Pokhara: 5 Day Mardi Himal Base Camp, Bird Watching Trek

Pokhara, Nepal’s picturesque lake town, serves as the gateway to the captivating Mardi Himal region. Adventurous trekkers can embark on a 5-day journey through this stunning landscape, seeing the serene rhododendron forests and the vibrant diversity of Himalayan birdlife. Along the way, they’ll witness the majestic peaks of Annapurna and Fishtail, culminating at the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp. This trek, suitable for moderate fitness levels, promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. What awaits those who take the first step on this remarkable journey?

Key Points

• This 5-day trek in the Mardi Himal region near Pokhara, Nepal, offers a scenic adventure with opportunities to spot diverse bird species.
• The trek includes a scenic drive to Kande, hiking through rhododendron forests, and reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters.
• Participants can expect to see Himalayan Monal, various pheasants, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Spiny Babbler, and other high-altitude birds during the trek.
• The trek is suitable for moderate fitness levels and provides panoramic views of the Annapurna and Fishtail peaks.
• The trek package includes hotel pickup/drop-off, trekking permits, and an English-speaking guide, ensuring a seamless trekking experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Trek

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a 5-day adventure that takes hikers through the stunning landscapes of Pokhara, Nepal.

Priced from €311.64 per person, this trek offers a chance to explore the Mardi Himal region, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The trek includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the lakeside area, as well as an English-speaking guide.

Hikers can expect to encounter a variety of bird species along the way, with the trek suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.

The trek is available in English and Hindi, making it accessible to a wide range of adventurers.

Trek Itinerary

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek spans across 5 days, taking adventurers through the captivating landscapes of Pokhara, Nepal.

On the first day, trekkers enjoy a scenic drive to Kande, followed by a hike through rhododendron forests, with opportunities to spot Himalayan Monal and other pheasants.

The second day involves a trek through dense forests, where birdwatchers may encounter Rufous-bellied Niltava and woodpeckers.

Day 3 leads to High Camp, with a chance to see Spiny Babbler.

The fourth day starts early for sunrise at Mardi Himal Base Camp, with sightings of Himalayan Griffon and Snow Partridge, before descending to Low Camp.

The final day takes trekkers through forests to Siding Village, with potential Scarlet Minivet and Blue-throated Barbet encounters.

• Day 1: Pokhara to Pothana (1,950m, 5-6 hr)
• Day 2: Pothana to Forest Camp (2,550m, 5-6 hr)
• Day 3: Forest Camp to High Camp (3,580m, 5-6 hr)
• Day 4: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back to Low Camp (2,990m, 7-8 hr)
• Day 5: Low Camp to Siding Village and drive back to Pokhara (5-6 hr)

Highlights and Experience

Embarking on the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek offers adventurers a chance to encounter diverse bird species in their natural habitats. Along the way, trekkers can spot the majestic Himalayan Monal, various pheasants, and the elusive Rufous-bellied Niltava.

As the trek gains altitude, the opportunity to observe high-altitude birds like the Spiny Babbler becomes available. The base camp itself provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Fishtail peaks, complemented by the impressive sight of the Himalayan Griffon and Snow Partridge.

Throughout the trek, trekkers will traverse rhododendron forests with clearings that offer breathtaking mountain vistas, immersing them in the avian diversity alongside the Himalayan landscapes.

Inclusion and Exclusion

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek package includes several key services to ensure a seamless trekking experience. The tour includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Pokhara lakeside area
• Transfer from Pokhara to the trailhead at Kande by private car
• Trekking permits and official documents
• English-speaking trekking guide
• Accommodation in guesthouses along the trek

While the package covers the essential services, it excludes certain costs such as food, drinks, gratuities, emergency rescue, travel insurance, and porter services, which can be arranged separately.

Trekkers should also be mindful that the trek may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.

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Important Information

Suitability for the trek is an important consideration, as the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek may not be suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users. Trekkers should come prepared with the essentials, including comfortable shoes, hats, warm clothing, and a reusable water bottle. Cash and a copy of the passport should also be carried. The trek can be enjoyed by a wide range of participants, but certain physical limitations may make it challenging.

What to Bring	Not Suitable For
Comfortable shoes	Pregnant women
Hat	People with back problems
Clothes	Wheelchair users
Cash
Passport copy

Scenic Drive to Kande

From Pokhara, the trek begins with a scenic drive to Kande, where the hiking portion of the journey commences. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding valleys.

Along the way, hikers may spot:

• Terraced farmlands dotting the landscape
• Quaint villages nestled in the hills
• Winding roads flanked by lush, verdant forests
• Cascading waterfalls and streams
• Diverse birdlife, including the vibrant Himalayan Monal

This initial drive sets the stage for the immersive trekking experience that lies ahead, as hikers transition from the comfort of transportation to the thrill of walking through the Mardi Himal region.

Birdwatching Opportunities

Along the trek, hikers have ample opportunities to spot a diverse array of bird species.

On Day 1, the trail through rhododendron forests provides sightings of the vibrant Himalayan Monal and various pheasants.

Further along, the dense forests of Day 2 host the Rufous-bellied Niltava and woodpeckers.

The higher elevations on Day 3 bring chances to observe the unique Spiny Babbler.

Finally, the Mardi Himal Base Camp area on Day 4 offers glimpses of the majestic Himalayan Griffon and the elusive Snow Partridge.

This trek showcases Pokhara’s impressive avian diversity alongside the region’s stunning Himalayan landscapes.

Panoramic Views at Base Camp

Trekkers who make it to the Mardi Himal Base Camp are rewarded with panoramic vistas that take their breath away.

The base camp, located at an elevation of 4,500 meters, offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas.

Key highlights include:

• Unobstructed panorama of the majestic Annapurna and Fishtail peaks
• Close-up glimpses of the Mardi Himal glacier and its associated ice formations
• Sweeping views of the deep Mardi Khola valley below
• Opportunity to witness the changing colors of the landscape at different times of day
• Serene atmosphere and a sense of being in the heart of the Himalayan range

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hiking Poles Provided for the Entire Trek?

Yes, trekking poles are included for the entire trek. The tour provides an English-speaking guide and a trekking pole for each participant to assist them during the hike.

Can I Extend the Trek Duration if Needed?

Yes, the trek duration can be extended if needed. The itinerary is flexible, and the tour operator can accommodate requests to extend the trek length for an additional fee. This allows for more time to explore the area.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Trek?

The average group size for this trek is typically small, around 4-8 participants. This allows for a more personalized experience and flexibility during the hike through the Himalayan landscapes and birdwatching opportunities.

Can I Book the Trek for a Private Group?

Yes, the trek can be booked as a private tour. The details state that it’s a "Private tour", so travelers can book it for their own group without joining other participants.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter for the Entire Trek?

Yes, porters can be hired for the entire trek. The cost is $25 per day, and one porter is provided for every two trekkers. Porters can carry up to 15kg of personal gear.

Recap

The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek in Pokhara, Nepal, offers an unparalleled 5-day adventure. Hikers will be captivated by the region’s stunning landscapes, diverse birdlife, and panoramic mountain views. From the rhododendron forests to the Annapurna and Fishtail peaks, this moderate-level trek is a must-experience for nature enthusiasts seeking an immersive Himalayan adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: