Mardi Himal Trek - 11 Days

Touch down at Tribhuvan International Airport where our representative welcomes you and arranges your private transfer to the hotel. After settling in and freshening up, attend an evening briefing with your trekking guide who will explain the route, answer questions, and help ensure your gear is ready for the adventure ahead. Rest well in preparation for tomorrow's journey.

Board the morning tourist bus for the scenic 8-hour drive to Pokhara. The highway follows the Trisuli River valley, passing through terraced hillsides, bustling market towns, and offering occasional glimpses of the distant Himalayas. Arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon and enjoy free time to explore this enchanting lakeside city. Stroll along Phewa Lake, watch the sunset paint Machhapuchhre in golden hues, or simply relax at a lakeside cafe.

After breakfast, a short 30-minute private vehicle ride brings you to Kande, where the walking begins. The trail climbs gently through cultivated terraces and scattered settlements, offering ever-expanding views across the foothills. Local farmers work their fields as you pass, providing glimpses into traditional agricultural life. Reach Deurali by afternoon, a small ridge settlement with sweeping views across the valleys below.

Today's trail leads deeper into the wilderness as you enter the realm of ancient forests. The path winds through magnificent stands of rhododendron, oak, and pine, with shafts of sunlight filtering through the canopy. Birdsong fills the air as you climb steadily upward. Pack a lunch as there are no teahouses along this section. Arrive at Forest Camp, a peaceful clearing in the woods where the evening brings a profound silence broken only by forest sounds.

A magical day of walking through pristine wilderness awaits. The trail continues through dense rhododendron forest that erupts in spectacular blooms during spring season. The air grows cooler and crisper as you gain altitude, and through occasional breaks in the trees, tantalizing glimpses of snow-capped peaks appear. Reach Low Camp in the afternoon, where the mountain views begin to open up dramatically.

Leave the forest behind as the trail emerges onto open ridges and alpine meadows. The transformation is remarkable - suddenly the Himalayan giants stand before you in all their glory. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli dominate the view, their ice-clad faces gleaming in the sunlight. The trail traverses exposed terrain with views in every direction before reaching High Camp, perched on a grassy ridge with some of the trek's most incredible mountain panoramas.

Rise before dawn for the highlight of your trek - the climb to Upper Viewpoint for sunrise. As golden light spreads across the peaks, an extraordinary panorama unfolds: Annapurna I, II, III, and South, Dhaulagiri's massive pyramid, Machhapuchhre's perfect fishtail summit, Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, and Mardi Himal itself. Spend time absorbing this spectacle before descending to High Camp for a late breakfast. The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore, or simply sit and watch the mountains.

Begin the descent through dramatically changing landscapes. The trail drops back into the rhododendron forest, following a different route than your ascent. The going is easier now as you lose altitude, and the warmer air feels welcoming after the high camp's chill. Pass through Low Camp for lunch before continuing down to Sidding, a traditional village known for its daring honey hunters who scale cliffsides to harvest wild bee honey.

Your final morning of trekking descends through picturesque Tamang and Gurung villages, their traditional stone houses surrounded by carefully tended fields. Reach Lumre by late morning, where a vehicle waits to drive you back to Pokhara. Arrive in the lakeside city by afternoon with free time to celebrate the completion of your trek - enjoy a lakeside dinner, browse the shops, or treat yourself to a well-deserved massage.

Board the tourist bus for the return journey to Kathmandu. The 8-hour drive offers one last chance to appreciate Nepal's diverse middle hills - terraced landscapes, river valleys, and roadside villages bustling with daily life. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening and transfer to your hotel. Perhaps enjoy a final exploration of Thamel's vibrant streets or a quiet dinner reflecting on your Himalayan adventure.