Best Season: March-April-May and September-October-November
We descend from the different route to the warm valley and friendly villages on the bank of Mardi River still away from the used trekking routes. This Annapurna Camping treks designed to provide outstanding mountain profile and to venture into the forests and villages that have not felt the impact of tourism. Mardi Himal trekking offers superb Himalayan scenery including the Mt. Dhaulagiri 8,167m, Mt. Annapurna 8091m, Annapurna II 7,937m, Annapurna III 7,555m, Annapurna IV 7,525m, Annapurna south 7,219m Hiunchuli 6.441m, Fish Tail/Machhapuchhare 6,988m etc. Mardi Himal trekking is less touristy trekking trail in Annapurna region.
Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu and you will be transferring you to the hotel for staying overnight.
Elevation of Kathmandu: 1300m/4264ft
Transportation: Private car/Tourist bus as per group size
Driving distance: 20-30min drive
Accommodation: Star hotel
Meal: Welcome dinner
Today you will be completely free and can visit and explore the Kathmandu. Kathmandu Valley is also known as the city of a temple where you will find hundreds of temples and you can visit the many world heritage listed stupas, temple, and monasteries within the city.
Transportation: Private car/Tourist as per group size
Accommodation: Star hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can see beautiful views of mountains and rural areas on the way throughout the bus journey. After reaching Pokhara, you will be escorted to the hotel. The beautiful lake city of Pokhara makes you feel relieved of the all worldly anxieties. Mesmerized by the abundant beauty of nature you will attain peace of mind invigorated with the new spirit of life. You can also explore the local places, the social life of the people and their culture. Overnight stay in the hotel at Pokhara.
Elevation of Pokhara: 827m/2713ft
Transportation: Private car/Tourist bus as per group size
Driving distance: 200km/8hrs
Accommodation: Star hotel
Meal: Breakfast
Today as is our first day for the trek to Mardi Himal we have a very short and easy walk which may take about three hours from Pokhara. First, we start by trekking up the busy trail to Hemja past the ribbon development of the ever-growing suburbs of Pokhara and the new water irrigation project. This is the major trade route and is usually bustling with trekkers. Shortly after passing the original Tibetan Refugee Camp, the trail divides into two. You take the right-hand branch which leads north across paddy fields and then follows the west bank of the Seti Khola. You follow the trail to where it drops down to the river just after the confluence of the Seti and Mardi River and cross the small bridge which leads to the village of Mardi Pul and stays overnight here in tented camp.
Elevation of Mardi Pul: 1050m/3444ft
Trek duration: 4hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
Leaving the Mardi Pul, the trail follows the east bank of the Mardi upstream before turning right up to the hill to the Gurung village of Riban (1,676m). You move ahead along the route which now becomes much steeper as it climbs uphill from the village, past a chautara shortly after which the trail divides again. You take the right-hand fork which leads past some cow sheds. Until now the trail has been steep, it further becomes even steeper. You climb through the bamboo forest towards a massive slab of grey rock. The path bears around to the left on to the rhododendron-covered ridge.
Despite the steepness of the route, the ridgeline path offers ever-increasing views of the surrounding countrysides. The path passes through a small clearing, Lalghar Kharka and continues along a faint track to another clearing marking a high point on the ridge, which is called Odane Hill for an overnight stay in camp.
Elevation of Odane Hill: 2510m/8232ft
Trek duration: 5/6hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with te/coffee enroute
The route continues along the ridgeline. Today you are rewarded of the previous day’s hard work with cool mountain air and a stunning panorama with Machhapuchhre (6,997m) straight ahead. To the west is the Annapurna I (8,078m) towering above Annapurna South (7,273m) and Hiunchuli (6,336m) the western bastion guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary, To the east are views of the granite mass of Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m) and Lamjung Himal [6.986m], like the bulk of a sleeping elephants. Further east beyond the Marshyangdi are the triple giants of Manaslu (8,156m), Peak 29 (7,835m) and Himalchuli (7,540m). Given that the distant summit snows of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) can also be seen three of the world’s highest mountains are on view along this trek.
Eventually, a short, sharp climb leaves the main forest behind and leads you to a fine camping area amid alpine grassland.
Elevation of Kumai: 3049m/10000ft
Trek duration: 6/7hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
Leaving Kumai, you continue climbing steeply along the ridgeline to grazing pastures called Khorchon. Today is a relatively short, although once again steep trek. Stay Overnight at camp in here.
Elevation of Khorchon: 3568m/11703ft
Trek duration: 5/6hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with te/coffee enroute
The trail now leads steeply across a ridgeline to a hidden plateau beneath the south face of Mardi Himal and the South-West Ridge of Machhapuchhre this is the ‘Other Sanctuary’, so called by Jimmy Roberts. You then trek along the trail to reach the Base Camp.
Elevation of Base Camp: 4100m/13448ft
Trek duration: 4/5hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
Leaving the Base camp, you descend through the high grazing country called Khorchon and follow the same trails back to Kumai.
Elevation of Kumai: 3049m/10000ft
Trek duration: 5/6hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
Today, we descend from Kumai which is relatively hard for weary knees as much of the altitude gained is lost on the return to the valley. Descending on the ascent route you reach Odane Hill. Just before the high point a small track goes left down the east flank of the ridge, dropping steeply to grazing country and a good lunch spot at Hile. Later the trail further descends more steeply to the prosperous farming village of Ghachok in the valley of the Seti River.
Elevation of Ghachok: 1067m/3499ft
Trek duration: 5/6hrs
Accommodation: Tea house/Lodge
Meal: Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
Today is the last part of your trek as you continue along the direct route crossing the Seti to the east bank and follow the main trail south. Descending down the east bank of the Seti, you finally reach Pokhara. Once you reach Pokhara, you can relax amidst the stunning natural beauty of the city.
Elevation of Pokhara: 827m/2713ft
Trek duration: 4/5hrs
Accommodation: Star hotel
Meal: Breakfast
After the morning breakfast at the hotel, you will be returned back to Kathmandu by the private car/deluxe bus. Enjoy the overview of Kathmandu Valley sightseen with the typical food and lifestyle of Nepali people. Latenight at the same hotel.
Elevation of Kathmandu: 1300m/4264ft
Transportation: Private car/tourist bus as per group size
Driving duration: 200km/8hrs
Accommodation: Star hotel
Meal: Breakfast
You’ll be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
Transportation: Private car/Tourist bus as per group size
Driving duration: 20-30min
Meal: Breakfast
Additional Activity
Meals
Full meal Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during a trek.
Accommodation
Tea house/Lodge with twin sharing accommodation during a trek
Service Included
- Arrival and departure facilities
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali restaurant
- 3-star with twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB plan
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by private car/tourist bus as per group size
- English speaking guide and a necessary number of porters with all allowances
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Card
- Full Meal Board with tea/coffee enroute
- Tea house/Lodge with twin sharing accommodation during a trek
- Sleeping bag and down jacket on required
- All government required taxes
Service Excluded
- Nepal entry Visa
- Monumental areas entrance fees during sightseeing
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any domestic and international flight cost
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation services
- Expenses of Personal nature
- Others, which is not mentioned above
Important Notes
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB plan and during the trekking provide all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and tea/coffee) plan. This trek is more designed on the lodge/tea house. The meals comprised of American, Nepali & Chinese cuisines. The meals served on breakfast during welcome and farewell dinner is included within the price. Snacks, mineral water is included but alcoholic beverages are not included in the price.
During the stay in Kathmandu, we provide 6 nights’ double sharing accommodation within 3-star hotels and 8 night’s double sharing accommodation within an available tea house/Lodge.
Note: Single occupancy also available as per request with single supplement charge.
Trip gears suggestion:
Before starting the trip with us you need to be complete within yourself especially with the kit vital for trekking. The list is given below separating as per your body parts.
For head:
Sunblock hat
Fleece/Woolen hat (perfect to cover ears)
Sunglasses as well as reading glasses
Scarf to cover face (protect from dust and wind)
For lower body:
Underwear
Shorts needed for hiking
Lightweight walking pants
Lightweight thermal leggings
Fleece or tracksuit pants
Waterproof shell pants
For Feet:
Min 3x thin full cotton inner socks
Min 3x thick full warm wool hiking socks
Hiking boots (along with spare laces)
Walking light sneakers
Sandals
Walking poles/stick
For upper body:
Min 3x T-shirts
Min 2x lightweight thermal tops
Min 2x Merino/Fleece long shelve tops
Waterproof shell jacket(bomber)
Down tee shirt/jacket
Poncho rain cover
For hands:
Light fleece gloves
Hefty gloves
Waterproof/wind fleece gloves
For night use:
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Pillow slip/case
Essential Medical Kit:
For this, you need to consult with your doctor for a complete medical kit.
Accessories needed for trekking:
Small torch with some spare batteries
Watch compromising of light & alarm
Bag Pack no heavier than 15kg
Day pack 33ltr with waist strap
Toiletries & Personal Hygiene:
Daily using accessories:
Dry towel, Shampoo, Toothbrush & paste, Wipes of multipurpose (face & body), Deodorant
Face & Body Moisturizer, Nail clippers/file, Small comb/brush, Clothes washing soap(decomposable), Toilet paper, Anti-Bacterial wipes (4x packs), Hand sanitizer (small bottle), Sunblock face/body high UV protection, Lip block with UV protection, Feminine hygiene products
Other additional Stuff:
Camera & extra batteries
Reading books
Map: Trail map & guidebook
Diary, Journal & Pen
Trekking Criterion:
Mostly we do arrange a trip with single supplement (except for some region most of the regions needs min. 2 persons). Before booking the trekking or initiating the trip you make sure that you do have a group and then only we will arrange the trip on a huge scale as per your request.
Physical Necessities:
Mardi Himal Trek seems very vigorous but necessitates to have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. It requires specified technical knowledge as well as an experience rather you only need to be in good physical & mentally condition and be proficient to hike for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack. Before booking the trip you better consult with your Medical Doctor once and as per your Doctor references initiate your trip booking process with us.
Trekking Head and Employees:
With an experience of a decade in the adventurous tourism, we do have our unbelievable teams of conductors and employees who are the backbone of this company inculcated with experiences and are highly professional with their technical expertise, proven safety measures records, solicitous judgment, and as well as support training styles and abundant personalities. Mostly we do have our field staff from the local area that covers from eastern to western Himalayan ranges, which backs the local people directly. As being local they have good knowledge of that respective region and they have good health fitness, can cope with the worst case scenario, as well as well experienced with a good team leading capabilities in the Himalayan region.
Familiarization:
The itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek is particularly designed in view of a high degree of depreciating AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Normally, elevation sickness starts from 3600m/11,808ft and this doesn’t create any problem below this standard. So, throughout your trip, the best solution is to go slowly with body adaptation. As we know, the more we elevate, the less oxygen we get in the air. For example, crossing high altitudes more than 5000 m/ 16400ft, 50% oxygen is deducted than at sea level. Your body needs several days to acclimatize during the travel in high Himalaya.
Emergency Evacuation Rescue Service (EERS) and Travel Insurance:
As we know that the trip can be canceled, or in those worst case scenario we need to be aware, so we highly recommend to purchase trip cancellation and travel insurance. This broad travel insurance offers you huge benefits including the coverage of trip cancellation and interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage delay, medical expenses, and emergency assistance.
Climate and Weather:
A country with a diversified culture does have a diversified topography as well beginning from 60 meters to top of the planet 8,848 meters i.e. the top of Mt. Everest. We have arid season start from October until May and the rainy season (monsoon) from June to September. The month of autumn (October-November) and spring (end of February-April) for Mardi Himal Trek, And usually this time, the weather is very good.
Passport and Visa Necessities:
The foremost thing to confirm before traveling to this trek is to check your passport and its valid date. Passports must have at least 6 months’ validity just after ending date of your trip. We must need your copy of passport and its full details sent either by fax or scan. While staying in Nepal you will need a visa which can be gotten in advance from the Nepalese Embassy in your country or you can even get on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu (Conditions: Within a peak season you need to wait long in the airport to get your visa). The general list of Nepalese visa fee is mentioned below and you can even surf thoroughly this web link as (www.nepalimmigration.gov.np )
Fees charged while delivering a tourist visa by the Mission or entry point:
US Dollars 40 or another convertible foreign currency equivalent for 30days multiple entry visas.
US Dollars 100 or another convertible foreign currency equivalent for 90days multiple entry visas.
Notwithstanding anything written in clause (a) and (b), no visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days.
US Dollars 25 or another convertible foreign currency equivalent thereto for 15days multiple entry visas.
Permits and Required Fees:
We need to have permission in many places in Nepal for trekking. For this region, we must require permits from Annapurna Conservation Area Protest (ACAP) entry permits along with TIMS permit and as well as world heritages site entry permits. All these relevant permits and entry fees are included in the given cost except the personal donations & contribution. Just in case of any such unassured conditions we will inform you if any additional permit fees are required or not before you make a booking with us.
Information on Health and Medical Evidence/Assistance:
We need to know about our health and the medical information during our Mardi Himal Trek. As mentioned earlier our squads are well-experienced travelers and are achieving the traveler’s ambition since long. We are expert in the adventurous tour and the best thing is we all are from the Himalayan region with plenty of local knowledge as we have been guiding for a decade, which stands as a key factor to enunciate the standard service that we have been delivering to our clients. The utmost thing we believe is the client’s safety and satisfaction. We deliver the extraordinary series of quality services and we even take care personally of our clients during the pour trip. Each of our guides carries medical kit bag for any kind of worst-case scenario during our trip and all of them are trained medical assistance especially the “First Aid”.
Environmental Anxieties:
Our motto is sustainable development thus we are extremely sensitive to protect our nature i.e. environment and contributing to many environmental cleanup and nature saving campaigns. We do believe in “Tourism within Nature,” thus our responsible tourism conveys a good message to the locals and we vow and train them to do’s and don’ts, how to keep environment in perfect shape, how to eliminate environmental degradation etc. and how to conveys message to save environment and leads towards environment friendly society or country. The tourism industry has an obligation to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations as well. These days many NGOs are collaborating with many tourism agencies and are much keen to save environment form doom. For example, Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) (http://www.keepnepal.org ) is helping to co-work with many trekking companies and this organization is also providing much useful training to our staffs and awareness program in the mountain.
Our Experience and Familiarity:
Going Nepal Pvt. Ltd. is a Govt. registered company based in Nepal and we have been working in adventurous travel in the Himalayas of Nepal. The operator of this company has more than a decade of experience in the relevant field of adventure tourism working, in fact initiating as a guide, adventure travel consultant and thus stabilizing own company. We are more dedicated to fulfilling our clients’ requirement and always sincere with client’s gratification and the utmost thing we always carry within us is the client’s satisfaction. We are also pleased to convey that many of our past clients who institute their trip in the Himalaya they wouldn’t hesitate to apprise you about our organization and about our professional organizing skills.
How to Book a trip?
If you have chosen your trip with our company, contact our head office either by email or phone to check the available dates (you may visit the updated departure date page of our sites as well, groups or any queries you have. We feel very pleased to help and reply promptly and responsively. Before your final decision, we will hold your booking.
Both advance payment and full payment are possible through the bank transfer or as per your comfort we do have a procedure pay through your Credit Card (VISA/MASTER CARD) along the details within the booking form. After you choose the process of advance payment in an appropriate way still we want a signed and completed booking form for the confirmation. Once we received a completed and signed booking form with the mentioned amount of payment, bookings will only be confirmed and we start looking forward towards our trip together.
Trip Information
Q: How long hours do I have to walk each day?
A: There is no fixed time to walk each day. From 2hours minimum to 7 hours’ maximum, you shall walk. Check the itinerary to see how long you shall walk each day.
Q: How difficult is the trek?
A: The walk into the Himalayas are never easy ones. You have to face the steep hills, sloppy trials, frequent climatic changes, and other several hindrances.
Q: How long does the trek last for?
A: As mentioned in the itinerary, the trek lasts for 12 days.
Q: What kind of food do I get there?
A: During a Tea House trek you will have breakfast and dinner in the Tea House, lunch will be eaten at one of the trail side restaurants. During a Camping Trek, all food will be cooked by our experienced cook. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup). All Tea Houses of our routes have a variety of different food items, such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Many of them have western food on the menu. Soft drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses and trail side restaurants.
Q: Is it safe to eat during the trek?
A: Food safety is always a big concern and we take it very seriously. That is why we have chosen the cleanest and most hygienically kept Tea Houses for our roots. During a Camping Trek, our cook prepares safe and tasty meals from carefully chosen food items and only hygienic cleaning facilities are used.
Q: What are the sources of drinking water supply during trekking?
A: All Tea Houses have boiled water for trekkers. And on the trek, you will be provided with drinking water by your guide. The guide will make sure that water is safe for drinking.
Q: What is the best time for trekking?
A: Best time for trekking is autumn (October-November) and spring (end of February-April). Short treks and some Tea Houses treks can be done during the winter season as well.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes while trekking. That’s why trekking equipment should be chosen carefully before the trip. Sudden rainstorms or snow are always a possibility which needs to be considered. The weather during the trekking season is somewhat more stable. We pay big attention to the weather forecast, so you will be told about weather prognosis and you will be given advises before the trek.
Q: What kind of clothes is needed for trekking?
A: Choosing clothes for trekking is very important. Please, check our trekking equipment list for details.
Q: What type of shoes should I have?
A: For shorter treks, comfortable tennis shoes or snickers is enough while longer treks require carefully chosen hiking boots which should be kind of strong, well-made but light boots. Shoes and boots are best to buy before arriving in Nepal. Proper fit is a must for boots and we advise you to wear your new shoes for some time before trek for your feet to feel absolutely comfortable during trekking.
Q: Should we bring all trekking equipment with us?
A: You can easily rent needed equipment for a reasonable price in Kathmandu before trek but it’s always preferable and more convenient to have your own equipment during trekking, so we advise you to bring equipment with you or to buy here as most of the outdoor equipment can be bought in Kathmandu in one of the many outdoor gear shops.
Q: What happens in the case of an emergency?
A: We are prepared for any emergency situation and know how to handle it. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during a trek. Every client should have his own insurance before coming to Nepal for the case of an emergency.
Q: What if I finish the trek before the time mentioned in the Itinerary? Will I be refunded the amount?
A: You may/may not be refunded the amount if u finish the trek before the time mentioned in the itinerary. If you are not refunded, the equivalent refund amount will be spent on other packages.
Q: Can I extend the day if I become unable to complete the trek on time?
A: Yes, you can extend day if you become unable to complete the trek on time. You will be charged necessary local charges accordingly.
Q: Do I have to share my accommodation?
A: Depending upon the availability of the room, you may/may not have to share your accommodation.
Q: How much weight of luggage can I carry?
A: You can carry light handbags with you. Porters are available to carry your luggage. A porter can carry up to 20kgs weight.
Q: Can I get my batteries recharged?
A: Yes, you can get your batteries recharged in some places.
Q: What about the phone? Does it work there?
A: Yes, the telephone service exists in the place you stay. However, the network might fluctuate from time to time during the trek.
Q: Do I have to carry a Passport, Money, Id with me during the trek?
A: Yes, you have to carry a Passport, Money, Id and Travel permit along with you during the trek.
Q: What is the risk of wild animals?
A: There is little risk of wild animals but our guide is experienced enough to deal with the situations so, no worrying there.
Q: What problems can arise on altitude?
A: Altitude sickness is a serious problem. We, having many years of experience in trekking and good knowledge of the problem, organize treks very carefully. The extra day of acclimatization is included in all our high altitude treks. Our guides are trained to spot any signs of altitude sickness and know how to deal with it.
Q: What if I get altitude sickness?
A: Altitude sickness is a very normal problem while trekking in the Himalayas. However, the guide can deal with the situation if it’s just normal. If the condition becomes critical, you can request chartering a chopper. Let the office know about it and we shall negotiate the price and proceed for rescue. You will be under very good medication in one of the best hospitals in the country. Your insurance is supposed to cover all the expenses of the rescue.
Q: What sort of experience do your guides have?
A: Our guides have many years of guiding experience in Nepal as well as Tibet. Most of them have been spending years exploring the country. Our guides are trained in first aid and know how to handle any situation. All our guides speak fluent English and happy to share their deep knowledge of the country and beauty of Nepal with you. We believe in and follow the idea that it’s not enough to take visitors to special places or special cultures, we need to provide guides who can get people feel involved in what they are experiencing, explain it thoroughly and keep them entertained. Our main concern is to make your trip in Nepal safe, memorable and fun!