Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu.
On landing at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu, our representatives will pick you up and escort you to your hotel. After checking-in, you can choose to explore the marvellous city on your own or enjoy the window view of the bustling streets from your hotel room.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara.
We will be travelling to Pokhara, the gateway to the Mardi Himal Trek. You can choose to travel by a tourist bus, which is an early morning 6-hour journey with breakfast and lunch stops on the way. We also arrange a flight option according to your preference.
The 30-minute flight is a short and scenic one. Domestic airlines conduct 3-4 flights to Pokhara every day so you can choose the one most flexible to your schedule.
On reaching Pokhara, our representatives will escort you to your hotel for spending the night. Spend the rest of the evening exploring around the lakeside of Pokhara.
Day 3: Drive to Kade and trek to Forest Camp.
Total Duration: 7 hours
Elevation : Kade (1,770 meters) / Forest Camp (2,100 meters)
Trek Distance: 14.5 km
The trek commences with a one hour drive from Pokhara to Kade via the Pokhara-Baglung highway. From Kade, we start ascending towards Forest Camp. The trail is a moderately steep climb leading to the ridge at the top.
After an hour or so of climbing, we clear the forest and reach the Australian Base Camp. You get to witness a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna Himalayan range from here. Our trek further takes us through winding paths full of rhododendron trees until we reach a small settlement known as ‘Deurali’.
From Deurali, a 4-5 hour uphill walk along the forested ridge leads us to the forest camp where we will be staying overnight.
Day 4: Forest Camp to High Camp.
Total Duration: 6 hours
Elevation: High Camp (3,580 meters)
Trek Distance: 8 km
On the fourth day, we start early as we pass through the lush rhododendron forests following the ridge. After clearing the woods, we arrive at the Low Camp (2,950m). The views of Mt Macchapuchre and Mardi are much more up close from here.
The trail continues along the ridge as we exit the forest camp and head towards Badal Danda (3,210 m). The landscapes slowly contrast from the verdant tree-line to alpine pastures. As you reach High Camp, you witness incredible up-close views of the Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Macchapuchre as you stand above the floating clouds.
Day 5: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp back to High Camp.
Total Duration: 7 hours
Elevation: High Camp (3,580 meters) / Base Camp (4,500 metres)
Trek Distance: 5 km
The fifth day is the main highlight of the trek and the relatively the most difficult one with steep uphill climbs and strenuous walk. We start early with the first steep climb that takes about 2 hours to reach the top, which most people refer as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp).
The actual base camp, however, lies ever higher when is another 2 hours steep climb along the ridge. However, the breathtaking views of Mt Macchapucchre and Mardi up close and Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III looming in the distance welcome you!
After exploring the Base camp, we start descending slowly through the steep trails to High Camp, where we will be staying the night.
Day 6: High Camp to Siding
Total Duration:6 hours
Elevation: High Camp (3,580 meters) / Siding (1,850 metres)
Trek Distance: 14 km
Today we will descend all the down to Siding. We follow the same route until we reach Low camp, and take a different route towards Siding. The descend can be harsh with steep stone stairs and slippery surfaces in some places.
We walk across a dense forest with nothing but trees and bushes around us. After about 6 hours of continuous descend, we will finally arrive at Siding.
Siding is a small village with traditional houses and lifestyle. You are more likely to stay at a homestay for the night.
Day 7: Trek to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara
Total Duration:3 hours of Trek and 3 hours of Drive
Elevation: Siding (1,850 meters) / Pokhara (900 metres)
Trek Distance: 10 km
Siding has a beautiful morning. There are colorful flowers all around, and the landscapes look vibrant. Our destination for today is Pokhara. We take a short hike from Siding to Lumre and catch a 4wd to Pokhara from there.
You will see waterfalls at a distance, and some up close as well. It is not a difficult walk as you hike, exploring the beautiful villages. You will see locals getting busy with their daily routine, and kids playing around.
Upon reaching Lumre, we will take a 4wd and travel towards Pokhara. You can see the upper viewpoint and the ridge you walked upon the past few days. A 3 hours drive, and we reach our destination. You will be taken to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in there.
We stay overnight in Pokhara.
Day 8: Pokhara To Kathmandu.
After satisfactorily completing the trip, you will be on your way back to the capital to head home. You can either travel by a 6-hour bus journey or a short 30-minute flight. We can arrange both options based on your preference.
On reaching Kathmandu, our representatives will escort you to your hotel for spending the night.
Day 9: Departure to International Airport.
The trip officially comes to an end as we drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell with the hope of seeing you again very soon!