Mardi Himal Peak Climbing - 13 Days

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Leaving the Base camp, we descend through the high grazing country called Khorchon and follow the same trails back to Kumai. Overnight camp

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

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

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

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.