7-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with Tea Houses and Tea Plantation

Begin your Mardi Himal trekking adventure with a short drive to Phedi. The initial part of the trek to Dhampus is an uphill journey through the forest, rewarded with breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape, including Pokhara Valley and local settlements. In Dhampus, we stop for the conservation check-in and then continue trekking to Pothana, passing through the enchanting rhododendron forest.

After enjoying a splendid morning in the ridge-top village of Pothana, we leave the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest Camp. As this is a relatively new trekking destination, there are small tea houses along the way, but it is advisable to carry sufficient water. The day's walk through the rhododendron forest is incredibly beautiful, with a gradual uphill ascent.

The trail gradually ascends through the rhododendron forest, following the ridge. In a clearing in the forest, you will find a couple of tea houses at Low Camp. From this point, the majestic views of Mt. Fishtail and Mardi Himal appear even closer. As you trek, you will feel closer to the clear blue sky, with panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills and the sweeping valley to the south.

Note: With the guide's consent, you can trek for an additional hour to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) for a better view. There is only one lodge available at Badal Danda.

The trail continues to climb along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt. Fishtail. Leaving the tree line behind after Badal Danda, you enter a shrubby alpine zone. Snow-capped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Fishtail loom in the distance above deep valleys on either side. High Camp, reached after the climb, is a small pasture with three lodges. At this point, you will find yourself above the clouds and closer to the snow-capped peaks.

This day's trip is more challenging than the previous ones, with a steeper climb and a longer duration. The trail becomes steeper at certain points, with uneven and rocky steps. The initial steep climb takes approximately 2 hours to reach the ridge top, marked as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However, the actual base camp requires an additional 2 hours along the ridge.

The views are breathtaking throughout the ridge, with Mardi Himal and Mt. Fishtail towering above, as well as glimpses of Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III in the distance. After exploring the viewpoint, we trek back to Low Camp.

As an optional excursion, you can visit a tea plantation to witness the tea production process. The uphill hike to the plantation takes around 45 minutes. On our way to conclude the trek, we pass the village tea factory, which we can visit and where you can purchase freshly grown tea that you have enjoyed throughout your stay.

Leaving the village, we descend via a stone staircase that leads to established paths, eventually reaching Anante Thati. From here, we drive back to Pokhara.

The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu is scenic, following the Prithivi Highway. You will pass through small villages and towns on your way to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner will be served at a typical Nepali restaurant. Alternatively, you may choose to stay in Pokhara on your own.