Itinerary
- Day 1
Kathmandu
You'll land in Kathmandu and head to your hotel to get settled. Once you're situated, you'll meet with your trekking guide and leader who'll fill you in on what to expect from the trek, give you information about local culture, and go over important guidelines. That evening, dinner is at a local Nepalese restaurant where you'll watch traditional cultural performances.
- Start point
- Hotel Access Nepal, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Pick up)
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner in a pleasant Nepalese restaurant with local cultural programs)
Included Activities
- Hotel check-in and orientation briefing with trekking guide and leader
- Day 2
Kathmandu
This is your prep day before heading out. There's an optional morning tour if you want to see Kathmandu's heritage sites, or you can just relax and take it easy. Spend the afternoon packing and getting your gear ready, since you're leaving early the next morning for Pokhara.
Optional Activities
- Optional sightseeing tour at Kathmandu world heritage sites
- Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara
You'll start before dawn for the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the main highway. Along the way, you'll pass through farming villages and towns as you head into Nepal's Mid-West region. As you go higher, you'll see snowcapped mountains in the distance, then the landscape shifts to warmer elevations. By afternoon, you'll reach Pokhara and check into your hotel by Phewa Lake, where you'll have views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare.
Included Activities
- Overland journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara with mountain views
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30 minutes)
Landmarks Phewa Lake Annapurna Himal Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) Manaslu - Day 4
Pokhara to Dhampus to Potana
After breakfast, you'll drive through the valley with views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare mountains. From Dhampus village, your first trekking day begins as you climb into the high and mid hills. You'll walk through forested hill trails and reach Potana for the night, where the mountain views are fantastic.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- First day trek from Dhampus to Potana
- Trek through hill trails and forest areas
Landmarks Dhampus Potana Annapurna Himal Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) Manaslu - Day 5
Potana to Kokar Forest Camp
The trail takes you uphill to a hilltop called Pitam Deurali where snow peaks come into view. From there, you'll head north off the main trail into more remote areas, walking along a ridgeline through forests. You'll see Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Annapurna IV and II, and Lamjung Himal as you trek. You'll stay overnight at Kokar Forest Camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Potana to Pitam Deurali hilltop
- Trek along ridgeline through forested wilderness to Kokar Forest Camp
Landmarks Pitam Deurali Kokar Forest Camp Annapurna I Annapurna South Huinchuli Annapurna IV Annapurna II Lamjung Himal - Day 6
Kokar Forest Camp to Mardi Himal Pasture Land
Today's a tough one with a steep climb from the forest camp up to a pasture area where you'll spend the night. This part of the Mardi Himal trek gives you close-range views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek with steep uphill climb from Kokar Forest Camp to pasture land overnight stop
- Day 7
Mardi Himal Pasture Land to High Camp
Another steep push higher takes you to High Camp in the Mardi Himal area. As you climb, the air gets thinner and cooler, and the trees thin out into short rhododendron and juniper bushes. You'll be above the tree line now, with grand views of snow-capped peaks and surrounding landscapes spread out below.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from pasture land to High Camp with steep climb above tree line
Landmarks High Camp - Day 8
High Camp - Mardi Himal and Fish Tail Base Camp Exploration
You're staying another night at High Camp, and you'll use the day to explore around Mardi Himal and Fish Tail base camp. You'll trek to the highest point above 4,490 m, then walk along a steep ridgeline to reach a hidden plateau at Mardi Himal's base. From here, you'll see the towering South Face of Mt. Machhapuchare in an area called the 'Otter Sanctuary,' which was first explored by guide Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s. After taking in the views, you'll head back to High Camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exploration trek around Mardi Himal and Fish Tail base camp
- Trek to highest point of Mardi Himal Trek above 4,490 m
- Trek along ridgeline to hidden plateau at base of Mardi Himal
Landmarks Mardi Himal Fish Tail Base Camp Machhapuchare (Fish Tail) Otter Sanctuary - Day 9
High Camp to Sidang
Time to head downhill through forests of rhododendron and pine trees, following the same route back through Jungle Camp. The day involves more downhill walking until you reach Sidang village where the East and West Mardi Himal routes meet. You'll stay at a farm village in Sidang, marking the end of your longer trekking section.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek down through forest areas from High Camp to Jungle Camp
- Trek down to Sidang village at the junction of East and West routes
Landmarks Jungle Camp Sidang - Day 10
Sidang to Pokhara
This final trekking day starts with mountain views in the morning light. After a short trek, a private vehicle picks you up and drives you back to Pokhara. Your Mardi Himal trek ends by calm Phewa Lake in Pokhara, where you'll spend your last night in the Annapurna region.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Short morning trek from Sidang
- Private vehicle transfer from trek ending point to Pokhara
Landmarks Phewa Lake - Day 11
Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast in Pokhara, you'll drive back to Kathmandu on the main highway, passing through villages and towns along the way. Depending on your group size, you'll travel by tourist coach or private car. If there's free time in the afternoon, you can shop, handle personal tasks, or just rest before heading home.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Overland journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu (30 minutes) with panorama of mountains and dramatic landscapes
- Day 12
Kathmandu - Departure
Your guide and staff will take you to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight home or onward travel. You'll leave with memories of the Mardi Himal Trek and the mountains of Nepal behind you.
- End point
- Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, त्रिभुवन विमानस्थल, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal (Airport Drop)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport
Landmarks Kathmandu International Airport
