The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a route which is has not been opened for long, and attracts fewer visitors than its more established ‘sisters’. This week-long trek has all the plus points of other Annapurna treks combined with a bit more wilderness and solitude. For example, on offer are the most spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu ranges!
Steep-sided valleys, rhododendron and bamboo forests, ridge hiking and the diversity of flora and fauna only seen in the Himalayas make this an interesting glimpse into the biodiversity of the mountains. The highest altitude is at High Camp (4,100m), with the rest of the trail never exceeding 3,150m (Low Camp). This trek can be also be extended in length should there be more time.
This is a lovely trek for those with less time and who prefer to be more off the beaten track!
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) | 830 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 2 | Pokhara to Phedi (Drive) to Pothana | 1950 m | 4 hr |
| Day 3 | Pothana to Forest Camp | 2500 m | 5 hr |
| Day 4 | Forest Camp to Low Camp | 3210 m | 5 hr |
| Day 5 | Low Camp to High Camp | 3580 m | 4 hr |
| Day 6 | High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp | 4450 m | 7 hr |
| Day 7 | Mardi Himal Base Camp to Siding village | 1885 m | 7 hr |
| Day 8 | Siding village to Lwang village | 1460 m | 5 hr |
| Day 9 | Lwang Village to Pokhara (Drive) | 830 m | 2 hr |
| Day 10 | Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive) | 1380 m | 6 - 7 hr |
Included
- Local transfers for your international flight x 2 (arrival/ departure)
- Local transfers for your domestic flights x 4
- Kathmandu Pokhara Kathmandu Drive
- ACAP Permit and TIMS Card
- Guide for 10 days
- Porter for 10 days
- Four nights accommodation in a Kathmandu hotel (Hotel Holy Himalaya or similar)
- 9 night accommodation in mountain teahouses
- 10 x set breakfast, 10 x set lunch and 9x set dinner while on trek.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
Excluded
- International flight ticket and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance (Which should include coverage for trekking)
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner
- Personal gear for trekking (Including any your may wish to hire in Kathmandu), any personal expenses (i.e. soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks etc.)
FAQs
You cannot drink the water from the tap or streams in Mardi Himal Trek. Mineral water is available on the trail. It is expensive to buy (perhaps 10 times more than in Kathmandu). You can also use a water purifier or steri pen.
The maximum elevation of this trek will not exceed 3,500m, so you do not have to worry about altitude sickness. But we still recommend you take precautions and have travel insurance which covers this.
There is no knowing who will suffer from altitude sickness. It does not follow that the younger and fitter people will not get altitude sickness where the older and less fit will. It is not related to (general) fitness or age. Talk to your doctor at home. There are prescription medications which help avoid the onset of altitude sickness. But above all, go slowly, listen to your body, be aware of any changes, and listen to your guide if he feels you are showing symptoms (which you might not notice).
We will collect your travel insurance policies and details before the trek so that in case of an emergency we can coordinate with your insurance company and the helicopter providers for evacuation.
First aid. On every trek we will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Here is a checklist recommended by Karen Anderson of things you should bring. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal but to be on the safe side we recommend you comply, where possible, with this list provided by again by Karen Anderson (medical doctor in New Zealand and friend and client of Magical Nepal).
Yes. Magical Nepal only provides insurance for our own staff. We recommend you buy insurance in your country. Note: Insurance should cover you for the altitudes you are trekking at (not all do). We recommend World Nomads.
Yes, bring your own or you can rent it or buy it in Kathmandu. Renting a sleeping bag in Kathmandu will cost you $1 or $2 per day. To buy a new sleeping bag in Kathmandu expect to pay around $150 to $200 for one of medium quality.
No. The trails are well marked. Unless you go in mid-winter you will not need crampons. Instead of crampons, carry micro spikes which are not technical, lightweight to carry, cheaper and fit any shoe size.
If you forget something it might be extremely hard to find here. Please check here for an exhaustive packing list for (general) trekking in Nepal. If you are not a frequent hiker, you can rent most of the trekking gear in Nepal when you arrive.
No. There are teahouses along the trek. We will not need tents or mattresses.
Anything you don’t want to take on the trek with you can be stored at your hotel or in our office. We suggest you ensure your bag is lockable.
We use local guides. On each trek our guides have been to the relevant areas numerous times. All are experienced, knowledgeable, flexible and authorized licensed guides with the Government of Nepal.
Preferable. If you use a porter it has double benefit: you can fully enjoy your trek without carrying a heavy bag, and its improves the income of the local community.
20kg. On average a porter can carry 22kg including their own backpack. So, they can carry up to 18kg of your gear and equipment. We provide backpacks for porters.
Yes. At Magical Nepal we make sure all our staff are well insured.
At Magical Nepal we ensure all our guides and porters have proper gear, are well equipped and protected. This is for their own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of our clients.
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