Trekking Peak Climbing
Overview
Mardi Himal peak climbing (5587m) is located in the east of the Modi Khola, across the valley from Hiunchuli. Jimmy Roberts who summit Mardi Himal by east flank route in 1961. It is separated from Machhapuchhre ridge by a col and usual route of ascent reaches this col (5,200m /17,060 ft.) and reaches the summit via a route on its east flank. The climb begins by heading steeply towards the col on the connecting ridge between Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. High camp is usually placed just below the final steep (45 degrees) couloirs leading to the col (4,650m /15,256 ft.) From high camp, climb to the col and turn west, ascending steep snow slopes to the summit. Descend the same route.
A trek to the Mardi Himal takes us into one of the most unexplored areas off the beaten track of the Himalayas. The route passes possibly the second largest Gurung village in Nepal. It is locate to the north east of Pokhara, in the shadow of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Above the village a marvelous panoramic view of the peaks of Annapurna and Lamjung can be seen. The first few days uphill as the trek winds along the ridge through forests of birch, rhododendrons, hemlock, and pines and finally brings you right in front of Machhapuchare and Annapurna South with Mardi Khola River winding its way through the valley thousands of feet below. It is less touristy area but most enjoyable with mountain.
Highlights
- Sightseeing tour of historical, cultural, religious heritages sites of Kathmandu valley
- Lake valley of Pokhara city
- Splendid views of Annapurna ranges
- Different community with the majority of Tamang, Gurung, Bramhin
- Totally up-spoilt trekking area and less visited trekking route
- Real peacefulness and wilderness experience.
- Wildlife observation & dense rhododendron forest.
- See traditional agriculture, watermill, honey hunting, cattle farming.
- Nepali traditional settlement.
- Different village with different culture and history
- Wildlife observation, flora & fauna, butterflies, many kinds of Rhododendrons.
- Summit Mardi Himal
- Best photographic site
Trip Summary
Trip Grade | Moderate to Adventures |
---|---|
Trip Duration | 15 Nights/16 Days |
Trip code | NAP-MPK-116 |
Trip Start/Ends | Kathmandu-Pokhara- Odane Hill/Ghachok-Pokhara |
Maximum Altitude | Mardi Himal (5587m) |
Trip Cost | Prices on request |
Group Size | Minimum 2 upto 16 persons in one group |
Accessibillity | Kathmandu 7-hrs drive to Pokhara and start trek, after the trek again drive back to Pokhara from the take out place |
The Route | Maximum altitude Mardi Himal (5587m), 5/7-hrs average walk in a day, moderate deep forest trail. |
Season | Sept – Nov/March - April |
Permit Fee | Spring: (Mar-Apr-May) USD 250 – Autumn: (Sep-Oct-Nov) USD 125 – Winter: (Dec-Jan-Feb) USD 70 – Summer: (Jun-Jul-Aug) USD 70 per passenger and maximum number of members in a team is 15 people |
Trip Facilities | 3+ hotel in city on B/B and teahouse/lodges and tented accommodation during the climbing period. |
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.
After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.
Our guide pick you up from your hotel and transfer to the tourist bus station and drive approximately 6/7 hours to Pokhara (200km) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara. You will be arriving late afternoon at Pokhara approximately 2:00 O’clock and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explores the surrounding lakeside areas. From the Pokhara valley you can see one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous "Fishtail" mountain peak of Machhapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes.
After breakfast leaving the Mardi Pul, the trail then follows the east bank of the Mardi upstream before turning right up the hill to the Gurung village of Riban [1,676m]. You move ahead along the route which now becomes much steeper as it climbs uphill from the village, past a Chautara, shortly after which the trail divides. You take the right-hand fork which leads past some cow sheds. Until now the trail has been steep, it further becomes even steeper. You climb through bamboo forest towards a massive slab of grey rock. The path bears around to the left on to the rhododendron-covered ridge. Despite the steepness of the route, the ridgeline path offers ever-increasing views of the surrounding country. The path passes through a small clearing, Lalghar Kharka, and continues along a faint track to another clearing marking a high point on the ridge, which is Odane Hill.
The route continues along the ridgeline, but you need to be careful of false trails that can lead you astray. This day you are rewarded of the previous day's hard work with cool mountain air and a stunning panorama, with Machhapuchare [6997m] straight ahead. To the west is the Annapurna I [8091m], towering above Annapurna South [7219m] and Himchuli [6441m], the western bastion guarding the entrance to the Annapurna Sanctuary. To the east are views of the granite mass of Annapurna II [7,937m], Annapurna IV [7,525m] and Lamjung Himal [6886m], like the bulk of a sleeping elephant. Further east beyond the Marshyangdi are the triple giants of Manaslu [8,156m], Peak 29 [7,835m] and Himalchuli [7,540m]. Given that the distant summit snows of Dhaulagiri [8,167m] can also be seen, three of the world's highest mountains are on view along this trek. Eventually, a short, sharp climb leaves the main forest behind and leads you to a fine camping area amid alpine grassland. Today, you trek for about seven hours.
Leaving Kumai, you continue climbing steeply along the ridgeline to grazing pastures called Khorchon at around 3,568 meters. This day is a relatively short, although once again, steep trek.
The trail now leads steeply across a ridgeline to a hidden plateau beneath the south face of Mardi Himal and the South-West Ridge of Machhapuchhre; this is the 'Other Sanctuary', so called by Jimmy Roberts. You then trek along the trail to reach the Base Camp at around 4,100 meters.
From the Base Camp, you ascend steeply towards the col between the East Face of Mardi Himal and the connecting ridge of Machhapuchhre. A high camp can be placed at 4,650 meters. From camp, you reach a snow couloir leading to the col with a steep section of perhaps 45 degrees. At the col further steep snow slopes lead to the summit of Mardi Himal at around 5,555 meters. After enjoying your hard earned climb, you then descend by the same route to the Base Camp.We practice around the glacier for next day climb and Guide will teach you some methods/technique of climb and brief you details and overnight at camp.
As instruction by your guide, if the weather is perfect then early about 2/3 AM we wake up and have a breakfast then ready to leave for achieve your dream on the top of summit (5587m). This climb is of little technical difficulty, where route finding and effort are the major problems. The difficulties can be found in the couloir leading to the col below the East Face. Late in the day, this might present avalanche danger under fresh snow conditions.
This day we most kept for the reserve day for the unforeseen condition as weather problem or weakness then you can take this day as your reserve day.
Leaving the Base camp, you descend through the high grazing country called Khorchon and follow the same trails back to Kumai.
This day, you descend from Kumai which is relatively hard for weary knees, as much of the altitude gained is lost on the return to the valley. Descending on the ascent route you reach Odane Hill. Just before the high point a small track goes left down the east flank of the ridge, dropping steeply to grazing country and a good lunch spot at Hile. Later, the trail further descends more steeply to the prosperous farming village of Ghachok, in the valley of the Seti River. Today you descend for nearly eight hours o reach Ghachok.
This day is the last part of your trek, as you continue along the direct route crossing the Seti to the east bank and follow the main trail south. Descending down the east bank of the Seti, you finally reach Pokhara in about five hours. Once you reach Pokhara, you can relax amidst the stunning natural beauty of the city
Pokhara drive to Kathmandu or extend other activities. Combine with other trip from Pokhara like white water rafting and Jungle safari tour to Chitwan National Park
This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing.
After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.
Cost Included
- Documents: Mardi Himal Peak special permit, National Park entrance permit & TIMS card
- Activities: Sightseeing, trekking and climbing trip as per itinerary.
- Equipment: All necessary camping equipments, kitchen utilizes and sleeping bag if necessary.
- Accommodation: 4 night’s hotel in Kathmandu, 2 night hotel in Pokhara and 9 nights lodges/Tent during trekking.
- Food: Full board on teahouse/camping [/Breakfast, lunch and dinner] during the trekking and 4 breakfasts in city
- Staffs: Group Leader/Guide, Climbing Sherpa and necessary supporters
- Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation and Kathmandu to Lukla and return flight.
- Company & Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes & official service charges. And Crew’s, daily wages/salary, food, equipment, air and road-head transportation
Cost Excluded
- Your international flight
- Travel insurance covering with emergency Helicopter rescue
- Personal travel, trekking and climbing equipments
- Lunch and Dinner while in City
- Bar bills and Beverages
- Tips/Gratuities for trekking crews
- Temple and Monastery entrance fee while sightseeing in city
- Optional activities
- And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point
Trip Notes
Please request our Trip Note advice and detailed itinerary.