Mardi Himal Climbing

Kathmandu Elevation: 1,400 metres/4,600 feet

Taking the international flight, you will arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) for the Mardi Himal Climbing adventure. Upon your arrival, our airport representative will receive you at the airport terminal. You will be hotel transferred comfortably by driving in a private vehicle. Our representative will help you check in at the hotel, where you can rest and relax.

If you arrive early, make time to explore the nearby attractions of the city, or you can do it on the other day of the optional tour. In the evening, our guide will brief you about the Mardi Himal Climbing journey, and after that, you can join a welcome dinner party that marks the beginning of a remarkable Himalayan adventure.

Day two is a leisure day to prepare for the trekking and climbing journey and head out for the exciting city tour. The journey will be fruitful, visiting and exploring the historical and cultural sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Out of the top ten UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven are here in the valley, like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath and Changuranarayan. Changunarayan is located a bit far away from the city, so skipping it, you will visit the rest of the monuments.

After sightseeing, you can either return to your hotel to relax or visit the busy markets of the city streets. After noon, do some final preparations for the upcoming journey, and in the evening enjoy a delicious dinner. Spend a peaceful night during the overnight stay at the Kathmandu hotel.

Pokhara Elevation: 860 meters/2,822 feet

The Pokhara drive starts early in the morning. So, after a short breakfast in the hotel, you will be picked up by our representative. Depending on the group size, a tourist bus or a car takes you away from the valley for an overland journey to Pokhara. The journey leaves the busy streets of Kathmandu city and heads towards picturesque locations. Witnessing the scenic views of mesmerizing hills and valleys, gorgeous landscapes, farm villages, and snow-capped peaks, the winding roads lead to Pokhara.

Upon reaching Pokhara, you will have quality time exploring the serene Phewa Lake, marveling at outstanding views of Mount Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and other surrounding peaks. You will spend a night at a lively hotel in Pokhara.

Drive Duration: 5-6 hours.

Dhampus Elevation: 1,540 meters/5,052 feet

Potana Elevation:1,895 meters/6,217 feet

Heading west on the lakeside, the drive continues on the Prithivi Highway. The scenic drive of around 18-20 kilometers will take us to Dhampus. Dhampus is a picturesque village with amazing views of mountains. From Dhampus, the trekking journey begins following the trails that lead to Potana. Potana is a charming village situated in the Annapurna region. The trekking trail involves ascending and descending paths that pass through the dense forest areas, lovely terraced fields, and several small settlements of the local people.

Drive Duration: 2-3 hours.

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours.

Forest Camp Elevation: 2,515 meters/8,251 feet

Pitam Deurali Elevation: 2,050 meters/6,726 feet

After a peaceful overnight stay at Potana, the trek moves forward towards the Koker forests. This journey is picturesque in the Annapurna region, ascending to a high point, Deurali, where you can have panoramic views of the stunning Himalayas. The foreground view of amazing Himalayan landscapes and snow-covered mountain peaks fascinate the journey. After leaving the hilltop of Pitam Deurali, the trekking trail follows the pristine wilderness of more rugged and remote sections.

Traverse the enchanting and tranquil landscapes where the trail offers dominant views of breathtaking Annapurna ranges, Huinchuli, and Lamjung Himal. Trekking for about 4 to 5 hours in a serene environment, the journey rewards with a fantastic destination, Kokar Forest Camp. This overnight stop is amid the forest, a magical setting with enchanting natural beauty. Also, there are some lodges to accommodate the trekkers.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.

The Low Camp Elevation: 2,968 meters/9,737 feet

The trek to Low Camp is led by the trails that pass through dense and vibrant rhododendron forests, with a tranquil environment. The scenic journey ascends to an open space with mesmerizing views of the amazing surrounding peaks like Annapurna, Macchapuchre, etc. There may be some steep parts on the trekking route, so it is better to take a gradual ascent. Within a short trekking journey, the Low Camp is reached, which will be at an enchanting location to provide a serene resting point for trekkers.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.

The High Camp Elevation: 3,710 meters/12,171 feet

This day of a trekking adventure meets higher altitudes with thin atmospheric air. Set a gradual pace of ascent with proper hydration, being cautious of altitude sickness symptoms. Upon leaving the Base Camp, the uphill ascend offers panoramic views of Mount Machhpuchhre, Mardi Himal, and other surrounding peaks. Continue the trek, facing the breathtaking scenery of majestic peaks and Modi Khola River Valley amidst the Annapurna Conservation Area and Mardi Khola. The narrow uphill trail approaches you at the High Camp with some teahouse availability. It will be better to rest and acclimatize to the High Camp altitude.

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours.

Base Camp Elevation: 4,490 meters/14,731 feet

The trek from the Mardi Himal High Camp to Base Camp follows a steep and rocky trail. However, overcoming the inlined sections, you will be rewarded with the Awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayan peaks. The picturesque journey of traversing the alpine meadows and snow-covered trails leads to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, where the camping is set at a serene and flat spot. The base Campsite is encircled by the sky-reaching Himalayan peaks with close-up views of the Mardi Himal. At the foot of Mardi Himal, at around 4,490 meters, our expert crew set up our base camp, where you will be provided with camping facilities by kitchen staff.

Trek Duration: 3 hours.

Advanced High Camp Elevation: 4,650 meters/15,256 feet

From the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the trail ascends slowly on steep rocky, and snowy terrain. Following the established trekking trails/marking and with the valuable guidance of guides, we continue our Advance High Camp journey. Follow the gradual ascent to acclimatize properly to the increasing altitude. Upon reaching the advance camp at 4,650 meters, the giant Mardi and Machhapuchhre are right before your eyes. Take time to practice and prepare for the next day's climb of Mardi Himal. Review the climbing gear and equipment, and ensure you rest and sleep well for the journey. Our guides will brief you on the climbing techniques to prepare you for the climb.

Trek Duration: 4 hours.

Today is the day to conquer the Mardi Himal. The changeable weather conditions can make the scaling troublesome. Being weather-conscious, we will start the summit push. With an early start of the climb, the risks of strong midday winds are avoided. Initially, you may meet some sections while climbing towards the Col. From there, the snow slopes are encountered that have to be navigated to gain the summit of Mardi Himal.

Under the guidance of climbing guides, use the basic mountaineering equipment that you may require for the climb. Adhere to their instructions to navigate the icy and snowy segments of the climb. Reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Gnagpurna, and several other adjacent peaks. You are offered a feeling of living the victorious and magical moment at the glorious summit of Mardi Himal. you trek all the way down to the Mardi Himal Base Camp and celebrate your victory. After the successful climb, make your way back to the High Camp for the overnight lodge stay.

Total time taken: 8 hours.

Ascend through the trails, traversing elegant rhododendrons and oak forests. The enchanted dense forest and vibrant landscapes can offer you an opportunity to spot some of the rare vegetation and fauna of the region. The consecutive trek of around 5-6 hours takes you to the Forest Camp amidst the mesmerizing forests. The Forest Camp serves as a peaceful setting to rest and break this day’s trek. This tranquil destination offers a handful of teahouses for spending a glorious night. You can have the best stay, relishing the placid magical ambiance of the enchanting forest reflecting the adventurous and victorious Mardi Himal climbing.

Trek Duration: 5 hours.

Dhampus Elevation: 1,650 meters/5,413 feet.

Enjoying the natural beauty, retrace the journey back on the same trail. Start descending through the forested trails (vast forest of rhododendrons and pine trees) and pass several villages on the way, like Landruk and Pothana. On the way, you traverse Deurali, the same high point with panoramic views of spectacular Himalayan peaks. Descend further on the downhill trek to reach Dhampus. You will spend a relaxing night at charming Dhampus village.

Trek Duration: 6 hours.

Dhampus to Pokhara is a straightforward journey that is completed in relatively less time. The morning is blessed with the alluring peak vistas while on a short walk to the road that leads to Pokhara. From the enchanting Dhampus village at the southern slopes of the Annapurna region, the drive descends towards Phedi. Scenic landscapes pass by, including traditional villages and elegant terraced fields. With mesmerizing views of green hills and serene lakes, the picturesque drive takes you to Pokhara.

Drive Duration: 1.5-2 hours.

Driving or flying back to Kathmandu marks the end of the Mardi Himal Climbing journey. From the popular tourist destination, Pokhara, you will be back to the capital. You can either follow the same pattern of driving or board a domestic flight to Kathmandu. The ride journey is similar to what you experienced earlier, and the flight is scenic cross-valley travel. The magnificent aerial views of the stunning Himalayas, green valleys, long flowing rivers, etc, tug your mind during the air travel.

After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can get refreshed and reflect on the journey. In the remaining time of the day, you can visit some busy streets of Kathmandu city and cultural sites to shop for souvenirs.

Drive Duration:6-8 hours.

Flight Duration:25-30 minutes.

This is the last day in Nepal when all the joys, excitement, and adventure already met their limitations. With the never-forgotten memories of the glorious and adventurous Mardi Himal Climbing journey, bid farewell to the Kathmandu Valley. You will be transferred to the TIA for your flight back to your home country. Our representative will drop you off at the airport as per your departure schedule.