Overview
The Mardi Himal with Khopra Ridge Trek is a wonderful mix of two outstanding treks in Nepal’s of Annapurna Region. It is a little bit challenging but exhilarating at the same time. This trek is an off-the-beaten-path trekking trail that takes you up the Kopra ridge, through woods, and past traditional communities in the Annapurna region.
The trek to the Mardi Himal Base Camp is also an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. It offers a dazzling view of Annapurna ranges; Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, Khangsar, and many more. Not only that the panoramic view of Mardi Himal itself is breathtaking. The trail follows the route through forests of rhododendron, oak, and maple. Several species of birds and animals are the inhabitants of the jungle.
Mardi Himal stands at an altitude of 5,587 m from sea level just underneath the prestigious Mt. Machhapuchhre. Basil Goodfellow was the first to the summit in 1961. Mardi Himal is claimed to be one of the trekking peaks by the Nepal Government.
The trek is not strenuous but somehow a bit rough. So, the physical fitness of an individual determines the success of the trek. The trail to the base camp follows through rocky sections at a high altitude from sea level. Therefore, an average level of fitness is required.
Nepal Mountain Adventure offers you the standard route with the most satisfactory adventurous experience. For inquiries and booking, contact us via email, or you can visit our official websites. We are keen to serve you in the best possible way.
Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)
Bus Duration: 6-7 hrs
Flight Duration: 20 mins
Maximum Altitude: 820 m
Pokhara is the gateway to trekkings in the Annapurna Circuit. So, you leave Kathmandu by bus. The drive follows through the banks of the Trisuli river with a view of hills, villages, and terrace farming. On getting closer to the destination, a splendid view of mountain ranges comes into view if the weather is clear. After a long drive, you arrive at Pokhara. You can register into the hotel and rest for a bit, and head out for a short trip to the city.
Overnight in Pokhara
Drive Duration: 1 hr
Trek Duration: 4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,100 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The journey to Mardi Base Camp begins early in the morning. Our officials will drive you towards Kande, leaving Pokhara. The scenery view of verdant hills, subtropical forest, terrace fields, and mountain ranges distant away during the drive is incredible.
Kande is the initial of the trek. The trail is a straightforward uphill hike. After an hour of drive to Kande, you ascend through the wilderness and local villages to reach Australian Camp. Thereafter, you continue your hike to Pothana. It is the checkpoint for TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry permits. Soon enough, the route leads you to Deurali. The glance of the Annapurna mountain ranges is overwhelming during the trek.
Overnight in teahouse lodge at Deurali.
Trek Duration: 7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After having a hearty breakfast, head out of Deurali. The trail is an ascending climb through a steep climb. The majestic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are mesmerizing during the trek.
With the continuous hike, you will walk through the beautiful forests of rhododendron, oak, and maple. Along the way, different species of birds, animals, and plants can be seen. Soon after, we reach Forest camp. Locally, the Forest camp is known as Kokar. Moving further ahead, we climb up through forest mainly of rhododendron to a greater extent. You can see moss and ferns growing in trees in this region. And thus, we arrive at Low Camp.
Overnight in a lodge at Low Camp.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,580 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek to High Camp is an uphill climb. We leave Low Camp after having breakfast. The route guides to the middle camp, walking past a rhododendron forest. Afterward, we reach Badal Danda. The awe-inspiring view of Mardi Himal itself is eye-catching from here. Other mountain ranges; Mt. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiuchuli and Gangapurna can also be seen. On moving further, following the route through a grassy ridge, we arrive at High Camp.
Overnight in a lodge at High Camp.
Trek Duration: 8 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,500 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek begins with an early morning hike for the sunrise scenery of the mountain ranges.
Head out of the High camp through a rocky trail. You will walk through pasture lands with scenic beauty and a couple of steep pathways. Then you will set foot on Mardi Base Camp. However, you can hike up to the viewpoint halfway back instead of getting to the base camp.
Reaching the base camp is heartwarming and rewarding by the panoramic views of the Himalayas. The spectacular view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiuchuli, Tare Kang, and Khangsar is mind-blowing. After spending a glorious moment, follow the route back to the High Camp.
Overnight in a lodge at High Camp.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,565 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Start your trek towards Landruk village after breakfast in High Camp. Moving down from High Camp to the Forest Camp via Low Camp, you’ll come to the route that leads straight to Landruk. Hereafter, you’ll drop farther into a dense forest, where the trail is relatively quiet. After a few hours of traveling, you will arrive in the charming village of Landruk.
Overnight in Landruk.
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,610 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today’s trek begins with a steep decline towards the Modi River, followed by a steep climb past small settlements before arriving in Ghandruk, a lovely Gurung village. The astonishing views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and other snow-capped summits can all be seen from here.
You will reach Tadapani after hiking through a large green jungle with various plants and animals. Allow your foot to rest while taking in the spectacular mountain views.
Overnight in Tadapani.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,420 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You will walk through an isolated portion of the Annapurna mountains alongside the magnificent rhododendron forest after breakfast in Tadapani. This trail takes you through stunning traditional villages and a diverse range of flora and fauna for an unforgettable adventure.
You’ll begin climbing through the lovely rhododendron and oak forest on this ascending track. After a short drop, you’ll then carry on through yet another rhododendron forest. Continue the trek further until arriving at Dobato, which has a larger ridgetop clearing. Your eyes will be overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Overnight in Dobato.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,660 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Climb to Muldhai Peak for a spectacular sunrise panorama early in the morning. After spending some time, descend through the open land and beautiful vegetation to the Lower Chistibung pasture.
You’ll have to trek through another woodland to get to Upper Chistibung from here. To reach Khopra, continue on a gradual ascent just above woods through beautiful grasslands and farms. You can observe the tip of Annapurna South while arriving at the ridge.
Overnight in Khopra Ridge.
Trek Duration: 6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,270 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You’ll make your way down the hillside with a morning breakfast in Khopra Ridge. Continue down a steep trail that offers frequent views of Dhaulagiri. In fact, the mountain serves as a wonderful background to the adjacent communities’ terraced fields and quaint dwellings. You’ll have enough time to explore the local village once you get to Swanta.
Overnight in Swanta.
Trek Duration: 3 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,874 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Following breakfast in Swanta, you’ll walk through village fields to a bit of river to see the local watermill. After that, you’ll cross the suspension bridge and begin an upward trek to Chittre, where you’ll join the main trekking trail in Ghorepani. You’ll arrive in Ghorepani in no time.
Overnight in Ghorepani.
Trek Duration: 1 hr
Maximum Altitude: Pooh Hill (3,210 m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
For a stunning sunrise view from Poon Hill, you’ll need to get up early in the morning. From Poon Hill, you can see Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and many more Himalayan peaks up close. You return to Ghorepani and travel back to Pokhara shortly after.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,400m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On this day, you will leave for Kathmandu. You can travel to Kathmandu depending on your travel preferences. Driving takes 6/7 hours, and flying takes 25 minutes. You can stroll through Thamel’s streets or buy a souvenir to take home when you arrive.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Your stay in Nepal and the remarkable trek are both coming to an end today. You will be taken to Kathmandu Airport for your departure. There are many beautiful spots to see in addition to this great adventure. We look forward to welcoming back and being enchanted by new adventures.
Trekking at a high altitude from sea level can cause AMS. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is an illness that usually occurs above 2,400 m altitude. Headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, exhaustion, difficulty in breathing, etc., are the significant symptoms of altitude sickness.
There is a chance of being the victim of altitude sickness during the trek. So, we make our way down to a lower altitude in case of sickness. If the condition is severe, an emergency rescue operation is there for safety.
Generally, the mountainous region is famous for trekking. Teahouses or lodges are available in the region for accommodation. In comparison to the standard hotels, lodges are primary. Even clean rooms with proper beds and mattresses are available during the trek. The bathroom and toilet are well managed.
Yes, trekking guides have a certificate. They acquire training from NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management). They have also learned high-altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).
While trekking for days, gears and equipment make the trail more convenient. If you are an active trekker and desire trekking in the future, then it would be best to buy trekking gear. But if you intend on trekking once or twice then renting trekking gear is appropriate.
The trek to the base camp is based on teahouses or lodges for accommodation throughout the trek. We can provide you tent if you intend on camping. However, the meals should be eaten in the teahouse nearby.
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