Annapurna express: Mardi Himal Trek
Under the eye of Machhapuchhre, an accessible trek between rhododendron forests and high mountains
Duration
9 days
From
€1,223/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Set out to discover Mardi Himal, a trek accessible to inexperienced hikers, ideal for a first immersion in the mountains of Népal. Between rhododendron forests, panoramic ridges and high altitude pastures, this itinerary offers beautiful landscape diversity, at the foot of the snow-capped summits of the Himalaya. As you progress on your hike, you advance in the shade of pine trees, cross spaces where buffalo graze and gradually gain altitude. The landscapes then open up to the Annapurnas, the Hiunchuli and the Machhapuchhre, also called "Fishtail" because of its two-pointed summit, recognizable by its fish-tail shape. One of the highlights of this trek in Népal is arriving at the Mardi Himal base camp, where you enjoy a sunrise over the Himalayan summits. You then begin your descent through traditional Gurung villages, an opportunity to discover the local culture and the way of life of the inhabitants. Nights in lodges encourage meetings and exchanges, adding a human dimension to this adventure. Between nature, hiking and cultural discovery, this Mardi Himal trek is a beautiful introduction to Népal, away from the most frequently traveled itineraries.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Beginning of your trek, view of the Himalayan mountain ranges
After breakfast, you are transferred to the domestic airport to board a flight of approximately 30 minutes. During the journey, you enjoy beautiful panoramas of the Manaslu and Annapurna massifs, in the heart of the Himalaya.
After breakfast in Pokhara, you begin your hiking after driving for approximately one and a half hours to the small village of Kande.
From there, the trail begins with a steep stone staircase that requires approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of walking. At the summit, you will find the Australian Camp located on the ridge. Continue walking by passing through a beautiful village of Pothana and finally arrive at Pitam Deurali.
Admire the sunset over the Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Night in a lodge.
Trek to Forest Camp, the day in the forest
Pitam Deurali → Forest Camp
Your day begins with a sunrise over the Annapurnas massif. After breakfast, you start a fairly steep climb, which gradually becomes gentler. You then reach a viewpoint over the Machhapuchhre, where you enjoy a break around tea to admire the landscape. You resume your hike through a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, until Forest Camp, the next stage of your trek in Népal.
Panoramas over the Annapurnas
Forest Camp → Mardi High Camp
Your day begins facing the peaks of Annapurna IV and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After breakfast, you resume your hike towards Low Camp, located at the edge of the forest. The landscape gradually changes as you gain altitude. Dense vegetation gives way to bushes and high mountain scenery. You progress along sometimes steep slopes and along ridges, offering beautiful panoramas over the valley. Look up: birds of prey regularly soar over these open spaces. You continue your ascent to High Camp, where you enjoy well-deserved rest before the long hiking day ahead.
Base Camp Excursion and Long Descent
High Camp → Sidhing
This is the longest and most tiring day of your trek. Wake up at dawn to begin the ascent towards the Mardi Himalaya base camp. You are not obliged to go all the way, as the view from the "view point" is equally beautiful. Admire the sunrise over the valley and the Annapurnas. Descend back to high camp for breakfast. Continue the descent to the Sidhing village, be careful, this section is grueling on the knees, trekking poles are highly recommended.
Return to Pokhara after your trek in Népal
Sidhing → Lwang
Your day begins with a descent through the village, before crossing a bridge and rediscovering the forest. The climate becomes more tropical and you evolve between lush vegetation and terraced crops, along a path bordered by immense bamboo.
After a fairly steep climb, you cross fields of masala, mustard and tea, before reaching the village of Lwang, whose traditional architecture has been preserved. You enjoy a lunch break in this village with authentic charm.
Free day or activity of your choice Bluesheep
Today you have a choice, you can take advantage of the day to stroll around Kathmandu or ask us for a guided tour of the city's main sites. We offer you the possibility of participating in an immersive and exclusive activity with a traditional craftsman. Program to choose from: cooking class, sculpture, painting, music and many more. A fun activity for the whole family. The best souvenir you can take back!
Welcome back!
According to your flight schedule, your transfer to Kathmandu International Airport is organized approximately three hours before your departure.
Your trip to Népal is coming to an end. The entire Bluesheep Journeys team wishes you a pleasant return and hopes to see you again soon for new adventures!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Travel insurance: cancellation / repatriation / trip interruption / baggage loss
- International flights
- Visa fees 30 USD
- Personal expenses: drinks, souvenirs, phone, spa, etc.
- Tips
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara excluding breakfast
Included
- Land transfers described in the program
- 3 meals per day during the trek
- 3 nights in Kathmandu in 3-star hotel with B&B
- 1 night in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel on B&B
- Guidance from an English-speaking Nepalese guide
- A porter for 2 trekkers
- Accommodations during the trek
- Trekking Permits
- The flight Katmandu - Pokhara
- Daily fees and insurance for Nepalese local teams
- Your travel advisor's assistance 24/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist visa
Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.
Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.
Official rates are as follows:
15 days: 30 USD
30 days: 50 USD
90 days: 125 USD
Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Online arrival form
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:
passport information
flight details
the address of your first accommodation in Nepal
A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.
Special permits for trekking areas
Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:
the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,
national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),
restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.
These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),
rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),
Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Annapurna Massif
Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.
— Nirmala
