Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara

 Day 01: Drive to Kande (1706m), (1h) and trek to Pitam Deurali (2142m),(5km), (4h)

Breakfast at the hotel and your trekking guide will pick you up from your hotel and together you will drive (roughly one hour) to Kande, the trailhead of this trek, in a private vehicle. From Kande, you will hike to Goldanda. From Goldanda, following the well-laid stone trail, about 2 hours of steep hike through quiet forest and a few Gurung villages will take you to Australian Camp located approximately 4.5 kilometers north of Kande. This place presents magnificent views of the mountains in the Annapurna range and Lamjung Himal. Short rest at this place and you will hike down to another beautiful Gurung village called Pothana. The village is located approximately 45-minutes downhill from Australian Camp. The walk is through the lush green quiet forest. From Pothana enjoy spectacular views of Fishtail Peak, locally known as Machhapuchhre. From Pothana, an hour hike further will take you to Pitam Deurali, your night stop for today. Enjoy staggering views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Overnight in a lodge in Pitam Deurali. 

Please note: You also have an option to drive to Pitam Deurali directly from Pokhara, which takes 4 hours. 

Meals: Lunch and Dinner     

Day 03: Trek to Badal Danda (3250m),(4.5km),(5-6h)

Badal Danda located roughly 4.5 kilometers further north east of Forest Camp is the destination of the day. You will start your hike after a hearty breakfast at the lodge in the Forest Camp. The first leg of today’s hike is through the forest of Rhododendron. It’s a difficult 40-minute climb. Soon you will reach the Rest Camp, where you will take a short rest enjoying a distant view of the forked tail of Fishtail. From here, about 2 hours of brisk hiking will take you to the Low Camp, where you will stop for a quick lunch. After lunch, the journey to Badal Danda continues. A 1-2 hour hike further north will take you to Badal Danda. The last leg of this day’s hike is on the ridge above the treeline. Enjoy mesmerizing and much closer views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and Annapurna South, while you are walking on the ridge. After 5-6 hours of arduous hike, you will reach Badal Danda that feels like a heaven as this place presents you with a very captivating view of the sea of clouds. Overnight in a lodge in Badal Danda.  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 05: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m), (4.5km),(2-3h) and back to High Camp (3550m),(4.5km), (2-3h)

If you are a sunrise lover and want to capture the picture of a spectacular sunrise over the summit of the mountains, wake up early in the morning and hike up to the viewpoint that is located right above the High Camp. However,  if you prefer to rest, then you can start the day around 7:00-7:30 am after a hearty breakfast at the lodge in the High Camp. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp is located approximately 4.5 kilometers from the High Camp and on an average, the hiking time is about 2-3 hours. You will start your hike by first hiking up to the ridge. Then following the long ridgeline, you will hike to the base camp. This walk on the ridgeline is the highlight of this trek as the views of Annapurna South, Tent Peak, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal not just appear closer, but monumental as well. You can also witness the massive glaciers tumbling down the mountainside.  The views are captivating, and it’s very difficult  to keep your eyes off them, but since you are hiking on an exposed ridgeline, we suggest you focus on the trail as well. Once you reach the Base Camp, spend some time relishing the views. Now feeling accomplished, retrace your steps back to the High Camp. The total journey today takes about 5-6 hours. You will spend this night in the lodge in the High Camp. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner