From Pokhara to the holy mountain Machhapuchhre in Annapurna

Mardi Himal – under the spell of the sacred mountain Machhapuchhre, the Matterhorn of Nepal, and the Himalayan giants in Annapurna – lodge trekking

Optional: Extension with a visit to Chitwan National Park and/or Lumbini

Overview

Experience the Annapurna region from a different perspective! In contrast to the much better-known trek to Annapurna Base Camp, which is mainly in the valley, this new 6-day lodge trek follows a high-altitude trail with fantastic views of the Annapurna massif and the Machhapuchhre. Ideal trekking tour – also for trekking newcomers to try out – with little time required. You rarely get this close and fast to the Himalayas!

Duration of trip: 14 days

Participants: min. 4, max. 8

Price :

€1,990 with a Nepalese guide and a German mountain guide

€1,440 with a Nepalese guide—also available for any individual date for groups of 2 or more (1 participant for an additional fee)

plus in each case international flight

Difficulty (see requirements): Technique 1 / Condition 2

Details

In Kathmandu we enjoy 2 days of the colorful hustle and bustle and the unique cultural sites. Then we continue by minibus to Pokhara, a beautiful city at the foot of the Himalayan mountains. We spend 2 nights in Pokhara and therefore have time to visit the cultural sites and enjoy the atmosphere before we start our hiking tour the next day. We hike via Deurali to Low Camp and on to High Camp at an altitude of 3,500 m. Our trail leads us through wonderful rhododendron forests with stunning views of the Annapurna Himal. From High Camp we climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is situated at 4,500 m and pass two viewpoints that give us unforgettable impressions. From Mardi Base Camp we return to High Camp and continue through tea plantations to Kalamati and Koramukh. From here, the minibus takes us to Pokhara and the plane back to Kathmandu. There is still some time for shopping or further sightseeing before an impressive, very compact time unfortunately comes to an end and will hopefully be remembered for a long time to come.

You can extend the tour individually with our attractive additional modules “Chitwan National Park” or “Chitwan National Park with Lumbini – Birthplace of Buddha”.

Chitwan National Park:

We take a minibus from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park. For two whole days we explore the national park on foot or by jeep on jungle excursions. We also have the opportunity to see crocodiles in a dugout canoe on the river and visit an elephant breeding station. Chitwan National Park is famous for its rhinos and, with a bit of luck, we might spot the shy tigers. The return journey is by domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

Chitwan National Park with Lumbini – birthplace of Buddha:

Our additional module Chitwan National Park is supplemented by an additional travel day. We take the minibus west to Lumbini. Here we visit Buddha’s birthplace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Maya Devi temple. We will be captivated by the special atmosphere of this important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. After an overnight stay in Lumbini, you will take a domestic flight back to Kathmandu.

We will be happy to provide you with details of the tour on request.

This 6-day trekking tour takes you to altitudes of up to 4500m. The tour is designed in such a way that there is enough time for good altitude acclimatization, which is crucial for success on a trekking tour. You decide for yourself whether you want to climb up to Mardi Himal Basecamp, depending on your fitness and condition. Most of the time we are on good hiking trails that are not particularly demanding. Parts of the tour also lead along unpaved and stony paths that require surefootedness. There are no technical difficulties. We spend two days at altitudes above 3500m. This is the challenge that needs to be mastered with a good walking pace and our professional group guide. It makes a difference whether you hike on the flat or uphill. You must be able to carry your daypack yourself for the entire tour. The walking time is 4 – 6 hours and you will cover up to 1200 meters of altitude in ascent or descent. Even if the tour is advertised as an easy trekking tour, you should prepare yourself well for the trekking so that you can enjoy it.

 

Services included

  • 14 days of leadership and organization
  • Transfer by minibus Kathmandu – Pokhara
  • Domestic flight Phokara – Kathmandu
  • 3 x bed and breakfast or packed lunch on the day of departure in a good, proven hotel in Kathmandu in a double room (single room at an extra charge)
  • 3 x overnight stays in a good, proven hotel in Pokhara in a double room (single room at extra charge)
  • 5 x nights/full board in lodges during the trek in a double room
  • March tea
  • Entrance to Annapurna National Park and all fees
  • City tours Kathmandu and Patan
  • Luggage transport with porters – only daypack must be carried by yourself
  • All local transfers
  • Local support team and porters (max. 12 kg per person)
  • Safety & high-altitude medical care: complete first-aid kit with high-altitude medicine, oxygen meter (oximeter), satellite phone

Services exclusive

  • International flight
  • meals and drinks not mentioned
  • Voluntary tips (approx. 50 €)
  • Visa costs (approx. 34 €)
  • Possible increase in fees and/or fuel surcharges
  • Personal

Bookable services

Chitwan National Park Extension Program with 3 Additional Days: €530.00

Services included

  • 3 days guided tour with English-speaking tour guide
  • Transfer by minibus Pokhara – Chitwan
  • Guided jungle safaris according to the program
  • National park fees and entrance fees according to program
  • 3 x full board in a good hotel near Chitwan National Park in a double room (single room at extra charge)
  • Domestic flight Chitwan National Park – Kathmandu (replaces the domestic flight Pokhara – Kathmandu from the basic tour)

Chitwan National Park and Lumbini Extension Program (4 Additional Days): €690.00

Services included

  • 4 days guided tour with English-speaking tour guide
  • Transfer by minibus Pokhara – Chitwan
  • Transfer by minibus Chitwan – Lumbini
  • Guided jungle safaris according to the program
  • National park fees and entrance fees according to program
  • Entrance fees Lumbini and Maya Devi
  • 3 x full board in a good hotel near Chitwan National Park in a double room (single room at extra charge)
  • 1 x full board in a good hotel in Lumbini in a double room (single room at extra charge)
  • Domestic flight Lumbini – Kathmandu (replaces the domestic flight Pokhara – Kathmandu from the basic tour)

Our recommendation—we’d be happy to advise you in person if you have any questions:

Clothing

Mountain boots (at least Category B), hiking socks + spare pair, hiking pants, wind- and water-repellent overpants, softshell jacket, insulating layer: e.g., Primaloft or down, wind- and water-repellent outer jacket (e.g., Gore-Tex), long-sleeved ski base layer for the day on the pass, warm hat (Tip: bring a Buff as well—great for wind protection), sun hat/cap, gloves: preferably a multi-layer system—thin silk liner gloves, windproof finger gloves or mittens, spare gloves (preferably down mittens), 1–2 sets of spare clothing

Clothing Tip: Merino wool clothing and socks from Kaipara (discount for customers)

Personal equipment

Sleeping bag (suitable for a comfort rating of minus 15°C), possibly a thin inner sleeping bag, sleeping pad for tent trekking (Tip: Exped DownMat Lite), sunglasses with excellent UV protection, SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm, small toiletries bag, trekking towel, earplugs, camera gear, cell phone/charging cable/power bank, ID/cash/credit cards, small first-aid kit with personal medications/blister bandages/bivy sack, headlamp, water bottle or hydration system (at least 1 liter), thermos, snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit, multivitamin tablets)

Technical equipment

Telescoping hiking poles, waterproof trekking bag (Tip: durable tarpaulin bags with a capacity of at least 80 liters have proven reliable), small daypack (approx. 30 liters) including a rain cover and/or waterproof inner stuff sack (Tip: Bring extra trash bags or freezer bags—they’re also great for dirty laundry); we also recommend a small, lockable travel bag (for storing luggage not needed during the trek at the hotel)

Please pay close attention to our information on this website under Country Information/FAQ and Requirements. Further information about this trekking trip can be found in the trip details, which we will send you on request before you book your trip or when you book your trip. Passport and visa requirements, vaccinations and our recommendations on insurance cover are important and must be observed.

This trip can only be carried out if the minimum number of participants is reached. If this is not reached 28 days before the start of the trip, Hiking Inspirations may cancel the event. However, in the event of a cancellation, we will endeavor to make you an alternative offer. Please refer to our additional information in the travel conditions.

The tour operator is Hiking Inspirations GbR, Katja Dörig & Arno Aigner.