Mardi Himal Trek, Safari and Culture Tour

Includes a guided tour of Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara City, a short and beautiful Mardi Himal Trek and a wildlife Safari in the Chitwan National Park.

Highlights:

Overview of Mardi Himal Trek, Safari and Culture Tour: A balanced journey that combines moderate trekking with cultural immersion and wildlife experiences across Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan.

Kathmandu Valley Highlights: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites and vibrant bazaars, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Ason, in the introductory city phase.

Mardi Himal Trek Details: From Kande, trek through Gurung villages and rhododendron forests to High Camp, then continue to Mardi Base Camp for panoramic Himalayan views.

Pokhara Explorations and Highlights: Visit Phewa Lake, Pumdikot Shiva Temple, World Peace Stupa, and the International Mountain Museum, with a sunrise tour to Sarangkot for panoramic views.

Chitwan Safari and Final Nepalese Culture Tour: Two-night wildlife safari in Chitwan with jungle walks, canoe rides, and jeep safaris, followed by a return to Kathmandu featuring Devghat Dham, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, and Boudhanath; best season is October to May.

Introduction

This 14-Day Mardi Himal Trek, Safari and Culture Tour is the perfect introduction to the Himalayas and Nepal. This Itinerary combines moderate trekking, suitable for all age groups, with rich cultural immersion and wildlife experiences. The journey begins in Kathmandu (1,350 m), where you’ll explore ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant bazaars, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Ason.

From Kathmandu, a short scenic flight takes you to Pokhara (820 m), the gateway to the Annapurna region and one of the beautiful cities of Nepal. From Kande, the trek climbs through charming Gurung villages and rhododendron forests to Australian Camp and Deurali, revealing panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the ever-imposing Machhapuchhre (Fish-Tailed Peak). The trail branches off the main Annapurna Sanctuary route, climbing through peaceful forests to Jungle Camp and on to Badal Danda (“Cloud Hill”) and High Camp (3,590 m), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas.

The Mardi Himal Trek, Safari and Culture Tour culminates in a rewarding day excursion to Mardi Base Camp (4,495 m), nestled directly beneath Machhapuchhre. After descending through Ghalel Gurung village, you’ll return to Pokhara with time to relax by Phewa Lake. In Pokhara, you will visit highlights such as Pumdikot Shiva Temple, the World Peace Stupa, and the International Mountain Museum. A sunrise tour to Sarangkot offers a final panorama of the Annapurna range before you drive to Chitwan National Park for a two-night safari, featuring jungle walks, canoe rides, and jeep safaris to spot rhinos, deer, and possibly Bengal tigers.

On the return to Kathmandu, visit Devghat Dham, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees at the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Trishuli rivers. The final day explores Pashupatinath Temple, the medieval city of Bhaktapur, and the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.

The best season for this 14-Day Mardi Himal Trek, Safari and Culture Tour is October to May, when skies are clear, mountain views are spectacular, rhododendrons bloom, and wildlife and migratory birds are abundant. This journey blends high-altitude adventure, cultural discovery, and wildlife encounters for an unforgettable Nepalese experience.

Arrive, be welcomed by a Happy Feet Mountaineers representative, and transfer to the hotel. Free time to explore vibrant streets. Upon arrival in the morning, enjoy a cultural-shock walking tour.

Guided tour of Swayambhunath Stupa with valley panorama. Explore Patan’s Durbar Square, Royal Palace, and world-class Museum. Evening at Basantapur and Kathmandu Durbar Square; exit through Ason Bazaar.

Fly 25 min to Pokhara, drive 45 min to Kande, trek 4 hrs. Climb through villages to Australian Camp for Annapurna panoramas, lunch at Potana, then forest walk to Deurali.

Trek 5 hrs. Leave the main ABC trail, climb through forest over a ridge, descend and re-ascend to Jungle Camp (Kokar) in the woods.

Trek 5 hrs. Steep forest ascent to Low Camp, continue above the treeline past Badal Danda (“Cloud Hill”) for lunch with Mardi Himal views, then on to High Camp for sunset panoramas of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.

Trek 6 hrs, 18 km round trip. Steep, rocky climb along a narrow ridge beneath Machhapuchhre to the trip’s highest point. Exceptional Annapurna views; return the same way.

Trek 7 hrs. Retrace to Forest Camp for lunch, then take a new trail through rhododendron and orchid forest to the authentic Gurung village of Ghalel.

Drive 1.5 hrs by jeep via Yangza, stopping at the Tibetan refugee camp. Afternoon free: lunch, stroll Phewa Lake, dinner.

Drive 13 km to Pumdikot for Shiva temple views, then to the World Peace Stupa above Phewa Lake. Take a boat across the lake, have a late lunch, and visit the International Mountain Museum.

Drive 165 km, 5 hrs. Dawn trip to Sarangkot for sunrise over the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre, and Pokhara Valley. Drive to Chitwan for a 2-night safari: elephant orientation, a Tharu village visit, sunset view, and cultural show.

Jungle walk or birdwatching (276 species) with picnic breakfast, silent canoe on the Rapti River, and an afternoon jeep safari for rhinos, deer, monkeys, bison, bears, leopards, and Bengal tigers.

Drive 180 km, 5–6 hrs. Stop at Devghat Dham, sacred confluence of the Kaligandaki and Trishuli rivers, revered in Hindu mythology and the Ramayana. Continue to Kathmandu.

Guided tour of the Pashupatinath ghats and temples, Bhaktapur’s medieval squares and palaces, and Nyatapola Temple (a UNESCO site). Finish at Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas.

Enjoy breakfast and some leisure time before transferring to the airport for departure.

Includes

  • Airport pick-up and departure service as per itinerary
  • Four nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, breakfast included (category 4-star hotel)
  • Happy Feet Mountaineers Trekking Kit Bag for each member
  • Two full days’ guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley (transport and entry fee included)
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara transportation in a comfortable tourist vehicle
  • Three night hotel accommodation in Pokhara, breakfast included.
  • Pokhara to Kande transportation in a comfortable tourist vehicle.
  • One guide in the group and one porter for every two members for the entire trek
  • Trekking period accommodation in a teahouse lodge on a full-board basis.
  • Insurance and expenses of all local staff
  • An emergency medical kit box for first aid purposes.
  • Siding to Pokhara transportation in a Jeep
  • Guided tour of Pokhara (transport and entrance fee included)
  • Transportation from Pokhara to Chitwan and to Kathmandu in a comfortable tourist vehicle.
  • Two-night, three-day safari program in Chitwan National Park, full board.
  • Agency service charges and taxes.

Excludes

  • Travel insurance (helicopter evacuation, medical assistance) is mandatory.
  • Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (not mandatory but at personal risk.
  • Nepal entry visa and visa fee (apply online)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic and bottled beverages during the trek, and items not mentioned in the inclusions section.

Seasons:

October to May, when skies are clear, mountain views are spectacular, rhododendrons bloom, and wildlife and migratory birds are abundant.

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Trip Overview

Destination Annapurna Region
Duration 14
Starts from Kathmandu
Ending Point Kathmandu
Trip Style Tour, Trek & Safari
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Best Time October to May
Transportation Tourist vehicles
Accommodation 4* hotels & lodges
Max Altitude 4,495m.
Meal BB in City & FB on trek-Safari
Group Size 2-30

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