One of the most sublime treks in Nepal that can be done in under a week, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek brings incomparable views of the spectacular Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains. Experiences like walking through a bed of Maples and Rhododendrons, encountering the wonderful Yaks and Monals, along with the classic trekking moments of brilliant sunrises, victory sunsets, and the raw village life of Nepal all meet you at the horizon here. The trail that gets you back down is a different one, allowing you to complete the entire circuit and grab all new experiences you can find on the way.
The first day is all about reaching Pokhara on an enchanting drive with pleasant views of terraced rice fields, Himalayan landscapes, and the gushing Trisuli and Marsyangdi rivers as they cut through the valleys. You’ll be able to spot Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and most of the Annapurna Himalayan Range on your way. The journey will be taken in a tourist coach bus, with stops for breakfast and lunch and 9 am and 12 pm respectively.
After a filling breakfast, you drive half an hour to Kande (1170m). The hike begins here, via the beautiful Australian Camp. The trail is uphill and pleasant through the tranquil, dense forests of oaks, maples, hemlocks, and even Rhododendrons. Pitam Deurali is a miniature town on the ridge, with views of the Dhaulagiri. You stay the night here snug in a warm, cosy bed.
The trail continues from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp through a crimson forest of fresh Rhododendrons. You’ll make a resting stop for lunch here before you continue further to the Middle Camp for another 1.5 hours. Today’s trek ends with views of the Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal mountains.
The hike continues today along the Mardi Himal ridge towards the High Camp. You mostly walk through grasslands with some scattered Rhododendron bushes along the way. If you’re lucky, you could catch a glimpse of the iridescent little bird, Himalayan Monal today.
You begin the day with a splendid view of the sunrise, as the golden rays pierce from between the snow-clad Himalayas. Post breakfast, you’ll start the hike up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. You may again look out for the Dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) as well as the Monals. Within three hours, you’ll be at the Base Camp which sits high at an elevation of 4500m. Five days of dedicated hiking culminate in an extraordinary view of the Himalayas, as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the south face of Annapurna, as well as the Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) greet you in the landscape.
The route back down completes the trek circuit, offering a wholesome experience of the area. The trail crosses through Siding, a traditional Nepalese village with a rural lifestyle full of little wonders. You stay the night here after having the evening to explore the village.
From Siding, you hike towards Lumre, passing the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Today’s hike is a short one, followed by a private taxi ride from Lumre to Pokhara. The trek ends here, with a bundle of great sunrises and sunsets, starry skies, and traditional meals with locals.
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