Mardi Himal yoga trekking
Mardi Himal yoga trek is one of the best, relatively easy and unspoiled shortest treks to the snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal is a 5,590 metre (18,330 ft) peak in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The destination is situated in the East of Annapurna base camp trek route.
This trek is also known as a hidden gem within the Annapurna Region as it offers heavenly vistas along with lush meadows, numerous streams, rhododendron woodlands and waterfalls. Mardi Himal yoga trek rewards you with stunning views of the majestic mountains in Annapurna range while following ancient Hatha yoga classes. It is highly diverse with cultural insight, alpine landscape and nice-looking forest walks. It also has closest view of snow-capped mountains as – Dhaulagiri Himal (8167m), Annapurna I (8090m), Annapurna III (7560m), Gangapurna (7454 m), Annapurna South (7220m), Fishtail (6995m) & more.Yoga trek to Mardi Himal allows you to experience the Himalayas quicker and in a more thrilling manner.
If you are looking for fantastic short holiday in Nepal, then this trek combined with yoga and meditation will benefit you better.
Seasons for Mardi Himal trekking
September, October, November: Peak and best season for trekking.
February, March, April: Second best season for trekking.
May, June: Hot season and it can get very warm. The valleys however are starting to bloom with flowers & green leaves, good time to trek.
July, August: Monsoon season, very less trekkers trek in this time. You may face hailstorm & leeches.
December, January: The sky is clear, but it can get very cold and there may be a risk of passes being closed due to heavy snow fall.
Main highlights of Mardi Himal yoga trekking:
Adorable landscapes enchanting environment / trails.
Gaze at stunning views of Himalayas.
Flavorful Nepalese meals.
Different Nepali culture and ethnic group.
Accessible and Affordable Trekking.
Spectacular sunrise and sunset views over High Himalayas.
Natural and cultural diversity.
Yoga and meditation practices above the clouds.
Itinerary for Mardi Himal yoga trek
Day 01: Arrival to our retreat centre in Lakeside, Pokhara.
We can pick you up from the airport OR your location and transfer to the centre. You can join for evening activities like chanting, yoga session, candle light meditation & dinner. Overnight stay in the centre.
Day 02: Drive to Kaande (1780m) from Pokhara & trek to Deurali (2100m) 4-5 hours
Total walking distance – 12 km
After breakfast in the morning, we will get into a private car & drive to Kaande and trek to Deurali. This drive may take around 50 minutes. We will start our trekking by 1.5 hours of ascend to Australian base camp, scenic with the panoramic view of Annapurna range and Pokhara valley and continue our easy walk to Pothana. We may have short rest & lunch in Pothana. Then we will make our way to Deurali by crossing the rhododendron, oak and woodland of birch. Deurali village is overlooking into the Modi stream between Mt Fishtail & Annapurna South. Evening yoga, relaxation & overnight in the lodge in Deurali.
Day 03: Deurali to Forest camp (2500m) trek 3-4 hours
Total walking distance – 10 km
After having nice breakfast in Deurali, we will start hiking towards Forest camp.Forest Camp is not an actual village but basically just a couple of guest houses built for tourists. Today, we will walk through rhododendron forest which is beautiful with gradual uphill, seductive woodland comprising hemlock, rhododendron, birch, oak and maple for the most part. The tranquil trail is nice together with the smell of decayed leaves and woods, damp soil, and the sounds of various insects such as Cicadas. Evening yoga, relaxation & overnight in the lodge in Forest camp.
Day 04: Forest camp to High camp (3590m) trek 5-6 hours
Total walking distance – 12 km
We will wake up in the morning then join the yoga class till the breakfast is ready. After tea & breakfast, we will start hiking towards High camp, which has got couple of guest houses in the forest. As we start ascend hiking, the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss. The trail gradually climbs up through dense rhododendron & woodlands. 1.5 hours climb through rhododendron forest will take us to Low camp. You will have short rest & lunch in the way.You will also spot many different birds hiding between the trees. You will continue the trek through rhododendron forest to reach to Middle camp then to Badal Danda (cloud hill) which offers stunning view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Fishtail & Gangapurna. The view from Badal daanda is wonderful, it’s just amazing. You will walk closely with the clear blue sky with view of layers of Himalayan foothills and wide valley towards south. Keeping up with the trek, we’ll make an ascent beyond steep ridges and you will find yourself above the clouds and closer to snowcapped peaks at the end of the day. Evening yoga, relaxation & overnight in the lodge in High camp.
Day 05: Trek to Base camp (4500m) & back to Low camp 5-6 hours
Total walking distance – 16 km
Wake up early in the morning for sunrise view & gentle stretching yoga. After breakfast, we will hike towads Mardi Himal base camp (MBC). You will start hiking on well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections. The trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps. After 3 hours of hike, we should reach at MBC. You will spend some time gazing stunning views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Fishtail & more. Later we will trek back to High camp for lunch then after retrace back Low camp. Evening yoga, relaxation & overnight in the lodge in Low camp.
Day 06: Trek to Sidhing village (1800m) 3-4 hours & Drive back to Pokhara
Total walking distance – 8 km
Wake up in the morning with nice cup of tea and join the yoga class. After breakfast, we will start hiking down towards Sidhing village. Sidhing is a traditional Nepalese village away from the busier modern tourist treks. We will trek down the woods and appear out on the region touched by modern civilization. Later, we will cross suspension bidge over a river & reach at Siding. You can have short break & lunch here. Then we will drive back to Pokhara which may take around 90 minutes.You will settle in the Centre, you can join for the deep tissue Ayurvedic massage & steam bath which will release any tensions, tiredness or pain from your body. You can go to bed after dinner.
Day 07: Departure
You may leave for your next destination after breakfast or plan another program with us.
Costing for Mardi Himal yoga trek
1 pax: USD$ 659 per person
2 pax: USD$ 649 per person
3-5 pax: USD$ 639 per person
6-9 pax: USD$ 619 per person1
0 & above: USD$ 599 per person
Cost includes:
Arrival/ drop off.
Transportation during the retreat.
Standard private accommodation.
Daily delicious and nutritious meals.
English speaking yoga instructor, guide.
All yoga, meditation & pranayama classes.
All government permits and entrance fees.
Pre & post retreat support from our team.
Nature hikes with a trusted guide.
Wi-fi connection.
Luggage storage.
Cost doesn’t Include:
⨯ Your insurance
⨯ Snacks and drinks
⨯ Personal expenses
Things to bring for Mardi Himal yoga trek
Warm clothes ~ Warm hat (to protect your head from cold) ~ Sun Cream/lip guard ~ Down Jacket ~ Windbreaker trouser ~ Towel ~ Rain wear ~ Trekking boots.
Responsible travel
Buddhist Sites: Always Walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas (bell-shaped religious structures), chörtens (Tibetan-style stupas) and mani (stone carved with a Tibetan Buddhist chant) walls.
Head Wobble: A sideways tilt or wobble of the head conveys agreement in Nepal, not a ‘no’.
Greetings: Nepalis rarely shake hands – the namaste greeting (placing your palms together in a prayer position) is a better choice.
Respect: When giving or receiving money, use your right hand and touch your right elbow with your left hand, as a gesture of respect.
No shoes: Always remove your shoes before you enter a private house or monastery.
Dining: Don’t use your left hand for eating or passing food to others as this hand is used for personal ablutions. Wash your hands and mouth before dining.