Mardi Himal trek is one of the unique and moderately easy trek. In the past the area was accessed by very limited group of trekkers as there was no facility of lodges and we used tents with full catering facilities. Officially the trek route was announced in the year 2012 and still remains unspoiled. The trek is not that far from Pokhara, the trail mostly stays along the ridge, which makes the gain of altitude progressive. The trek is highly diverse in terms of culture, nature and the people.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu meet and greet by our representative at the airport, who will accompany you to your respective hotel booked by International Adventures Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
Today we will visit some of the popular destination inside Kathmandu valley listed in the UNESCO world heritage sites, Pashpuatinath, Boudhnath & Bhaktapur. After the sightseeing return back to hotel and get some information by one of our representative along with the guide.
NOTE: This day is also for the document processing and last minute preparation of the trek (after information session if you want to buy anything that is needed on the trek, you can bring your guide along with you).
The drive from Kathmandu starts early morning with the pickup at hotel at 6:00 A.M., you will be driving along with your guide on a same vehicle. You can choose the mode of transportation up to your comfort and budget. Get to your hotel in Pokhara. Your guide will give you the information of the next day to meet at the hotel for the drive to Kande.
We will begin our trip after breakfast with the drive of 40 minutes to Kande on Baglung highway. Our walk begins with the climb of 1½ hr. up to the point at 2,060 m. The trail climbs for about 1 ½ hrs to the ridge at 2,060 m. The settlement with the lodges known as “Australian Camp” is surrounded by the forest. The view of Annapurna range and the Pokhara valley adds up some stamina to our further walk. Further our walk passes through Rhododendron forest to the mountain pass called ‘Deurali’. Modi Khola can be seen and feels like Deurali is stucked in between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal & Mt. Fishtail.
After a beautiful evening in Deurali and fresh morning, we start our trek followed by breakfast. We begin to walk on the Annapurna trekking trail passing through the forest. Mardi Himal is a quite a new trekking destination and we will not find any tea houses until we reach the forest camp; therefore we need to carry pack lunch and sufficient water supply. Our walk becomes interesting and feels that it’s all worth it when we finally arrive in to the camp.
It’s very common to find rhododendron forest in the high altitude, during the bloom the rhododendron flower adds up beauty to the mountain hills. Today also we slowly climb through the rhododendron forest the trail gradually climbs through the rhododendron forest following the rim. The view of Machapuchre (Mt. Fishtail), and Mardi Himal is breathtaking, it feels like you can touch the mountains with your own hands, Low camp has few tea houses surrounded by the forest. If you still have the stamina and feel that you can walk more then you can consult your guide to trek further to Badal Danda (Hill), but for your kind reminder there is only one lodge available in Badal Danda and chances of getting room is not that high.
After breakfast we start climbing along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Machapurchre. We will be crossing Badal Danda which we have talked about before. We have now left the timberline area and arrive into the alpine floral area. On the other side of the valley we can view Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and Machapuchre. High camp is mainly paddock area with has 3 to 4 lodges on it. The snowcapped mountains feel closer than before.
This is the day you should be preparing mentally, as the trail is not that relaxed one. For first 2 hours we will be ascending steep up to the ridge top of marked as Mardi Himal base Camp, which is not the real base camp, it will still take 2 to 2½ hrs. more to reach the Mardi Himal Base camp walking alongside the ridge. Upon arriving at the base camp we can see that Mardi Himal and Machapuchre is just standing before our eyes, at a distance we can see Gangapurna, Annapurna I & Annapurna III.
After breakfast we revert to forest camp. Even then the changes in the weather and the effect caused are worth to see it.
Today the trail descend down steeply passing through rhododendron and maple forest to the permanent settlements. Ghale are the indigenous tribes and are called as the Gurung. Lwang is the settlement of Gurung’s, it is a self – sufficient village with the happy face around. Many of the youngster are serving in British Gurkha regiment and Indian Gurka Regiment. The important feature of Lwang village is the traditional lifestyle with home stay facility and organic food. Lwang is also famous for its organic tea farm which is expanded in 50 hectors of land. Another important feature of Lwang is the waterfall nearby that is surely an adventure for the Canyoning lovers.
We descend down to the Mardi River bank and drive to Pokhara, the road is not that relaxed one. It takes around 1½ hrs. to get to Pokhara. Check into the hotel.
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can choose the mode of transportation, whether to drive with Pvt. vehicle (Car, Jeep, Van) or take a tourist bus, should inform us early during the time of booking, and this is how we will prepare the total trip cost for you. After you get into Kathmandu check into your respective hotel.
Transfer to Airport your next journey, our representative will be at the hotel to assist you.
NOTE: Airport time is 3 hrs. before your flight time.
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