Mardi Himal

Namaste & welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mountain guide Treks (MGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition with the Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will then be transferred to the Hotel. After check in, if time allows, you will visit MGT office to meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Normally, you need to be trained for rock climbing a day course before starting your trek, so you will be taken to a natural rock climbing spot Balaju which is 3 Km drive from Thamel. We will offer excellent opportunities to learn how to use climbing equipment like; rope, harness, Ice axe, crampons although maintain your physical fitness. Alternatively we will start a half day sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual places in Kathmandu. Some of this place is considered the World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After coming back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek guide and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. Rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping for needed equipment and other necessaries. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Start your travel early in the morning at 7:00 am, we will arrange tickets in a tourist coach at the river side seat to enjoy the scenery; the road follows by the Trisuli River where you see many people rafting on the river. Around 6/7 hours (200km) drive we reach Pokhara (a city of Lake, literally); or 30 min. fly to Pokhara as per departure time. A city that offers us the magnificent view of various mountains namely Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchre and other mountains of Annapurna range. You have a good chance to do some last minute shopping and self exploration around the town (walk around a few lakes, boating etc). (Overnight in Pokhara at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

After breakfast leaving the Mardi Pul, the trail then follows the east bank of the Mardi upstream before turning right up the hill to the Gurung village of Riban (1676m). You move ahead along the route which now becomes much steeper as it climbs uphill from the village, past a Chautara, shortly after which the trail divides. You take the right-hand fork which leads past some cow sheds. Until now the trail has been steep, it further becomes even steeper. You climb through bamboo forest towards a massive slab of grey rock. The path bears around to the left on to the rhododendron-covered ridge. Despite the steepness of the route, the ridge line path offers ever-increasing views of the surrounding country. The path passes through a small clearing, Lalghar Kharka, and continues along a faint track to another clearing marking a high point on the ridge, which is Odane Hill. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

The route continues along the ridge line, but you need to be careful of false trails that can lead you astray. This day you are rewarded for the previous day's hard work with cool mountain air and a stunning panorama, with Machhapuchare (6997m) straight ahead. To the west is the Annapurna I(8091m), towering above Annapurna South (7219m) and Himchuli (6441m), the western bastion guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. To the east are views of the granite mass of Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna IV (7525m) and Lamjung Himal (6886m). Given that the distant summit snows of Dhaulagiri (8167m) can also be seen, three of the world's highest mountains are on view along this trek. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Leaving Kumai, you continue climbing steeply along the ridge line to grazing pastures called Khorchon. This day is a relatively short, although once again, steep trek. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

The trail now leads steeply across a ridge line to a hidden plateau beneath the south face of Mardi Himal and the South-West Ridge of Machhapuchhre; this is the 'Other Sanctuary', so called by Jimmy Roberts. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

You ascend steeply towards the col between the East Face of Mardi Himal and the connecting ridge of Machhapuchhre. From camp, you reach a snow colour leading to the col with a steep section of perhaps 45 degrees. At the cool further steep snow slopes lead to the summit of Mardi Himal (5555m). After enjoying your hard earned climb, you then descend by the same route to the Base Camp.We practice around the glacier for next day climb and Guide will teach you some methods/technique of climb and brief you details. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

As instructed by your guide, if the weather is perfect then early about 2/3 AM we wake up and have breakfast then ready to leave to achieve your dream on the top of summit (5587m). This climb is of little technical difficulty, where route finding and effort are the major problems. Late in the day, this might present avalanche danger under fresh snow conditions. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

This day we most kept for the reserve day for the unforeseen condition as weather problem or weakness then you can take this day as your reserve day. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Leaving the Base camp, you descend through the high grazing country called Khorchon and follow the same trails back to Kumai. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

This day, you descend from Kumai which is relatively hard for weary knees, as much of the altitude gained is lost on the return to the valley. Descending on the ascent route you reach Odane Hill. Just before the high point a small track goes left down the east flank of the ridge, dropping steeply to grazing country and a good lunch spot at Hile. Later, the trail further descends more steeply to the prosperous farming village of Ghachok, in the valley of the Seti River. (Overnight at tea house on full board basis)

This day is the last part of your trek, as you continue along the direct route crossing the Seti to the east bank and follow the main trail south. Descending down the east bank of the Seti, you finally reach Pokhara in about 4-5 hrs. You will be in Pokhara then you will have lunch. Finally if you have time our guide will take you for sightseeing in Pokhara valley and visit the highlights of Pokhara and the surrounding areas. The place to visit pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Bindabashini, which is one most important popular Hindu temple in Pokhara. Two hour boating in Phewa Lake and visit the Barahi temple which is one island in Phewa Lake and other popular places David fall (Water fall), Ghupteshower cave etc. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

You could choose afternoon flight to Kathmandu, till some hours before flight; you may take an optional sightseeing tour around Pokhara or enjoy adventure activities such as boat riding, paragliding, etc. While returning to Kathmandu from Pokhara, be sure to catch the left side of the airplane for the best views of the Himalayas. Or if you would like to choose by bus, we will arrange a ticket in a tourist coach at the river side seat and start your journey at 7:30 am from Pokhara. Left side seats of vehicles are nice to enjoy the scenery; the road follows the Trisuli River where you see many people rafting on the river. After 6/7 hours you will arrive at Kathmandu (beside Thamel) and transfer to your hotel. The day at leisure to rest, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any sights you missed during your first day in Kathmandu. ! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant together with Mountain Guide Trek staffs for successful completion of Mardi Himal Climbing! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.