Mardi Himal Trekking
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Nepal Alternative Treks & Expeditions Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
Mardi Himal Trekking Mardi Himal trek is the newly opened trekking area in Nepal, this fresh trekking trail offers you enchanting views of mountain ranges, rich vegetation along with the culture and lifestyle of the ethnic dwellers then this is just the perfect offer for you. After half an hour drive by Jeep or Public bus from Pokhara, trekking can be started immediately crossing the Mardi River, if the trekkers want to get immediately close mammal. So the trekkers can experience the perfect natural sites. The blending of rich cultural heritage of diverse ethnic groups like Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Damai, Kami, Sarki, Chetri, Newar, and Brahmins, etc with the eye catching views of snowcapped mountains like Mt. Mardi, Mt. Machhapuchre, and Annapurna Himalayan ranges from the close proximity. The opportunity to experience the combinations of rich flora & fauna, mountain forest, varied birds species, wild flowers, wild animals, and natural hot spring are supplementary attractions for visitors of all kinds. The Mardi-river Valley in Rivan & Lahachok area is an appropriate place for swimming, fishing and watching migrant birds. A natural Cave formed by rock and limestone and Tea garden are the other attractions of the areas. It seems to be the most pleasurable resting place on the lap of Nature. It is here that one can enjoy perfect peace and silence; while resting one feels like meditating.
The memorable moments
Major Highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking Off the Beaten Track: The Mardi Himal trek is one of the least visited trials in Nepal. The trials are wanted wear and offer you the unspoiled beauty of nature in the Annapurna region. This region is still less exposed in comparison to other touristy areas and is relatively fresh and less crowded. Very few travelers have made it through the un-trodden trials to the high and mysterious valley; therefore this trek will be the mythical experience to explore the un-rugged trials, village lifestyle, panoramic mountain vista, green-lush forest and scenic landscape. This is the best trip for the one who wants to experience off the beaten route along with pristine beauty. Natural and Cultural diversity: This trek impresses you with unique and mesmerizing natural and rich cultural blend from starting to end point. The region is also known for rich biodiversity and panoramic landscape. As the journey begins further, the trekkers are soaked with the picturesque scenery of green rolling hills, waterfall, pristine forest of rhododendron-oak-juniper, various species of birds and animals, bloomed fragrant flowers, sparkling rivers and stunning slivery mountains. Mardi Himal Trek also displays cultural melting point of Hinduism and Buddhism. This trek offers picturesque villages inhabited by friendly, simple and ethnic groups like Brahmins, Chhetris and Gurungs who reflect their cultural uniqueness in the exquisite nature of the Himalayas. Closest view of exquisite Annapurna Himalayas: Mardi Himal Trek is appreciated for the hill and mountain landscape in the Annapurna region. Most of the trekking companies offer trekking package in the Himalayan region for the panoramic vista of mountains. The journey of Mardi Himal Trekking ascends through lower land to higher elevation which offers mystical mountain scenery of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Machhapuchhare (6,993m), Mt. Hiunchuli(6,441m) and Annapurna south (7,010m). The view of these lofty Himalayas comforts your tired legs and makes your trek a worthwhile experience. Traditional villages and sophisticated hospitality: Mardi Himal Trek begins from the very beautiful city and tourist hub, Pokhara, and then ascend towards Phedi to Dhampus; one of the paradises on Earth. This trek gives us chance to explore rural life; free from hustle bustle crowd which makes the trip enjoyable and impressive. The trials follow very traditional villages like Phedi, Pothana, Landruk, Sidhing which have its own culture and identity. There are only few tea houses and lodges along the route which provide simple facilities and basic provisions; but the hospitality, cuisine, and rooms are sophisticated, appetizing and well attuned respectively.
Journey at a glance
Day 1: Pokhara - Kande by drive and trek to Pothana (2125m./7012ft.) 5 hours walk — After breakfast, We drive half an hour to Kande and commence our trek to Forest Camp. The trail leads us steep climb until Dhampus and pleasant easy walk up to Pothana. Stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Lunch, Dinner Day 2: Pothana - Low Camp (3,150m./10395ft.)- 5 hours walk — We begin our day walking through the forest however as we ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley. Stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 3: Low camp - High Camp (3,700m./12210ft.)- 4 hours walk — After an hour walking we get above tree line and towards the west there is a good view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. We continue walk along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on grass with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. We also may encouter the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Stay overnigth at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 4: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14850ft.) — Wake up early for sunrise and mountain view then after an early breakfast walk toward the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. We may encounter dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. You will have spectacular close view of the Annapurna Sanctuary, south face of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We stay overnight at lodge. Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 5: High camp - Siding village (1,750m./5775ft.) -6 hours walking — We will return from different route to make a small circuit. There is a trail that goes down from Low Camp to Siding village rather than going back down Mardi Himal back to Kokar. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busy trail and also will experience of staying at local homestay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 6: Sidding village - Lumre on foot and drive to Pokhara ( 1400m./4620ft.) — We walk to Lumre about two hours then drive to Pokhara three hours. We will pass the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is mainly a Brahmin village with Ghalel and Siding mixed Brahmin and Gurung. Meals included: Breakfast
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Pokhara - Kande by drive and trek to Pothana (2125m./7012ft.) 5 hours walk — After breakfast, We drive half an hour to Kande and commence our trek to Forest Camp. The trail leads us steep climb until Dhampus and pleasant easy walk up to Pothana. Stay overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 2Pothana - Low Camp (3,150m./10395ft.)- 5 hours walk — We begin our day walking through the forest however as we ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley. Stay overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 3Low camp - High Camp (3,700m./12210ft.)- 4 hours walk — After an hour walking we get above tree line and towards the west there is a good view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. We continue walk along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on grass with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. We also may encouter the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Stay overnigth at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 4Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14850ft.) — Wake up early for sunrise and mountain view then after an early breakfast walk toward the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. We may encounter dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. You will have spectacular close view of the Annapurna Sanctuary, south face of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We stay overnight at lodge.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 5High camp - Siding village (1,750m./5775ft.) -6 hours walking — We will return from different route to make a small circuit. There is a trail that goes down from Low Camp to Siding village rather than going back down Mardi Himal back to Kokar. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busy trail and also will experience of staying at local homestay.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
Day 6Sidding village - Lumre on foot and drive to Pokhara ( 1400m./4620ft.) — We walk to Lumre about two hours then drive to Pokhara three hours. We will pass the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is mainly a Brahmin village with Ghalel and Siding mixed Brahmin and Gurung.
Confirm daily arrangements with the provider.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport ) .
- All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Lodge accommodation ( twin share basis) during the trekking.
- One experienced, educated, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Machhapuchhre model trekking region and government authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two clients).
- Guide and staff’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation and equipment.
- Overland transportation as per mentioned in itinerary.
- ACAP( Annapurna conservation area project) and TIMS (Trekker's information management system) card.
- Trekking map, duffle bag, company t-shirt, trekking completion certificate etc.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill etc.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters.( Highly suggested ).
Essential trip information
Before you go
Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP) The provision of ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions. It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Mardi himal Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period. Trekker's information Management System ( TIMS) The main aim of TIMS has come into implementation from Jan.2008. Trekking agency's association of Nepal (TAAN) and Nepal tour tourism board (NTB) has jointly recording the trekker's detail and issuing TIMS for trekkers. TIMS can be applied through Government registered trekking agency as Nepal alternative treks. TIMS fees are Rs. 2000 for individual trekkers and Rs. 1000 for organized trekker. It also can be obtained departments of TAAN and NTB in Kathmandu and Pokhara . You are required passport copy, one passport size photograph and the amount Rs 2000 for individual and Rs 1000 for company joined in cash. Travel insurance It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Trekking. 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Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). How do we know if I get AMS ? Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below: Difficulty sleeping Dizziness or light-headedness Tiredness Headache Loss of appetite Nausea or vomiting Rapid pulse (heart rate) shortness of breath with exertion Cannot walk in a straight line Treatment Rest, Rest , Rest Go down, down, down Diamox Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude. Prevention and pre-cautious Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include: Climb the mountain gradually and slowly Stop for a day or two of rest for every 2,000 feet (600 meters) above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) Sleep at a lower altitude when possible Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day Avoid alcohol Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates Sleep well Be well equipped First aid Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. Meals During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in some lodges early days of trekking. Basic meals will be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner three times along the route and most of the days Nepali national food " Dal Bhat " will be tested in route . Physical Condition & Experience Requirements Mardi himal is medium type of trek, suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-6 hours a day with a light rucksack. As we will get the highest elevation 4500 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.
Accommodation
Accommodation We leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu as there will various choices to select yourself. We provide twin share basis room in lodges and home stay during the trek. We provide with shared washing and toilet.
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Pokhara
What to bring
- Trekking Clothing equipment
- When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants
- T-shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
- Small daypack - 25 liters.
- Rain jacket - poncho style to cover backpack.
- Small towels
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
- A pair of gloves
- Snow glasses and strap
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