Mardi Himal – Machapuchare Trekking

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – introduction to the trip, equipment check and welcome dinner

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m). You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a shared dinner. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of equal category (D).

• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and preparation for the trek

  Today we explore Kathmandu with a local guide. This day can be arranged flexibly according to your wishes. Among the most popular places and most impressive sights are: Pashupatinath — a Hindu temple with cremation grounds — Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the Boudhanath Stupa, Durbar Square and Thamel, the tourist heart of Kathmandu. You should return to the hotel in the late afternoon to pack for the trekking tour the next morning. You can leave a bag of items you will not need on the tour at the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara (820 m) – drive to Phedi (1,130 m) – trek to Pothana (1,925 m) – 4 hours of hiking, approx. 7 km, +800 m / –50 m

  After breakfast we take the morning flight to Pokhara (820 m). After arrival we drive to Phedi (1,130 m) and begin our first day of trekking. The trail leads uphill to Pothana (1,925 m), where we spend the first night in a tea house. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  1.130m → 1.925m | ↑ 800m | ↓ 50m | 4 Std. Wanderung
  

• Day 4: Trek to Rest Camp (2,740 m) – 5 hours of hiking, approx. 9 km, +815 m

  From Pothana we hike up to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m), where we leave the main route of the Annapurna Sanctuary trek. On a quiet trail we walk through dense forests of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron. Today we stay overnight at Rest Camp with breathtaking views of Machapuchare (6,993 m). Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,600 m) – 5–6 hours of hiking, approx. 10 km, +860 m

  Above Low Camp (3,150 m) we leave the tree line. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge across grassy slopes, lined with isolated rhododendron shrubs. Along the way we enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Machapuchare (6,993 m). With a bit of luck we will spot the colourful Danphe pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Day trip to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200 m) – return to Low Camp (3,150 m) – 6 hours of hiking, approx. 12 km, +600 m / –1,050 m

  To experience sunrise at the viewpoint, we set off very early. Along a moderately inclined grass path with a few steeper sections we ascend to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200 m). There a spectacular panoramic view awaits us of the Annapurna massif, Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m) and the sacred Machapuchare (6,993 m). Afterwards we return to Low Camp. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 7: Trek to Kalimati (1,900 m) – 5 hours of hiking, approx. 11 km, –1,250 m

  We descend through forests and small settlements until we reach Kalimati (1,900 m). The village is mainly inhabited by the Brahmin ethnic community. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

  

• Day 8: Trek to Lwang (1,400 m) – 5 hours of hiking, approx. 10 km, –500 m / +100 m

  
  The trail to Lwang leads through beautiful cardamom fields with gentle ascents and descents. Lwang is a Gurung village whose inhabitants keep their culture vividly alive. Overnight at a tea house lodge (B|L|D).

• Day 9: Hike through tea plantations – drive to Pokhara (820 m) – 1 hour of hiking, approx. 3 km, +200 m / –200 m; followed by 3 hours of driving

  From Lwang we hike about 30 minutes uphill to visit the tea plantations. The trail then leads through oak, rhododendron and white birch forests, with views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Afterwards a jeep brings us back to Pokhara (820 m). Overnight at Hotel Mount Kailash Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

• Day 10: Free day in Pokhara (820 m)

  The enchanting Pokhara Valley with its lakes and dreamy views of the wide Annapurna massif is the ideal place to wind down a trekking tour. The “Lakeside” quarter on Phewa Lake (820 m) invites you to relax and go boating. Optional activities such as rafting, paragliding, bird watching, ultralight flights and mountain biking are available. Among the sights are the Barahi Temple, the Mountain Museum, Mahendra Gupha, Devi’s Falls, the Peace Pagoda and the old Pokhara Bazaar. Overnight at Hotel Mount Kailash Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 11: Flight to Kathmandu (1,400 m) – rest of the day at leisure

  Transfer to Pokhara airport and return flight to Kathmandu. Pickup at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure — ideal for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Thamel. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or an accommodation of equal category (B).

  

• Day 12: Flight back home

  Free time until departure. Farewell and transfer to Kathmandu airport for the flight back home (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner