Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Duration: 8 Days   |   Based on 1 Review
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Tourist Bus
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel + Tea House
  • Group Size: 1-10
  • Max Elevation: 4,500 m

Mardi Himal Base camp is the name of the long rising ridge and its summit (5,588m) that forms the southwest slope of Mount Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), immediately below its sheer south face. Machhapuchhre (6,993m), which towers majestically over the Lake city Pokhara, is best known as Fishtail Mountain because of its twin peaks that mirror the image of a fishtail. It is fabulously beautiful and is considered sacred, no permission to climb it has, so far, always been denied. Mardi trek follows through Rhododendron forests, Orchid, and above the tree lines to follow the ridge that takes us up to ‘High camp 3,620m where time is spent acclimatizing while being captivated by the views. Annapurna South seems near enough "eyes to eyes” at Machhapuchhre close enough to touch. Finally, we enter the wilderness territory as we go beyond 4,500 meters where the great ice fields and blue glaciers of Annapurna Base Camp lie below. Around us, in an arc from east to west, are a dozen or more glossy snowcapped giants, with Annapurna I being the highest of them all – the views are almost impossible to equal. Conquering this wilderness region and the incredible proximity of 5 of the highest mountains in the world leaves one feeling like they have to explore ever.

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a non-challenging and beautiful trek in the Annapurna region that offers the most scenic view of the Himalayan panorama. It is a less trek route compared to the world-famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna circuit trek in Nepal. The trek starts from Dfhampus Phedi and ends at Lwang or Anante Thanti. Every day you are fascinated by giant Himalayan ranges with an incredible landscape including much flora and fauna. It is a short trek in the Annapurna region and the trek can be extended up to Ghorepani-Poon Hill in a few additional days. This trek is categorized as an easy and short trek in the Annapurna region. 

Highlights

  • Beautiful newly promoted wilderness trekking in the Annapurna region.
  • Best alternative trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and ABC.
  • Traditional villages and sophisticated hospitality of Local people.
  • The closest view of the exquisite Annapurna Himalayas from Mardi Base Camp

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus and transfer to hotel.

Morning at 6:30 am pick up and go to the Tourist bus station. It is 7 hours drive through Prithvi high way. Arrival in Pokhara and transfer to Hotel. Rest of the time is free. 

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 810m

Mardi Himal trekking begins after a short drive to Phedi. The first part of the trek until Dhampus is uphill through the forest but you can experience the beautiful landscape including Pokhara valley and local settlement. In Dhampus we stop for the conservation check-in and continue to Pothana through the Rhododendron forest.  

  • Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner
  • Teahouse
  • 2,232 m

After spending beautiful morning in the ridge top village of Pothana, we head off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest camp. Since this is new trekking destination, there are small tea houses along the way but we need to carry sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful with gradual uphill. 

  • Full Board
  • Teahouse
  • 2,600 m

The trail gradually climbs through the rhododendron forest following the ridge. Low camp has got couple of tea houses in the clearing of the forest. The view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal appears much closer. You find yourself closer to clear blue sky with view of layers of Himalayan foothills and sweeping valley towards south. Note: You can trek 1 more hr to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) above the tree line in consent of guide for better view. There is only one lodge in Badal Danda.

  • Full Board
  • Tea House
  • 2,950 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 shrubby alpine zone. Snowcapped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail looms in a distance above deep valley on the either side. High camp is a small pasture after the climb with 3 lodges. Here you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snowcapped peaks.

  • Full Board
  • Tea House
  • 3,550 m

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.

  • Full Board
  • Guest House
  • 4,500 m

There is an optional excursion to a tea planation to see how tea is produced; it takes around 45 minutes uphill to reach. The trail to the end of our trek takes us to pass the village tea factory, which we can visit and purchase the freshly grown tea we have enjoyed since arriving in the village. We exit the village down the stone staircase that leads on to established paths that take us to Anante Thati. From here we drive back to Pokhara.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 810m

A bus drive to Kathmandu is a scenic drive through the Prithivi high way. You will pass the small village and town towards Kathmandu. Arrivals Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Evening farewell dinner will be served at a typical Nepali restaurant. Optional you may stay in Pokhara on your own.

  • Breakfast
  • No Hotel

What's included

  • All meals while on the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
  • 2-night hotel in Pokhara including breakfast
  • 5-night twin share Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private and public vehicle as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek leader.
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag if required by clients (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
  • International airfare and airport departure tax
  • Nepalese visa fee, Visa can be obtained on your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport. Visa cost 30 USD, 50 USD, 125 USD for 15, 30 and 90 days respectively
  • Porter can be arranged if required for additional cost
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, Internet, Laundry, and Telephone call.
  • Personal trekking equipment (it can be rent in Kathmandu/Pokhara)
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the Price Include section

Price & Dates

Trip Dates Availability Price  
31 May, 2023 - 07 Jun, 2023 Guaranteed US$550
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Useful Info

Traveling to Nepal is open to all. No travel restrictions, No hotel quarantine, and No PCR report required! All travelers should have a 6-month valid passport and Nepal entry visa. A visa can obtain on your upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or any entry port.
You are kindly requested to let us know if the itinerary and scheduled departure do not suit your requirement. We are happy to customize the plan and reschedule the new departure date as per your requirement. 

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