Higher Limits Trek

Mardi Himal Peak Climbing - 13 Days

Trekking through high country on trails with some of the most stunning vistas in the world…this is adventure at its purest.

Geographically, Mardi Himal Peak lies less than fifteen miles north of Pokhara, & is the most southerly mountain of the Annapurna range. It is the lowest and perhaps the least climbed or visited of the trekking peaks in Nepal. While on this trek, you will get to sight beautiful mountain views, sparkling rivers and lush green terraced fields.  The Mardi Himal peak climbing goes through beautiful forests, interesting villages and valleys, & the cultural diversity is the main attraction of this trek.

The awareness of western mountaineers was first drawn to Mardi Himal by the photographs of Basil Goodfellow, taken in 1953. However, it was not until 1961 that the mountain received its first ascent. Jimmy Roberts, with two Sherpas, first climbed to the summit by a route on its west flank. Though there have been rumors of another route being made on the South-West Face, Robert’s route is the only recorded route for the ascents.

With wonderful views from the south, the mountain terminates the South-West ridge of Machhapuchhre as a distinct and separate mass, at right-angles to that ridge. From some viewpoints it seems little more than an outlier on the south-west flank of Machhapuchhre. On Mardi Himal’s South-West Face are three well-defined ridges rising from rock buttresses and separated by hanging glaciers. Mardi Himal’s East Face is separated from Machhapuchhre ridge by a col [circa 5,200m]. Our trekking route of ascent reaches this col from a glaciated amphitheatre that rises above a hidden plateau; the ‘Other Sanctuary’, as it was called by Roberts.

The peak provides a commanding view of the Annapurna Range along with a spectacular vista of the Himalayan Matterhorn, Machhapuchhre. Despite its lowly latitude the mountain obviously has a great deal of prospective for those interested in small-scale groping mountaineering and the ridges already mentioned present obvious climbing challenges at a sensible standards.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 03: We fly in to Pokhara and Trek to Mardi Pul [1,050m]
Day 04: Trek to Odane Hill [2,510m]
Day 05: Trek to Kumai [3,049m]
Day 06: Trek to Khorchon [3,568 m]
Day 07: Trek to Base Camp [4,100m]
Day 08: Climb to the Summit of Mardi Himal [5,555 m] and Return to Base Camp [4,100m]
Day 09: Trek to Kumai [3,049m]
Day 10: Trek to Ghachok [1,067m]
Day 11: Trek to Pokhara
Day 12: We fly out from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 13: Depart Kathmandu for home

Cost Include

  • Airport to hotel to airport pick up and drop by private car/van/bus
  • 3 night hotel in Kathmandu B/B
  • One night hotel in Pokhara B/B
  • Mardi Himal peak climbing permit fee
  • Annapurna conservation area permit fee
  • Trekking Map of Mardi Himal area
  • Full Board Plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation, tea or coffee) during the trek & climbing
  • Join Nepali Cultural Program with dinner,
  • Hotel in Kathmandu as your requirements.
  • An experienced licensed holder English speaking trekking guide, a cooks, cooks helper, required porters and others helping staffs.
  • Food, drinks, salary, insurance, equipment, transportation, accommodation, and local tax for all trekking staffs,
  • All local Transportation from to Kathmandu by tourist bus, bus, car, flight and van.
  • Medical kit box
  • New TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
  • Camping equipments all kind of Tents-Sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and sleeping bags, mattress down jacket etc.
  • All government tax

Cost Exclude

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and in Pokhara Approx, US$12 to US$ 17 per day.
  • International flight and departure tax
  • Sightseeing/Monuments entrance fee
  • Monastery entrance fee
  • Domestic airport tax( Nepali Rupees Rs.170)
  • Nepal entry visa fee US$ 25 (duration 15days from date of issue), US$ 40 (duration 30 days from date of issue) and US$ 100 (duration 90 days from date of issue) you can easily issue your visa upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. You will require two passport size photos.
  • Personal Trekking Equipments
  • Any kinds of Bar bills Mineral water, Alcoholic drinks, Juice etc.
  • Your travel insurance
  • Any Expense of Personal Nature /Helicopter Rescue
  • Tips for trekking staff ( Tipping is expected but not compulsory)
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price includes section

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
It is a wonderful experience flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks rambling down below us are almost euphoric, beginning a whole string of tremendous experiences that stay with us for a long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your chosen hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your entire program on a daily basis. Your first overnight in Kathmandu

Day 2: A historical tour of Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a well known destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two main neighboring cities bear enormous historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swoyambhunath. Overnight at your hotel

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara and Trek to Mardi Pul [1,050m]
Our trip starts with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. During the flight, you will get to view the most splendid and sensational sights of the Himalayan range. As the flight lands in Pokhara, you will be fascinated by the appealing images of Manaslu and other charming Himalayan peaks of Nepal. The trek begins in Pokhara. On reaching Pokhara, there is enough time to trek to Mardi Pul which is about three hour’s walk from Pokhara. We start by trekking up the busy trail to Hyenja, past the ribbon development of the ever-growing suburbs of Pokhara and the new water irrigation project. This is the major trade route and is usually bustling with trekkers. Shortly after passing the original Tibetan Refugee Camp, the trail divides. We take the right-hand route which leads north across paddy fields and then follow the west bank of the Seti Khola. We follow the trail to where it drops down to the river just after the confluence of the Seti and Mardi Kholas and cross the small bridge which leads to the village of Mardi Pul. Overnight at camp.

Day 04: Trek to Odane Hill [2,510m]
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 [1,676m]. We 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. We 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 ridgeline 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 camp

Day 05: Trek to Kumai [3,049m]
The route continues along the ridgeline, but we need to be careful of false trails that can lead you astray. Today you are rewarded of the previous day’s hard work with cool mountain air and a stunning panorama, with Machhapuchhre [6,997m] straight ahead. To the west is the Annapurna I [8,078m], towering above Annapurna South [7,273m] and Hiunchuli [6,336m], the western bastion guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. To the east are views of the granite mass of Annapurna II [7,937m], Annapurna IV [7,525m] and Lamjung Himal [6.986m], like the bulk of a sleeping elephant. Further east beyond the Marshyangdi are the triple giants of Manaslu [8,156m], Peak 29 [7,835m] and Himalchuli [7,540m]. Given that the distant summit snows of Dhaulagiri [8,167m] can also be seen, three of the world’s highest mountains are on view along this trek. Eventually, a short, sharp climb leaves the main forest behind and leads us to a fine camping area amid alpine grassland. Today, we trek for about seven hours till our next camp.

Day 06: Trek to Khorchon [3,568 m]
Leaving Kumai, we hike on, climbing steeply along the ridgeline to grazing pastures called Khorchon at around 3,568 meters. Today is a relatively short, although once again, steep trek.

Day 07: Trek to Base Camp [4,100m]
The trail now takes us steeply across a ridgeline to a hidden highland beneath the south face of Mardi Himal and the South-West Ridge of Machhapuchhre; this is the ‘Other Sanctuary’, so called by Jimmy Roberts. We then trek along the trail to reach the Base Camp at around 4,100 meters. Overnight at base camp

Day 08: Climb to the Summit of Mardi Himal [5,555 m] and Return to Base Camp [4,100m]
Today, we climb to the Summit of Mardi Himal. This climb is of little practical difficulty, where route finding and effort are the major problems. The difficulties can be found in the couloirs leading to the col below the East Face. Late in the day, this might present avalanche danger under fresh snow conditions. From the Base Camp, we ascend steeply towards the col between the East Face of Mardi Himal and the connecting ridge of Machhapuchhre.

A high camp can be placed at 4,650 meters. From camp, we reach a snow couloirs leading to the col with a steep section of perhaps 45 degrees. At the col further steep snow slopes lead to the summit of Mardi Himal at around 5,555 meters. Grade: Alpine F. After enjoying your hard earned climb, you then descend by the same route to the Base Camp for a good rest & dinner.

Day 09: Trek to Kumai [3,049m]
Leaving the Base camp, we descend through the high grazing country called Khorchon and follow the same trails back to Kumai. Overnight camp

Day 10: Trek to Ghachok [1,067m]
Today, we descend from Kumai which is relatively hard for drained out knees, as much of the altitude gained is lost on the return to the valley. Descending on the ascent route we 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. Today we descend for nearly eight hours to reach Ghachok. Overnight camp

Day 11: We hike to Pokhara
Today is the last part of our trek, as we 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, we finally reach Pokhara in about five hours. Once we reach Pokhara, we can relax amidst the astonishing natural beauty of the city. Overnight Pokhara

Day 12: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today, you take a flight back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It’s a day that’s totally free for you. In the evening, we visit a well known Nepali kitchen for a sumptuous Nepalese cuisine & as we dine, we will be entertained to a thrilling cultural dance performed by the local belles. This is a complimentary outing on behalf of Higher Limits Trek & Expedition for the good welfare of our honored guests. Overnight at your hotel

Day 13: We depart Kathmandu for home sweet home
Our office staff will take you to the airport for your flight home. Or if you prefer to go on other programs, feel free to contact us. you can go for short tours such as a Safari at National parks, do some rafting, or a Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc. just let us know, we would be glad to help you. Sayonara!! We wish you well.

Start Price (USD) AVAILABILITY Booking
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail info@higherlimitstrek.com

AVAILABILITY OPTIONS

OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings.
LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking.
GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart.
CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date.

Your Program Duration = 13 Days
All the Prices are in USD ($) Per Person.
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Why choose Higher Limits Trek?

Higher Limits Trek is a local agency base on Himalayan Country, Nepal. We know better our Cultural, Heritage & Nature.
Higher Limits Trek believe the beautiful Nature & Culture are our best attributes, so we never undertake any activity that undermines our Heritage.
Higher Limits Trek employees local experts such as Guides, Porters & all other staffs, who are experienced in the field of Tourism.
We are awarded a Certificate of Excellence for the Year of 2012 and 2015 from the community site TripAdvisor.
We are associated with
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Higher Limits Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
P.O.Box. No.12386
Thamel Marg | Kathmandu | Nepal.
Telephone: 00977-1-4510237
[m] +977-9851163811, WhatsApp +977-9851163811
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