Name: Mardi Himal climbing
Brand: Himalaya Summit Club
Rating: 5 (207 reviews)

Overviews

The Mardi Himal trek combines all the major aspects of the Annapurna trek trail where travelers can get to experience the isolation and wilderness to the maximum extent. Marveling at the spectacular display of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu ranges with the added benefit of exploring the culturally diverse villages, and forging strong bond among each other is what the Mardi Himal trek is all about. Mardi Himal Trek, although recently opened, is already gaining immense popularity with its generous, and lavish a times, exhibition of cultural and natural prospects.

Beginning with a tour around UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu valley, you head to Pokhara. Enjoy the scenic drive which comprises of flowing rivers, and green hills. Begin your trek from Pokhara, as you traverse the vegetation to reach Ghachowk. With a slight increase in altitude, you cross other villages like Mirsa and Kaduwa and after resting at Sano Khoban, you head to Pipar and on the way you might see rare animals as well. A day is separated for acclimatization and after you have fully adapted to the surrounding, you go on an uphill journey to Thulo Kharka. The tiring trek is made easy by the surreal view of Manaslu (8163m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m). You gather the necessary equipments and march towards the base camp, from where you can observe the sheer magnitude of the Mardi Himal (5553m). Battling the snow, you gradually move towards the High Camp, and from there it is a battle with the forces of nature. At the summit of the Mardi Himal, you’ll feel tranquility and bliss witnessing the mesmerizing alignment of Annapurna Himalayas. Carefully descend from the peak to Korchon, while carefully watching your each step. From Korchon, battle through the dense forests which lead to Riban, then to Hyangja. A soothing drive through the zigzag roads take us to Pokhara, and a flight to Kathmandu where the trek shall come to an end.

With over 20 seasoned guides, and high-standard facilities, Himalaya Summit Club has the winning edge over its competitors in terms of quality service and facilities. Be a part of a company where travelers are not treated as guests, but rather a part of a family which focuses on maintaining strong customer relationship.

Trip highlights of Mardi Himal climbing

Sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu
Surreal scenery of Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), and Mardi Himal (5553m)
Heart pounding experience while conquering the Mardi Himal
Picture perfect landscape and rhododendron forests
Explore the culturally prosperous Gurung villages

Travel Itinerary

Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. You can enjoy the lively streets on your remainder of the day. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Start your day by visiting the famed UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley that include religious sites such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. Quench your thirst for cultural knowledge by visiting the architectural durbar square of Kathmandu. After the tour, head back to your hotel and acquaint yourself with the guides who will accompany you on the trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu

Your morning commences by getting on a vehicle and then heading towards Pokhara. The drive lasts for about 7 hours depending on the traffic conditions. Enjoy the serpentine nature of the Prithvi highway and en route observe the mighty river Trishuli flowing. At Pokhara transfer to your hotel and enjoy the Lakeside area in the evening. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

Commence your trek by heading towards Ghachowk village. The walk for the day includes about 20 km and involves walking through the paths that are mostly filled with vegetation. Arrive at Ghachowk village and observe the quaint country life of the Nepalese people. Watch as Annapurna (8091m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m) smile from afar and at the village don’t forget to taste the Nepali cuisine. Overnight stay at Ghachowk.

The trek for the day gains some altitude as we make our way through the terraced fields of paddy. Initially, we will trek to the village of Dhiprang, where we shall have our lunch. A climb uphill involves going through two other villages like Mirsa and Karuwa. These are the only two human settlements that you will witness. Head a bit further, and you will reach Sano Khoban. Overnight stay at Sano Khoban.

Make your way through the dense forests and try to conquer the steep ascent. Be careful while ascending, as there is a drastic increase in altitude. After you cross the forests, you’ll reach an open point from where you can see the entire surrounding. Our journey upward provides us plentiful opportunity to observe some of the rare birds and animals sitting there. After the ascent, make a stop at Pipar. Overnight stay at Pipar.

To prepare ourselves for the endearing trail that lies ahead, we take a day off from the trekking. You have the option of either spending the whole day resting or if you want, you can explore the Pipar village. Interact with the locals residing there and learn about the life of the Himalayas from them. Drink plenty of fluid and food to keep yourself fit. Overnight stay at Pipar.

After spending a day of acclimatization at Pipar, we continue our trekking journey. Arrange all your stuff and brace yourself for some steep climbing. Our trekking takes us through the ridge line and, on the way, we can see astonishing view of the snowy mountain ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu including Machhapuchhre (6997m). The trail mostly passes through pasture lands and serene forests to reach Thulo Kharka. Overnight stay at Thulo Kharka.

From Thulo Kharka, one can easily see the entire route that connects all the base camps. We get our equipment ready and head on the journey to the base camp. There is not much of walking involved today and the maximum time taken is about 4 hours. The Mardi Himal base camp sits on the valley between the south and the southeast ridges of the Mardi Himal. Upon arrival, you can see numerous tents in the base camp which light up the dull white background. Overnight stay at Base Camp.

The trek to the summit of Mardi Himal gains altitude with each step. We must take caution in doing so. We will spend today at the base camp. Observe the divine views of the mountains from the vantage points around base camp and interact with the other campers there. Be sure to check that you have all your necessary climbing equipment with you and don’t be afraid to ask for help with the head guide if you feel so. Overnight stay at Base camp.

Wake up early and leave the base camp on the journey to high camp. We climb the steep slope which might take a while, and then walk on the south-east ridge. Our ascent over the steep rocks continues where we might face snow barrages as well. The ascent to high camp is filled with slippery ups and downs, and once we reach the high camp, we can get a good view of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival in high camp, enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay at High Camp.

The climb commences early in the morning and we might have to take few breaks during the process to fight off strong winds. The first part of the climb takes us to East Col, which is between the Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre (6997m). With the use of our equipments, we head further. The ascent to the summit is a slow, calculated, and technical climb. As we reach the summit of East Col, a grueling one-hour hike leads us to the summit of Mardi Himal. Your effort is rewarded with a staggering view of the Annapurna mountain ranges and the nearby peaks. After conquering the peak get down to High Camp. Overnight stay at High Camp.

We follow the trail that goes around the south ridge and leads towards Col. It provides us with an amazing view of the surrounding terrain. While admiring the great view, we continue our trek which leads us to the huge grazing pastures of Korchon. We will be spending the remainder of the day in Korchon. Overnight stay at Korchon.

We bid farewell to the pastures of Korchon and walk on the trail that leads us downhill towards the Col below the Odane Hill. Our extreme descend provides us with dramatic views of the majestic mountains like Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m). We will continue walking on the ridge line that heads south, and ultimately we go through dense forests. After clearing the forests, we reach Riban. Overnight stay at Riban.

From Riban, it is a comparatively easy and pleasant walk to reach Hyangja. On the road, we cross the Mardi Khola and walk on the bridge to reach Hyangja. From Hyangja, we get on a public vehicle and take a pleasant ride through the hilly terrain of Nepal, which leads us to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, enjoy the lively city and celebrate the success of the trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

From Pokhara get on an airplane and head on a flight that leads to Kathmandu. The 30 minutes flight will show you the highs and the lows of the hilly terrain of Nepal. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel and head to the markets, if you want to shop gifts and souvenirs. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

A company representative will accompany you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for the scheduled flight to your destination. Best wishes for your future endeavors!

Want a trip tailored just for you?

Customize Trip

What's Included

Cost Includes

Airport / Hotel / Airport transfers by private vehicle.
All transfers as per itinerary.
3 star categories Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.(room is twin sharing Base)
Guided Tour of Kathmandu City with expert tour guide and private vehicle
One lead International Certified Nepalese Mountain Guide (NNMGA/IFMGA), Assistant Climbing Guide (level-2 Mountaineering Done Train Guide) (2 Climbers:1 assistant guide) and porters (1 porter for between 2 Climbers basis) with their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance, clothing and medicine.
All meals during trekking 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
Climbing Permit for Mt. Mardi Himal and others government permit.
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Himalaya Summit Club duffel bag. ( If you need, please let us know before you book the trip and remind us in our pre- meeting at our office)
Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
Welcome/Fare well Nepali Dinner in Kathmandu
All necessary paper works, office Service charge and all Government Taxes
Group climbing Gears
Domastic flight from Kathmandu pokhara.

Cost Excludes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Nepal entry visa fee, you can get Nepal visa up on arrival in the Airport.
International Airfare/Airport tax, City tour Sightseeing entry fees.
Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot and cold showers during the trek.
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, sweets, snacks, beverages and bar bills, camera battery charging.
Travel Insurance (Essential – Should include emergency evacuation coverage while trekking up to 5500+ meters).
Personal trekking gears and climbing gears.
Tips for tour/ trekking staffs and driver
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

Useful Info

The Expedition Group

For the Mt.Mardi Himal Expedition, there will be one lead International Certified Nepalese Mountain Guide (NNMGA/IFMGA) Assistant Climbing Guide (level-2 Mountaineering Done Train Guide) (2 Climbers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 Climbers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Expedition for groups of any size, but usually, it is a maximum of twelve people as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a large group then that can be arranged too.

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Marshyandi/Mandala Boutique /Yatri Suites Spa Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD. Himalaya Summit Club will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

During our Expedition, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination, where we can find lodges or Home stay. And where starting Tented camp will have our expedition Cook serve will breakfast, Lunch and Dinner with fresh vegetable, fresh meet item sometime and hygienic as well. But above Base camp will alpine style foods. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalaya Summit Club trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen .During this trip, a separate day is set aside in Pipar and Base camp for acclimatization.

Himalaya Summit Club advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out “Altitude illness” by Dr Jim Duff, whether once you getting in Kathmandu you can we will arrange to meet with Expedition Doctor Mr. Nima Namgel Sherpa. Himalaya Summit Club itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be taken during winter, there might be a problem due to obstructed pass due to ice or snow. The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

Head

Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

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)

Lower Body

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
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, broken in Cotton socks (optional)
1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals Cotton socks (optional)
Gaiters (winter only), optional, low ankle high version

Sleeping

1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
1 large duffel bag
A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Climbing Gears

1 Helmet
1 Harness
1 Jumar
1 Plydevice
4 Lock carbineer
2 Unlock Carbineer
1 tapselling
1 sets of crampons
Climbing boots
Ice-axe

Medical

first-aid kit. (simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid Small, personal tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
1 compass or GPS(optional)
1 alarm clock/watch
1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
large Ziplocs
2 water bottles (1 liter each)
1 small folding knife
Binoculars (optional)
4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sack

Toiletries

1 medium-sized quick drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

Reading book
Trail map/guide book
Journal and pen
iPod
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
1 modest swim suit
Binoculars (optional)
Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow