Mardi Himal Peak Climbing: A Close-up View of Machhapuchhre. Overview

Mardi Himal Peak climbing is one of the less explored and less climbed peaks that has yet to be brought to light among the people. A peak of 5555 meters altitude, Mardi Himal is situated beside the grand Mt. Machhapuchhre and offers a beginner's experience for climbers who have just initiated their peak climbing journey. The climbing doesn’t necessitate any technical knowledge and training but a basic knowledge of handling tools and kits required for climbing will be fine. Moreover, Mardi Peak was categorized as a climbing peak by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA).

The trails leading up to Mardi Base camp are full of natural beauties, culturally enriched villages, lush vegetation, and astounding vistas of the high mountains of the Annapurna range. The summit of Mardi Peak grants an opportunity to feast on the grand and majestic views of the Himalayas of the Annapurna region such as Annapurna I-III, Gangapurna, Mt. Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Fang Peak, Him Chuli, Singu Chuli, and other peaks.

Mardi Himal Trek and Mardi Peak climbing are hardly known among trekkers and mountaineers so, the routes and the tea houses are usually less crowded. Furthermore, both trekking and climbing the Mardi Himal are feasible for climbers with no prior experience in trekking or climbing.

Similarly, the refreshing and enthralling view of the landscapes and high Himalayas along the way and culturally and traditionally embellished villages and settlements on the way to base camp has added more to its charm and appeal. As per the unique and enchanting scenery offered by the Mardi Peak climbing, it is destined to become one of the most renowned climbing peaks in the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Moreover, we don’t need to pay for any climbing permits and local fees. Unlike any other climbing peaks in Nepal, the trek and climb to the Mardi Himal peak don't demand a climbing fee. However, we need an ACAP permit and TIMS for our entry to Annapurna Conservation Area.

How hard is Mardi Himal Peak Climbing?

Mardi Himal Peak Climbing can be counted among the fairly easy climbing peaks as most of the climbers opt to ascend the peak before going for the high-altitude peaks. Likewise, the peak grants a perfect opportunity for climbers seeking to commence their expedition in the field of peak climbing. However, basic and mandatory knowledge and ideas about the various climbing kits are required. Apart from that, physical fitness and a sound mind are obligatory things required for every summit.

1. day 1

   Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel

   After your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be picked up by a private vehicle and drop you off at your hotel. You can rest in your hotel room and get rid of your jet lag from your flight to Kathmandu.

   In Kathmandu, you will be placed in a deluxe hotel. You will be provided with breakfast in the morning. So, rest well for we have a lot of new things to experience in the morning.

   • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

2. day 2

   Kathmandu sightseeing (Optional)

   After having breakfast, we start our guided tour of Kathmandu sightseeing. We will visit many of the cultural and natural Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath stupa, Boudhanath stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Durbar Squares.

   These places are of vital historical and cultural significance. The temples are sacred sites for Hindu and Buddhist devotees. Similarly, the durbar square areas represent the various kings and rulers throughout Nepal’s rich history.

   We will visit Godawari-Garden of dreams and other renowned places of the capital like Central Zoo. We will have lunch during the day along with dinner in the evening before returning to our hotel.

   • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

3. day 3

   Fly or Drive to Pokhara

   Driving Hours	6-7 hours
   Flight Hours	25 Minutes

   Our second day is filled with beautiful scenic views from the ride to Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views of the landscapes and the mountains. We will stop on the way for lunch and reach Pokhara in around 6-7 hours. We will have dinner in Pokhara and stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

   You can also take a flight to Pokhara which takes about 25mins to reach.

   • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

4. day 4

   Pokhara to Saitighatta (Via Jeep) and Trek to Kaltha

   Driving Hours	2 hours
   Highest Altitude	1890 m
   Trek Duration	2-3 hours

   We will start the first day of our expedition early in the morning by taking a jeep ride to Saitighatta. Around 2 hours of driving will take us to Saitighatta.

   After that, we will walk further towards Kaltha. We will pass through Tamang Community Village, terrace farming, waterfalls, etc before reaching Kaltha. Moreover, we will witness one of the highest waterfalls in the whole of Gandaki Province.

   We will reach Kaltha by noon so, we will explore the village. We will indulge ourselves in the culture of the locals and interact with them. Similarly, the landscapes and views perceived along the way are very unique and mesmerizing. Finally, we will spend our night in Kaltha in a community homestay.

   • Overnight stay in a community homestay.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

5. day 5

   Kaltha to Korchan

   Highest Altitude	3682 m
   Trek Duration	6-7 hours

   After an early breakfast, we will give continuity to our journey towards Korchan. We will ascend through green forests and if we are lucky, we will get to see some wild animals. Enjoying the unique scenery along the trails, we will halt at Meshroom for our lunch.

   After a belly full of food, we will trace our steps towards our final destination of the day. We will be encompassed and joined by the grand Himalayas such as Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and various other peaks of the Annapurna range. Finally, we will set up a tent on the top of Korcha Hill for an overnight stay.

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

6. day 6

   Korchan to Mardi Base Camp (East)

   Highest Altitude	4500 m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   On our third day, we will wake up very early for a sunrise view from the top of Korcha Hill. We will savour the breakfast whilst enjoying the sunrise view and then only commence our journey further. We will walk through grassland and rock trails and get to perceive some wild animals, medicinal herbs, green vegetation and birds along the way.

   Furthermore, the place is even more alluring and enticing during the spring season due to the presence of flowers. The views of the Himalayas are always everpresent throughout the whole journey. We will set up camp for our night in the Mardi Base Camp. 

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

7. day 7

   Acclimatization and Preparation day

   Highest Altitude	4500 m

   Today is an acclimatization day as well as a preparation day before soaring to the top of Mardi Peak. We will acclimatize our bodies and explore the nearby areas. It is very important and necessary to adjust our breathing rhythm and heartbeat while ascending to higher altitude areas.

   Also, we should drink plenty of water and climb to nearby hills for better adjustment. Moreover, our guide will brief us about the possible dangers during the ascension and the appropriate way to utilize the climbing tools. After practising the usage of kits, we will spend the night and wait for the auspicious day to mount Mardi Peak.

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

8. day 8

   Summit the Mardi Peak and Back to Mardi Himal Base Camp

   Highest Altitude	5587 m
   Trek Duration	10-12 hours

   Today is the day, we have been keenly and passively waiting for so, we will start our climb very early in the morning around 2 am. After hiking along the sandy areas, steep paths, and rocky mountains, and passing through Machhapuchhre glacier, we will reach the top of the peak situated at an altitude of 5587 meters. The climb is a bit technical so, it is very vital to listen to the other experienced guide and climbers. A simple mistake might put ourselves and the whole team in danger.

   Once steeping onto the summit, we will witness a mind-boggling and soul-stirring vista of the mountains such as Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, and many other peaks from the top. However, the climb is a little bit technical in some areas. Apart from that, the ascension can be completed within 12 hours. With a sense of pride and achievement, we will descend down towards Mardu Base Camp where we will spend our night in a tent.

   • Overnight stay in a tent.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

9. day 9

   Mardi Base Camp to Pipar Lake

   Trek Duration	4-5 hours

   As usual, we will initiate our descent after a healthy breakfast. Encompassed by the beautiful scenery of Mt.Machhapuchhre and other peaks of the Annapurna region, we will reach Pipar Lake. We will pass through several small human settlements and villages along the way.

   Also, we will pass through green forests and may encounter some wild species if we are lucky. After a walk of around 4-5 hours, we will reach Pipar Lake. We will spend our night in a lodge at Pipar Lake.

   • Overnight stay in a lodge.

   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

10. day 10

    Pipar Lake to Karuwa and Drive to Pokhara

    Driving Hours	2 hours
    Trek Duration	3-4 hours

    Same as any other day, we will start our journey after breakfast. Similarly, we have to walk through several small villages along the way.

    After walking for around 4 hours, we will reach Karuwa from where we can hop onto the jeep and drive back to Pokhara. It will take just 2 hours to arrive in Pokhara. We will drop you off at your hotel.

    • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

11. day 11

    Drive or Fly Back to Kathmandu

    Driving Hours	6-7 hours
    Flight Hours	25 Minutes

    Same as our arrival in Pokhara, we have two options for our journey to the capital. One is driving via tourist bus which will take around 6-7 hours to reach the capital and the other one is via aeroplane which will take just 25-30 minutes to reach Kathmandu. The drive on a tourist bus is fairly cheaper and we get to enjoy the scenery along the way whereas we will have plenty of spare time if we take a flight to the capital.

    • Overnight stay in a deluxe hotel.

    • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

12. day 12

    Farewell Day

    Our office representative will come to your hotel in a private car to pick you up. After that, we will drop you off at the airport and wave a final goodbye to you.

    • Breakfast

• An experienced English-speaking Trekking/expedition Guide (Govt. registered), Cook, and Assistant Climbing Guide (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide).
• Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter)
• High-quality North Face or Mountain Hardware or similar sleeping tent, kitchen, dining, toilet
• tents, mattresses, and kitchen equipment during the climb
• Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek and climb.
• Safe Drinking water
• One-hour Trekker's Massage upon completion of the trek
• All mountain accommodation (Last night private room with independent bathroom/hot showers in Pokhara.)
• A comprehensive medical kit
• Company T-Shirt and Broacher
• Trekking equipment, such as a down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
• Farewell dinner in a typical Nepali Restaurant