Mardi Himal Trek (Mardi Himal base camp trek) is the newly established trek route in the Annapurna Himalayan range. Though the most popular trekking route in this region is the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Mardi Himal trek allows you to experience the Himalayas quicker and in a more thrilling manner.
The Annapurna Himalayan range is a massif in the Himalayas in north-central Nepal that includes one peak over 8,000 metres (26,000 ft), thirteen peaks over 7,000 metres (23,000 ft), and sixteen peaks over 6,000 metres (20,000 ft). The massif itself is about 55 kilometres (34 mi) long and is bounded by the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the west, the Marshyangdi River on the north and east, and by Pokhara Valley on the south. The highest peak in the massif is Annapurna I. Annapurna I is the tenth highest mountain in the world at 8,091 metres (26,545 ft.)
Your first day starts with the Hotel Yak & Yeti. Pokhara is usually 8 hours' drive from Kathmandu. On the way, you'll see small market towns, rivers, waterfalls, cable-car route and many more. You have two options after you reached Pokhara. Enjoy your evening at the lakeside. Or, if you want to immerse into the more local culture, we suggest you reach Dhampus, another 1-2 hour taxi ride. Dhampus is a beautiful village that is gradually turning into a tourist destination. Enjoy your evening with views of the peaks Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Macchapuchhre.
Stay: Guest-houses, hotels
Your trek starts today. After having a good breakfast, you'll head to the trekking route. Along the way, you'll pass through small villages of Pothana and Deurali. After Deurali, the trail goes through the thick forest. There is a marking on the tree to help you to be on the right path. In the middle of the forest, there is a place called Forest Camp. You can rest for a few hours here, have lunch and feel refreshed. The last point for the day is Low camp which is a few hours walk from the Forest Camp. Enjoy your evening near the fire & talking with travellers; as there is not much to see. You're still in the forest as of now.
Stay: Tea-houses
High Camp is the last settlement area and also your destination for today. After having breakfast, you'll begin your trek. After walking for 2 hours, you'll come out of the forest. You'll see vegetation has been changed. Trees will be rare from this point and lands are covered with shrubs. Your next destination is Badal Danda. Badal Danda has few tea houses, where you can enjoy your lunch, take photos and rest for a few hours. After that, you'll be heading to the final destination for the day High Camp. If you're afraid of heights, this 3 hours will be very hard for you as the trail goes through cliffs. Our suggestion - Don't look down.
Stay: Tea-houses
Your main task for today is to reach viewpoint before sunrise. You should get up at around 3 AM and start your day. There is about 2-3 hours trek from High Camp to Upper Viewpoint (4200m). This is the point where all your hard work ends. With the sunrise over Annapurna and Macchapuchhre, you are sure to see one of the best sunrises of your life. Most of the trekkers end their trekking from here and return, few of them head towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp. If you wish to reach there, be ready to trek an extra 6 hours up and down. Come back to high camp for the night as there are no teahouses to rest above high camp.
If you end your trek from the upper viewpoint, you can return to High camp for lunch. After lunch, you can descend up to Low camp to stay.
Stay: Tea-houses
There are two routes to get back to Pokhara. One is returning from the same route or return via the Siding village. Siding is a village that lies at the end of the forest. From Siding, you can hire a jeep to Pokhara. If you wish to return via Siding, it usually takes 3 hours to reach Siding from Lower Camp. Pokhara is about 4 hrs drive from Siding. You can either get back to Pokhara on the same day or you can rest in Siding and head back to Pokhara the very next day.
Stay: Guest House or Hotel
Pokhara is about 4 hrs drive from Siding. Once you get to the Pokhara, there are many things to explore. Pokhara is a very beautiful valley and is often regarded as the tourist capital of the country. Visit lakeside, Begnas lake, caves, stupas, etc.
Stay: Guest House or Hotel
This is the final day. You'll head back to Kathmandu and your luxurious destination of Hotel Yak and Yeti.
Hotel Yak & Yeti is not only the luxurious heritage 5-star hotel in Kathmandu; it is the hotel that lies in the prime location of Kathmandu. There are many things near and around the hotel. You can even go for the trekking to the Himalayas. One such great destination is Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region. You'll be in the Himalayas within 3 to 4 days from Kathmandu. Our prepared itineraries will be helpful for you to charter your journey. For the gears and clothes you'll need for your journey, we have created an article - Top 10 things needed for a mountain trek. Enjoy your stay in Hotel Yak & Yeti.