Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is positioned just east of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Mardi Himal Base Camp is exceptionally positioned at the base of Mardi Himal and the Annapurna region´s most iconic mount Machapuchhre literally meaning “Fishtail”. The trail goes along small winding paths, through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation of around 3,300 meters.
The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. From High Camp (3700m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m), you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close-up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months it will be full of snow and much more fun.
Volunteer World Nepal’s Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal where we stay in teahouses (lodges), try local food, appreciate the excellent hill and mountain landscape; and marvel at the panoramic views of the massive Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights:
- Begin the trip from the city of lakes – Pokhara
- Trek through the less crowded newly opened trekking areas of the Annapurna Region
- Exhilarating close-up views of Mt. Annapurna and Fishtail.
- Enjoy the high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
- Immerse in the unique ethnic culture and lifestyle of local inhabitants
- Experience the traditional and lifestyles of village peoples
- Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Machapuchre.
Program day to day detail itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Volunteer World Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Volunteer World Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu:
We can enjoy the beautifully terraced farms, little shops by the side of the road and the raging Trishuli River on our drive to Pokhara also referred to as the ‘City of Lakes.’ From the city, we get great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna. Pokhara is also a tourist destination, so we take some time out in the evening and enjoy! Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 04: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali:
We start our adventure with a drive to Phedi and start trekking from there. We walk on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests before reaching Dhampus where we have lunch. We continue our walk to Deurali which is a small village beautifully located on a ridge with good views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare. Overnight in Deurali.
Day 05: Deurali to Forest Camp Trek:
Our trail passes through a lush forest dotted with red rhododendrons. The flowers are a common sight in Nepalese hills and it is no surprise that its Nepal’s national flower. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We can take a rest and explore the area which is also known locally as Kokar. Overnight in Forest Camp.
Day 06: Forest Camp to High Camp Via Low Camp Trek:
We start our patrol to Low camp through murky forest viewing and applauding the beautiful forest filled with rhododendron and other admirable flora and fauna. From Low camp, we can get a very peaceful and charming view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). We also enjoy the cultures and lifestyle of local residents. After lunch at the low camp, our trek starts leaving the dense forest behind and admiring the beautiful view towards Mardi Himal and Machapuchhre. On the way, we can view the beautiful appearance of the Danphe (The national bird of Nepal) if our fortune becomes on our side. We reach to the High camp and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and the environment around us. Overnight in high camp.
Day 07: Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp Trek:
We trek uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (the national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which is the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning. Overnight in High Camp.
Day 08: High Camp to Siding Village Trek:
We take a different route in the high camp that takes us to Sidhing instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and make our trek exciting. Siddhing offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails. Overnight in Siddhing.
Day 09: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara:
We walk towards Lumre finally reaching the road from where we begin our drive to Pokhara. After reaching the city. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu by Tourist Bus:
After breakfast, transfer to the Tourist bus station and 06: 30 am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 11: Farewell friend and departure/Fly back home:
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Volunteer World Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
