EXPLORE NEPAL · TOURS & TREKS

Mardi Himal Trek

A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.

Offered by Al Shalal Travels

Duration10 daysTravel styleTrekking
Illustrative Nepal scenery for Mardi Himal Trek NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Mardi Himal Trek is an unexplored hidden gem of the Annapurna trekking region in Nepal. Lying in the south of one of the most popular trekking routes; Annapurna Base Camp Yet, very few trekkers have explored the beautiful rugged trail of Mardi Himal. Perhaps, this is the best route for trekkers who wants to avoid the crowd. It gives you the pleasure of having a peaceful walk in nature even during the peak seasons. The sound of birds chirping and walking in the shadow of trees gives a trek a special flavor that is difficult to locate on other routes. The significant highlights of Mardi Himal Trek are Mardi Himal Base Camp, traditional Nepali villages, and people’s lifestyles. Along with the trail’s rich greenery and close-up views of mountains like Mt. Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and Mt. Annapurna South. Likewise, Mardi Himal Trek is a blend of easy and moderate treks heavily depending on your previous trekking experience. The trek’s highest point is 4,250 meters above sea level at Upper View Point. Additionally, you can hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. Therefore, your heart will be filled with every sense of adventure with the expansive panorama view of the mountains, including Mt. Machhpuchhre (Fishtail), Himchuli, and Annapurna South. Besides, that one cannot easily forget the rich flora and fauna, and the stunning Rhododendron forest, along the pathways. The Mardi Himal Trek is unquestionably the greatest trek to experience the breathtaking mountain vistas and the greeneries of Nepal.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

Soak in the sights of beautiful Lake city, Pokhara. Walk along the beautiful trail, enjoying the scenic landscape and diverse flora and fauna en route. Enjoy the stunning view of the magnificent Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiuchuli and neighbouring peaks. Gain insight into rich natural and cultural biodiversity of Annapurna region. Behold the sights of incredible sunrise and sunset view over the Annapurna massif. Explore the local ethnic culture of Gurung people. Enjoy natural village lifestyle, lush forest, and panoramic mountain views.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu airport and Transfer to hotel. — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. S/he will be displaying an “Ace the Himalaya” signboard outside the airport terminal. You will then be received and transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle. Airport ArrivalArrival in NepalOvernight at a HotelNo meals includedNote: On the day of your arrival, there will be a pre-trek meeting. During the meeting we will introduce you to the trek leader/guide. Please seek this opportunity to ask questions about the trek. We will also provide you with a complimentary Ace the Himalaya duffel bag and cap. Please make sure that you bring your passport, two copies of passport-size photos, and a readable copy of your travel insurance policy for the meeting. Besides, you need to sign a legally binding trip form as well as a non-liability disclaimer. Day Day 2: Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus — Max. Altitude: Pokhara (900 m)Duration: 7-8 hrs driveAn early morning drive on a tourist bus takes you to Pokhara, the city of lakes. Pokhara is at a distance of 200 km from Kathmandu. It takes almost 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara. Pokhara Road Update Pokhara Road UpdatePlease be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person. The drive will give you an opportunity to catch a glimpse of beautiful scenery, changing landscape, raging Trishuli, Marshyangdi Rivers, small towns, villages and much more en route. After reaching Pokhara, you will be then transferred to a hotel. Phewa lakeside pokharaPokharaOvernight at a HotelBreakfast included Day Day 3: Drive to Kande and Trek to Australian Base Camp — Max. Altitude: Kande (1,770 m), Australian Base Camp (2,060 m)Duration: 2-3 hrs drive, 3-4 hrs trekAfter breakfast we head out for Kande on tourist vehicle. The drive to Kande, the starting point of the trek, is about one and half hour duration. Upon reaching there, we begin our trek on the beautiful trail and climb upwards to the Australian Base Camp for about 3 hours. Australian Base Camp is a beautiful village, from where you can see an unobstructed view of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Manaslu and associated peaks. KandeAustralian Base CampAustralian Base Camp, Mardi Himal TrekOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp — Max. Altitude: Forest Camp (2,600 m)Duration: 6-7 hrs trekAfter taking breakfast in the morning, we head out to Forest Camp that will take about 6 to 7 hours of long walk. The trail is slightly downhill from Base Camp to Pothana (1950 m) and again ascends to Deurali (2,100 m). At Deurali there is a signboard pointing towards right saying “Forest Camp”. We follow that path to reach our next destination. The trail enters a quiet jungle of oak trees, maples, rhododendrons etc. After hiking for few more hours under the shades of trees, and chirping of birds, we will reach Forest Camp where we spend our night there. Forest CampForest CampOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day Day 5: Trek to High Camp — Max. Altitude: High Camp (3,550 m)Duration: 6-7 hrs trekThe exciting walk to High Camp is one of the scenic walk throughout the trek. After early breakfast, we head on to the trekking trails. We walk under the shades of Rhododendron forest until we reach Badal danda and then the trail continues on the grassy ridges. The trail gradually ascends throughout the hike to the High Camp. We walk above the line of hills and the temperature reduces along the path. After walking for almost 6 to 7 hours, we finally reach High Camp. High CampTrekker on the way to Mardi Himal High CampView from Mardi Himal High CampOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day Day 6: Trek to Upper View Point or Base Camp. Trek back to Low Camp — Max. Altitude: Upper View Point (4.250 m) or Base Bamp (4,120 m)Duration: 6-7 hrs trekToday we wake up early in the morning and walk for few hours to reach the Upper view point or Mardi Himal Base Camp. The view of the Annapurna Sanctuary can be clearly seen. The panoramic views of South face of Mt. Annpaurna, Himchuli and Machhapuchhre (Mt Fishtail) is truly rewarding. It’s time to experience the accomplishment of our journey to Mardi Himal base Camp. After spending few hours here, we return back to the High Camp for breakfast. After having lunch and resting for some time at High camp, we walk down for 2 hours and reach Low Camp (3,050 m). Happy trekkers at Mardi Himal View PointEarly morning bliss at Mardi Himal viewpointMardi Upper View PointOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day Day 7: Trek to Landruk — Max. Altitude: Landruk (1,565 m)Duration: 6-7 hrs trekWe start our day with a descent down the trail to Landruk village via Forest Camp added with the drastic change in elevation. After walking for around six hours we will reach Landruk. This traditionally rich Gurung village offers friendly and courtesy hospitality. Spellbinding views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli unfold along the Mardi Himal trek routeLandrukLandrukOvernight at a GuesthouseBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day Day 8: Trek to Syauli Bazaar & Drive back to Pokhara — Max. Altitude: Pokhara (900 m)Duration: 3-4 hrs trek, & 2-3 hrs driveToday is the last day of trekking. We start our day with a leisurely walk down to Kyumi. The trail further continues towards Syauli Bazaar where we will take our drive back to Pokhara in tourist vehicle. Upon reaching Pokhara, we celebrate the successful trek to the Mardi Himal. Syauli BazarSyauli BazarOvernight at a HotelBreakfast and lunch included Day Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus and farewell dinner in the evening — Duration: 7-8 hrs driveWe head out for Kathmandu in a tourist bus. The journey will be about 7 hours. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, our representative will meet and transfer you back to the hotel. Pokhara Road Update Pokhara Road UpdatePlease be advised that extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Alternatively, there is the option to take a 30 min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa. The cost for a one-way flight is USD 130 per person. In the evening, we host a farewell dinner in a fine restaurant. (Your guide(s) and an office staff will accompany you). Overnight at a HotelBreakfast and farewell dinner included Day Day 10: Transfer to the International Airport for final departure. — Our 10 day Madi Himal Trek finally ends today. Our Airport Representative will drop you off to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal. Good bye and have a safe journey. Breakfast included

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu airport and Transfer to hotel. — Max. Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 2Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus — Max. Altitude: Pokhara (900 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 3Drive to Kande and Trek to Australian Base Camp — Max. Altitude: Kande (1,770 m), Australian Base Camp (2,060 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 4Trek to Forest Camp — Max. Altitude: Forest Camp (2,600 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 5Trek to High Camp —+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 6Trek to Upper View Point or Base Camp. Trek back to Low Camp — Max. Altitude: Upper View Point (4.250 m) or Base Bamp (4,120 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 7Trek to Landruk — Max. Altitude: Landruk (1,565 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 8Trek to Syauli Bazaar & Drive back to Pokhara — Max. Altitude: Pokhara (900 m)+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 9Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus and farewell dinner in the evening — Duration: 7-8 hrs drive+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

Day 10Transfer to the International Airport for final departure. — Our 10 day Madi Himal Trek finally ends today. Our Airport Representative will drop you off to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal. Good bye and have a safe journey.+

Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.

KNOW WHAT'S COVERED

What's included in your experience

Included

  • All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
  • Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara for 2 nights each including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
  • Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 4 nights
  • All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
  • Experienced, first-aid trained, government licensed, English-speaking Ace the Himalaya's trekking guide (2 guides provided for groups of 8 or more)
  • Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
  • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
  • Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
  • Purified drinking water during the trek using Water Filter or water purification tablets.
  • Round trip Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Kande and from Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara
  • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
  • All administrative expenses and government taxes

Not included

  • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • International flight fare and airport departure tax
  • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
  • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
  • Tips to trekking staff and driver
  • Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with
  • a fee of USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
  • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
  • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
PLAN AHEAD

Essential trip information

Before you go

Please be advised that extensive road construction along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara has resulted in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, the journey, typically taking around 6-7 hours, may now require approximately 8-9 hours. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Our standard itinerary might differ slightly due to unpredictable happenings and events out of our control. Factors such as flight cancellation/delay, unfavorable weather, natural calamities, newly implemented government rules, political affairs, trekkers’ health conditions, etc., are possible. Evaluating the situation’s possible solutions allow the trekking to resume as much as possible based on the best alternatives. In these times, we look for your cooperation and flexibility. It is advised you arrive a day before the trip starts date so you can rest and it also gives you time to buy clothing equipment and gear required for the trek. Also, it is best if you book your international flights with spare days in Nepal before and after your trek in case of any flight delays or cancellations due to technical reasons. Moreover, you have options to customize this trip where you can add on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, Pokhara, other adventure sports or day trips around the country before or after the trek.

Accommodation

Tea House & Hotel

Fitness & eligibility

3

Meeting point

Kathmandu

What to bring

  • Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Mardi Himal Trek. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter. We provide a 75 liter duffel bag for you to use for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffle bag is yours to keep. Also, you can rent sleeping bag and down jacket with us at the additional fee of USD 35 for each once you are in Kathmandu.
  • General
  • Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for an additional USD 20)
  • Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
  • Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
  • Upper Body
  • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a free Ace the Himalaya baseball cap.)
  • Knitted hat/Beanie
  • Scarf or neck gaiter
  • Headlamp
  • Sunglasses
  • Torso
  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
  • Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
  • Waterproof, windproof shell
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Lower Body
  • Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
  • Hiking pants (2)
  • Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
  • Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
  • Hiking shorts
  • Hands
  • Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
  • Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
  • Feet
  • Wool or technical fabric warm socks
  • Hiking socks
  • Liner socks (optional such as silk)
  • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
  • Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it's recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
  • Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
  • Casual shoes
  • Undergarments
  • Note: The quantity of each article of clothing can be adjusted to suit the preferences of each participant.
  • Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
  • Sports bras (women)
  • Pajamas or sleeping clothes
  • First Aid Kits and Medications
  • (Note: Guides carry medications and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are highly recommended.)
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