Mardi Himal Nepal Mother & Daughter Adventure

DAY 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU 

On arrival we are transferred through to our luxurious hotel, The Mulberry Kathmandu. We’ll head out to explore the bustling shopping area of Thamel which is a great opportunity to pick up any final trekking clothes that you may need. We will assist you to find everything you may need and become familiar with the culture and customs.

We will have a delicious welcome dinner on the rooftop of Third Eye Restaurant to sample some of the incredible food. It’s great to finally be in Nepal! D

DAY 2: EXPLORE KATHMANDU 

This morning we explore some of the city’s most interesting sites including the hilltop temple of Swayambunath, the UNESCO listed Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa by private vehicle. Your group can choose the sights that are of the most interest to make the most of your experience of Kathmandu – there are so many incredible places to choose from.

We will have some more time in the afternoon to pick up last minute trekking supplies and get acquainted with this fascinating city. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek briefing and organise our packs before heading out to explore the delicious local dining options. B

DAY 3: FLY TO POKHARA AND TREK TO GHANDRUK

We transfer out to the airport for our short but spectacular flight to the lakeside town of Pokhara. On the way we will get a glimpse of the lofty mountain ranges we will be trekking amongst. We meet the full trekking team in Pokhara and transfer out to the trailhead at Kimche. We have a steady climb up into the Annapurna Conservation Area to the beautiful and ancient Gurung village of Ghandruk at 1940m. We can take an optional hike to the 3,100m mountain pass above the village. It’s well worth the effort – the views from the pass of the Himalayan chain of peaks that extend to the horizon in the setting sun are magnificent. If you prefer, you can take your time to explore the village – one of the largest and most picturesque Gurung settlements in the area and home to about 270 families. BD

DAY 4: TREK TO JINHU DANDA

We will walk along ancient pathways and across suspension bridges, with incredible views of the mighty Annapurna ranges. We will climb through Rhododendron forests and pass through small villages as we make our way to the village of Jinhu Danda at 1780m.

We can leave our gear at the Lodge and and walk down to the beautiful hot springs which are nestled beside the mighty Modi Khola river. You may even feel the urge to take a refreshing dip into the cool waters of the river to get you invigorated! BLD

DAY 5: TREK TO DEURALI

Our trek undulates today as we cross the Modi Khola River, then climbs up the other side to Landruk. We will be trekking across streams, though fields of rice and millet, and past thatched stone buildings. You will see local children and families going to school and work as the day passes and you pass through the small villages. Our hike will come to an end in the quiet village of Deurali at 2100m, which offers tremendous views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli to the north. Sunsets from here take your breath away. BLD

DAY 6: TOWARDS THE MARDI HIMAL

Today we head out of the Modi Khola Valley and up onto the ridge that looks down into the adjacent Mardi Khola. The trail goes along small winding paths and through magical rhododendron forests, leaving most other trekkers and even villagers behind. The landscape becomes quite different on the ridge and changes from the lush green valley off the previous days to a rugged high mountain landscape with incredible views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.

We will make our way to to a delicious homestyle meal in our trekking lodge at Forest Camp at 2550m. BLD

DAY 7: TREK TO BADAL DANDA

As we climb the flora becomes ‘cloud forest’ with mosses and lichen, tree ferns and orchids which are hosted by the hardier oak trees. There are natural windows between the trees that look out onto thrilling panoramas towards Hiunchuli and the knife-sharp traverse leading to Annapurna South. Far below to our left, we can see the Modi Khola Valley from where we have come.

We will spend the afternoon acclimatising at camp in the glorious Badal Danda at 3250m, soaking in the glorious views all around. BLD

DAY 8: TO HIGH CAMP

After a short, steep climb we are out of the forest. The ridge is grassy and sometimes blanketed with snow drifts. After hiking over the Nange Danda (Naked Hill), we make our way to High Camp. High Camp at 3580m rewards you again with much closer look to the Annapurna Ranges, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal and valley views. Again we will acclimatise for the afternoon, awestruck by the views all around us. BLD

DAY 9: MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP TO LOW CAMP

Today is our big day. We will make an early start up towards Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4450m. It is a narrow and steep path up and will definitely be a challenge, but will feel like such an achievement! 

The view of the Himalayan vista from Base Camp is astonishing. We will see Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machhapuchhre (6993m) amongst others.

The return hike to Base Camp is optional, and you can choose to stay at High Camp where we will return before the hike down to Low Camp.   BLD

DAY 10: TO SIDHING

The journey descends from Low Camp through the shade of the forest and out on to the terraced fields, where we continue to see the idyllic Nepalese countryside. The route takes us across suspension bridges, passing the simple farms, and along the banks of the upper Mardi Khola. We will reach the hillside village of Sidhing at 1600m, and enjoy the local hospitality. BLD

DAY 11: RETURN TO POKHARA

After a delicious breakfast, we will head further down the mighty Mardi Khola to the small township of Lumre, where the trail becomes a road. We will be picked up here by our transport, and driven in to Pokhara.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to take a long, hot shower, explore Pokhara – or just rest and reflect on a fantastic adventure. There are a dozen or more restaurants and cafes, all within minutes of our well located hotel. BD

DAY 12: RETURN TO KATHMANDU

After breakfast we head to Pokhara airport for our return flight to Kathmandu. We are met on arrival and visit the nearby Buddhist temple of Bodnath. Its central stupa towers above the surrounding courtyard, and the prayer flags flap in the breeze. Our local guide explains the rituals and customs at this impressive sight, adding an extra dimension to our visit to Nepal.

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You can relax at the hotel or head into the downtown Thamel area. B

DAY 13: DEPARTURE –

Today is our last day in Kathmandu and we’ve deliberately left it free of any planned sightseeing activities. Many will want to return to Thamel to visit the shops and bookstores. Pick up a map and simply wander through the ancient streets and alleyways of this medieval city.

We will organise your transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. Our incredible adventure comes to an end. After nearly two weeks in Nepal, expect to feel on top of the world and fitter than you’ve ever been! B