Fact Information

Duration
8 Days
Destination
Nepal
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Activity
Trekking
Transportation
Tourist Bus, Car & Airplane
Meals
BLD (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Max Person
25
Min Person
2

About Trip

Mardi Himal trek is a short trek of the Annapurna region in Nepal that is perfect for those seeking an “off the beaten path” trekking episode. The trekking trails of Mardi Himal Trek takes you to the uneven terrains through enraptured rhododendron forests and magnetic diverse landscape throughout your trekking journey. The diverse landscape you will view during this trek varies abruptly showing you the snowcapped peaks like Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Hiuchuli (6,441 meters), Machhapuchre (6993 meters), Mardi Himal (5,587 meters) etcetera as well as green hills and pristine forests of oaks and rhododendrons.

Categorized as a moderate trek in terms of difficulty, Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for all grade trekkers from novice to mid-level to experienced. You will be captivated by waterfalls, beautiful lakes, stunning views of many mountain peaks, and the remote lifestyle of Gurung and Magar community during this trek. favourable for solo as well as group trekkers, this trek never gets boring for a moment and provides you the break you want and need.

Get ready to be fascinated by the astounding sunrise and sunset views in this calm and unspoiled trek in Annapurna region that was discovered back in 2012 and is gaining popularity each day. However, the number of people on this trek is significantly less than the more popular and crowded treks of Annapurna Sanctuary like Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek making it an ideal choice for solitude seeking trekkers.

Trip Highlights

Mardi Himal Base Camp: The highlight of the trek is reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri,

and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Peaceful and less crowded: Unlike some of the other popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Mardi Himal and Pokhara Trek is less crowded and more peaceful. This makes it a great choice for those

who want to enjoy the natural beauty of the region in a peaceful environment.

Short and easy trek: The trek is relatively short and easy compared to some of the other popular trekking routes in the region. This makes it a great choice for those who want to experience

trekking in Nepal without having to go through a long and challenging trek.

Scenic beauty: The trek offers some of the most stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek takes you through dense forests, beautiful valleys, and high-altitude

landscapes.

Pokhara city: The trek starts and ends in Pokhara, a beautiful city nestled in the lap of the Annapurna mountain range. Pokhara is known for its natural beauty, with the serene Fewa Lake,

caves, waterfalls, and the stunning view of the Himalayas.

Cultural experience: The trek offers an opportunity to experience the local culture of the region. You will have a chance to interact with the people of different ethnic groups like Gurungs and

Magars, and learn about their lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs.

Off-the-beaten-path: Compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek is less crowded, making it a perfect choice for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and explore

the less beaten paths.

Wildlife: The trek also provides an opportunity to spot wildlife such as musk deer, pheasants, and Himalayan Thar

Outlined Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara & drive to Kande & trek to Pothana via Australian camp: 25 minutes flight +1-hour drive +2/3 hours trek

Day 2: Pothana to Forest camp 2500m: 5/6hours

Day 3: Forest Camp to Low Camp 3210m: Approx. 5hours

Day 4: Low Camp to High Camp 3580m: Approx. 4hours

Day 5: High Camp to Forest Camp 3210m: Approx. 6 hours

Day 6: Forest Camp Tolka: Approx. 7 hours

Day 7: Tolka to Pokhara

Day 8: Pokhara to Kathmandu and goodbye.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1- Kathmandu to Pokhara & drive to Kande & trek to Pothana via Australian camp: 25 minutes flight + 1-hour drive +2/3 hours trek

Our 8-day long Mardi Himal trekking journey begins as we arrive in Pokhara from Kathmandu via 25-minute long flight. Continuing our trek, we drive from Pokhara for about 1 hour to arrive at Kanda through Sarangkot or Phedi. We trek for 2 to 3 hours through forestry walking uphill.

We reach Pothana via a gorgeous Australian Camp. We will see notable views of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South Hiuchuli, Lamjung Himal throughout most parts of trekking routes.  We will stay overnight in Pothana in a trekking lodge.

Day 2- Pothana to Forest camp Trek: 5/6hours

After a delightful stay in Pothana, we head towards the next point of our destination. We ascend through the trekking trail watching the beautiful rhododendron forest. After crossing the forest ridge, we make our way to Forest Camp at the height of 2500 meters, where we have dinner and enjoy the night. Trekking from Pothana to Forest Camp requires 5 to 6 hours of walk.

Day 3- Forest Camp to Low Camp Trek: Approx. 5hours

Following a steep trekking trail through the rhododendron forest, we head towards Low camp. From Low Camp (3000 meters), the views of Mount Machhapuchre and Mardi Himal get much clear and lively. We reach Low Camp by trekking for 5 hours and rest the night there at a lodge or hotel.

Day 4- Low Camp to High Camp Trek: Approx. 4hours

We walk even more towards the sky as we ascend for about 4 hours to arrive at High Camp from Low Camp. The views of snowcapped mountain peaks like Annapurna South, Mount. Fishtail and Hiuchuli are mesmerizing from up here (High Camp- 3580 meters).

We will have dinner and spend our night in High Camp.

Day 5- High Camp to Mardi Himal Base camp and trek back to High camp: Approx. 7 hours

Day five of our 8-day long trek is tougher than other days. We ascend from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp at the altitude of 4500 meters. Our steep climb requires about 2 hours. The views of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna from here are simply magnetic.

Furthermore, to make things even more appealing, from Mardi Himal Base Camp, Mardi Himal and Mount. Machhapuchre feels right above us.

We trek back from the base camp to arrive at high camp where we will rest our shore legs after about 7 to 8 hours of trekking.

Day 6-High Camp to Sidhing: Approx. 7 hours

We start after having a warm breakfast early in the morning. Via Middle camp at 3250 meters and Low Camp at 3000 meters, we trek downhill to arrive at Sidhing at the altitude of 1885 meters. We will cover about 9 Km of distance and mostly descend down to arrive at Sidhing after 4 hours of trekking.

Day 7- Sidhing to Lumre & drive to Pokhara: 3 hours trek + 2-3 hours’ drive

We walk past the Kalimati village and Ghalel Village on our way to Lumre. The residents of Kalimati village are mainly Brahmins and that of Ghalel are Brahmins and Gurungs. Enjoying these settlements and nature, we arrive at Lumre from Sidhing after 3 hours of walking.

From there, we come to Pokhara in the jeep or van arranged to us by Himalayan Diamond Adventure. We celebrate our successful trek in Pokhara.

Day 8- Pokhara to Kathmandu and goodbye.

Last day of the Mardi Himal Trek, we return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. You come to Kathmandu via 25 minutes light or 7-8 hour drive depending upon the trekking package.

Note: that the outlined itinerary is designed for those who prefer a full package service. However, we understand that preferences and time constraints may vary, so we offer the flexibility to customize the itinerary according to your needs. The selection of itineraries and staff will be based on your specific requirements and budget. Additionally, we have options available for partial visits to accommodate your preferences and financial situation.

Cost Details

  • 1. Airport pickup and drop-off by a private vehicle as specified in the itinerary.
  • 2. Three nights of deluxe accommodation in a shared room at either Hotel Moonlight or Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu, Thamel, with breakfast service.
  • 3. Two nights of deluxe accommodation in a shared room at Hotel Trekker Inn or Hotel White Pearl in Pokhara, including breakfast.
  • 4. A full day of Kathmandu Valley sightseeing, including Pasupatinath, Bouddhanath, and Swoyambhnath, with a city guide, transportation, and all entry fees for UNESCO World Heritage sites and temples.
  • 5. Inclusion of permit fees for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Fee and Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) fee.
  • 6. A day of Pokhara sightseeing with a guide, private transportation, and all entry fees for museums and temples.
  • 7. All ground transportation provided, including a private Car or tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Hile, and a return trip from Ghandrung to Sarangkot - Pokhara.
  • 8. Flight fare from Pokhara to Kathmandu with a 15 kg cargo service allowance, and airport pick-up service as per the itinerary.
  • 9. Three meals a day, with a customizable menu including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, as well as fresh fruits, along with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, hot lemon, ginger lemon tea, ginger lemon honey, and hot water.
  • 10. Accommodations during the mountain stay, including hotels, lodges, and tea houses, all of which are clean and comfortable.
  • 11. An experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly English-speaking guide with a government license, covering all expenses for salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
  • 12. An assistant trekking guide for groups with more than 6 members or as per client requirements.
  • 13. One strong and helpful porter assigned for every two members, equipped with proper gear, including a Gore-Tex jacket/trousers, trekking shoes, woolen hat, woolen gloves, woolen socks, and sunglasses, among other essentials.
  • 14. Insurance coverage for Nepalese staff, including emergency rescue evacuation by helicopter, hospitalization, medical treatment, and accidents.
  • 15. Availability of medical supplies, including a first aid kit, with oximeter readings of pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate taken twice daily to monitor symptoms of Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS).
  • 16. Complimentary items provided by the company: a duffle bag, map, and company T-shirt.
  • 17. Hot bag services.
  • 18. Inclusion of government taxes and official expenses.
  • 19. Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service, with the cost covered by your Travel Insurance company.
  • 20. Rental services available for down-filled jackets, sleeping bags, mini crampons, and trekking poles, with a fee of $5 per day for laundry service and maintenance.
  • 21. Welcome dinner and farewell dinner at Nepali cultural restaurants.

❖ Personal insurance

❖ Personal trekking equipment and gears.

❖ Nepal entry visa fee.

❖ International airfare bill.

❖ Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the

❖ Meals while you stay in Kathmandu Hotel Lunch and Dinner.

❖ Your travel insurance policy should be covered rescue evacuation, medical treatment and accidental.

❖ Any entry fee for the temple or monastery.

❖ Donations or charity.

❖ Your personal expenses like; Hot shower, Laundry, Battery charging, telephone, WIFI, and shopping, etc.

❖ Alcoholic and non-alcoholic alcoholic hot and cold drinks.

❖ Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected

 

Departure note goes here:

We guarantee departure on all of our published dates. However, if these dates do not match your travel plans, we will gladly help you set your own date. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group looking for a private trip, we can plan a tailor-made itinerary to meet your needs. Please contact us for pricing details and any other queries.

Our trip confirmation policy requires a 25% deposit of the total trip cost to be paid in our company bank account. The remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Nepal. Our cancellation and refund policy is as follows: If you need to cancel, the refund amount will be based on the timing of cancellation.

❖ Cancellations made at least one month prior to the departure date will receive a full refund.

❖ Cancellations made between 2 to 3 weeks prior to the departure date will receive a 50% refund.

❖ Cancellations made within 2 weeks of the departure date will receive a 25% refund.

❖ Unfortunately, cancellations made less than one week prior to the departure date will not be eligible for any refund

Useful Info

What Essential Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me On Tour?

When going on a tour, it's important to bring essential documents to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip. Here are some documents that we highly recommend you bring with you.

Passport: If you're traveling to a foreign country, you'll need a valid passport. Make sure to check the expiration date and renew it if necessary.

Visa: Depending on your destination, you may need a visa to enter the country. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting to see if you need a visa.

Travel itinerary: It's always a good idea to have a printed copy of your travel itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations, tour bookings, and any other important travel plans.

Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen events, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage.

Health documents: If you're traveling to a country with specific health requirements, such as a yellow fever vaccination, make sure to bring the necessary health documents.

Driver's license: If you plan on driving while on tour, make sure to bring your driver's license.

Credit cards and cash: Bring enough cash and credit cards to cover your expenses while on tour.

Emergency contact information: Write down the contact information for someone you trust in case of an emergency. This could include a family member, friend, or employer.

It's always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in a safe place in case the originals get lost or stolen. Additionally, you may want to consider using a travel document organizer to keep all your important documents organized and easily accessible.

If you are traveling to Nepal, then here are some essential documents you will need to have with you in order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip.

What Essential Documents Do I Need To Bring With Me For Mardi Himal Trek?

❖ Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 2 blank visa pages

❖ Travel insurance policy document

❖ Photocopies of your passport's personal information page

❖ One or more recent passport-sized photos with a white background (1.5 inch x 1.5 inch)

❖ Completed and signed Nepal visa application form

❖ Proof of accommodation in Nepal (such as a hotel reservation or address)

❖ Valid return flight or travel ticket

❖ Proof of sufficient financial means, such as recent bank statements

❖ Mastercard, Visa, and some cash in USD

❖ Proof of payment of the Nepal visa fee

❖ To obtain a visa for Nepal, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the travel date and you must present either a completed COVID-19 vaccination certificate with QR code or a valid PCR test negative result taken within 72 hours prior to boarding.

How to apply for an online tourist visa to Nepal?

Visit the official website of the Department of Immigration of Nepal at https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

1. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and intended travel dates.

2. Upload a recent passport-size photograph in JPEG or PNG format.

3. Pay the visa fee online using a credit card or debit card. The cost of the visa depends on the length of your stay in Nepal, but it typically ranges from $30 to $125.

4. Once you have submitted your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt and an application ID.

5. After your application has been processed, you will receive another email with a link to download your visa. You should print out the visa and carry it with you when you travel to Nepal. It's important to note that the online tourist visa is valid for multiple entries and is valid for 15, 30, or 90 days, depending on your length of stay. Also, be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date to allow time for processing.

What Type Of Insurance Should I Get?

It is essential for foreign travelers to secure insurance coverage while trekking or climbing in Nepal. Although trekking in Nepal is generally safe, travel insurance is compulsory for mountaineering activities in Nepal. The trip can pose physical challenges and hazards, particularly at high altitudes where altitude sickness is prevalent among trekkers and climbers, especially those who have not acclimatized properly. Physical injuries can also occur on mountain trails or during climbing activities, and in emergency situations, foreign trekkers or climbers may need to be rescued by helicopter and transported to hospitals in Kathmandu, which can be costly if the traveler does not have insurance coverage.

We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance package that covers high altitudes up to 3,500 meters, potential medical issues, natural disasters, personal accidents, emergency helicopter evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings, and trip cancellations. The minimum recommended coverage amount is USD 50,000. There are many insurance companies that offer travel insurance services online. You should compare plans to find the one that best meets your needs.

What Are Some Popular And Highly Rated Travel Insurance Companies?

If you are in search of popular and highly-rated travel insurance companies, then we can recommend some based on positive feedback we have received from our previous travelers. It is here. [Company 1], [Company 2], [Company 3]............................

For Travelers from USA and CANADA........................

Online Global Health Insurance

Travelex

Insure My Trip.com (Online Insurance Aggregator)

Mondial Assistance

Access America

HCC Medical Insurance Services

Good Neighbor Insurance (International Health)

International Health

Insuremytrip dot com

MultiNational Underwriters

TIC Travel Insurance Coordinators Ltd

Travel Assist

TraveLite

For Travelers from England...................................

Specialty Group (UK) Limited

FirstAssist Services Limited

Harrison Beaumont

Buy cheap travel insurance

For Travellers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA...........................

Assistance CORIS

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

Cover More Travel Insurance

CGU Insurance Limited

For Travellers from SOUTH AFRICA........................................

Travel insurance Consultants Pty. Ltd.

Weather Conditions & Temperature in Nepal

As Nepal's topography is divided into three geographical regions - Terai, Hills, and Mountains - each region experiences different temperatures during different seasons. Below is a tabular illustration of temperature changes throughout the different seasons in Nepal, which will allow you to better understand the changing weather conditions.

Seasons               Minimum temperature (approx) Maximum temperature (approx) Weather Condition

Spring                  4°C/ 39°F (Mountain)                     20°C/ 68°F (Mountain) Moderate with occasional rain

Summer               12°C/ 53°F (Mountain)                   25°C/ 77°F (Mountain) Extreme high with heavy rain

Autumn                3°C/ 37°F (Mountain)                    18°C/ 64°F (Mountain) Moderate

Winter                  10°C/ 50°F (Terai)                        -4°C/ 24°F (Mt.) 20°C/ 68°F (Terai) to 12°C/ 53°F (Mountain) Extreme low

What Is The Best Time To Trek In Nepal?

After a thorough analysis of all the seasons, it has been suggested that autumn is the best time of the year to trek in Nepal. The mild temperatures from September to November make the trekking experience more enjoyable. During this time of the year, trekking routes throughout the country are jam-packed with travelers from all around the world.

However, as mid-December is generally the holiday season in most countries, including the United States, there is a spike in the number of international tourists during early winter as well. Interestingly, to make the holiday season even more special, travel companies offer some of the best holiday destination packages during this time. So, be sure to take advantage of the best travel opportunities with the assistance of Himalayan Diamond Adventure.

Nonetheless, if you cannot make it in autumn, spring also allows for favorable conditions for trekking in Nepal. The warmer days and nights, lush plants and vegetation, and clear trekking trails during spring make the trek worthwhile. However, the downside is occasional rain and slightly higher temperatures in the lower elevations. All in all, after autumn, spring is the second-best time to trek in Nepal.

Best time to trek in Nepal:

Thousands of tourists visit Nepal every year to enjoy the picturesque nature and trek through the adventurous and diverse terrain. However, the best times to trek in Nepal are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these seasons, travelers are blessed with moderate temperatures and enjoyable weather conditions throughout the country.

As calm as it may seem, the challenging terrains of the Himalayas in Nepal can present trekkers with gruesome scenarios during harsh weather conditions. To avoid any unforeseen situations and to enjoy nature at its best, most trekkers prefer autumn for backpacking. However, it may not be the best time of the year to trek in Nepal for everyone. Some may prefer off-season trekking to avoid the crowds.

Therefore, exploring the various seasons can help you choose a favorable time for trekking in Nepal based on your preferences.

Trekking Seasons in Nepal

Throughout the year, the landscape of Nepal experiences four seasons, each with its own uniqueness that brings significant changes to the natural environment. Below are some detailed insights into the four seasons in Nepal.

1. Spring Season (March-May)

Spring in Nepal lasts from March to May and is one of the preferred seasons for trekking throughout the country. During this time, the climate is moderate, with slightly higher temperatures reaching up to about 32°C (89°F) in the lower elevation regions and around 20°C (68°F) at higher altitudes. The sky is usually clear with mild days and occasional rain.

Spring brings a rejuvenation of nature. Flowers begin to blossom, trees become lusher with newly sprung leaves, and spring vegetation sprouts again. Likewise, the flora and fauna of the Himalayan terrain also resuscitate from the harsh winter. Overall, spring is considered a great time for trekking in Nepal due to the alluring freshness of nature.

2. Summer Season (June-August)

With the end of May, summer starts in Nepal and lasts from June to August, which is also the monsoon season in the country. During these months, the weather can be harsh, with scorching heat and heavy rain throughout the nation. The rising humidity and extreme hot weather conditions may restrict travelers from fully enjoying their trip.

Although the lower elevation regions experience harsh summers, the Himalayan terrains are not as brutal. In the mountain regions, temperatures can range from approximately 25°C to 12°C (77°F to 53°F). However, heavy rains can make trekking through rocky mountain terrain challenging, and the cloudy sky may obscure mountain views.

3. Autumn Season (September-November)

With the arrival of autumn from September to November, Nepal becomes a popular destination for trekking. During this season, the weather is usually pleasant with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and gentle sunshine throughout the day. However, early autumn may bring occasional light rainfall. As the season progresses into October and November, the monsoon season completely ends, and cooler weather conditions prevail.

Many people choose to trek to popular destinations such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill during this season. Additionally, autumn is festival season in Nepal, and visitors can witness major celebrations such as Dashain and Tihar, which provide an opportunity to experience Nepali culture and traditions. Many travel packages are available for the best treks in Nepal during this season, and our travel experts can help you plan your trip to align with the festival season.

4. Winter Season (December-February)

Winter, which lasts from December to February, is the harshest season for trekking in Nepal. As the temperature drops in December, nights become chilly, and temperatures can reach around 9°C (48°F) during the day and below 0°C (32°F) during the night in higher altitudes. During peak winter, many high passes and trekking routes in the mountains are covered with dense fog and snow, increasing the risk of unexpected accidents.

Because of the risks of unpleasant trekking conditions, most travelers avoid trekking in the Himalayan terrains during the winter season. Additionally, most expeditions and mountain climbing, including trekking in the Everest region, also come to a halt during the harsh winter. Overall, it may not be the best time to trek due to the challenges presented by the weather conditions.

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