Annapurna Region Mardi Himal Trekking Itinerary (11Nights/12 Days)
Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuban International Airport, Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel.
Arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, Then welcome by our office representative, and transfer to the respective hotel. After checking in to the hotel, meet our experienced trekking guide then detail briefing about the Trekking. Trekking permit collection as well as other required documents for the trekking. Finally settle down all the payment procedures.
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Kande via Pokhara or Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara then drive to kande and hike to Australian camp. (Drive: 6-7 hours) (Fly 30 Minutes up to Pokhara) and (drive upto Kande 1 hour from Pokhara) and (Hike kande to Australian camp 1.5 hours
After your breakfast we drive Kathmandu to Kande via Pokhara this will take around 6-7 hours, then hike uphill up to Australian base camp for further 1.5 hours and overnight at Australian camp. Australian camp is a beautiful small Village famous for its typical life style and stunning panoramic view of Annapurna range and Mount Fishtail.
OR
After your breakfast in Kathmandu, Fly Kathmandu to Pokhara, this will take 30 minutes. After landing at Pokhara we will drive to Kande, this will further take around 1 hour drive from pokhara. After arriving at Kande hike up to Australian camp for 1.5 hours. Overnight Australian camp.
Day 03: Trek Australian camp (1745m) to Forest camp (6-7 hours) (2600m)
After the breakfast in tea house, heading towards forested trail, From Australian camp, we first arrive at Deurali. From Deurali we leave off the main Annapurna Base Camp Trekking trail. Since this is new trekking destination, there are no tea houses along the way and we need to carry pack lunch and sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful with gradual uphill. Reach at Forest camp and overnight.
Day 04: Trek Forest camp to Badal Dada (3250m) (5-6 hrs). Overnight at local tea house
From Forest camp the trail gradually climbs through the rhododendron forest following the ridge. The view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal appears much closer with other mountains. We cross low camp with several tea houses. One more hours walking from low camp, we will reach at Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) from here. Stay Overnight at Badal Dada.
Day 05: Trek Badal Dada to High camp (3,550m) (4-5 Hours) Overnight at tea house.
The trail further climbs along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. We leave the tree line and arrive in shrubby alpine zone. Snow capped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail looms in a distance above deep valley on the other 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: Trek High camp to Mardi Himal Base camp (4500m), then trek back to High camp (3,550m) (5-6 Hours) overnight at tea house
The day trip is more difficult than other days with steep climb and longer walk. 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 hrs along the ridge. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III also appears at a distance. Overnight at high camp.
Day 07: Trek High camp to Forest camp (5-6 hours)
After your breakfast, trekking same way back to Forest camp today. The scenery is stationary, season and sunlight makes it different and interesting. Spend another morning watch, the change that the sun rays bring.
Day 08: Trek Forest camp to Lawang village (1,550m) (5-6 Hours). Overnight at local home stay
The trail climbs down steeply through rhododendron and Maple forest to the permanent settlements closer to valley basin. Lwang is a self sufficient Gurung village with rich culture and happy people. The village is the best place to watch Nepalese countryside lifestyle and enjoy the organic food. The village farmers also grow organic tea in 50 hectors of land. Farmers offer home stay accommodation. Feel warm hospitality here.
Day 09: Trek and drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at hotel
Trek down to the Mardi River basin and drive back to Pokhara. It will take about 1 ½ hrs to get to Pokhara in a Four wheel vehicle. The first one hour drive is on the dirt road. Check in Hotel at Pokhara and rest for while, remaining leisure time at your own. Stay overnight at pokhara.
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu (6 Hours) or Fly back to Kathmandu (30 minutes) Overnight at hotel
After your breakfast drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, this will take around 5-6 hours. Arrive in Kathmandu and check in to the Hotel. Rest and leisure time at your own. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
OR
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu, this will take around 25-30 minutes of flight. Arrive in Kathmandu and check in to the hotel. Rest and leisure time at your own. Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 11: Kathmandu city Full day Sightseeing. Overnight Kathmandu.
On this day after your breakfast we will go for Kathmandu city sightseeing tour. The Sightseeing tour includes three major UNESCO world heritage sites, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Swoyambhunath.
• Pashupatinath: This is located nearby Bouddhanth, this temple is one of the major important sacred pilgrim site for the Hindus of Lord Shiva around the world.
• Then after we drive to Bouddhanath stupa, which is the main important shrine for Buddhist around the world. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical Stupa in the world.
• Swoyambhunath, it is also one of the holiest pilgrims for Buddhist and Hindus, and it is located at the hilltop in the Kathmandu also popularly known as the monkey temple.
After completing the Kathmandu city sightseeing tour we will drive back to our hotel, have some rest then at the Evening Himalayan Icefall Trekking Company will Provide Typical Nepali Farewell dinner. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 12: International Departure
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu international Airport for your onward journey.
How long is the trek?
The length of the trail depends on where you start and end your trek; it can be done in as few as 6 days, or as many as 15 days, if doing side trips. Usually it takes 6-8 days to do the shorter route, and 10-15 days for the full route.
When is the best time to go?
The best weather for trekking in the Annapurna region is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March-May). The skies are clear then and you will get a chance to enjoy some outstanding views of the Annapurnas, Fishtail, Heunchuli, and Mardi. Keep in mind that even though it is not monsoon season anymore it will be much warmer and humid in the lower regions (jungle) and you still may encounter an unexpected shower or two. It will also be much cooler above 3500m. Even though it’s not technically winter you will need warm clothes and down jacket
Is it difficult?
The Mardi himal trek is considered to be a moderate trek. It doesn’t involve technical climbing but it’s good to have some hiking experience. The trek will go through different terrain, the higher you climb; the harder the trek will become due to the altitude, so take some rest when needed and remember to acclamitize properly(max. 400m in altitude per day).
Is there are risk of getting altitude sickness?
There is a risk since you will be hiking above 3000m. Different people react to altitude in different ways, no matter their fitness level or experience in the mountains. That’s why you should learn and understand what altitude sickness is and what the symptoms are beforehand. You can ask your local travel medicine specialist, search online or attend one of the lectures organized in Kathmandu.
What is the lodging like?
The Annapurna circuit trek is a teahouse trek, which means there are guesthouses in almost every village but more high you go lesser the hotels for now. Some are better than others, but generally rooms are basic and come with shared bathrooms. Blankets are provided but it’s a good idea to bring your own sleeping bag as it gets chilly in the higher levels and there are no heating systems inside the buildings. Usually you will have to dine at your lodge in order to get a room.
Do I need any permits?
Yes. You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS card), which will be taken care by us but we need your copy of passport and a two copies of your recent passport size photo.
