Volunteer Society Nepal : The best experience for volunteers, the best value for Nepal.
Overview
Arrival City:Kathmandu
Price:750 Euro
Meals:All meals included during trekking
Attractions:Pohara, Machhapuchre, Mardi Himal
Accomodation:Tea House
Departure City:Kathmandu
Difficulty:Moderate
Duration:10 Days
Transportation:Tourist Bus
Country:Nepal
Maximum Altitude:4500 Meters
Styles:Trekking
Group Size:1 - 10 Persons
About Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is positioned just east of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Mardi Himal Base Camp is exceptionally positioned at the base of Mardi Himal and the Annapurna region´s most iconic mount Machapuchhre literally meaning “Fish tail”. The trail goes along small winding paths, through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at an elevation of around 3,300 meters. The landscape changes quite abruptly into a rugged high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. From High Camp (3700m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m) you can climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3-4 hours, which offers spectacular close-up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There are simple guesthouses and homestays along the entire route. If you plan to do this trek in the winter months it will be full of snow and much more fun.
Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal where we stay in teahouses (lodges), try local food, appreciate the excellent hill and mountain landscape; and marvel at the panoramic views of the massive Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
Begin the trip from the city of Lakes – Pokhara
Trek through the less crowded newly opened trekking areas of the Annapurna Region
Exhilarating close-up views of Mt. Annapurna and Fishtail.
Enjoy the high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and
Hiunchuli.
Immerse in the unique ethnic culture and lifestyle of local inhabitants
Experience the traditional and lifestyles of village peoples
Witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Machapuchre.
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the VSN staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With
easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal.
We start a guided tour to four of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the medieval Kings who ruled over the then Kathmandu Kingdom. Pashupatinath houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The Aryaghat alongside Pashupati and on the banks of the Bagmati River is a famous funeral site for the Hindus. The Buddhists shrine of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world, and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The area of Boudhnath is also famous for over 50 Tibetan Gompas or monasteries. We would like you to experience the real life of Nepal so that we would like to show you how schools are run and students are taught.This school is totally funded by our company.
Early morning at around 6:30 am, we drive by tourist bus to Pokhara along the Trishuli and Marshyadgdi River through the beautiful countryside of Nepal that offers villages, Rivers greeneries, rice fields and wonderful mountain sceneries. ‘City of Lakes’ Pokhara offers superb views of Annapurna including, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish tail) and others. We can explore the beautiful natures, caves, temples and Lakes, during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. We stay overnight at hotel.
The trek commences with a one hour drive from Pokhara to Kade via the Pokhara-Baglung highway. From Kade, we start ascending towards Forest Camp. The trail is a moderately steep climb leading to the ridge at the top. After an hour or so of climbing, we clear the forest and reach the Australian Base Camp. You get to witness a magnificent panorama of the Annapurna Himalayan range from here. Our trek further takes us through winding paths full of rhododendron trees until we reach a small settlement known as ‘Deurali’. From Deurali, a 4-5 hour uphill walk along the forested ridge leads us to the forest camp where we will be staying overnight.
On the fourth day, we start early as we pass through the lush rhododendron forests following the ridge. After clearing the woods, we arrive at the Low Camp (2,950m). The views of Mt Macchapuchre and Mardi are much more up close from here. The trail continues along the ridge as we exit the forest camp and head towards Badal Danda (3,210 m). The landscapes slowly contrast from the verdant tree-line to alpine pastures. As you reach High Camp, you witness incredible up-close views of the Annapurna South, Huinchuli and Macchapuchre as you stand above the floating clouds.
The fifth day is the main highlight of the trek and the relatively the most difficult one with steep uphill climbs and strenuous walk. We start early with the first steep climb that takes about 2 hours to reach the top, which most people refer as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). The actual base camp, however, lies ever higher when is another 2 hours steep climb along the ridge. However, the breathtaking views of Mt Macchapucchre and Mardi up close and Annapurna I, Gangapurna and Annapurna III looming in the distance welcome you. After exploring the Base camp, we start descending slowly through the steep trails to High Camp, where we will be staying the night.
Today we will descend all the down to Siding. We follow the same route until we reach Low camp, and take a different route towards Siding. The descend can be harsh with steep stone stairs and slippery surfaces in some places. We walk across a dense forest with nothing but trees and bushes around us. After about 6 hours of continuous descend, we will finally arrive at Siding. Siding is a small village with traditional houses and lifestyle. You are more likely to stay at a homestay for the night.
Siding has a beautiful morning. There are colorful flowers all around, and the landscapes look vibrant. Our destination for today is Pokhara. We take a short hike from Siding to Lumre and catch a 4wd to Pokhara from there. You will see waterfalls at a distance, and some up close as well. It is not a difficult walk as you hike, exploring the beautiful villages. You will see locals getting busy with their daily routine, and kids playing around. Upon reaching Lumre, we will take a 4wd and travel towards Pokhara. You can see the upper viewpoint and the ridge you walked upon the past few days. A 3 hours drive, and we reach our destination. You will be taken to your hotel. Enjoy your leisure time in there.
After breakfast, transfer to Tourist bus station and 07:30am drive back to Kathmandu by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along the famous rafting Trishuli River originated from Tibet north east of Kathmandu.
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Volunteer Society Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of volunteering, internship, tour and trekking can be changed or extended as per volunteers' availability of duration.
Tourists class transportation to and from the airport and homestay.
Tourist bus Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
Private transports Pokhara-Kade & local sharing jeep Lumre- Pokhara.
Trekking lodge / Teahouse accommodations during the trek.
3 meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek.
Government Licensed Holder trekking guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
Porter during the Trekking (1 Potter for 2 trekkers) with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
Supporter guide group size above 8+ people.
All necessary paperwork and entry permits (ACAP), Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) including local Tax, Government tax & official expenses.
Sleeping bag & Duffel Bag (if you do not have your own, to be returned after trip completion).
Cost Excludes:
Lunch and Dinner while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara city.
Extra night accommodation and meals if early departure from the mountain.
Nepal visa fee (You can apply for Online or you can easily issue the visa on arrival at International Airport Kathmandu.
Travel and rescue insurance (necessary).
Domestic and International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks & all desserts sweet things.
Hot shower and battery charging in trekking Mountains.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.
Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (Tipping is voluntary).
