Activities: | Trekking, Sightseeing | Fitness Level: | Easy |
Max Elevation: | 4500m/13600ft | Transportation: | Private vehicle/Flight |
Best Month: | March to May & September to December | Group Size: | 2+ |
Arrival on: | Pokhara | Departure from: | Pokhara |
Meal: | All meals during the trek | ||
Accommodation: | Accommodation teahouses/tent during the trek | ||
Price: | USD:490 |
Mardi Short Trek is for those who want to experience the best of the Himalayan region in a short time. Join us for a 4-day trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp in Nepal's Annapurna region. It's a special journey that's well-planned and affordable. This trek takes you to the beautiful Machhapuchhre mountain, which hasn't seen many tourists. It was first explored by a Swiss traveler in 1956 but remained wild until 2012.
The trek is filled with natural beauty, diverse plants and animals, and amazing views of the Himalayas. You'll walk along a ridge, starting in Kande, near Pokhara, and ending at Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is high up at 4,500 meters. Along the way, you'll see charming villages and peaceful forests. When you reach the high camp at 3,900 meters and the upper viewpoint at 4,450 meters, you'll see stunning snow-covered mountains like Annapurna I and the famous Machhapuchhre. It's a trek that balances adventure and tranquility, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.
Get ready for a budget-friendly adventure through the stunning Himalayas with the Mardi Himal trek. Starting from Kathmandu, you'll reach Pokhara either by a scenic flight or a leisurely drive. From there, this week-long journey leads you into the heart of the Annapurna region, where you'll traverse local villages, terraced fields, and lush forests while enjoying breathtaking views. Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in local culture, savor traditional meals, and witness the vibrant colors of mountain flowers. This trek offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and those seeking an authentic Himalayan experience. Join Nepal Vision Treks and make your dream of exploring the Himalayas a reality!
Itinerary Outline:
1st Day: Arrival day in Pokhara and 30 min drive to Kande and trek to Deurali (2100m/6,720ft): 45 minutes drive 5-6 hrs. walking
2nd Day: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520m/8064ft): 6-7 hours
3rd Day: Trek from Forest Camp to High camp (3540m/11,328ft): 6-7hours
4th Day: Early morning hike up to the upper viewpoint (4500m/13600ft), return back to high camp, and trek from the High camp to Sidhing Village (1700m/5440ft): 6-7 hours, drive to Pokhara by privet jeep 1:30 hrs.
#@#Day 1: Arrival day in Pokhara and 30 min drive to Kande and trek to Deurali (2100m/6,720ft): 45 minutes drive 5-6 hrs. walking
#@#After your arrival in Pokhara, we'll drive for about 45 minutes to Kande. From there, our trek starts as we walk to Deurali. This day's journey will take approximately 5-6 hours of walking.
#@#Day 2: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520m/8064ft)
#@#Today's trek leads us from Deurali to Forest Camp. You'll be walking amidst nature for around 6-7 hours, enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
#@#Day 3: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3540m/11,328ft)
#@#Our path continues from Forest Camp to High Camp. This trek will take us about 6-7 hours as we ascend to higher altitudes.
#@#Day 4: Early Morning Hike to Upper Viewpoint (4500m/13600ft), Trek to Sidhing Village (1700m/5440ft)
#@#Rise early for an invigorating hike to the upper viewpoint at 4,500 meters. After capturing the breathtaking views, we'll return to High Camp. From there, we'll trek to Sidhing Village, and later drive to Pokhara in a private jeep. The walking duration is around 6-7 hours.
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle as per the itinerary suggested.
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, Annapurna entry fee, permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Clothing & Packing Information
Correct Clothing & Equipmentâs are essential for a safe and enjoyable trek. Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past. Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your travel with us.
We are advised to consider the following equipmentâs as essentials while packing for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Adjustments to the list can be managed according to our requirements, interests, duration of trip, and season of trip. We can find variety of these gears to buy in Kathmandu. Majority of the gears which are in sale in Kathmandu are locally is much cheaper and must be tried on carefully and checked carefully for quality, but on the whole it is OK. We can find very high quality branded gears too in some famous stores in Kathmandu; mostly top notch imported gear, Mountain Hardware, The North Face, Marmot, Black Diamond climbing gear plus head torches and others, and prices are reasonable.
The hotel stores free of cost whatever you don't take trekking, and of course they have a laundry service. You might want to plan with a clean set of clothes for your return from the trek.
Who carries what?
You carry a daypack with your camera, a jacket, water and day snacks. The porters will carry everything else, so pack this in a duffel/kitbag rather than backpack. Since, luggage has weight limitation of approximately 33 pounds or 15 kg.
Important documents
⢠Passport (must be valid for 6 months after trip), 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
⢠Photocopy of the information pages of your passport and Insurance
⢠Insurance â this MUST include helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical coverage. Money â US$200 to US$300 personal spending for trek and for Kathmandu depending on souvenir hunting (but donât change money at the airport as you will get a better rate of exchange in the Thamel District of Kathmandu).
⢠Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines.
Packing List
»Running shoes» 1 pair for casual comfortable support shoes wears on lighter walking days.
»Hiking boots» 1 pair of sturdy hiking boots. Sole should be flexible but still provide enough support for your feet. Boots should be very water repellent.
»Wool socks» 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks and 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
» Gaiters»:Only for winter, optional, âlowâ ankle high
»T-Shirts» Polypropylene shirts (2 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves), Light and expedition weight thermal tops
»Jacket» Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket, Down vest and/or jacket and Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable
»Trekking pants» Non-cotton underwear briefs, 1 pair of Hiking shorts, 1 pair of Hiking trousers, 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal), 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers and 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric
»Head wears» Bandana or head scarf, useful for dusty conditions also, Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic), Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs, Sunglasses with UV protection
»Hand wears» 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves, 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves, 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)
»Sleeping Bag»: High quality with hood to at least - 10 Degree Celsius or 14 degrees F (Company provide you sleeping bag for this trek)
»Rucksack and Travel Bags» 1 medium rucksack (60-80 liters/3500-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon), 1 large duffel bag (Company provide you duffle bag for this trek), A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding, Small padlocks for duffel bags, large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)
»Trekking Poles»: Optional
»Water treatment tablets»: Iodine or Chloride Dioxide tablets. A small bottle or multi pack is sufficient. Taste neutralizer tablets remove iodine taste. Chloride Dioxide formulas will not discolor water
»Water Bottles» 2 Wide mouth bottles with minimum 1 Liter capacity per bottle No water bag or bladder systems; they freeze or are hard to fill.
»Pee Bottle» (Optional) but very useful
»Pee funnel for Women» (Optional) Lightweight urinary director (For minimal undressing for discreet use)
»Sunscreen» SPF 30 or better, 2 small tubes and make sure that the sunscreen is not older than 6 months. Sunscreen older than six months loses half of its SPF rating.
»Hand/foot warmers»: (Optional) recommended if you easily get cold hands and feet 1-3 pairs.
»Lip screen»: SPF 30 or better, at least 2 sticks. Not older than 6 months
»MP3 player» (Optional) Flash memory only players since hard drive players do not work at high altitude (above 13,000ft). Chargers can be used at several lodges along the way.
»Towel» Bring towel for trekking. »Toiletry bag» Include toilet paper, soap, towel, and toothpaste & brush, Wet wipes 1-2 per day and hand sanitizer: Hand moisturizer.
»Extra luggage» Please note you do not need to take all your gear with you while trekking - luggage can be safely stored at the hotel in Kathmandu and collected at the end of your trek.
First aid
»Personal first aid Kit (small and simple)» Aspirin, Moleskin, Adhesive tape and Band-Aids.
»Drugs/medications/prescriptions» Trekker should bring Mupirocin (Bactroban) cream; excellent topical antibiotic for scrapes and cuts.
Cirprofloxin (Cipro) 500mg tablets for travelerâs diarrhea and for urinary tract infections. Loperamide (Lomotil) or Immodium for diarrhea.
Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg tablets for altitude headaches.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg tablets for stomach sensitivity.
This above list is only a guideline for you. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands.
Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa for entry into Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any major currency but NOT traveler's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Visionâs Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is full of fun and adventure but you have to be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And thatâs where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. For your adventure, Travel insurance is a safety net if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so, every traveler must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & traveling insurance for your safety.
Having good travel insurance will not only guarantee you peace of mind while you travel with us but also provide you with complete cover for anything things that may go wrong.
Trip Meal Plan
Eating is a big part of traveling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available in the Mountains. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine served and soup along with some, Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.
When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh, fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.
Trip Accommodation
During this trip, we will spend three nights in Kathmandu at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House is a combination of a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the Western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities while some of them may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.
There is a large dining room more like the lounge, warmed by an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now also have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.
Best time to visit Nepal
Nepal is for all seasons! But because of the huge range in altitude and landscape, the climate of Nepal differs significantly throughout the country. The most recommended seasons for trekking are autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and spring (March, April, and May). In these seasons you will be rewarded with good weather, sunny and warm with clear skies and outstanding views. During monsoons (June, July, Aug) although there will be no problem with trekking, the issue could be less visibility and rain. For the student of botanicals, a monsoon is a blessing as the higher valleys, mountains, and meadows blossom with flowers and abundant vegetation. You can also trek in winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb). Only, the issue will be cold weather with snowfall at higher elevations.
The trekking routes are filled with trekkers during spring and autumn but during monsoon and winter the routes are not packed and you could enjoy rather the best of nature. However, because of the effects of global warming, the climate is changing worldwide and there could always be the possibility of exceptions in these weather patterns. There could be a hoax of bad weather and sometimes even in adverse months during the best seasons too.
Leader(s) & Staff
The Trek Leader of your group has a role to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share with you many cultural insights that are not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:
Altitude Information
What is Altitude?
Altitude is known as elevation, and it is often used to refer to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, if the indicated altitude is high, the air pressure becomes low. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One normal effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs have to work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and even weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring supplemental (extra) supplies of oxygen and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.
Acclimatization
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain, spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude but, for the vast majority of people, a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects. Acclimatizing takes time and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to the treatment of altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.
Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness
Treatment
The only cure for mountain sickness is either acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.
What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness?
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from ailments like altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, major hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a clientâs life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.
Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are traveling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.
Our expert and trained guides are very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously and conducted the operation swiftly and didnât panic for a second to come up with a proper operation.
Vaccination:
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while traveling to prevent possible diseases. For traveling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must to have but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.
Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, a cold beverage, mineral water, extra meals, and drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services which are not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc. to withdraw local currency.
COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travelers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days prior to arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days prior to your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. In case you are entering through the land border, you will need to do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.
Things to Consider
There are a few important things you need to know before traveling to Nepal so that you can have a smooth journey to Nepal.
#@#What is the Mardi Himal trek?
#@#The Mardi Himal trek is a relatively new trekking route in Nepal that offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek takes you through dense forests, picturesque villages, and pristine mountain vistas.
#@#How long does it take to complete the Mardi Himal trek?
#@#The Mardi Himal trek usually takes about 7-12 days to complete, depending on your pace and itinerary.
#@#What is the best time of year to trek the Mardi Himal?
#@#The best time to trek the Mardi Himal is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the views are stunning.
#@#How fit do I have to be for the Mardi Himal Trek?
#@#Trekking in the Himalayas means uphill and downhill walking in the remote part. So your health and physical fitness play a vital role in completing this trek. If your level of fitness is good and your health is excellent, you can join this trek even if you have never done trekking in the high Himalayan region.
#@#What kind of weather do we expect during this trekking?
#@#Mountains weather is difficult to predict. Although, at night it is generally cooler and the days are warm. Winter (January and February) will be cold but the days can be warm if the sun is out. There will be a bit of snow during January, February, and December. It is also important to make sure that you can stay warm and dry in just about any condition.
#@#From where does the Mardi Himal Trek start?
#@#Mardi Himal Trek starts from the place Hyangja, which is a 30-minute drive from Pokhara. After reaching Hyangja, your trek starts.
#@#How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?
#@#Mardi Himal Trek is one of the easier treks, which is climbed easily within very few days or 12 days. A physically fit trekker can climb the trek very easily within 12 days.
#@#What should one pack for the Annapurna Region trek?
#@# It is essential to pack essential trekking gear such as sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a sleeping bag. A good quality trekking pole is also highly recommended.
#@#Is it necessary to have a guide or porter while trekking to the Annapurna region?
#@#While it is not mandatory to have a guide or porter while trekking to the Annapurna region, it is highly recommended. A guide can assist you in navigation, communication with locals, and ensuring that you follow the correct trail, while a porter will carry your bags, easing the load on your back.
#@#What are the risks involved in trekking to Annapurna Region?
#@#The risks involved in trekking to ABC include altitude sickness, physical injuries, and the possibility of natural disasters such as landslides or avalanches. However, with proper preparation and guidance, these risks can be minimized.
#@#How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
#@#The Mardi Himal Trek is considered one of the easy treks as it is a short trek and does not reach more height. For beginner trekkers, the trek makes be a medium easy trek.