Mardi Himal Community Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest treks located close to the lake city of Pokhara, i.e. one of the major tourist hubs of Nepal. The well-defined and comparatively easy trail takes you through the ethnic villages of Gurung and other indigenous communities up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). As you can witness the authentic lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the diverse communities of western Nepal, this is also called the Mardi Himal Community trek. En route to the base camp of magical Mardi Himal (5,587m), you come to see different species of flora and fauna as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Himalayan Ranges.
One of the promising treks in the Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal Community trek rewards you with breathtaking Himalayan views and dense forests. High-altitude villages comprising many ethnic communities, having their original culture and tradition intact for centuries, are another attraction of this trip. Although it lies close to the popular Annapurna region visited by one-third of the total international tourists coming to Nepal, the Mardi Himal trekking trail offers you the socio-cultural practices unaffected by modernity and its inventions.
The trekking trail moves further through the traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where most of the males are involved in the British and Indian Armies, including the Nepal Army. You can hear the stories of World War II when the Brave Gurkhas (Old Pensioners) fought bravely to defeat their enemies. These people have been living in a mutual harmony by keeping their tradition and culture intact from the intervention of other cultures.
The people living in this region celebrate many festivals according to their ethnic practices and religious beliefs. Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Janai Purnima, Maghe Sakranti, Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti, and so on are celebrated in this region. Tamu Lhosar, which falls either on the last of December or the first of January, is one of the greatest festivals celebrated by the Gurung ethnic communities. Next festival is Buddha Jayanti, which falls in the first quarter of May to commemorate the birthday of Lord Buddha, ‘the Light of Asia’ and ‘the Messenger of World Peace’. If you want to become a part of any of the celebrations, you can plan your Nepal tour according to the season they fall in.
The less frequented trekking trail goes along the main track of the Annapurna Base Camp trek through dense forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak trees. You can see a variety of bird species and endangered animal species like musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and snow leopard while walking along the beautiful hamlets inhabited by the smiling people. If you plan to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp during the spring season, you can have the rarest glimpses of the forests beautified by the colourful rhododendron flower,s just like a bride on her wedding day. You can taste different types of fruit while doing the Mardi Himal Trek in the autumn season.
The major Himalayan views seen during this trek are those of Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri Massif, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and a distant view of the Manaslu region. By following the winding trail that continues along the Mardi Khola banks, you reach the vantage point of the entire Annapurna region. Once you reach the top of the destination: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), you can have the mesmerizing vista of Mt. Fishtail (6,993m) just a yard away as if you could touch it with your hand itself!
Trek Highlights:
- Mardi Himal Community Trek
- Complete Spectacular Annapurna (8,091m) Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Mt. Fishtail (6,993m)
- Rhododendron forests-National flower
- Aryan, Gurung and Magar Culture
- Rocky Mountain landscape
- Adventurous highest Point Mardi Himal Base Camp 4500m
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 01: Reception in Kathmandu (1,350m)
On your arrival day, the representative of our trekking agency receives you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, s/he transfers you to the hotel booked for your accommodation. After taking a short rest at the hotel, you can visit the Monkey Temple for the astonishing view of the entire Kathmandu Valley while visiting the top Buddhist Shrine of Nepal. In the evening, our agency organizes a welcome dinner at a cultural restaurant.
Day 02: Self-Explore Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Today is the rest day, so you can take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Changunarayan Temple. In the evening, the trekking guide gives you all the details about the Mardi Himal Community Trek itinerary.
Day 03: Fly from KTM-PKH then DRIVE TO KANDE AND TREK TO PRITAM - DEURALI (2,232 m)
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive for about 40 minutes to Kande on the Pokhara-Baglung highway. The trail climbs for about 1 ½ hrs to the ridge at 2,060 m. The clearing in the forest with a lodge settlement is known as an ‘Australian camp’. The place is scenic with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. The trail further winds through the rhododendron forest to the mountain pass called ‘Deurali’. Deurali is overlooking the Modi Khola valley, wedged between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal / Mt Fishtail.
Day 04: TREK TO FOREST CAMP (2,600 m / 5 hrs)
After spending a beautiful morning in the ridge-top village of Deurali, we head off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest Camp. Since this is a new trekking destination, there are no teahouses along the way, and we need to carry a packed lunch and sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful, with a gradual uphill.
Day 05: TREK TO HIGH CAMP (3 HRS / 3,550 m)
The trail further climbs along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. From Badal Danda, we leave the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Fishtail loom in the distance above a deep valley on either side. High camp is a small pasture after the climb with 3 lodges. Here you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snow-capped peaks.
Day 06: EXPLORE MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP RETURN TO HIGH CAMP (7 Hrs / 4,500 m)
The day trip is more difficult than other days, with a steep climb and a longer walk. The trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps. The first steep climb will take about 2 hrs to the ridge top, which is marked as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However, the real base camp will take about another 2 hours along the ridge. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, the view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna IIIalso appears at a distance.
Day 07: TREK TO GHALE – SIDHING (1870 m / 6-7 hrs)
Ghale Gaun is a colourful village with picturesque hills and mountain scenery. This is one of the unspoiled habitats of Gheles, the famous Gurungs, and the legendary ‘Gurkhas’ of western Nepal. The village is a splendid microcosm of a Nepalese village with a blend of exotic culture and natural beauty. Ghalegaun is 205 km northwest of Kathmandu and 125 km northeast of Pokhara. Perched at the ridge top at 2,095 m, the village hosts the close up view of western Himalayas including Machhapuchhre (6693m), Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha Himal (6974m), Himalchuli(6747m) and other small peaks.
Day 08: TREK TO LWANG (3hrs)-POKHARA
The trail climbs down steeply through rhododendron and Maple forest to the permanent settlements closer to the valley basin. Ghale is a self-sufficient Gurung village with rich culture and happy people. The village is the best place to watch the Nepalese countryside lifestyle and enjoy the organic food. The village farmers also grow organic tea in 50 hectares of land. Farmers offer home-stay accommodation. The waterfall in the outskirts of the village offers one of the most exciting cannoning adventures.
Day 09: Rest Day: Self-explorer Pokhara
You can sleep till late morning today, as you don’t have to cover a longer distance along the trekking trail. After becoming fresh and taking breakfast, the tour guide takes you for a Pokhara day tour around the lake city of Pokhara. There are many places to explore in Pokhara, the most popular tourist destination of Nepal, like Phewa Lake, Devi’s fall, Tal Barahi, and so on. If you can manage time, you can experience some of the adventurous activities like paragliding, zip flying, and hot air ballooning from Sarangkot. Pokhara hot air ballooning is one of the best experiences once in a lifetime, you shouldn’t miss out! You can experience boating on Phewa Lake to make this trip more remarkable! Return to the hotel for the night.
Day 10: Return to Kathmandu by Air or Bus.
After having breakfast, you begin the journey to Kathmandu by bus or plane as per your agreement with our company. After you arrive in Kathmandu, the representative of A1 Excursion escorts you to the hotel. In the evening, our agency invites you for the farewell dinner program at a restaurant around Thamel as a part of hospitality.
Day 11: Departure or New Package
Today is the concluding day of the Mardi Himal Community Trek 11-day itinerary designed by A1 Excursion. So, the crewmember of the agency accompanies you up to the Tribhuvan International Airport to bid you farewell. In case you have more time to spend in Nepal and want to let us help you find the right tour or trekking package, consult with us. We are always ready for this!
Necessary Trekking Gears:
- Duffel or Rucksack bag (Provided)
- Down Sleeping bag (Provided)
- Down Jacket (Provided)
- Daypack
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof & Windproof jacket
- Raincoat or Umbrella
- Full-sleeves shirts
- Jumper or Fleece jacket
- Pair of T-shirts
- Trekking Boots (waterproof is better)
- Sandal, Toilet paper
- Cotton thick socks (2 pair), Woollen socks to wear with boots
- Sun-hat & fleece hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Sunblock for lips
- Sun lotion
- Goggles or Sunglasses
- Thermal long underwear sets
- Insulated pants
- Trekking poles
- Windbreaker pants
- Water bottle
- Flashlight or Headlight, Batteries
- Swiss Army Knife
- Personal Dry Towel
- Personal toiletries and medication, which should be labelled
- Crampons
- Snow Leg Gaiters
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