Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek – Annapurna Range

Join Ocean Vertical in Nepal from 2nd - 15th November 2024 or 22nd March- 4th April 2025

£2195pp

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About Us

We are passionate about the natural world and its beautiful wild places.

We have a deep respect and appreciation for the environment and a love for adventure and silent human-powered sports.

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A once in a lifetime opportunity to be immersed in the vastness of the Himalayas.

Experience the Magical Annapurna Region

Connect With Local Nepalese Culture, and New Team Mates

Nepal Trekking Expedition – The Adventure of a Lifetime

Ocean Vertical’s Nepal trekking expedition is an incredible opportunity to experience Nepalese culture, to be immersed in the vastness of the Himalayas and to connect with locals and team mates alike.

Over 14 days together we will experience the historical sights of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, before taking a spectacular flight over the Himalayas to the lakeside town of Pokhara, where we will begin our 8 day trek through the Mardi Himal.

Customer Reviews

“Mollie & Stevie from Ocean Vertical have put together an incredible trekking experience in a location that has to be seen to be believed. They and their chosen guiding company (3 Sisters trekking) were so organised, and I came home with memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t think, book!”

Michael | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“If you’re on the fence about going to Nepal, get off it and book it now! I’d been on a paddleboarding adventure with Ocean Vertical, and they seemed like the perfect company to help fulfil this bucket list trip. I can’t imagine a better organised trip – Stevie and Mollie took care of everything – beyond flights to Kathmandu I really didn’t have to think about anything.

The hiking trek that they picked within Nepal was amazing, and not one I would have known to book if it wasn’t for them, and the three sisters guide company they used were something else – I think we all miss the guides and they were central to the success of the trip.

I honestly can’t recommend this trip enough – well planned, amazingly fun, and with a great group of people.

Get on the next one – you won’t regret it.”

Debbie | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“An absolute must for those with an appetite for an adventure, but nervous about risks and the unknown. Mollie and the brilliant team she built are perfectly placed to deliver that adventure of your lifetime with 100% of the moments to remember and none to forget!”

Zu | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“The Ocean Vertical expedition to Nepal was incredible. Every day was different, the food was delicious, the country is stunning and our guides from Three Sisters were so much fun and kept our spirits up each day! Stevie & Mollie were fantastic leaders and very passionate
about what they do which made the trip even more special. Look forward to going on another adventure with Ocean Vertical soon!”

Alison | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“It’s hard to pick out my favourite part of the expedition, but the sunrise walk to the Mardi Himal viewpoint was amazing – absolutely the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to – we were moved to tears!”

Caren | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“Mollie and Stevie were wonderful team leaders from Ocean Vertical. The calm experience of Mollie, shone through. Stevie’s technical knowledge of all thing’s mountains, was really reassuring. I know that they both were always there for the expedition members when we needed help, but in such a calm and relaxed way.”

Nerina | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“This professionally run, friendly expedition was satisfying on so many levels. It perfectly balanced a pleasantly strenuous hike, in the most awe-inspiring setting, with many wonderful cultural experiences. We were close to nature and living simply for a week, it was cleansing and invigorating.”

Jane | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“The most amazing experience, one I will personally treasure and hold the memories dear.”

Beverley | 2023 Expedition Team Member

“I feel very lucky to have gone trekking in Nepal with such great hosts. The views were stunning, the achievement of getting up there felt fantastic, and we had enough time to really soak up the mountains and the culture.”

Paul | 2023 Expedition Team Member

See our verified reviews on Tripadvisor

The Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal trek is a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek takes you off the beaten track, away from busy trails and has the feeling of a real adventure. We will trek through ancient rhododendron forests, traverse high ridge lines surrounded by towering mountains and experience traditional Gurung Villages.

We have chosen this specific trek for a number of reasons, it is quieter than many other treks in the region, it has truly jaw dropping scenery of some of the world’s highest mountains including Dhaulagiri; the world’s 7th highest mountain, Annapurna 1; the world’s 10th highest mountain, Machhapuchhare a sacred, unclimbed fish-tailed mountain and many, many more.

Your expedition will be led by 2 x Everest summiteer and Ocean Vertical director Mollie Hughes, Ocean Vertical co-founder and professional mountaineer Stevie Boyle as well as our local expert female trekking guides from 3 Sisters Adventures Trekking.

What Makes Ocean Vertical’s Nepal Trekking Expedition Special?

The Himalayas – You will experience an incredible journey, off the beaten path and away from the crowds with stunning views of Himalayan giants.
Connection – Our expedition will be co-led by 3 Sisters Trekking company who are pioneers in training and employing female trekking guides across the Himalayas.
Unique – Your expedition will be led by highly experienced Ocean Vertical leaders with extensive experience in Nepal.
Culture – You will experience the historical sights of Nepal’s capital, the culture of remote Gurung Villages as well as learning from your trekking guides and assistants on their unique lives as some of Nepal’s only female trekking guides.
Logistics – Ocean Vertical will provide extensive pre-departure support and advice. Once in the country, all major expenses are included so you will spend very little money in Nepal.

Expedition Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Kathmandu
You will be collected from the airport and transported to our hotel in Kathmandu, you will have time to settle in before the group enjoys a traditional Nepalese dinner.

Day 2 – Explore Kathmandu
A half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s most impressive landmarks including Boudhanath stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Durbar Square. Followed by any last minute kit shopping/organising and a group dinner.

Day 3 – Fly to Pokhara
Today we take the 30 minute flight from Kathmandu to the lakeside town of Pokhara. Here we will meet our Nepalese guides from 3 Sisters trekking company, we will have a briefing meeting about our trek and enjoy a nights stay at the 3 Sisters Lodge.

Nepal Trekking Expedition – The 8 Day Trek Begins!

Day 4
After breakfast we will take a 1-hour drive to the starting point of our trek: the small village of Khare. From here it is a gentle climb to our first destination, Thulo Kharka (1950 m) where we arrive by early afternoon and stay overnight in our first Tea House.

Today will be a short warm up hike of 3km with 1066m ascent (including drive ascent).

Day 5
The trail now takes us deep into the greenery of mountain oak, birch, rhododendron, and hemlock. Today we will walk for 5-7 hours to our destination, Forest Camp and our Tea House at 2550 m.

Today we will hike for 12km with 600m ascent.

Day 6
We begin a steady, gentle climb from Forrest Camp to our Tea House at Lower Camp (3,400m) increasing the altitude with every step.

Today we will hike for just 5km but with 900m ascent.

Day 7
Today we make our way to the highest overnight point on the ridge (4100 m). We leave the forest behind and reach the meadows with grazing sheep. Again the views are breath-taking as we can see the widespread Gurung villages and follow the trail up to Annapurna Base Camp.

Today we hike for 15km with 700m ascent.

Day 8
In the morning we climb to the highest point of our trek (4500 m) – the crest of Mardi Himal.

The great ice fields and the blue glaciers of the Sanctuary Wall lie below, and we are encircled by a dozen of glistening mountain giants. We descend to our Tea House at Lower Camp after lunch as this part of the mountains doesn’t invite an overnight stay.

Today we hike for 15km with 400m ascent and 700m descent.

Day 9
After the exhilaration of the previous day, we slowly make the descent through shady forest and terraced fields to Saiti Ghhata. We spend the night on the banks of the Mardi River (1350 m).

Today we hike for 8.5 km with 1500m of descent.

Day 10
Today you will walk through traditional Nepalese villages, enjoying village life, experience people working in the field with stunning mountain views above.

Today we hike for 8.5km with 580m descent.

Day 11
Today we leave mountain views behind and begin our journey back to the lakeside. After about an hour walk to Khora Mukh we meet the bus and drive back to Pokhara. We spend another night at 3 Sisters Lodge.

Today we hike for 9km with 400m descent.

Nepal Trekking Expedition – More Adventure Awaits!

Day 12 – Pokhara Free Day
A day to relax and celebrate our trek by the lake in Pokhara. Here there are plenty of restaurants, shopping opportunities and lovely walks.

For those still after more adventure, there is the option to book an additional activity through 3 Sisters including, paragliding, bungee jumping, zip lining and white water rafting!

For those wanting a relaxing day, there are options to hire a boat on the lake, book a massage, a yoga class or simply relax by the lake.

Day 13 – Fly to Kathmandu
Today we fly back to Kathmandu, there will be time in the afternoon for shopping, sightseeing, and packing before a final evening meal together.

Day 14 – Fly Home
Today we say goodbye to Nepal (for now!) and catch our flights home. Your airport transfer from our hotel is included.

Nepal Trekking Expedition – Three Sisters Trekking Company

Ocean Vertical’s Nepal trekking expedition 2024 will be co-led by our friends at 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking, based out of Pokhara Nepal. 3 Sisters Adventure Trekking are pioneers in training and employing female guides for treks across the Himalayas.

Since 1994, the three sisters, Lucky, Dicky and Nicky Chhetri have worked to empower women in Nepal through their company 3 Sister Adventure Trekking, an organisation for women, by women.

In Nepalese society, women generally receive less education than men and are expected to follow a traditional lifestyle. In the early 90’s no one would have dreamed of Nepalese women guiding trekking expeditions in Nepal. The three sisters were pioneers in their field and through their guide training programme have now empowered over 2,000 women from all over Nepal. Many have become trekking guides and others have gained the confidence to find employment elsewhere..

“Our goal is to encourage our fellow Nepali sisters to become self-supportive, independent, decision-making women.”

We are proud to work with this inspiring organisation and can’t wait for you to meet our trekking guides to hear their inspiring stories first hand.

Trekking Expeditions to Nepal

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Trekking in the Annapurna region, Nepal.

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Machhapuchhare, a sacred, unclimbed mountain.

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Rowing boats on Pokhara Lake.

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Mollie Hughes with Lucky Chhetri, founder of 3 Sisters Trekking.

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The fish-tailed mountain, Machhapuchhare.

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The Mardi Himal Trek

Trip Overview

Availability

2nd - 15th Nov 2024 / 22nd Mar - 4th Apr 2025

Duration

14 Days total with 8 Day Trek

Difficulty

Challenging - Requires a Good Level of Fitness

Language

English

Meeting Point

Kathmandu Airport

Minimum Age

18

Total Trek Distance

76km Over 8 Days

Maximum Elevation

4500 m / 14,760 ft

Group Size

Maximum 14

Minimum Number

8

What’s included (and not)

Included

Two Ocean Vertical Expedition Leaders including Mollie Hughes
Pre-departure support and advice from Ocean Vertical leaders
Local female guides from 3 Sisters Trekking
Local trekking assistants from 3 Sisters Trekking
Breakfast and dinner in Kathmandu
Three meals per day while trekking
Afternoon tea & snacks while on the trek
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Airport transfers
Accommodation for the duration of the trek (2 persons per room)
Complimentary massage after the trek from Seeing Hands, a blind organisation
Free Ocean Vertical t-shirt

Not Included

International flights to / from Kathmandu
Nepalese Visa (15 days US$30 or 30 days US$50) available to obtain when you land at KTM airport.
Travel and trekking insurance which should include emergency rescue (OV to advise)
Alcohol and soft drinks
Personal clothing and equipment (Full packing list provided on booking)
Sorry - OV Discount Codes can't be used for this Expedition