gurung settlements along the way. We’ll have dinner with the Nepali staff.

Day 9: Pokhara

Continue descending towards Lumle and then drive to Pokhara. Enjoy your time in the lakeside city, relaxing and celebrating the completion of your trek.

Day 10 Flight to Kathmandu

We’ll fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara’s modern airport and have a final view of the high mountains. You can explore more of Kathmandu and maybe do some souvenir shopping.

Day 11 Kathmandu and flight home

You may have time for final sightseeing and, if so, The Garden of Dreams is within walking distance of the hotel and the perfect quiet place to reflect. Today we transfer to Kathmandu airport and fly home.