Compare Annapurna Homestay Trek by Intrepid Travel vs Mardi Himal Trek by Nepal Trekking Routes

Day 1 Pokhara/Kalikasthan - Yangjakot trek (1440m)

Namaste! Welcome to Nepal. Meet your trek leader at the Pokhara office at 9.00AM ready to embark on a scenic drive to the outlying village of Kalikasthan. Enter a world of friendly villagers, terraced fields, alpine meadows and rhododendron forest set before a back-drop of snow-clad peaks. Begin with a walk down to the Modi river (2hrs approx). Along the way pass through delightful little villages and enjoy mesmerizing vistas of the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II mountains. Cross over a long suspension bridge in the Modi Valley, pass through a densely shaded Sal forest, and ascend steeply to the village of Chachowk. Continue on to the village of Yangjakot where we spend the night in a homestay (3hrs approx.) (1440m). Trek Distance: 10 km Approximate Duration: 5 hours Ascent: 800 m Descent: 530 m

Day 2 Yangjakot - Tanting trek (1580m)

This morning take a gradually descending track down to the Modi Valley (1.5hr approx). Cross the river and follow the path on the western flank of the river to the village of Chasu (1.5hr approx). A long flight of steep but well-laid stone steps tests your fitness and takes you past verdant terraced fields to Tanting (2hrs approx). This Gurung village is typical of the raw beauty of traditional Nepalese hillside villages. We spend the night in a homestay (1580m). Trek Distance: 14 km Approximate Duration: 6 hours Ascent: 1150 m Descent: 950 m

Day 3 Tanting - Siklis trek (1980m)

This morning take the gradual descending track down to the river (1.5hr approx). After crossing, head to uphill to Siklis, where we stop for the day ( 2.5 hr approx) (1980m). You'll be hard pressed to find a more delightful place to spend your day than Siklis, a village with welcoming inhabitants, picturesque terraced fields, alpine meadows and views of the giants of the Annapurnas section of the Himalayas: Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m) and the monolithic hulk of Lamjung Himal. There are many activities with which to fill your time in this village. You can hike to viewpoints, explore the surrounding villages, and soak up the rhythm of local life. You can also help your host with the daily chores, perhaps getting your hands dirty in the farms! Trek Distance: 6 km Approximate Duration: 4 hours Ascent: 725 m Descent: 420 m

Day 4 Siklis to Ghale Gaun trek (1620m)

After a tranquil day in Siklis, set out on the longest section of your trek. Leave the village and enter deep woods trekking westwards with snow-capped peaks to your right. Make a steep climb up to a grassy wooded knoll known as Tara Top (4hrs approx) (2800m). This is the vantage-point for a spectacular 360-degree view that encompasses most of the Annapurna massif. Clear skies will allow for unforgettable memories of this majestic panorama. Descend through shady forests of rhododendron hung heavy with lichen and moss, with wild flowers on the sunnier banks and wild orchids attached to the branches above us, before arriving at Ghale Gaun (approx 3hrs), our stop for the night (1620m). Trek Distance: 13 km Approximate Duration: 8 hours Ascent: 910 m Descent: 1220 m

Day 5 Ghale Gaun to Bhurjung Khola trek/Pokhara

Head down to Bhurjung Khola, a tributary of the Seti River, following it south until you reach the road-head (2hrs approx) where your transport awaits to return you to Pokhara (1.5hr drive). Our trip finishes in Pokhara this afternoon around 1pm. Extra accommodation or a transfer back to Kathmandu are available. If you wish to leave today, you will need to book a flight as buses to Kathmandu all leave before 1pm. Please speak to your agent when booking.

Day 1: Reception in the Kathmandu International Airport (1,350m/4,429ft)

As soon as you arrive at the Kathmandu Airport, the representative of Nepal Trekking Routes welcomes you there. Then, s/he transfers you to the hotel managed for accommodation. You can walk around the tourist center Thamel and purchase some trekking gears. In the evening, the team leader instructs you all about Mardi Himal trek itinerary.

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft) - 6 Hours

You have your breakfast and start the roadway trip to Pokhara, the most popular tourist hub of Nepal. While driving alongside the Prithvi Highway, you enjoy the snowcapped peaks of Manaslu region and wonderful terrain. The high altitude villages and green forests just below the deserted land also accompany you till you reach the destination. When you reach Pokhara hotel, you can explore the major touristic destinations of the city. If time favors, you can go boating on the Phewa Lake or try some adventure sports item as well.

Day 3: Drive to Kande (1,770m/5,807ft) and Trek to Deurali (2,125m/6,972ft) - 6 Hours

After breakfast, a private jeep takes you to Kande via Australian Base Camp enjoying the Himalayan view. After taking lunch nearby Australian Camp, you move ahead towards Pothana, another stopover during Mardi Himal trek. After getting your Annapurna Conservatin Area Project permit checked at Pothana, you follow the trail uphill to reach Deurali for the night stop.

Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (3,150m/10,335ft) - 7 Hours

While having tea break, you enjoy the early sunrise view of Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchhre. Afterwards, following the trail that goes past Forest Camp (2,600m), you begin your journey towards Low Camp. Moving along the trail that goes through the dense rhododendron forests, you reach Low Camp relishing the beautiful mountain vistas. It is a vantge point for having a perfect view of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. You can take a short hike to BadalDanda(Cloud Hillock) that give a better view of the amazing landscapes and silvery mountains. Overnight stay at a local teahouse at Low.

Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,850m/12,631ft) - 5/6 Hours

By leaving BadalDanda far behind, you follow the track passing through the rhododendron forests witnessing some birds. Your journey to High Camp becomes more memorable while enjoying the enthralling view of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal. Moving ahead through the rhododendron forests, you reach Middle Camp. You may have occasional glimpses of Lophophorus, the national bird of Nepal. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

Day 6: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,764ft), and Trek back to Siding (1,750m/5,741ft) - 8/9 Hours

Today is the most important day of the entire Mardi Himal trekking package as you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp. Enjoying the morning view of the Annapurna region, you ascend further towards the final destination of this trek. Mardi Himal Base Camp serves as the bestview point to have picturesque view eye-catching Himalayas, beautiful landscapes, flora and fauna of Annapurna region. Don’t forget to capture the incredible scenery in your camera and your memory!

Afterwards, you move downhill route to Siding village for the night rest. Siding is a beautiful traditional village on the lap of the Annapurna Himalayan Range, which is noted for its homestay facilities. Using homestay facility helps you to taste the delicious cuisines prepared and served by the local people. Likewise, you can better know about the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the local people while eating in the same kitchen with them!

Day 7: Drive to Pokhara - 4 Hours

After having breakfast, you begin the journey back to Pokhara in a private jeep or bus from Sidding. Driving along the off-road, you arrive until Nayapul and finally Pokhara. Then, you will be relocated in the hotel. In the remaining time, you can take a tour around the lake city Pokhara. Go around the places you couldn’t manage to explore earlier. You can experience the night life in the Lake Side by tasting the delicious food items and beverage.

Day 8: Drive Back to Kathmandu - 7 Hours

You are going back to Kathmandu by driving along the same route you had followed a little earlier. Driving along the Prithvi Highway, by enjoying the natural and cultural features around, you arrive Kathmandu in about 7 hours. Then, our crewmember transfers you to the hotel. In the spare time, you can visit the nearby areas from the hotel.

Day 9: Kathmandu Excursion

Today, the tour guide of our agency takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the valley. You visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.  After completing Kathmandu excursion, you can go for shopping to take some souvenirs to your people in your home town. In the evening, the agency organizes farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel area.

Day 10: Final Departure

You have come to the end of Mardi Himal Base Camp trek 9 days’ itinerary. Thus, the team member of the company escorts you up to the Kathmandu Airport to meet your flight.