The morning after breakfast, an exciting drive leads beyond Pokhara city and the valley. After a few hours, our route diverts from the main Pokhara and Baglung Highway on a rough dirt country road. The drive follows the winding uphill to Dhampus farm village. From Dhampus faces the panorama of Annapurna and Manaslu Himalayan range of peaks. Dhampus is a nice Gurung village located on a high green hill with grand views of the Himalayas.
From Dhampus drive, follow on a gradual up through the forest to Potana.
Another small village with astounding views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal. The drive continues further up to Deurali, located on the main trail of Dhampus to Landruk and Annapurna Base Camp as well as to Mardi Himal. Enjoy the views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas, start the first-day walk, leaving the main trail from Deurali. Heading towards the mountain wilderness, the walk follows into dense tall tree lines of oaks, pines, fir, and rhododendrons. Then finally, the long day ends reaching Forest Camp overnight amidst a beautiful dense forest.
Today’s walk leads to Low Camp for an overnight halt, leaving the Forest Camp with a steep climb. Following the high trail through lovely woods facing views of surrounding dramatic landscapes terrains. Includes grand vista of the Annapurna Himalayas, the air gets cooler as the altitude rises slowly, every hour and then. After a few hours of a good climb, then the trek ends reaching a small settlement at Low Camp for an overnight halt.
The morning walks from Low Camp leads to a moderate distance, but the gain in altitude makes the walks longer. Taking it easy the walk follows to a high ridge, leaving the dense forest behind. The climb continues until High Camp is reached for lunch and overnight stop. The highest overnight halt of the treks, having time to relax, rest of the day at leisure.
Rising early and having breakfast, start the morning walk following the high scenic ridge to Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The highest point of the adventures, the walk can be quite strenuous, but taking slow pace will be enjoyable. After few hours of good climb reaching Mardi Viewpoint, stand in front of Mt. Machhapuchare. Popularly known as Fish-Tail, dominates the sky line with views of black rocky
Mardi Himal. Located beneath southern flank of the Fish-Tail Peak, enjoy the panorama of Annapurna Himalayan range of snow peaks. After a wonderful experience return journey downhill to High Camp for short rest.
Then continue further down to Badal Danda Camp for overnight, the name Badal means clouds, as this area if mainly cover in mist with low clouds, hence the name Badal. Check into a nice simple lodge and enjoy the afternoon tea and dinner in a large warm dining room.
Another fascinating and long stretch of last day trekking, start the morning with an early breakfast. As walk heads downhill to Low Camp, having short refreshing stops. Then continue walk with long descend on an alternative route to downhill to Siding farm village. On reaching Siding Village, having short rest after a long downhill walks. Then board in a vehicle for an exciting few hour’s drive to Pokhara. On reaching at Pokhara, transfer to the hotel by the lovely Phewa Lake. Enjoy the lovely rooms, arriving at the hotel on time for late afternoon refreshment and dinner.
Approx. 35 km or 22 miles distance to cover, excluding the driving portions, just trekking only. Trekking from Deurali up to Mardi View Point and downhill to Siding Village.
Yes, one can have single rooms on these treks but one needs to inform the company well in advance on booking. In the high seasons, the local lodges will be overbooked and needs to be reserved as early as possible.
For Mardi Himal and the southern hills of Annapurna Himalayas, the best is in spring from March to May. When rhododendrons will be in full blooming seasons. Rhododendrons is also the national flower of Nepal.
All lodges have electricity, especially in large dining rooms run by Hydro or Solar power. Where guest can charge their electronic items and gadgets, at present nearly all places in the mountains. Internets and Wi-Fi are available or one can buy a full Data included in the package. But around the Mardi Himal areas the connection will be slow and disturbing, due to weather and landscapes.
