MARDI HIMAL TREK WITH RAFTING AND CHITWAN JUNGLE SAFARI | ITINERARY
The hidden gem in Annapurna region trekking, Mardi Himal trekking is hiking through magical rhododendron experiencing country ethnic groups and their way of life.
The picturesque settlement of ethnic groups, winding trails, cascading natural waterfalls, vegetations, terraced fields are major highlights of this trekking. This trekking tends to be more beautiful during March and April since the entire hills are blanketed with flowering rhododendron.
One plus point is that there are significantly fewer people in this trek than in the Annapurna Base Camp trek for people who like to absorb nature's solitude in tranquility.
Preparation:
This is a moderate trek that requires you to walk 5-6 hours per day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes, however, the pace of the trek will vary in compensation. If you are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have strong determination, you will complete a moderate trek successfully. Exercising, particularly jogging and climbing stairs regularly for some weeks prior to your arrival is recommended to enhance your strength and fitness. Past hiking experience would be an asset, but no technical skill is required.
Trip Highlights:
- Moderate trek in the majestic Himalaya Annapurna's foothill
- Stunning View Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
- Trek through Rhododendron and Oak Forest
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara Valley
- Share the inspiring knowledge with Nepalese people and Buddhist Monks
- Makes a terrific gift to the adventure-seeking person in your life
- Experienced local guide bestows knowledge on Nepali culture and traditions
- Meditate and participate in yoga classes.
- Visit different world heritage sites
- Scenery beauty of Annapurna
- Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
We will have communicated in great detail about your flight arrangement while you book this package.
Today, you will land at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representative will receive you at the airport with a Himalayan Social Journey placard. You will then be escorted to Hotel Holy Himalaya.
To provide a detailed plan for the entire trek and tour, we will organize an orientation session in the evening at around 5 PM. This is a very important session that prepares you for the entirety of your stay here in Nepal. Remember, you are as strong as your best preparation.
Look forward to evening welcome dinner with a cultural program at a local restaurant. The fun has begun already.
The night will be spent at Hotel Holy Himalaya.
Day 2
Kathmandu receives a large volume of tourists every year, largely because it is a gateway to tourism in Nepal since the nation's only international airport is situated here. However, that is not the only reason. Kathmandu boasts its ability to keep visitors engaged with its cultural diversity and architectural riches.
For this reason, we certainly won't let you miss an awesome experience in this beautiful city.
We will visit a few of the popular sites like Swoyambhu, Bouddhanath, and Patan Durbar Square.
The night will be spent at Hotel Holy Himalaya.
Day 3
The drive to Pokhara is a peaceful five to six hours journey, with the highway going alongside numerous major rivers of Nepal. For this reason, we recommend you to sit on the right side of the bus. That way, you can catch occasional glimpses of the roaring rivers and not have to stare at the dull rocky hills on the left side of the highway.
Most travel companies take you to Pokhara on this day. Sitting on a vehicle for six hours straight is tough, and this is why we wanted to spice things up.
We thought, how about we stop mid-way to take a break and raft on the river that so wanted to entice us? After a three hours drive from Kathmandu, we will board off the bus. Our rafting starts from Charaudi. Although we have alotted three to four hours for rafting only, it is hard to keep time while we participate in this adrenaline-boosting adventure. Come with us and you will know.
Can the day get any more fun? Looks like it can. We will sleep in tents at Mankamana Valley Resort. How cool is that? You can choose a couple's tent or opt to go with a tent solely for yourself.
Day 4
After a warm breakfast, we will complete the remaining three to four hours drive to Pokhara.
When God created the world, He wanted to make everything perfect, almost replicas of heaven itself. With this very inspiration, he completed making Pokhara. However, God became lazy and his performance diminished. We hope you get the point. Pokhara is the closest a place can be to paradise. And you are about to discover why very soon.
We will take a 2 hours drive from Pokhara to Pothana. Pokhara is a bustling city that still has preserved the best of what nature gifted it. But Pothana is a gift of nature itself. A beautiful place surrounded by the woods and having very scarce habitation, Pothana is a gateway to Australian Base Camp and many other tourist sites at even higher altitudes.
Driving all day in multiple vehicles will tire you for sure. It is time to take your exhausted body to bed. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 5:
Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp approx. 5-6 hrs (2,500m). Overnight at Guesthouse. (B)
Day 6:
Trek to Badal Danda approx. 5 hrs (3,250m). Overnight at Guesthouse. (B)
Day 7:
Trek to High Camp approx. 1.30 hrs (3,580m). Overnight at Guesthouse. (B
Day 8:
Trek to High View Point, 2hrs (4,006m). And trek down to Badal danda-1.30hrs. approx. 4 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse. (B)
Day 9:
Trek to Siding Village / Kalimati approx. 5 hrs (1,885 m). Overnight at Guesthouse. (B)
Day 10:
Trek down to Pokhara via Khanepani (1,100m) / Lungde (optional to drive to Pokhara), approx. (7hrs / 3hrs) (1,100m). Overnight at Hotel Mount Kailash Resort. (B)
Day 11:
After breakfast Sightseeing tour in Pokhara or boating in Phewa lake for an hour and hiking to Peace Pagoda. Overnight at Hotel Mount Kailash Resort. (B)
Day 12:
After breakfast and drive to Chitwan approx. 4 hours by tourist bus, transfer to hotel, Welcome drinks, Evening walk, and Tharu cultural show. Overnight at Hotel Seven Star (B.L.D)
Day 13:
After breakfast, Elephant Safari, Canoeing, Visit Elephant breeding center, Elephant bath, Tharu dance, dinner. Overnight at Hotel Seven Star (BL.D)
Day 14:
Early Morning Bird watching and drive back to Kathmandu 4-5 hour’s drive or flight. (Flight is optional). Evening Farewell Dinner. Overnight at Hotel Holy Himalaya. (B)
Day 15:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Or extend your stay. (B)
Optional: Last 3 nights Luxury Wind down. (EXTRA USD 199)
Day 12:
Drive to Chitwan approx 4 hours and transfer to Kasara Resort, welcome drinks, and Lunch and jungle/village walk. Overnight at Kasara Resort. (BLD)
Day 13:
Morning breakfast and Elephant Back Safari, Elephant bath, ox riding, Tharu village visit and Tharu cultural dance, bird watching. Overnight at Kasara Resort. (BLD)
Day 14:
After breakfast drive back to Kathmandu by bus or flight (flight is optional). After arrival, we will enjoy a 30 minutes massage in the hotel, evening dinner and a five-star stay at the Gokarna Forest Resort. (BD)
Day 15:
Morning Yoga after breakfast transfer to the airport for your departure. Or extend your stay. (B)
Note: B = Breakfast, B.B = Bed & Breakfast, B.L.D = Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Here is a video review from Stingy Nomads:
Cost Includes
- Airport pickup & drop
- Accommodation at Hotel Holy Himalaya in Kathmandu, Mount Kailash Resort in Pokhara and Kasara Resort in Chitwan, Mankaamana Valley Resort in rafting in a tented camp in twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
- Simple accommodation (run by the local family) with the attached bathroom in the lodge with breakfast during the trek on a twin-sharing basis.
- Necessary permit, TIMS, and National Park fees
- Rafting in Trishuli River
- Necessary rafting equipment (Helmet, life jacket, and Paddle)
- Trekking equipment during the trek [Sleeping Bag, duffle bag if necessary]
- Sightseeing tour at Kathmandu and in Pokhara by private vehicle
- Welcome dinner with cultural program
- All meals as per the program in Chitwan
- Transportation by Deluxe tourist Coach Kathmandu – Charaudi (Rafting Starting point) -Pokhara- Chitwan -Kathmandu and by private vehicle Pokhara-Pothana-Khanepani / Lungde -Pokhara
- Meals, accommodation insurance, and other expenses of the trekking crew (guide and porters) 2 people will have one porter and highly experienced English speaking guide
- All Government taxes, VAT, and service charge.
- Last night accommodation before your departure at Gokarna Forest Resort including one buffet dinner, half an hour massage, and one breakfast. (Luxurious option)
Excluded in the price
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara and during trekking days (Meal cost about $4 to $7 depending on what and where you eat)
- Flight (Pokhara-Chitwan: USD $90 PP for one way and Chitwan- Kathmandu: USD 115 PP one way)
- Sightseeing entry fees, NPR 250 (Syambhunath) +400 (Boudhanath) +1000 (Patan durbar square), + 1000 (Pashupatinath)
- Your travel Insurance
- All activities in Chitwan