Once you land in the airport of Kathmandu, one of our representatives will meet you there and accompany you towards your hotel in a car. He will also brief out the must-know customs and cultures of Nepal to help you easily adjust to the new cultural environment. In the late afternoon, hang out in the nearby street vendors and try out different backstreet delicacies, especially the Momos. Plus, if there are any Newari restaurants nearby then, visit there and get the cultural taste of Kathmandu.

The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is just 200 km, but it takes over 7 hours to reach there by road. The primary reasons for this delay are the winding highways and unpredictable traffic jams. Despite that, this road trip rewards you with some of the unparalleled views of the deep valleys, traditional settlements, terraced farm fields, and lush alpine forests of Nepal.

Flight (30 min) is another option to reach Pokhara. The plane flies over the lush hills and overlooks the wonderful views of the Machhapuchre peak from the window of the airplane.

Choose the best option that fits your interest.

Leave Pokhara as early as possible in the morning through a scenic drive to Khare (1.5 hrs). From there, start your first day of trekking to Deurali. For the first couple of hours, you will be walking through the quaint traditional hamlets of local people, where the terraced green farm fields reflect a good impression on the trail. Then, it joins a brief forest section that leads you towards the exotic village of Deurali or more commonly known as the Pitam Deurali. The views from the Pitam Deurali is, indeed, something special.

Before starting the trek, be sure to carry the packed lunch as there are no hotels or restaurants in the middle of the journey. From Pitam Deurali, the trail enters into a scrubby forest, resonating the sounds of the wild birds and insects. Here, the path is rough and well-trodden by the buffalo and sheep herders, who have been guiding their caravans to the high pastures for decades. Once you reach the pastures, enjoy the surreal mountain views of Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges. Soon after that, the trail joins the forest and continues to the Forest Camp, a nice greeny pasture surrounded by the forest on all sides. There are only limited options for the hotel.

Leave the Forest Camp in the early morning, and head out towards the rest camp. Within an hour of gradual ascent, you will arrive at the Rest Camp, dotted with few lodges and teahouses. From the Rest Camp, the views of the Machhapuchre and Mardi Himal look very real and pure. Progress ahead from the Rest Camp towards the Low Camp through a pleasant rhododendron forest. At times, you will open up in the exposed trails, peering at the peaks of the northern Himalayas, but it doesn’t last long. Most of the time, you will walk through the forest and finally arrive at the surreal Low Camp.

Within about 10 min of walking from the Low Camp, you will arrive at the Lower viewpoint, peering at the unreal Machhapuchre and Mardi legends. These peaks are indeed one of the best views of the overall trekking in the Mardi. Continue to the grassy slope and then, enter into the aromatic rhododendron forest where the trail mostly follows the gradual ascents. Within a while, you will be walking over the top of the ridge, overlooking the peaks of Machhapuchre, Manaslu and green landscapes. Down the ridge, you can see wonderful villages of Ghandruk, Sinuwa, Chhomrong, and Dovan. When you reach high camp, there are no options for a hotel other than 1 Hotel Trekkers Paradise and Restaurant.

From the High Camp, the trail continues through the steep bluff towards the Upper Viewpoint. The path is bizarrely narrow over the ridge and is exposed on both sides, opening up the wild vistas of the overall Mardi. When you arrive at the viewpoint, you will be rewarded by the excellent views of the Machhapuchre peak, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Mardi Himal, and the villages of Dovan, Deurali, Sinuwa, Chhomrong, and Ghandruk. After spending some quality time on top, descend back to the Low Camp. Even the descending track is filled with excellent surprises. For the night, stay at the Low Camp.

From the Low Camp, descend to the Lwang via the trail to Ghalel. Walkthrough the pleasant forest until you make an appearance at the small but tranquil village of Ghalel. There, don’t miss out the exploration around beautiful Buddhist monasteries and Chortens, which is the major highlight of the Ghalel. From there, walk down the serene farm fields and pastures until arriving at Lwang. Explore the tea gardens and farm fields at Lwang.

Follow the natural stone stairs to the Khora Mukh. From there, catch a joyous ride to Pokhara.

Return to Kathmandu via the same route you have been before. It still has the charm to surprise you.

Finally, it is time to say goodbye to all the amazing friends and incredible mountains until next time you revisit Nepal.