Mardi Himal and Khopra ridge trek

13 Day(s)

Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek The Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is a captivating trekking adventure nestled in the mesmerizing  Annapurna region of Nepal. Offering a unique and less crowded experience compared to other popular treks, this route takes you on a journey of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and breathtaking mountain views. The trek typically spans around 8-12 days, depending on the chosen itinerary. Beginning from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the trail winds its way through enchanting rhododendron forests, charming traditional villages, and terraced fields adorned with vibrant crops. As you ascend, the trail also opens…

Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek

The Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is a captivating trekking adventure nestled in the mesmerizing  Annapurna region of Nepal. Offering a unique and less crowded experience compared to other popular treks, this route takes you on a journey of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and breathtaking mountain views.

The trek typically spans around 8-12 days, depending on the chosen itinerary. Beginning from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the trail winds its way through enchanting rhododendron forests, charming traditional villages, and terraced fields adorned with vibrant crops. As you ascend, the trail also opens up to magnificent vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) peak.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the Trek is the visit to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,500 meters. This secluded and pristine location offers a sense of tranquility, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking alpine scenery. The trek also takes you to the scenic Khopra Ridge, where a panoramic viewpoint awaits, treating you to a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas.

Accommodation along the trekking route is provided in teahouses and lodges, offering basic yet comfortable amenities. You’ll have the opportunity to savor authentic Nepalese cuisine, including dal bhat, momos, and hearty soups, which also provide nourishment for your journey.

While the Trek considers moderate in difficulty, it does require a reasonable level of physical fitness and prior hiking experience. The altitude gain should take into consideration, and it’s crucial to acclimatize properly to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

Moreover, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, as you interact with friendly villagers and learn about their traditions and way of life. Engaging with the local communities adds a unique dimension to the trek, creating lasting memories.

In conclusion, the Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is a captivating journey that combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and a sense of adventure. With its stunning mountain vistas, serene landscapes, and warm hospitality, this trek offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Annapurna region.

 

Trip Highlights

Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and Khopra Danda (3,660m) Trek combines the new, less crowded path in the Annapurna region. The trek trails provide fantastic views of several mountains in Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Fang (7,647m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), Himchuli (6,441m), Tent Peak (5,663m), and Mardi Himal (5,587m). You will also trek through traditional villages and make it up to the Poon Hill Viewpoint.

Highlights

  • 2 Nights at the beautiful lake city of Pokhara
  • Mardi Himal High Camp (3,600m), Low Camp, Forest Camp (2600m)
  • Trek off the beaten track
  • Local cheese factory at Paudwar
  • Awe-inspiring views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Fang (7,647m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), Himchuli (6,441m), Tent Peak (5,663m), and Mardi Himal (5,587m)
  • Optional Trek to the holy Kaire Lake
  • Amazing sunrise views from Poon Hill
  • Ghandrung village, Khopra Danda ridge
  • Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
  • Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
  • Gurung museum at Ghandruk
  • First-hand experience of rural Nepali village life

Itinerary

Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours
(205km / 127miles) 6-7 hrs
Highest Altitude
1,350m
Early morning, we will board you on a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus will roll along the Prithvi Highway for around seven hours before reaching Pokhara
– the tourist capital of Nepal. On the way to Pokhara, you will see Machhapuchhare and Annapurna ranges. After reaching Pokhara, you are free to explore
this fantastic city.

 

Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours
2hrs
Trek Distance
9km / 5.5miles
Highest Altitude
2100m / 6,889ft
Early morning, you will leave Pokhara on a bus and head to Dhampus. The road is quite developed and, on the way, you will pass Phedi.
The Dhampus village is ethnically diverse, consisting of Brahmins, Chhetris, and Gurungs. The trek trails start from Dhampus, and you will head to
Deurali on a path that passes through lush forests, and in the background, you can enjoy the views of the Annapurna ranges. From Deurali, you can gain
fantastic views of glaciers originating from Annapurna south.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
6km / 3.7miles
Highest Altitude
2600m /8,530ft
Trek Duration
5 to 6 hrs
The trails to Forest Camp are quite easy and exciting as they pass through maple, birch, rhododendron, and oak forests.
The fresh smell of damp soil and decayed leaves keeps the trekking spirit alive. The trail first climbs up to the top of a ridge, then descends steeply
and ascends one more time, taking you to the open grassland at Forest Camp.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
8.5km / 5.2miles
Highest Altitude
3600m / 11,811ft
Trek Duration
4 to 5 hrs
You will leave Forest Camp, aiming to reach High Camp. You will be gaining a lot of altitude. So, it is wise to walk consistently.
Once more, the trails pass through lush forests, and the occasional clearings allow you to enjoy the views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal,
and Annapurna mountains. After hiking for a few hours, you will reach Mardi Himal Low Camp, then ascend steeply to a ridge that finally takes you
to the Mardi Himal High Camp.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
10km / 6.2miles
Highest Altitude
4,500m / 14,763ft
Trek Duration
7 hrs
You will wake up early to enjoy the early sun rays hitting the gigantic mountains from the Upper View Point of Mardi Himal.
It will take about two hours to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp from High Camp. From the Base Camp, you will enjoy the views of Annapurna I and III,
Annapurna South, Himchuli, Tent Peak, Bharashikhar, and Mardi Himal. The sights of Mt. Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail) look stunning from the Base Camp.
After enjoying the views from Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will return to Low Camp to spend the night.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Highest Altitude
3,000m
The descent to Landruk from Low Camp is steep and can be tough on your knees. The steepest section falls between Forest Base Camp and Landruk. However, this day’s walk will be effortless, and you can enjoy the dense forests, full of several bird species. Landruk looks like a sibling of a much larger village Ghandruk, with ethnic Gurungs making up the dominant demography.

Overnight stay at a local lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
10.9km / 6.7miles
Trek Duration
6-7 hours
Highest Altitude
2,610m / 8,562ft
After breakfast, you will initially descend to Modi river and ascend for a few more hours to reach Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village famous for its stunning looks. From Ghandruk, you will also get great views of the Annapurna ranges and Machhapuchhare mountain. There is a Gurung museum at Ghandruk, which we shouldn’t miss visiting. The trails then pass through lush forests before reaching Tadapani.

Overnight stay at Hotel Grand View Lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
5.8km / 3.6miles
Highest Altitude
3,450m / 11,318ft
Trek Duration
5-7hrs
We bid goodbye to Tadapani after breakfast, and take an off-beaten path through the isolated sections of the Annapurna region. The route passes through dense forests full of oak and rhododendron trees, and through the forest apertures, you can see the stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the world’s seventh tallest mountain.

Overnight stay at a community lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
8km / 4.9miles
Highest Altitude
3,660m / 11,811ft
Trek Duration
5 hrs
On this day, you will reach Khopra Danda (ridge), but first, you will bid Baeyli Kharka goodbye and trek through rich pasturelands to Chistibung. The trail provides you the opportunity to view yaks, pheasants, and Himalayan tahrs while ascending to Khopra ridge, known for superb views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061m), and Mt. Fang (7,647m).

Overnight stay at Khopra Community Lodge
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
9.6km / 5.9miles
Highest Altitude
3,660m / 11,811ft
Trek Duration
4 – 5 hrs
After reaching Khopra Danda, it is time to return, and on the first day, you will hike to Swanta, passing terraced fields and small settlements. Mt.Dhaulagiri will persist to dazzle you. You also have the option to visit the holy Khayar Lake. Swanta village is famous for its community cheese factory, and we shouldn’t miss tasting the local cheese.

Overnight stay at Hotel Candle Inn
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
8km / 4.9miles
Highest Altitude
2,880m / 9,350ft.
Trek Duration
5 hrs
You will leave Swanta early morning and head for Ghorepani. The route passes through thick forests, exposing you to incredible landscapes worthy of admiring. Eventually, you will cross a suspension bridge to enter Chittre village and follow the main trekking route that will take you to Ghorepani. Ghorepani is a major trek destination known for its fantastic views. With numerous accommodation options, most people who visit Poon Hill stay at Ghorepani.

Overnight stay at Hotel Snow Land (room with attached bathroom)
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch +Dinner)

Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance
12.5km / 7.7miles
Highest Altitude
3,210m / 10,525ft
Trek Duration
4-5 hrs
Driving Hours
2hrs
You will wake up very early in the morning to catch the sunrise from Poon Hill. It will take you around forty-five minutes to reach Poon Hill from Ghorepani. The panoramic view from Poon Hill is second to none, and many treks are designed around the grand views from Poon Hill. You can see a dozen snow peaks from Poon Hill, including the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchhare, Gangapurna, Tukuche, Dhampus, Hiuchuli, Gurja Himal, and Nilgiri Himal. After enjoying the views from Poon Hill, you will trek through Birethanti and Ulleri to Nayapul. From Nayapul, we will drive to Pokhara.

Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
Included standard meals (Breakfast + Lunch)

Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours
(205 km /127 miles) 6-7hrs
Highest Altitude
1,350m
After breakfast, you will board a bus to Kathmandu. The bus follows Prithivi Highway one more time and heads east to Kathmandu. It will take you around seven hours to reach Kathmandu. Your trek ends in Kathmandu. Hope you enjoyed your trek and created some life-lasting memories on the trails.

Included standard meals (Breakfast)

What's Included

  • Transportation costs Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu on a tourist bus or Private Transport.
  • Private transport from Pokhara to Dhampus (trek start)and Nayapul (trek end) to Pokhara
  • Two nights accommodation with breakfast (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara or Similar Hotel.
  • Accommodation (total ten nights) in trek regions – 2 nights rooms with attached bathrooms at Ghorepani and Deurali, Eight-night Forest Camp, High Camp, Low Camp, Landruk, Tadapani, Bayeli Kharka, Khopra Danda, and Swanta Generally, twin sharing rooms
  • All standard meals (11 lunches, 10 dinners, and 11 breakfasts) in trek regions
  • Water purification tablets
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
  • Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day
  • Government-licensed Discovery World Trekking experienced trek leader (guide). 1 porter for two trekkers, the maximum luggage weight limit per trekker is 9 kg.
  • Guides and porters costs – meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
  • All taxes and official expenses
  • Arranging rescue operations in health emergencies (funded by travel insurance)
  • Souvenir – company’s T-shirt & cap
  • Everest Expeditions Nepal certificate of trek achievement
  • Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu

What's Excluded

  • International flight airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport. The current application fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay)
  • Extra night accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
  • Excess luggage charges. Per trekker, luggage weight limit is 9 kg.
  • All meals and accommodation in Kathmandu, before and after the journey
  • Personal clothing and gear
  • Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation along with medical treatment costs
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Additional costs due to various reasons, such as delays caused by circumstances outside company control like itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, landslides, weather conditions, change of government policies, strikes, etc
  • All the costs and expenses not included in “cost includes” are counted as excludes

Trip Information

The Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is a popular and rewarding trekking route located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is a relatively new and less crowded trail compared to the more famous treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. The trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as well as an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality of the local communities.

Here is some information about the Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek:

Trek Duration: The duration of the trek can vary depending on the itinerary you choose. Generally, the trek can be completed in 8-12 days, including arrival and departure from Kathmandu.

Best Time to Trek: The best time to do the Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. However, with proper preparation and equipment, the trek can be done throughout the year.

Trek Difficulty: The Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek is considered to be a moderate trek. It involves walking for several hours each day, ascending and descending steep trails, and reaching a maximum altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) at Khopra Ridge. It is suitable for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness and some previous hiking experience.

Permits: Like most treks in Nepal, you will need two permits to do the Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek. The first is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the second is the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara through authorized trekking agencies or the Nepal Tourism Board.

Accommodation: Along the trekking route, you will find teahouses and lodges that provide basic accommodation and meals. The facilities become more basic as you ascend higher, but you can still expect a comfortable place to sleep and meals such as dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), noodles, soups, and tea. It is advisable to bring a sleeping bag, as blankets may be limited in some places.

Highlights of the Trek: The Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Nilgiri. You will pass through beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional villages, terraced fields, and serene landscapes. The trek also includes a visit to the Mardi Himal Base Camp and the panoramic viewpoint at Khopra Ridge, providing unforgettable experiences.

Guides and Porters: While it is possible to do the trek independently, hiring a local guide and/or porter is recommended. They can assist with navigation, provide information about the local culture and environment, and lighten your load, allowing you to fully enjoy the trek.

It’s always a good idea to plan and prepare well for trekking in the Himalayas. Make sure to check the latest information, weather conditions, and any necessary permits before you embark on the Mardi Himal and Khopra Ridge Trek. It’s also recommended to consult with a local trekking agency or experienced trekkers for more specific and up-to-date information.

 

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