Nepal · Trekking

12-Day Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu with Lwang Village Homestay

12 Days Round trip from Ring Rd Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range in the Annapurna region
  • 02 A lesser-known trekking route away from the busier Everest and Annapurna trails
  • 03 Warm hospitality and local culture of the Magar and Gurung communities
  • 04 Exotic floral and faunal diversity along the trekking trail
  • 05 Panoramic mountain scenery from Mardi Viewpoint and Mardi Himal Base Camp

Sign up for the Mardi Himal trek, a challenging and beautiful route in the Annapurna region that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Follow this lesser-known trail compared to the famous Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek, and experience the warm hospitality of local ethnic groups, especially the Magar and Gurung communities.

From the top, we will have wonderful views of clouds below the hills and snowcapped mountains such as Fishtail, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mardi Himal.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Ghandruk
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

  • We will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel.
  • In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner with the team.
2
Day 02

Kathmandu City Tour and Trek Preparation

  • We will visit Boudhanath, one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu, along with Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple.
  • After the tour, we will have a team dinner and prepare for an early morning departure to Pokhara.
3
Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara

  • Travel to Pokhara overland to see the green hills and wonderful settlements along the way, or take a spectacular thirty-minute flight to Pokhara. In Pokhara, we can walk around the beautiful city of lakes.

Overnight at the hotel.

4
Day 04

Drive to Dhampus and Trek to Pitam Deurali

  • Dhampus is our first destination of the day. From Phedi, we will ascend the trail and hike up to Pitam Deurali. At Pitam Deurali, we can enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
  • Overnight at Pitam Deurali.
5
Day 05

Trek to Forest Camp

  • The trail from Pitam Deurali goes up gradually via Suiredanda and takes us to Forest Camp.
  • From Forest Camp, we can enjoy amazing views of the ethnic Ghandruk village.

Overnight at Forest Camp.

6
Day 06

Trek to Badal Danda via Low Camp

  • The trek becomes more exciting, and the views get better as we ascend to Badal Danda. The trail from Forest Camp takes us along silent paths through rhododendron and oak forests. As we gain altitude, the weather and vegetation change.
  • We will pass the rescue camp, rest camp, and low camp before finally reaching Badal Danda. From the top, we will have wonderful views of clouds below the hills and snowcapped mountains such as Fishtail, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mardi Himal. The afternoon view from this place is especially dramatic.

Overnight in Badal Danda.

7
Day 07

Trek to High Camp

  • Have breakfast with the morning view from the lodge. As we head to High Camp, we will get even better panoramic views of the mountains around us. Fishtail appears huge and almost directly overhead, making this a very enjoyable walk.

Overnight at High Camp.

8
Day 08

Mardi Viewpoint and Base Camp Excursion

  • Today is comparatively a long trekking day. After breakfast, we will start our trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
  • On the way to the base camp, we can enjoy excellent views of the mountains, including the Annapurna ranges, from Kali Danda. We will spend some time at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
  • After that, we will retrace our steps back to Badal Danda for the night.
9
Day 09

Trek to Lawang Galel Village Homestay

  • After a wonderful breakfast at the lodge, we descend through the steepest and most challenging part of the whole trek today. The trail offers beautiful views of mountains, forests, and small settlements along the way as we pass Low Camp, Rest Camp, Forest Camp, and Dod Kharka.
  • We will then walk downhill to Lwang Village.

Overnight in Lwang Village homestay.

10
Day 10

Drive to Pokhara City

  • After breakfast, you will board a jeep toward Pokhara. You will drive on a gravel road for about two hours and then join the paved road at Hyangja.
  • You will reach Pokhara after a further 30-minute drive.

Overnight in Pokhara.

11
Day 11

Drive Back to Kathmandu

  • Start on a 7-hour drive to Kathmandu, where we will stay at the hotel overnight.
12
Day 12

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Drop-off at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Mardi Viewpoint, Mardi Himal Base Camp, Badal Danda, Lwang Village

Where this trip takes you

Mardi Viewpoint, Mardi Himal Base Camp, Badal Danda, Lwang Village

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Ring Rd 3 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation at hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off upon arrival
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • All in-country land transportation
  • All lodging and all meals while trekking
  • Permits and park entrance fees
  • Trekking guide, Nepali staff to carry loads, and Sherpa guide

What's Not Included

  • International flight, visa, and personal items (equipment)
  • Wire transfer fee
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Any bottled beverages while trekking
  • Option to upgrade to a single room
  • Trip cancellation insurance or required medical evacuation insurance
  • Cost of helicopter transport
  • Any costs resulting from an early departure from the program

What to bring

  • Base Layers
    • Synthetic Short Underwear (2-3 pairs): non-cotton style underwear
    • Lightweight Long Underwear (2-3 pairs): long sleeve shirt and long pants
    • Heavyweight Long Underwear (1 pair)
    • Short Sleeve Synthetic Shirt (1-2)
  • Mid Layers
    • Soft Shell Jacket: to be worn over other layers
    • Soft Shell Pants: very breathable and water repellant
    • Lightweight Nylon Pants (1-2 pairs)
  • Windproof/Rain Layers
    • Hard Shell Jacket with Hood: waterproof and breathable shell jacket
    • Hard Shell Pants: waterproof and breathable shell pants
  • Insulation Layers
    • Heavyweight Insulated Down Jacket - with hood
  • Headwear
    • Warm Hat: synthetic or wool hat (ski hat)
    • Balaclava: to protect your neck and face in high winds
    • Baseball Cap or other sun hats: to shade your face/neck from the sun on a hot day
    • Bandana or Buff: to protect your neck/face from the sun
  • Eyewear
    • Sun Glasses: full protection with side covers or wrap around
  • Gloves
    • Lightweight Synthetic Liner Gloves: for wearing on warm days
    • Soft Shell Gloves: to wear for moderate cold/wind
  • Footwear
    • Liner Socks (3 pairs)
    • Wool or Synthetic Socks (2 pairs)
    • Trekking Boots
  • Sleeping Equipment
    • Sleeping Bag: rated to at least -15°F
    • Earplugs
  • Other Gear
    • Trekking Backpack: approximately 55L
    • Large Duffel Bag with Lock: for transporting gear to base camp, no hard sides or wheels
    • First-Aid Kit
    • Headlamp: with 2 extra sets of new batteries
    • Trekking Poles with Optional Snow Baskets: adjustable
    • Backpack Rain Cover (optional)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Ring Rd, काठमाडौँ 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Ring Rd.

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Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,250.00 — $1,600.00
Double Sharing $1,250.00 — $1,500.00

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