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Mardi Himal is a little-known but very beautiful peak in Nepal. Until 2012 it was generally closed to a large number of comers, but since this year the route to this mountain is still available to all tourists. And due to the fact that the route is still not popular, it is worth going to it. There are far fewer tourists. But the wilderness, silence and almost total absence of civilization makes the route unique and attractive.
You will meet people here. Ordinary shepherds and locals in simple lodges. They are not used to tourists and are very welcome guests.
We recommend this trek for the beginners and those who doubt their abilities. The peculiarity of the route - spectacular views of the great peak Machapuchare, as the locals say - the abode of Lord Shiva. And being on this track, we will be able to admire this mountain from different angles. And who wants to continue his journey in Nepal, can choose other beautiful routes, such as the trek to the BC Annapurna or the trek to the BC Everest.
Surprisingly, each trek is beautiful and unique in its own way and opens up the world of the Himalayas from a different perspective.
Our Nepalese partner will meet you at Kathmandu airport on the first day of the program, take you to your hotel, help you change your money, buy equipment if necessary, choose a cafe and give you a tour of the city. All partners are tested by years of cooperation
We do not cancel or reschedule groups. If the manager has given permission to buy a ticket, you can buy it with confidence. There will be no cancellation through our fault.
In Kathmandu, we stay in a good hotel, understanding that you will want maximum comfort after the trek.
The Team Leader or our Nepalese partner will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the hotel. The guide will tell you and show you where to change money, buy souvenirs and equipment, what and where to eat...
The manager, who will advise you before the trip, herself was in Nepal and will tell you the details from personal experience!
During the work of the club we have developed an algorithm, which allows us to organize the programs of the highest quality. You can see this for yourself by applying for participation.
With Kuluar has already passed more than 12,000 participants and 97,8 % were satisfied. We're sure you will, too!
We recommend flying to Kathmandu early in order to have more time to walk around this wonderful city. Although it is dirty, dusty and noisy at first glance, but once you get to know the city better, you fall in love with its atmosphere from the first minutes of the walk.
The variety of noise, traffic, people, a huge number of wires from above at first shocking, then surprising. Gradually you get used to the unusual rhythm of the city.
We will spend the evening talking and getting to know the group, telling a little about ourselves, having dinner in one of our favorite cafes.
Today is a long drive from Kathmandu, first to Pokhara and then to Kanda. We have to be patient - the road is long, but full of beautiful views from the car window. In Pokhara we have a short rest, tasty lunch and continue our way to the mountain settlement Kanda.
On arrival we will be surprised by the abundance of rhododendrons. This place the locals call "Australia Camping". We stop here for a longer time - the views of the majestic Annapurna massif and Pokhara valley are mesmerizing.
But new adventures are ahead of us, so we slowly but surely start our trek to Deurali, where the most beautiful Modi Khola valley is hiding. Now after exhausting day we can have a good rest.
The transfer takes 8-9 hours, 2,5 hours, distance 6,5 km.
We have an amazing and unforgettable morning on the ridge. Usually the weather is clear, so we enjoy the beautiful panoramas and then continue on our way.
There will be no villages or tea houses along the way. This is a distinctive feature of this trek. Hence we have to take enough water and snacks. And only in the evening we will come to the camping, where we can have dinner and have a rest.
The day is full and bright with new impressions - the sights around are fantastic.
Hiking 4-5 hours, distance 8 km
Again we are accompanied by fabulous rhododendron forests. This time we are heading along the ridge to Low Camp. The name is loud, but in fact, it's a small number of cozy lodges among picturesque panoramas, in a small clearing. From here we can enjoy even more of the majestic Mardi Himal and Machapuchare. In the afternoon the weather usually turns bad, but let's hope we get lucky and take lots of pictures. There is a lot to photograph and admire.
Hiking 3 hours, distance 3.5 km
The workload increases, but we are all well warmed up, so everyone can do it. After only 300 meters of elevation gain, we leave the forest zone and come straight to Badal Danda Camp. Here we get incredible panoramas of the majestic Himalayas. And if before it was very beautiful, now it becomes unreal beautiful. We have no time to hide the shutters on our cameras, we take more and more pictures.
Enjoying the breathtaking peaks of South Annapurna, Hinchuli and Fishtail Mountain (Machapuchare), drinking tea in the only lodge in the area and then going further - to High Camp at 3540 m. It is a little bit bigger than Badal Danda, but that's not what we came here for, right?
The hiking takes 3 hours, the distance is 4,5 km.
Today is the toughest day on the route. But it does not scare us in the slightest.
We start from High Camp and practically from the first minutes we gain altitude. We did not carry extra things, and by the evening we will come back to this lodge, so it would be easier to pass this route. All climbers on Mardi Himal use tents afterwards, because there will be no more places for overnight stays above High Camp. We will ascend only to the Base Camp.
In order to pass our way more comfortably and to have more time for rest and recreation, we will wake up very early, still in the early hours of the morning. Sure to have thermos tea and snack for lunch, we also recommend taking a couple of energy bars - they go great on the way up.
Our first point is Lower View Point. As you have already understood from the name - it is an observation point. It is situated on the ridge, where you can enjoy mind-blowing views. Here we will see one of the best sunrises.
We continue to Upper Viewpoint, our next point. It is much easier to walk, because the trail is not so rough now, it gaining height more gently. But it's too early to relax - we need to save our energy for one more spurt! There is not much ahead of us, only 1 km to our goal - Mardi Himal base camp at 4500 m. Here we will stay a little longer - just at arm's length we can admire the majestic Mardi Himal (5587 m), Machapuchare (6993 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Gangapurna (7455 m) and Annapurna II (7555 m). And after getting tired of taking countless pictures, we start our descent to High Camp. There we have dinner and rest - we worked hard today.
Back and forth hike 8 hours, distance 10 km
As sad and sad as it was, it was time to go back. We already knew the way. Even though we were here a couple of days ago, the views are still incredibly beautiful. We see them in different weather, from a different angle and the perception of the Himalayas is completely new. We head towards Low Camp and then to the village of Sidhing. Here the trail ends and a dirt road appears. To avoid walking along the dusty road, we take pre-booked buses and return to Pokhara. There, a cozy hotel and a delicious dinner are waiting for us. After coming back we have a short rest and share our impressions over dinner. We have a lot to tell!
Hiking 8 km, crossing 30 km
In Pokhara we can switch from the majestic mountains and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the city. We are not in a hurry to let you go free, but provide an extensive and rich excursion of the city - you should definitely take the famous boats on the Feva Lake, then climb the popular Peace Stupka. You can see the whole city from the top!
Also check out the beautiful Davis Falls, where the famous underground temple of Shiva is hidden. One drawback - there are always a lot of tourists in this place. But nothing - it does not in any way reduce our experience.
Only after a busy day and excursions we get in the car and return to Kathmandu. We will arrive very late, so after an exhausting road our only wish will be to take a shower and have a quick rest.
It is advisable to take at least one day, or even more, to walk the capital of Nepal.
So today we wake up early and walk to Durbar Square to see the famous stupas of Budanath and Swayambhunath and the Pashupatinath Temple.
The streets of Nepal seem noisy and dirty - but that's only at first glance. After exploring them in more detail, you get to know the culture and traditions of the locals, their religion.
Be sure to buy souvenirs - there are a lot of them and for different tastes and wallets.
You can depart the same day, but uchshe take tickets for later flights. This way you will have more time to see Kathmandu.
The trek is over, but the adventure is not. For those who have 3 or more extra days of vacation time, we recommend a trip to Chitwan National Park.
There are exotic elephant rides and even swimming with elephants. Riding in small boats on the river, which is full of crocodiles, dancing with the local natives and much more. You will not be bored.
While you think - watch our video of previous trips to Chitwan - I'm sure after watching it you'll have no doubts.
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group the guide has the right to make changes in the itinerary.
Visa for 15 days stay in Nepal is taken directly at the border. The cost of visa is $30. Here you can find detailed instructions on visa application >>. To get a visa you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the campaign you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list here.
After hiking to the Mardi Himal trek with a local guide, we recommend the following routes:
You need to buy tickets in advance, as soon as we confirm your participation in the track. The most convenient ways to buy tickets are with AirArabia and FlyDubai. Notice that the luggage is not included in the price and you'll need to order an extra 20 kg at the time of purchase, or buy a package with 1 piece of luggage. On boarding you will need a credit card, with which the tickets were paid for - do not forget it! Tickets cost $500-$700 round trip.
Our recommendations for airline ticketing services can be found in this article.
Visa to Nepal is issued directly at the border, the cost of visa for 15 days of stay - $ 30. Detailed instructions on how to apply here >>. To get a visa you need only a valid passport, valid for more than 6 months from the date of return flight.
To participate in the campaign you must be free of diseases incompatible with active tourism: the list here.
Mobile communications along the route will at times be lost. Where it is available, 3G works. Most lodges have paid Wi-Fi, costing 100-300 rupees. In Pokhara and Kathmandu there is free internet in cafes, as well as in hotels. Charging is available in almost all lodges, the cost can be per hour or per device, price 100-700 rupees.
If you are going to Nepal for the first time, you want to see as much as possible, to experience the diversity of the Himalayan landscape, to walk through the jungle and forests and to reach the highest mountains of our planet - you are on the right track. This trek is considered one of the easy ones in Nepal, so often beginners who are not confident in their strength and tolerance of heights sign up for the group. The main highlights of the route are the wild uninhabited trails, magnificent views of Machapuchar and Annapurna, and lookout points on the approach to Mardi Himal base camp, one of which we will meet an unforgettable sunrise.
The fact that we sleep and eat in lodges makes the backpacking on the route light. In addition, there is always the possibility of hiring a porter, which we strongly recommend to all participants. He will carry the main part of your luggage (up to 12 kg), and you will have small rucksack with warm jacket, water, documents and money. The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is the easiest by Nepalese standards and can be done by anyone with an active lifestyle. But just to get up from the couch and pass the track will be very difficult. The best preparation for the trek is running (about 5-7 km 2-3 times a week), squats, cardio exercises, which will not only increase your endurance, but also train your legs for the daily treks. The better your fitness, the easier you'll tolerate altitude, acclimatize and enjoy the trek and the scenery around you more. For hiking fitness tips from experienced climbers, read the article.
In Kathmandu we will stay at the Hotel Arts 4*. Standard accommodation in 2-bed rooms.
During the trek we live in lodges, which are tourist shelters with a public shower and toilet (sometimes in the room). Food we order in the same lodge where we live. Rooms are very simple, small, for 2-3 people, not heated. Of furniture there are often only beds. Beds are made with linens, but it is recommended to take your sleeping bag and sleep in it. Upon request, you can ask the hosts for a blanket. Electricity is available in almost all the loggias, but in the rooms there are rarely outlets.
To better understand the living conditions, we highly recommend watching some examples of lodges from our tracks. Click on the name: a nice lodge in Namche Bazar with a shower in the room, a basic lodge in Dole - no shower and with ice in the sink, cool rooms at the Eco Resort in Gokyo, a standard lodge in Chukung, a mug of tea after a night in a room in Gorak Shep. Even if you sleep in other localities, the lodges will be about the same level.
Individual accommodations are possible for the entire program, it costs +$180. Be sure to notify the manager in advance.
The menu at all lodges is extremely varied (different types of eggs, pasta, soups, potatoes, pizza, rice). An interesting feature is that the same dishes in different lodges may be cooked differently and taste completely different! Food prices increase proportionally with altitude. On average, it will take $15-$25 per day to get a decent meal.
For an example, we recommend looking at some of the most expensive prices on the route in the village of Gokyo, and here is a folder with photos of menus and food from other lodges on the trek to Everest.
Let's face it, some people like Nepalese food a lot, but there are also those who "don't get it". Meat is usually scarce on the trek, so you can take some lard and a stick of sausage with you.
As in other regions of Nepal, there are two seasons for trekking in the Himalayas: spring (mid-March to late May) and fall (mid-October to mid-December). If you go in spring, you should be prepared for snow on the approach to the base camp, as well as sometimes avalanches are possible. But a big plus during this period is the blooming rhododendron forests, which against the backdrop of snow-white mountains create incredible contrasting pictures. In the afternoon in spring the sky is often covered with clouds and at about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon it may start raining. But by this time we usually arrive at the boat house. Autumn is warmer, there are almost no clouds, the snow has melted everywhere, and the base camp is empty.
Most of the trek is at moderate altitudes. Temperatures will be around +20 degrees during the day and can drop to freezing at night. Temperatures can drop to -10 during the early going out to meet the dawn. Rains are not frequent. Characteristic weather for mountain regions is clear mornings and cloudy evenings.
The currency of the country is the Nepalese rupee. The exchange rate is about 100 rupees to one dollar. You can exchange at the hotel reception or at the exchange office, which we have long had an agreement with for a more favorable rate. The guide will take you to the right place. It's noteworthy that Nepalis are very careless about paper money - so don't be surprised if you get a bundle of rupees punctured with a stapler - it's quite normal. All expenses en route are in rupees only. Exchange about $400-500 for them before the trek. Bank cards are only accepted at some points in Kathmandu, so be sure to take cash. Plus, there are big restrictions on ATM cash withdrawals, and the fees are simply robbery. Buy souvenirs at the stalls in Thamel (the tourist district of Kathmandu), not at the sights. Always bargain with Nepalis; sometimes the price can be reduced by several times.
Probably everyone knows that Nepal is famous for extremely cheap camping equipment. Well, it really is! You can buy a flicker for $5, a down jacket from $30, trekking poles from $10. But you have to understand that despite the tag - it's not branded equipment, but made somewhere in the local basements. There are stores with the original, but prices are the same as ours. In general, do not necessarily carry a whole pile of equipment from home, most you can buy cheap already on the spot. Tourist stores simply unreal number. Read more about equipment in a separate article =>>.
These people are porters who carry your things for money. One porter can carry no more than 24 kg. The cost of this service is about $ 20 per day, but you can take one porter for two - it will be twice cheaper! It is not customary to feel sorry for porters, no matter how much they might unload on themselves. Nor is it customary to invite them to your table. Porters have their own room in the lodges where they eat and sleep with their friends. The best thanks on your part would be a tip equal to the porter's daily wage. So prepare an extra $20-30 to tip the porter and the Nepali guide. For more details about the porter's work, see the article "Porter on the trek - to take or not to take".
To participate in the program, you need to take good insurance that is valid at altitudes up to 5,500 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. Our insurance recommendations can be found here: "Insurance for Kuluar ir Hikers".
There is no miracle pill that will save you from mountain sickness. The main thing is a smooth and competent acclimatization. Some pills can speed it up and make it easier. If you are sure in your abilities it is not necessary to take pills.
Programs with a local guide are cheaper and possible for virtually any date.
Participants are required to:
In classic programs, all these issues are covered by the team leader Kuluar.
The cost depends on the number of participants in the group:
*Please, pay your attention: it's not the manager's task to choose a flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations, based on his experience and shares the flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
Total mandatory expenses not included will be approximately $200 + airfare. Take a few hundred dollars for souvenirs.
We reccomend: For $60 USD you can order a porter (carrying your 12 kg) for the whole trek. For those who have little hiking experience, we strongly advise ordering a porter at once and not to spoil the experience of the trek with a heavy backpack.
To reserve a place in a group, you need to make an advance payment of $200. You will need this money to pay for group passes and hotel reservations. Methods of payment and conditions of return in case of refusal or descent from the route here. The rest of the payment must be given to the guide on the first day of the program.
Friends! We ask very much that you pick up dollar bills from 2003 and newer. Dollars from the 90's are not accepted in many countries and we sometimes have problems when paying with local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)