Mardi Himal Yoga Trek (8 days)

The Mardi Himal yoga trek is still a hidden gem: It provides a stunning Himalayan trekking experience in the heart of the Annapurna region, taking us through local settlements and mature forests, and along a high, spectacular mountain ridge. The journey culminates in a dramatic close-up panoramic view of some of the most famous Himalayan giants as we reach the only recently opened Mardi Himal Base Camp. This trek has a duration of 8 days.

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Price per person	8 days trekking (+ 1 preparatory day with overnight in Pokhara) - US$ 870
Difficulty	II-III (Moderate-Strenuous)
Maximum Altitude	4,450m
Destination	Mardi Himal Base Camp
Group Size	1-8
Starting From	Pokhara
Ending at	Pokhara

This beautiful trail leads along narrow paths, through magical rhododendron forests and across the tree line at around 3,300m, where the landscape changes quite abruptly and becomes rough and mountainous, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

A climb along a mountain ridge takes us to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450m), from where spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range and especially Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. Machhapuchhre is a sacred mountain which has never been climbed, and this is as close as you can get to it. Its Base Camp was opened only recently, which ensures relative solitude during this journey along pristine and relatively secluded paths, and good opportunity for wildlife sightings.

On our descent from Mardi Himal Base Camp, which takes us down a different trail on the other side of the hills, we experience local culture in the traditional villages of Siding and Lwang, including the use of traditional tools and traditional methods for preparing food – like churning butter by hand or breaking maize or wheat into grit and the flour. Lwang is famous for its organic tea plantation, stone paved streets and beautiful mountain views.

The following route and itinerary applies to the full 8 day trek. For shorter versions of this trek, the itinerary is adjusted accordingly.

Route

Pokhara – Phedi – Pothana – Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp – Siding Village – Lwang Village – Pokhara

Day 00 // Preparatory Day 

• Meet and greet and Q&A with guide/yoga teacher (and any other participants) in Pokhara
• Packing (daypack, trekking gear and possessions to be carried by porter etc.), and final preparations
• Welcome dinner
• Overnight in hotel/guesthouse in Pokhara (we choose simple but clean and comfortable accommodation, with a good space for yoga on the morning of Day 1)

Day 01 // Pokhara – Phedi – Pothana // 1,950m// 40min drive, 5 hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We drive to Phedi from where we begin our trek with a steep climb through the jungle passing local villages until we reach Dhampus, a Gurung village, for lunch. This spot offers stunning mountain views (weather permitting). After this, we follow a gentle trail to Pothana. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 02 // Pothana – Forest Camp // 2,600m // 6hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• A steep uphill climb for most of the day through thick jungle with beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, reaching Forest Camp (2600m) in the afternoon. With a bit of luck, we catch glimpses of some of the abundant wildlife here like deer, monkeys and various bird species. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 03 // Forest Camp – Low Camp 3,100m // 3hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Today’s trail covers a relatively short distance, but climbs steeply through the rhododendron and juniper forest, with occasional glimpses of Annapurna South before arriving at Low Camp (3100m) after around 3 hours. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 04 // Low Camp – High Camp // 3,550m // 5hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• The trail takes us toward the tree line with changing scenery, and about one hour into the journey we find ourselves on an open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South. The trail undulates along the ridge and about 3-4 hours later we arrive at High Camp (3550m). Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 05 // High Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp // 4,450m // High Camp 6hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We rise early to experience a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, and, after breakfast tackle a challenging climb along a narrow and rocky trail. Mardi Himal Base Camp (4450m) rewards us with indescribable views of the majestic surrounding mountains. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is a sacred mountain for both Hindus and Buddhists and has never been climbed. We eat our packed lunch here and return to High Camp to spend the night. Healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 06 // High Camp – Siding Village // 1,880m // 6hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Rather than going back to Forest Camp on our way back, we take a different route, down to Siding village. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village away from busier trails, offering an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s culture and traditional village life. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 07 // Siding Village – Lwang Village // 1,450m // 5hr trek

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• Today, we pass the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel, reaching Siding in the evening. Kalimati is mainly a Brahman village, while Ghalel and Siding have both Brahman and Gurung inhabitants. Siding is charming a charming village with stone paved streets, traditional buildings and picturesque mountain views. This village is famous for its organic tea plantation. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Dinner
• Overnight in a teahouse

Day 08 // Lwang Village – Phedi – Pokhara // 5hr trek, 40min drive

• Meditation & energizing Hatha Yoga class
• Breakfast
• We wake up early to admire the stunning sunrise over the mountain panorama one last time, then after yoga and breakfast we depart and descend to Phedi. From Phedi, we take private transport back to Pokhara. Teahouse lunch and healthy snacks provided on the way.
• Restorative relaxation/meditation
• Farewell dinner
• Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara

What Is Included

• Daily yoga and meditation classes during the trek
• Yoga Mats and Blankets
• All necessary transportation during the trek
• Hotel accommodation (twin sharing) in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
• Dinner in Pokhara on the first and last day of the itinerary
• Teahouse accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
• 3 meals a day during the trek
• Healthy snacks
• First Aid supplies
• All necessary paperwork, conservation fees and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS), and local taxes

What Is Excluded

• Beverages (Hard or Soft drinks, Mineral Water Bottles, Filtered Water)
• Personal travel equipment
• Personal expenses (WiFi, phone calls, laundry, extra porters, water, hot shower etc.)
• Personal travel and health insurance
• Any expenses related to emergency evacuation
• Any cost arising due to circumstances outside of our control such as natural disasters, strikes and political disturbances, guest sickness,  etc.
• Tips for trekking guide, yoga teacher & porters