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.