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Mardi Himal Trek – 6 Days
6 Days Mardi Himal Trek Facts
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Weather |
Weather | -5°C to 22°C | View Weather Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
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Duration |
Duration | 6 Days | |
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Difficulty |
Difficulty | Moderate | View Difficulty Detail |
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Accommodation |
Accommodation | Lodges | |
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Meals Included |
Meals Included | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | |
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Best Season |
Best Season | Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April & May | |
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Transportation |
Transportation | Jeep | |
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Daily Activity |
Daily Activity | Approx. 5 - 6 hours | |
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Religion |
Religion | Buddhism | |
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Ethnic People |
Ethnic People | Gurung, Magar | |
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Geographic Terrain |
Geographic Terrain | Mountain, Hills, Forest, Village | |
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Region of Nepal |
Region of Nepal | Annapurna Region | |
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Max. Altitude |
Max. Altitude | 4500m./14850ft. |
Overview
6 Days Mardi Himal Trek is the best place to explore the less popular areas of the Annapurna region. Over the years, the trekkers have left the Mardi Himal trek untouched. Treks like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are popular in the Annapurna region, whereas Everest Base Camp Trek is extremely popular in the Khumbu region. However, the 6 days itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek has recently become popular for those looking for a short day trek.
Mardi Himal Trek lies at an altitude of 5,587m just below the Fishtail mountain. During your trek to Mardi Himal, you will witness some stunning mountain ranges, like Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. After opening in 2012 A.D., the Mardi Himal excursion takes 6 to 8 days. The trek length is generally based on the itinerary you or the trekking agency curated. During the initial years of the trek, the trails and the tea houses were not as crowded. But recently, the number of trekkers trekking to this destination has increased yearly.
During this trek, you can explore various places and attractions, such as Pokhara, Low Camp, High Camp, Siding, and Lumre. Before heading out for the 6-day Mardi Himal Trek, you want to learn about the routes and villages you will explore.
For a short video guide, visit this link:
Mardi Himal Short Video link :
Highlights of 6 Days Mardi Himal Trek
- Majestic views of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himal ranges
- Explore the Mardi Himal Base Camp and enjoy the views of Mardi Himal.
- Relish the newly opened trail east of the Annapurna Base Camp trail.
- Enjoy the ethnic Gurung culture and lifestyle.
- Witness the beautiful views of sunrise and sunset from the peak of the Mardi Himal.
- Explore through blooming rhododendrons and other flowers, especially in Spring.
- Enjoy the less crowded trek route, hotels, lodges, and tea houses, even in peak seasons.
- Stroll around beautiful Pokhara city and soak in the beautiful atmosphere of the lakeside area.
- Visit the Annapurna Conservation Area and get the chance to see endangered floras and faunas.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
6 Days Mardi Himal Trek ranges from easy to moderate difficulty, especially for beginners. The trek can be difficult if you don’t have prior trekking experience in high altitudes and are not physically fit. Some factors that make the Mardi Himal Trek difficult are altitude sickness, distance and duration, and rugged terrains.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude Sickness is one of the biggest factors that makes the Mardi Himal Trek difficult. As you trek around an altitude of over 3000m, the chances of altitude sickness increase considerably. Furthermore, the best chance of preventing altitude sickness is acclimatization; however, during the 6-day trek, it is hard to include the acclimatization day in your itinerary. So, if you are not acclimatizing when climbing an altitude over 4000m, the chance of altitude sickness increases tenfold.
Distance and Duration
The duration of the Mardi Himal Trek is quite short—6 days. However, you still have to cover 40 kilometers to complete this trek. This means you must trek for at least 4-5 hours daily in cold weather and rough terrain. Hence, it is not easy for beginners. However, paying attention to your physical fitness before trekking Mardi Himal will make your trek less difficult and more fun.
January
-5°C to 10°C
February
-3°C to 12°C
March
0°C to 15°C
April
5°C to 18°C
May
10°C to 20°C
June
12°C to 22°C
July
12°C to 21°C
August
12°C to 22°C
September
10°C to 20°C
October
5°C to 18°C
November
0°C to 15°C
December
-3°C to 12°C
Best Season for Mardi Himal Trek
The best 6-day Mardi Himal Trek season is between the Spring and Autumn seasons. Some people prefer to trek in Spring because of the clear weather, the ideal temperature, and the blossoming trekking trails filled with rhododendrons and other colorful flowers.
On the other hand, some people prefer the Autumn season. The start of the Autumn season marks the end of the rainy season, so there are fewer wet, slippery slopes and insects and leeches. Due to the rainy season prior, the atmosphere is clean, fresh, and green, whereas, during dusk time, the majestic amber color of the environment makes stunning views of the mountains.
Unlike Spring and Autumn, winter and monsoon seasons are not ideal for trekking and traveling. Monsoon season brings relentless rain at a lower altitude, which attracts many insects and leeches. The risk of landslides and floods is also high during monsoon season. Winter season is also less ideal for trekking Mardi Himal. The extreme cold, dynamic weather, and chances of snowstorms and avalanches make the trek difficult.
6 Days Mardi Himal Trek Day-to-day-Itinerary
Day 1
Drive to Deurali - Trek to forest Camp
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Trekking Time Average |
15km Hike (Avg 6hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Sun Rise or similar category |
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Altitude |
(2600m./8580ft.) |
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Included meals |
Lunch, Dinner |
Today, We first drive to Deurali. It is a short drive that takes us to the starting point of the trek. We drive through small settlements on the way. From Deurali, we start the trek and ascend through the beautiful forests of the rhododendron. We first arrive at Lovely Hill (also known as Gauda in the local community) after an hour’s walk, followed by a steep climb to Pani Khaldo. The trail gradually ascends to Dond Kharka after walking for one and a half hours. We will then reach Musalbari after about another 45-minute walk. It takes another 45 minutes to arrive at Forest camp finally. Overnight in the Forest camp.
Day 2
Trek to Badal Danda
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Trekking Time Average |
14km Hike (Avg 5hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel 360/Hotel Majesty |
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Altitude |
3300m.10890ft. |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The trek becomes more exciting, and the views improve as we ascend to Badal Danda. The trek to Badal Danda from Forest Camp takes us through the silent trails through the rhododendron and oak forests.
As we gain altitude, the weather and the vegetation change. We will pass by the rescue camp, rest camp, and low camp, then finally reach Badal Danda. We will have wonderful views of clouds under the hill and snowcapped mountains such as Fishtail, Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mardi Himal at the top. You will have a dramatic view in the afternoon at this place. Overnight in Badal Danda.
Day 3
Trek to High Camp
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Trekking Time Average |
9km Uphill Hike (Avg 3hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel Fishtail or Similar category |
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Altitude |
3,700m./12210ft |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Have breakfast with the morning view from the Lodge. As we head to High Camp, we get even better panoramic views of the mountains around us. The fishtail will be seen as really huge and just over your head. You will enjoy the walk. Overnight in High Camp.
Day 4
Excursion to Mardi View point – Visit Mardi Himal Base Camp – walk down to Badal Danda
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Trekking Time Average |
10km./4hrs Walk |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Hotel 360*/Hotel Majesty |
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Altitude |
3300m./10890ft |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
On this day, we pack breakfast and go on an early morning hike to Mardi Viewpoint to catch the sunrise. Then, we will walk to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest point on the whole trek. After breakfast, we start the trek across the stony trails that take us to the feet of Mardi Himal (5553m).
From the base camp, you can enjoy the panoramic view of mountains like Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna South ( 7219m.), Himchuli (6441m.), and Manaslu (8163m) among others from here. After spending some time and taking photographs at the base camp, we return to High Camp. We have lunch there, then trek to Badal Danda. Overnight in Badal Danda.
Day 5
Trek to Siddhing Village
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Trekking Time Average |
20km Hike (Avg 6hrs) |
|---|---|
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Accommodation |
Siddhing Home Stay or Similar category |
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Altitude |
1550m./5115ft |
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Included meals |
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After a wonderful breakfast at the lodge, we will descend through the steepest and most challenging part of the trek today. On the way past Low Camp, the trek will provide a beautiful view of mountains, forests, and small settlements. We will then walk downhill to Siddhing Village. We will overnight at the Siddhing Village homestay.
Day 6
Drive to Pokhara
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Trekking Time Average |
60km Drive (Avg 2:30 hrs) |
|---|---|
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Altitude |
820m./2706ft |
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Included meals |
Breakfast |
After breakfast, you will jump on the jeep toward Pokhara. You will drive on a gravel road for about two hours, then join the paved road at Hyangja. You will reach Pokhara after a 30-minute drive. Overnight in Pokhara.
What do you get in the Trip?
Included
- Tribhuwan International Airport ( Airport – Hotel – Airport ) transfer in Kathmandu.
- All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Lodge accommodation ( twin share basis) during the trekking.
- One experienced, well-trained, fluent English-speaking, friendly, government-authorized trekking guide and required porters (one porter for two persons).
- Guide and porter’s food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and transportation.
- Overland transportation as mentioned in the itinerary.
- ACAP( Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and necessary permits.
- A Trekking map, duffle bag, Oxygen saturation check every day, company t-shirt, first aid medical and trekking completion certificate, etc.
- Assistance for emergency rescue evacuation.
- Government tax and service charge.
- Public Liability Insurance.
Not included
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, laundry, phone bill, etc.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porters. ( Highly suggested ).
Route Map
Book the Trip
Available dates..
Currently, we do not have any scheduled group trips, but you are welcome to embark on the journey on a date that suits you best.
Mardi Himal Trek – 6 Days Departure Date
6 Days
Trip Days
16 Sep, 2024
Start Monday
21 Sep, 2024
End Saturday
0
Pax Booked
0
Group Size
Booking Open
Status
6 Days
Trip Days
23 Sep, 2024
Start Monday
28 Sep, 2024
End Saturday
0
Pax Booked
0
Group Size
Booking Open
Status
6 Days
Trip Days
30 Sep, 2024
Start Monday
5 Oct, 2024
End Saturday
0
Pax Booked
0
Group Size
Booking Open
Status
Need a private date?
The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.
Traveler Reviews
We met Tej through a friend. He was very welcoming to us and took care of us excellently for the 10 days we spent in Nepal. He arranged everything for us, from taxis around Kathmandu to visit the attractions, a water rafting experience and also a 4 day trek. I couldn't recommend Tej and his company enough. They are wonderful. Our trek was the highlight of our trip. The views and surroundings were stunning. Our guide for the trek was called Thal and he made it even better by being friendly and intelligent with very good English. I have nothing bad to say about Tej or his company. 10/10Joe Guerrero
Wigan, United Kingdom
I’ve got a good experience for my first trekking , which is Mardi Himal route. Thank you for good service and helpful guide:Nauser and porters: Samir and Supra. We will visit you again.Nuke Nique
Bangkok, Thailand
Additional Information Needed for Mardi Trek
What to Expect During the Short Mardi Himal Trek?
The Short Mardi Himal Trek offers a stunning and diverse trekking experience in the Annapurna region, with breathtaking views of peaks like Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhae (Fishtail). The Short Mardi Himal Trek takes you through lush forests, open meadows, and rugged terrains, showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where you can experience the local culture and warm hospitality.
This trek is relatively short, usually taking 4 to 5 days, and is of moderate difficulty, making it accessible to trekkers with a reasonable fitness level. The trail is less crowded, providing a peaceful experience, and accommodations are in basic but comfortable tea houses. With manageable altitudes and stunning scenery, the Short Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal option for those seeking a memorable adventure in the Himalayas within a limited time frame.
Meals and Accommodation Available During Mardi Trek
Mardi Himal Trails offers twin-sharing accommodation in a tented camp and breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. The trekking trails are filled with hotels, lodges, and tea houses. However, during the peak season, these accommodation facilities may be overcrowded. Generally, you will sleep in tea houses at higher altitudes, which provide a single room with twin beds. So, normally, you must share your room and bathroom with other trekkers.
Regarding food, you will have your meals three times per day during your trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The tea houses serve menus like Tea, Coffee, Bread, Chapati, Soups, and Cornflakes for breakfast. Local breakfast food items like Apple Custard and Banana Pickles are popular among local and foreign travelers.
For lunch and dinner, the staple dish is local Nepali cuisine: Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, which are lentils, rice, and vegetable curry. Some tea houses also offer Western menu items, such as pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, dumplings, thukpa, spaghetti, and macaroni.
Required Permits for Mardi Himal Trek
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Card are required for Mardi Himal Trekking. The ACAP helps fund conservation efforts and maintain the trekking trails in the region. Meanwhile, the TIMS Card is used to ensure the safety and security of trekkers by maintaining their records in the region. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project costs $30, and the TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is $20. Both permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek.
Routes of 6 Days Mardi Himal Trek
The six-day Mardi Himal Trekking begins in Pokhara. The City of Lakes sits south of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6993m) and houses various tourist attractions. Then, the trip begins as you drive to Deurali and begin the trek.
Next, the trek continues across isolated trails and reaches Forest Camp. From this stop, the trek resumes its original course and ascends north. The next part of the trek takes you to High Camp. From here, the views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains are pretty sublime.
Finally, you begin the trek to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The base camp offers a grand panorama of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and the mountains in the Annapurna range. Then, the return trek begins as you take a different route and head to Siddhing village. The village houses Gurung ethnic people and offers excellent insight into the lifestyle of the locals. You will drive back to Pokhara. Finally, a week’s trek ends.
Alternative Route Options for Mardi Himal Trek
Standard Route (Kande to Siding)
The Kande to Siding route is the most popular way to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The journey starts with a short drive to Kande, and on the first day, trekkers either walk to Deurali or Forest Camp. The trek goes through thick forests, villages, and different types of landscapes, ending at Siding Village. From Siding, you can take a jeep directly to Pokhara. The whole trek covers 42 km, with 5-7 hours of walking each day.
Connection Route (Ghandruk/Kyumi to Siding)
Trekkers who want to extend their trek after finishing the Annapurna Base Camp or Poonhill Trek often choose this option. You can start the extension either from Ghandruk or Kyumi. After leaving the Annapurna Base Camp route, the trail to Mardi Himal connects at Forest Camp. From there, you’ll follow the same path as the standard route until the end of the trek. If you start from Ghandruk, the trek will be 35 km long. If you start from Kyumi, it will be 31 km in total.
Short Route (Landruk to Siding)
This route is the shortest way to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp, making it the best choice if you’re short on time but still want to do the trek. However, keep in mind that this is a high-altitude trek, so rushing your schedule isn’t a good idea. The trek ends in Siding village, where you’ll need to hire a jeep to go to Pokhara. The road is rough and bumpy until you reach the Pokhara-Baglung Highway.
Long Route (Ghandruk to Kande)
This is the longest route to Mardi Himal, covering 52 km. If you have plenty of time, this is the best option for the trek. This route lets you explore more and avoids the rough roads of Siding. While the path from Kande isn’t the easiest, it’s much better than the one from Siding.
Mardi Himal Trek vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Route
Mardi Himal Trek: The Mardi Himal Trek lies in a remote, isolated settlement with less crowded routes. The trail leads you to the stunning ridge, the peak of Mardi Himal, where you will see panoramic views of the stunning mountains.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek route takes you through different terrain to the destination. You will pass through lush jungles, dense forests, vibrant valleys, freezing glaciers, and snow-capped mountains.
Terrains
Mardi Himal Trek: The terrain is quite moderate as you pass through some steep hills near the end of the ridge. Local people have also worked hard to maintain the terrain. However, the route may get slippery if you plan to trek in the monsoon.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: ABC Trek’s terrains are more challenging to scale. During ABC Trek, you’ll have to climb higher altitudes and pass through several types of rugged terrain, lush jungles, steeper steps, and snow-capped mountains.
Duration
Mardi Himal Trek: It takes from 4-6 days to complete Mardi Himal Trek.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: It takes 10 to 14 days to complete ABC Trek.
Difficulty Level
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is more challenging for beginners than the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. First and foremost, the Mardi Himal Trek is a shorter duration trek than the ABC trek. Furthermore, the altitude you must climb is lower, and the paths are comparatively nicer than the ABC trek.
However, there is less time for acclimatization during the Mardi Himal Trek, whereas you can include 1-2 days of acclimatization for the ABC trek. So, the chance of suffering from altitude sickness is higher during the Mardi Himal trek.
How is Our Mardi Himal Trek Different From Others?
Many companies provide different types of offers and packages for Mardi Himal Trek:
However, our trekking company, Nepal Alternative Treks, provides more services that make it different from other companies.
Reliable Travel Agency
Nepal Alternative Treks is a reputable travel agency with many years of experience and a proven track record. Our clients choose us for the first time and always return as they know they are in the right hands.
Your Curated Itinerary
We at Nepal Alternative Treks are all ears for your interest. We have a pre-determined itinerary for all the treks, such as the 6-Day Mardi Himal Trek, which you can select and move in immediately or curate your own. You can add or remove the days for the itinerary that suit you best and is ideal for your budget.
Safety First
Safety first nature makes our trekking agency special and different from others. Our itineraries and guides are properly curated, highly trained, and experienced. They also have a broad knowledge of Mardi Himal Treks as they have trekked the region for many years. You will be getting all the help, guidance, and instructions throughout your trek
Gear List
Clothing
- Base layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
- Trekking Shirts: Lightweight, breathable shirts.
- Trekking Pants: Quick-drying and durable.
- Fleece Jacket: For warmth during colder parts of the trek.
- Down Jacket: Lightweight and warm for high altitudes and evenings.
- Waterproof Jacket & Pants: To protect against rain and wind.
- Trekking Socks: Comfortable, moisture-wicking
- Gloves: Insulated and waterproof.
- Hat & Cap: Warm hat for cold and sun cap for daytime.
Footwear
Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well-broken-in.
Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or sneakers for the evenings.
Accessories
- Backpack: 30-40 liters with a rain cover.
- Sleeping Bag: Rated for temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celcius.
- Trekking Poles: For stability on rough terrain.
- Headlamp: This has extra batteries for early starts or evening use.
- Water Bottle/Bladder: At least 2 liters capacity.
- Sunglasses: UV protection for the strong mountain sun.
- Sunblock & Lip Balm: High SPF to protect from sunburn.
Miscellaneous
- First Aid Kit: Basic supplies, including blister care.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits for quick energy.
- Map/Guidebook: Helpful for navigation, though trails are well-marked.
- Camera/Phone: To capture the stunning views with a power bank.
Gears required for the trek vary upon destination and season. A comprehensive list of gear for all activities is listed on our dedicated page of Trekking Gear List
Frequently
Asked Questions
How long does it take to trek Mardi Himal?
How to prepare for Mardi Himal Trek?
Is Mardi Trek risky?
Can you trek Mardi Himal without a guide?
Is the Mardi Himal Trek route crowded?
What is the highest point of Mardi Trek?
How much elevation gain is Mardi Himal?
Can you climb Mardi Himal?
What animals are in the Mardi Himal trek?
Is Travel Insurance Required For Mardi Himal Trek
We value
Service Excellence
We thank our guests for trekking with us, reviewing our services, and making us eligible for the prestigious awards. We also sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their unwavering commitment and continuous support of our company. Without their hard work, dedication, and passion, the awards and achievements we have received wouldn’t be possible.
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