Table of Content:
- Introduction about Mardi Himal Community Trek
- Information Mardi Himal Community Trek
- Detail Mardi Himal Community Trek 11 days itinerary
- Necessary Trekking Gears.
Trip Highlights:
- Mardi Himal Community Trek
- Complete Spectacular Annapurna (8,091m) Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Mt. Fishtail (6,993m)
- Rhododendron forests-National flower
- Aryan, Gurung and Magar Culture
- Rocky Mountain landscape
- Adventurous highest Point Mardi Himal Base Camp 4500m
Mardi Himal Community Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest treks located close to the lake city Pokhara i.e. one of the major touristic hub of Nepal. The well-defined and comparatively easy trail takes you through the ethnic villages of Gurung and other indigenous communities up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). As you can witness the authentic lifestyle, culture and tradition of the diverse communities of the western Nepal, this is also called Mardi Himal Community trek. En route to the base camp of magical Mardi Himal (5,587m), you come to see different species of flora and fauna as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Himalayan Ranges.
One of the promising treks in the Annapurna region,Mardi Himal Community trek rewards you with the breathtaking Himalayan views and dense forests. High altitude villages comprising of many ethnic communities having their original culture and tradition intact for centuries are other attraction of this trip. Although it lies close to the popular Annapurna region visited by one third of the total international tourists coming to Nepal, Mardi Himal trekking trail offers you the socio-cultural practices unaffected by the modernity and its invention.
The trekking trail moves further through the traditional Gurung and Magar villages where most of the males are involved in the British and Indian Armies including the Nepal Army. You can hear the stories of the World War II when the Brave Gurkhas (Old Pensioners) had fought bravely to defeat their enemies. These people have been living in a mutual harmony by keeping their tradition and culture intact from the intervention of other cultures.
The people living in this region celebrate many festivals according to their ethnic practice and religious beliefs. Dashain, Tihar, Teej, Janai Purnima, Maghe Sakranti, Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti and so on are celebrated in this region. Tamu Lhosar that falls either the last of December or the first January is one of the greatest festivals celebrated by the Gurung ethnic communities. Next festival is Buddha Jayanti that falls on the first quarter of May to commemorate the birthday of Lord Buddha, ‘the Light of Asia’ and ‘the Messenger of the World Peace’. If you want to become a part of any of the celebrations, you can plan your Nepal tour according to the season they fall in.
The less frequented trekking trail goes along the main track of Annapurna Base Camp trek through dense forests of pine, rhododendron and oak trees. You can see a variety of bird species and endangered animal species like musk deer, Himalayan black bear and snow leopard while walking along the beautiful hamlets dwelt by the smiling people. If you plan to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp during spring season, you can have the rarest glimpses of the forests beautified by the colourful rhododendron flowers just like a bride on her wedding day. You can taste different types of fruit while doing Mardi Himal Trekking in autumn season.
The major Himalayan views seen during this trek are that of Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri Massif, Mt. Machhapuchhre and distant view of Manaslu region. By following the winding trail that continues along the Mardi Khola banks, you reach the vantage point of the entire Annapurna region. Once you reach the top of the destination: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), you can have the mesmerizing vista of Mt. Fishtail (6,993m) just a yard away as if you could touch it with your hand itself!
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 01: Reception in Kathmandu (1,350m)
On your arrival day, the representative of our trekking agency receives you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Then, s/he transfers you to the hotel booked for your accommodation. After taking a short rest at the hotel, you can visit the Monkey Temple for the astonishing view of the entire Kathmandu Valley while visiting the top Buddhist Shrine of Nepal. In the evening, our agency organizes a welcome dinner at a cultural restaurant.
Day 02: Self Explore Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Today is the rest day, so you can take a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu Valley. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. You can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunaryan Temple. In the evening, the trekking guide gives you all details about Mardi Himal Community Trek itinerary.
Day 03: Fly from KTM-PKH then DRIVE TO KANDE AND TREK TO PRITAM - DEURALI (2,232 m)
Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and drive for about 40 mints to Kande on Pokhara Baglung highway. The trail climbs for about 1 ½ hrs to the ridge at 2,060 m. The clearing in the forest with lodge settlement is known as ‘Australian camp’. The place is scenic with the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. The trail further winds through the rhododendron forest to the mountain pass called ‘Deurali’. Deurali is overlooking into the Modi Khola valley wedged between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal / Mt Fishtail.
Day 04: TREK TO FOREST CAMP (2,600 m / 5 hrs)
After spending beautiful morning in the ridge top village of Deurali, we head off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest camp. Since this is new trekking destination, there are no teahouses along the way and we need to carry pack lunch and sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful with gradual uphill.
Day 05: TREK TO HIGH CAMP (3 HRS / 3,550 m)
The trail further climbs along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. From Badal Danda, we leave the tree line and arrive in shrubby alpine zone. Snow capped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Fishtail looms in a distance above deep valley on the either side. High camp is a small pasture after the climb with 3 lodges. Here you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snow capped peaks.
Day 06: EXPLORE MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP RETURN TO HIGH CAMP (7 Hrs / 4,500 m)
The day trip is more difficult than other days with steep climb and longer walk. Trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps. The first steep climb will take about 2 hrs to the ridge top which is marked as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However the real base camp will take about another 2 hrs along the ridge. The view is amazing all along the ridge. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III also appears at a distance.
Day 07: TREK TO GHALE – SIDHING (1870 m / 6-7 hrs)
Ghale gaun is a colourful village with picturesque hills and mountain scenery. This is one of the unspoiled habitats of Gheles, the famous Gurungs, and the legendary ‘Gurkhas’ of western Nepal. The village is splendid microcosm of Nepalese village with the blend of exotic culture and natural beauty. Ghalegaun is 205 km northwest of Kathmandu and 125 km northeast of Pokhara. Perched at the ridge top at 2,095 m, the village hosts the close up view of western Himalayas including Machhapuchhre (6693m), Annapurna (8091m), Annapurna II (7939m) Annapurna IV (7525m), Lamjung Himal, Bouddha Himal (6974m), Himalchuli(6747m) and other small peaks.
Day 08: TREK TO LWANG (3hrs)-POKHARA
The trail climbs down steeply through rhododendron and Maple forest to the permanent settlements closer to valley basin. Ghale is a self sufficient Gurung village with rich culture and happy people. The village is the best place to watch Nepalese countryside lifestyle and enjoy the organic food. The village farmers also grow organic tea in 50 hectors of land. Farmers offer home stay accommodation. The waterfall in the outskirt of the village offers one of the most exciting cannoning adventures.
Day 09: Rest Day: Self explore Pokhara
You can sleep till late morning today as you don’t have to cover longer distance along the trekking trail. After becoming fresh and taking breakfast, the tour guide takes you for Pokhara day tour around the lake city Pokhara. There are many places to explore in Pokhara, the most popular tourist destination of Nepal like Phewa Lake, Devi’s fall, Tal Barahi, and so on. If you can manage time, you can experience some of the adventurous activities like paragliding, zip flying, hot air ballooning from Sarangkot. Pokhara hot air ballooning is one of the best experience once in lifetime you shouldn’t miss out! You can experience boating on Phewa Lake for making this trip more remarkable! Return to the hotel for the night station.
Day 10: Return Kathmandu by Air or Bus.
After having breakfast, you begin the journey to Kathmandu by bus or plane as per your settlement with our company. After you arrive in Kathmandu, the representative of A1 Excursion escorts you to the hotel. In the evening, our agency invites you for the farewell dinner program at a restaurant around Thamel as a part of hospitality.
Day 11: Departure or New Package
Today is the concluding day of Mardi Himal Community Trek 11 days itinerary designed by A1 Excursion. So, the crewmember of the agency accompanies you up to the Tribhuvan International Airport for bidding you farewell. In case you have more time to spend in Nepal and want to let us help you find the right tour or trekking package, consult with us. We are always ready for this!
Necessary Trekking Gears:
- Duffel or Rucksack bag (Provided)
- Down Sleeping bag (Provided)
- Down Jacket (Provided)
- Daypack
- Hiking pants
- Waterproof & Windproof jacket
- Rain coat or Umbrella
- Full-sleeves shirts
- Jumper or Fleece jacket
- Pair of T-shirts
- Trekking Boots (water proof is better)
- Sandal, Toilet paper
- Cotton thick socks (2 pair), Woollen socks to wear with boots
- Sun-hat & fleece hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Sun block for lips
- Sun lotion
- Goggles or Sunglasses
- Thermal long underwear sets
- Insulated pants
- Trekking poles
- Wind breaker pants
- Water bottle
- Flash light or Head light, Batteries
- Swiss army Knife
- Personal Dry Towel
- Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled
- Crampons
- Snow leg Gaiters
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