Trek the hidden alternative to...

the Annapurna Base Camp that boasts first class views of Mt. Machhapuchhre. 7 days.

The Mardi Himal trek is definitely considered a hidden gem as the trail is only officially opened to trekkers in 2011. The trek winds through enchanting rhododendron and maple forests before emerging abruptly into the rugged mountain landscape. Here, the views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Hiunchuli are so spectacular, words cannot do them justice.

Your adventure includes:

  • 7 days of trekking

  • 7 nights of accommodation on trek

  • Local, professional English-speaking guides

  • Assistant leader on 4:1 basis

  • Porter on 2:1 basis

  • All meals during the trek

  • Farewell dinner in Pokhara

  • Permits and entrance fees

  • Transfers from/to Pokhara to trek start/end points

Perfect for: Keen hikers looking for jaw-dropping views off the beaten track.

NEED TO KNOW

WHAT EXTRA COSTS ARE THERE?

HOW BIG WILL THE GROUP BE?

WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?

CAN MY DIETARY NEEDS BE ACCOMMODATED?

WHAT WILL THE HIKE BE LIKE?

HOW FIT OR SKILLED DO I NEED TO BE?

I DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME, CAN I SHORTEN THE TRIP?

WILL I GET ALTITUDE SICKNESS?

ARE THE GUIDED QUALIFIED?

CAN I BOOK ON MY OWN?

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO THE TREK?

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

HOW DO I GET TO POKHARA?

WHAT TRAVEL INSURANCE DO YOU RECOMMEND?

LOCATION

Pokhara is a gateway for many trekkers and mountaineers to the Annapurna range. Not only does it offer spectacular scenery along the tranquil river, but a plethora of adventure activities, cultural trips and amazing restaurants.

The Mardi Himal trek is located just East of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal (5587m) and Machhapuchhre (6993m). The trail winds through the pine and rhododendron forests until you reach the rocky landscape at about 3330m. From here, you’ll be able to see breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchul.

START POINT

Your accommodation in Pokhara - 09:00

Your adventure begins at your accommodation in Pokhara at 09:00. Your guide and driver will pick you and your fellow adventurers up and take you to Bijayapur.

Getting to Pokhara: From Kathmandu, you’ll need to make your way to Pokhara. Your host can assist you to make one of the following arrangements:

  • Fly: There are several daily flights to Pokhara from Kathmandu (KTM). Flights only take 25 minutes and are by far the easiest option. Besides saving time, the flight allows you to witness the spectacular views over the Himalayas from above. Priced from approximately £100.00 one way.

  • Bus: A daily tourist bus for Pokhara departs from Kantipath in Kathmandu. The trip takes around 7 hours and costs approximately £7–10 each way. This is the cheapest option.

  • Private car: You can hire a private car to take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive time is a little shorter than the bus, and you can do some sightseeing along the way. This option gives you the most freedom.

FINISH POINT

Pokhara Airport - 13:30 or Pokhara City Centre - 14:00

At the end of your adventure, you have 2 transfer options: Pokhara Airport (PKR) at 13:30 or Pokhara city centre at 14:00. You’re free to book any flight back to Kathmandu (25 minutes) that departs after 15:30.

WHAT TO EXPECT

DAY 1: TREK TO POTHANA

Once you have arrived early in Pokhara, your guide will pick you up and drive you to the drop off point for your trek.

You will set off on foot to Suikhet which will be your lunch pitstop. From here, there is a steep climb from Phedi up to the main trail along the ridge to Dhampus. Your first night will be spent at tea house facing Mount Machhapuchare, giving you a taster of some of the views you have to come.

6 hours of hiking

DAY 2: POTHANA TO KOKAR FOREST CAMP

You’ll be woken at dawn with a magnificent sunrise over Fishtail. Today the ‘secret trail’ starts, taking you away from tourists, trekkers, and even other villagers.

This intimate trail will lead you into an enchanted forest of birch, rhododendrons, maples, and more, and you will camp in a small clearing in the middle of the forest.

6 hours of hiking

DAY 3: KOKAR FOREST CAMP TO LOW CAMP

After breakfast in the Kokar Forest Camp (2520m), you will begin your ascent towards Low Camp (2970m).

As you climb out of the forest, you’ll be able to look through natural windows in the woods that show the breathtaking panoramas that surround you. The trek today will finish at lunch, which will give you enough time to acclimatise to the altitude and enjoy the views towards Fishtail.

4 hours of hiking

DAY 4: LOW CAMP TO HIGH CAMP

Just a short, steep climb to start the day and take you out of the forest!

Traverse along the ridge which leads up to High Camp (3700m), where you will stop for lunch. The afternoon will be spent acclimatising and admiring the views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.

4 hours of hiking

DAY 5: HIGH CAMP TO BASE CAMP (AND BACK TO HIGH CAMP)

You will have our breakfast earlier than usual today in order to set off to reach Base Camp (4500m). If the conditions are in your favour, then you could reach up to 5000m.

Views from base camp are the bread and butter of what this trek is about: you can see the south face of Machapuchare, the ice fields of the Sanctuary Wall and surrounding us are Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal and Annapurna I.

Take it all in – you’ve earned it.

4-5 hours of hiking

DAY 6: HIGH CAMP TO SIDING VILLAGE

After breakfast at High Camp, you’ll begin your descent through the forest and out onto the terraced fields. In total, you will descend 1600m.

The day will be spent trekking through friendly villages and along the banks of the Mardi Khola. This route is about as idyllic Nepali countryside as you can get.

6 hours of hiking

DAY 7: DRIVE TO POKHARA

Your final day will be spent trekking through pastures and Gurung villages until you reach the road, where the transfer vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara.

You will have one last night in Pokhara, so be sure to sit back with a beer and enjoy yourself!

4 – 5 hours of hiking

Note: The actual itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.

ACCOMMODATION

Generally, most adventures to Nepal are based in remote areas where the accommodation will be basic. We have different star hotels available in the city area but during the trek we will be staying at tea houses. They have dorm rooms, shared toilets and common areas. There’s no heating, so you need a sleeping bag. Wifi is often available for a small cost, and many places offer hot showers.Trek the hidden alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek that boasts first class views of Mt. Machhapuchhre. 7 days.

The Mardi Himal trek is definitely considered a hidden gem as the trail is only officially opened to trekkers in 2011. The trek winds through enchanting rhododendron and maple forests before emerging abruptly into the rugged mountain landscape. Here, the views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I and Hiunchuli are so spectacular, words cannot do them justice.

Your adventure includes:

  • 7 days of trekking

  • 7 nights of accommodation on trek

  • Local, professional English-speaking guides

  • Assistant leader on 4:1 basis

  • Porter on 2:1 basis

  • All meals during the trek

  • Farewell dinner in Pokhara

  • Permits and entrance fees

  • Transfers from/to Pokhara to trek start/end points

Perfect for: Keen hikers looking for jaw-dropping views off the beaten track.