Mardi Himal Yoga Trek
Trip Duration
9 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
4,500m
Activities
Difficulty
Easy
Meals
Accommodation
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek perfectly befits the combination of adventure during the trek and serenity with yoga amidst the beauty of the majestic mountains. This specifically designed trek will surely not let one simply feel the adventure but will keep one within the peaceful serenity of Mother Nature and their inner self.
Each day on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek begins with trekking in the beautiful nature and ends with refreshing yoga sessions conducted against the stunning landscape of the Annapurna range.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek combines physical movement and spiritual exercise in a perfect balance within luscious forests and charming villages. On peaceful trails, with the inclusion of daily yoga and meditation, it creates a transformation that is very nourishing for the body and soul.
Practicing yoga in such pristine natural surroundings enriches your bond with nature and deepens your mindfulness and sense of well-being.
The Mardi Yoga Trek is not simply about reaching the base camp; rather, it is the journey that soothes your soul and cleanses your spirit. The tranquil setting of the trek with mesmerizing vistas is what you need to focus on to experience this soul-stirring journey.
Be you an experienced practitioner of yoga or a novice in this ancient practice, the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek offers an unrivaled opportunity to be soaked in the wholeness of an experience combining mind, body, and spirit.
This trek has its final destination at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, leaving behind an inner peace and rejuvenation in the trekkers besides providing a scenic overview of the Himalayas.
Being an absolutely singular expedition, the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek extends an invitation for people to take a tour of the majestic Himalayas while developing their yoga practice amidst one of the most serene surroundings on earth.
Your Mardi Himal Yoga Trek starts with a warm welcome in Kathmandu upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport by our airport representatives.
After the warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel. Our staff will assist with your check-in. You can spend your free time resting or exploring the surroundings of the Thamel area, a colorful market enclave that hosts many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Return to the hotel for the night. Now it’s time for a good night’s rest and preparation for the drive the next day from Kathmandu to Pokhara, marking the start of your lifetime Mardi Himal Yoga Treks.
On day 2 of the Mardi Himal Yoga trek, we will drive early in the morning to Pokhara from Kathmandu via the ever-so-beautiful Prithvi Highway.
In a journey spanning 5-7 hours, we connect with the scenic vistas of hills covered with green forests, lush fields, and the Trisuli River snaking below in the valley until it takes us across a distance of 208.8 km.
We will drive through lots of tiny villages while navigating the turning roads. This scenic drive sets the ice for the adventure just in front of us, going closer to the heart of the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
On the third day of the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, we will start with a one-hour scenic drive from Pokhara to Phedi.
We will go along beautiful and terraced farmlands, grazing cattle, and lush green hills. We then reach Thulo Kharka, also popularly known as the Australian Base Camp. This camp offers brilliant views of the gigantic Machhapuchhre and Annapurnamountains.
Starting from Phedi, the trail ascends steeply but moderately through the forests. We will reach the village of Dhampus after a 2–3-hour hike with views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Himchuli, and other snowy peaks, surrounded by traditional stone houses with warm hospitality.
It is at Dhampus that we will get a sense of serenity regarding mountain life and the lifestyle of the local ethnic Gurung people.
In the evening, we will do yoga and meditation sessions in the stunning background of Dhampus, refreshing our bodies and minds after the trek.
On Day 4 of our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, we will start the morning with yoga and meditation in the fresh, crisp air, and then start our trek.
We will pass through the village of Pittam Deurali, where we might catch a clear view of the Annapurna range. After lunch, we will pass through a dense forest of oak, maple, rhododendron, and hemlock, so we can probably view deer, monkeys, and other wildlife.
It is a 12km hike that takes about 6 to 7 hours.
We will conclude the day with a participatory yoga session and meditation at Forest Camp, where the night will be spent in a cozy teahouse.
Next, on the 5th day of the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, we will head to Badal Danda, also known as Low Camp. The shorter trek today allows us to have an easier walk, with much time to take in the breathtaking views and acclimatize further to higher altitudes.
We will begin this morning with an energizing yoga session, looking toward the grand view of Mt. Macchapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the surrounding beauty.
After breakfast, we start today’s trek in the dense, beautiful forest. The trail goes on to Low Camp and further, where, after about 3 hours, we reach Badal Danda.
Badal Danda truly stands high above the forest line and offers grassy pastures with bare hills, living up to its name, “Cloud Hill.”.
In Badal Danda, we will spend time doing yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. This will help us acclimatize more to this serene alpine environment.
On Day 5 of our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, we will begin the day with a rejuvenating morning yoga session followed by a mountain breakfast, and then trek to High Camp—that’s a very short and quite easy walk of a couple of hours.
The trail goes through grassy pastures and smaller bushes of rhododendron, with super surroundings guiding us into High Camp and the view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas.
To top off the experience at High Camp, we take an easy climb to prowl around and become absorbed in the mountain atmosphere as we soothe ourselves with yoga and meditation in the evening at High Camp.
Next morning, on the 7th day, our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek starts very early, at about 4 AM, to reach the highlight of our trek. We will climb up through a narrow and grassy trail, upwards to the viewpoint, which continues onto Mardi Himal Base Camp, with flashlights lighting our way.
It is just after sunrise that the spectacle of the rising sun over the Himalayas reaches out to us. It unravels the magic of the majestic Annapurna range.
After taking a good view of the surroundings from the top, walk along the ridge towards base camp.
We will stop somewhere midway between the viewpoint and base camp for a small yoga/meditation session—immerse in the serenity of the surroundings.
We will return back and further descend down to High Camp for lunch and further down to Badal Danda for the night.
After refreshing yoga and some meditation in the excellent backdrop of views of the Himalayas, we gradually descend to Siding village from Badal Danda on the eighth day of our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
We can enjoy breathtaking mountain views, vibrant forest views, and serene river views along the way. We will also explore the village at Siding and learn more about the rich culture and traditions of the Gurung people, who are very famous for their warm hospitality.
Later in the day, we will drive back to Pokhara. We conclude the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek with the final yoga and meditation session by the lakeside and end the day.
We will drive back to Kathmandu on the last day of our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. We’ll drive with a beautiful scenic view along the serpentine strips following Prithvi Highway, taking curves from one hill to another.
The journey runs alongside the Trisuli River—the terraced farmlands, charming villages, and the forested hills, with countless gardens—green and blooming. A beautiful and peaceful drive gives you the last chance to view the beauties of Nepal.
In Kathmandu, after your arrival, you can relax in your hotel or tour the city to your heart’s content, either in a spa, sauna, or sound meditation—whatever helps you relax in your own way before the next adventure or international departure.
900 US$
Mardi Himal yoga treks are best in spring (mid-February to May) and autumn (September to mid-December), with adequate seasons for weather. They are the most apt periods of the year, giving recursive weather for outdoor yoga—the sky free from clouds and the temperature moderate throughout the day.
This Mardi Himal Yoga Trek gets even more vibrant with blooming rhododendrons in spring, hence improving serene settings for your practice. The fresh mountain air and colored surroundings bring out the perfect setting to deepen your practice.
The second most ideal time during the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is autumn, when mountain views are comparably clear and with comfortable weather for doing yoga. There is balance in temperature: it is cool during the morning and warm in the afternoons, which means the weather shall be convenient for trekking and meditations.
This season and winter are more grueling, though both offer something completely different in the setting for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. Either under the green shield or among the white tops of the mountains, these both offer a raw background for a deeply immersive yoga experience.
Mardi Himal Yoga Trek from Pokhara to the High Camp View Tower, at an altitude of 3,580 meters above sea level, is a total distance of 41 km. The trek starts from Phedi, at an elevation of 1,130 meters, through various camps to the highest.
The lowest elevation on the trek is in Pokhara, at 822 meters above sea level, where this Mardi Himal Yoga Trek will start and end. The trekking journey will go through different altitudes up to 2,600 meters to Low Camp, from where you drive back to Pokhara. It is a quite rare blend of trekking and driving, considering you will get to cover a total of about 250 km from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
A diversity of elevations is experienced throughout the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, from lush lowlands to high mountain views, providing a picturesque background to the yoga practice and treks.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is relatively easy to do, even for beginners, compared to other trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. This trek is very well-marked and does not include even a single vertical climb.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek can be done by pretty much anybody with good hydration and plenty of rest. It’s a teahouse trek, so it guarantees comfortable lodges and meals.
Altitude sickness is quite common, especially above elevations of 3,580 meters. Its symptoms include headaches, lack of breath, and nausea. Acclimatization and drinking a lot of water are highly advisable in order to prevent its effects. Abstinence from alcohol and a well-hoisting body are also helpful to complete this trek.
The daily yoga and meditation incorporated into the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek will help you cope with both the physical and mental strains. The regular practice of yoga and meditation will get your body ready for acclimatization to higher altitudes and trekking in general, keeping your mind and body in a very peaceful state through the whole journey.
The most intensive walking hours on the 7th day of the itinerary, up to 8 hours of trekking from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and then back to Badal Danda. Thus, this day will be the longest and most challenging day during the whole tour because it will start early in order to reach Base Camp before sunrise for better views.
Conversely, Day 6 is the least packed day of walking hours; it has only a 4-hour trek from Badal Danda Camp (low camp) to High Camp. The shorter trek accommodates a much more relaxed walk, working up higher in altitude and getting ready for another adventure the next day.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek includes daily yoga and meditation sessions, twice a day, to prepare the body and mind for the day’s trek and relax afterward following long walks.
For accommodation on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, some of the trail’s best tea houses and lodges are selected. They are basic but comfortable, with shared facilities on a twin-sharing basis, offering a warm and cozy environment after a day’s trek.
The peaceful environment of the lodges and tea houses is ideal for yoga and meditation, with lots of time to soak up the great outdoors.
In Kathmandu, you will stay in a tourist-standard hotel with all the basic living facilities before and after the trek. These offer comfortable and convenient bases to relax and prepare for your adventures ahead.
The teahouses all along the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek have common wash facilities, and most are in the squat form of the Eastern style. As the path is relatively new, there are few settlements, so these tiny lodges are a warm welcome after your day of walking.
You will have to select food on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek that will give you stamina for the day’s trek, not necessarily that it is your favorite. The trail offers several options in terms of basic meals: Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, and Western.
For breakfast, there are options with bread, omelets, oats, and toast. For lunch and dinner, most people would prefer Dal Bhat. It’s a traditional Nepali dish that includes rice, lentils, vegetables and pickles. Besides, one can also have pasta, noodles and sandwiches.
There are enough beverage options on the trail with sodas like Coke, Fanta, Dew, and Sprite. There are both hot and normal beverages—tea, coffee, milk, and warm water—made available along the trail at the tea houses on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
Trekking insurance for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is a must due to the remote location and high altitude. The trek takes you deep into the high Himalayas, where risks related to altitude or injuries can surface quickly. The emergency evacuations end up being very expensive.
The trekking insurance is not a precaution; it is just a necessity for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. Without proper insurance coverage for Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, the TIMS card and other necessary permits cannot be obtained.
With trekking insurance, you invest in being financially secure in the event of mishaps that may be emergent on your Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. It helps you focus on the experience and spiritual journey at hand without a milligram of worry that is otherwise possible.
Trekking permits are compulsory for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek as the trek takes place within the Annapurna Sanctuary Area. In fact, to access this area, the trekkers must have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which costs NPR 3000, or about 27 USD.
To be allowed entry into the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, one must have a TIMS card. The TIMS Card costs NPR 2000 (about USD 18). It can also be taken in advance at the Tourism Information Center in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek.
Documents needed for the TIMS card include: Photocopy of passport, two passport-sized photos, trekking insurance, and emergency contact numbers.
Passport required for the ACAP, supplemented with two passport-size photographs and a TIMS card. As a matter of fact, this will ensure easy and legal trekking to Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
Our staff will acquire all the necessary permits for your Mardi Himal Yoga Trek to ensure that your trek is smooth.
Although newly established, the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek has mobile networks and WiFi throughout the trekking trail. The trek supports both NTC and NCELL SIMs, thus keeping you connected on your journey.
You can buy a SIM in Kathmandu or Pokhara at a cost of approximately USD 1.5 to 3 when the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek starts. Mobile data can be accessed with NTC and NCELL SIMs during the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, covering mostly all the areas of the region.
Wi-Fi is also available in tea houses and lodges along the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. Use of Wi-Fi often requires additional payment, and the prices go up with altitude gain on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
Various alternative routes are available for the classic Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, since there are varied trekking options.
Among them, the route from Kande to Siding is one of the favorites, and it comes under the standard route for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. It starts with a drive in the bus from Pokhara to Kande, then trekking through Deurali and Forest Camp to finally reach Siding.
Another option is Ghandruk/Kyumi to Siding, usually done by trekkers who would like to extend their Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill trek with the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. This route provides more experience of the high Himalayas.
Much shorter, Landruk to Siding on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is 30.5 km long and is pretty ideal for those who look for quicker treks.
Finally, the trail from Ghandruk to Kande is the longest on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek. It is 52 km long and allows for an extended exploration of the natural beauty of this region.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is good for beginners since the trails are relatively easy and the altitude gain is moderate. The paths are all well-marked, and tea houses are available en route, so the route is quite comfortable even for a complete beginner.
The trek has no steep ascents; thus, first-timers should find the trek manageable.
The closeness to villages and settlements on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek provides a beginner trekker with an added sense of security and support. On this trek, yoga and meditation sessions will regularly be provided to make the physical demands easier to bear, hence more enjoyable.
A well-prepared beginner with the right attitude can easily complete the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek and, therefore, enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region without too much difficulty.
Higher altitudes along the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek have very limited availability of electricity. There is usually no availability of electric sockets in your personal room, but you have them in the dining room and common area.
Since there isn’t any constant availability of electricity, the alternative source of energy used in the tea houses is solar power.
You will be provided with solar power to charge your phones and other electronic gadgets in these lodges and tea houses, but the charging is not free of charge; rather, charges vary according to the device. It ranges from $1 to $3 per charge.
Higher up on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, it is good to spare the batteries of your device and utilize charging opportunities judiciously.
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is suitable for beginners, but one needs some physical and mental preparation to take this adventure successfully. Being physically fit and mentally strong will make the trek more enjoyable.
Before starting the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, go for some short hikes that will simulate the trekking trails of Mardi. This will get your body acquainted with the demands of the trek.
The regular practice of meditation and yoga will help your body and mind prepare for this trek.
For this, you particularly involve yourself in exercises in the gym, including treadmill and stair machine workouts that may strengthen your thigh muscles.Cardio exercises are very important to avoid breathing issues at high altitudes on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
A proper diet with loads of proteins and fresh fruits will also increase your stamina. Drinking enough water and keeping yourself healthy will not only handle altitude sickness but also improve the trekking experience on the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
Transportation for the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek can be different, either by air or road.
In case there is less time, a very exciting view is by helicopter from Pokhara up to Mardi Base Camp, which provides a very exciting view within 12–15 minutes. The option provides an aerial view of the mountains for those who do not like trekking or can’t.
Or, one can get a direct flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight will take about 25 minutes. This saves you from taking a 6-hour drive to Pokhara.
The trekking start point can be reached from Kathmandu by road via bus, microvan, or jeep. Generally, by bus, it takes 6 hours, with general and VIP sofa buses available.
For our Mardi Himal Yoga Trek, we will be taking the roadway all the way from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is about 6-7 hours of drive. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we drive further to Phedi, the starting point of our trek.
After the completion of our trek, we drive back from Siding to Pokhara for some rest before traveling back to Kathmandu.
The kind of vehicle that we provide depends on the size of your group. For a small group, we can provide comfortable cars, microbuses, or jeeps. If the group size is large, we can make arrangements to provide spacious buses so that all of you can travel comfortably.
We focus on making your transportation smooth and enjoyable—as much as possible—so that you might enjoy the beautiful landscapes with full power.
During the Mardi Himal Yoga trek, prepare to walk for 5 hours a day, at least, in the Nepalese countryside area. The trekking trails keep changing; some have the most rugged country tracks.
The accommodations on the way are pretty basic; the mountain houses, tea houses, and lodges that come your way promise a simple yet comfortable stay.
Toilets in these accommodations are mostly in the eastern squat style, so be prepared to use these facilities. Do remember to carry your own toilet paper while traveling through them as well.
Though the destination is quite far from urban amenities, Mardi Himal Yoga Trek offers the trail with warm hospitality from the locals and some breathtaking views of Nepal’s natural beauty on the way.
Depending upon the itinerary and route one takes, it might take 4 to 10 days to complete the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek.
The best time for trekking to the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek is during the spring from mid-February until May and during the autumn from September to mid-December.
This trek is levelled as an easy to moderate kind of trek.
Mardi Himal Yoga Trek requires no previous trekking experience; hence, it’s suitable for complete beginners.
Tipping to the guides and porters should be based on your level of satisfaction.
Yes, it’s possible to solo trek to Mardi Himal; however, hiring guides or porters will be highly recommended for safety and security purposes.
900 US$
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