Mardi Himal Khopra Danda Poon Hill Trek-17 days Pokhara Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1300m)
Receive you at Kathmandu airport and bring you in hotel.Trek meeting and briefing in the evening and stay night at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m)
We drive to pokhara early in the morning. It takes about 6/7hours by bus. We reach afternoon in pokhara. Pokhara offers the magnificent view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri himalayan range. Fewa lakes is another attraction of pokhara. Pokhara itself rich in natural beauty. It is also possible to drive by private car and also by flight. For this the cost comes an addtional in the package cost and stay night at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Pokhara to Lwang(1460m) via Astam(6 hours walk)
Today is first day of the trek, we drive to Milanchok and trek to Lwang through the villages Astham and Dhital Gaun to Lwang.Lwang village offer unique Gurung culture , costoms and tradition. It is worth to stay at Lwang to observe the daily lifestyle of Nepalese Societies.
Day 04: Lwang to Sidding (1950m, 5-6 hrs)
After having breakfast, we walk to Sidding village though Kalimati, Ghalel and Lumre. 
Day 05: Siding to High camp(3500m, 6-7 hrs)
After having breakfast, we descend same trail down to High Camp via Low Camp where we take lunch break.We trek through the Rhododendron and Oak forest. Overnight at High Camp.
Day 06: Day excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp(4500m, 7 hrs)
Today we hike to Mardi Himal base camp taking Pack lunch with us. We have almost whole day the pictorial view of Annapurna Range, Himchuli, Glacier Dome, Bara shikhar, Gangapurna and many more. We will encounter goat,Yak/Zokpke and Herder Hut on the way in our day hiking. We will take group photo from view point of Mardi Himal basecamp and same way back to High Camp. Do not be puzzle with name High Camp and base camp,
Day 07: High camp to Low camp(3050m, 4-5 hrs).
An hour of uphill, we will have surprising view of Himalyas where we make short photo break. We will have panorama view of Himalayas, Rhododendron bushes and Chumrung, Ghandruk village very nicely. The trees bourndry lines get slowly thinner and finally reach to High camp. Some adventure travels make paragliding from here to Pokhara. Lunch camp at High camp. We will wait for evening sunset view in sunny day. There is possibility to see Danfee, the national birds of Nepal on the way.
Day 08:  Low camp to Landruk(1900, 6-7 hrs)
Today we enter another beautiful off the beaten path to Mardi Himal Trek, a fresh travel destination in Annapurna Trekking Route. We enjoy the close view of Machhapuchre Himal and Himchuli and many more mountains. After having breakfast, the route leads downhill to Forest Camp through Rhododendron,Maple, Hemlock, Himalayan Bambos and Oak forest to Landruk for overnight stay.
Day 09: Landruk trek to Tadapani (2610m, 6-7 hours)
Today first part we walk down to the river side then steep climb up to Ghandruk Village and continue trek to Tadapani, it is quite long walking. Ghandruk is quite big village in the Annapurna, Nepal. Ghandruk is a popular place for treks in the Annapurna range of Nepal, with easy trails and various accommodation possibilities. After Ghandruk village we are walking through the huge green jungle with different trees and animals. Finally you reach at Tadapani; most of walking time sees the excellent mountains views and vistas. Overnight at Teahouse
Day 10: Tadapani to Dobato((3,448m, 5 hours, 7 km).
Breakfast and today starts on a forest trail filled with rhododendrons and bamboo. The Annapurna range accompanies you on the right. As you trek further, the trail enters deep forests. Oaks appear here. Now, the trail descends. After about 30 minutes, you again start climbing up. This bring you very close to the tree line. From here, you can see the ridge which is a part of the trail from Dobato to Khopra Ridge. After an hour’s climb you reach Meshar. Fill your water bottles here. Straight ahead of you are Mt Annapurna (10th highest mountain in the world) and Mt Annapurna Fang (7,647 m). The 2 mountains remain visible for the next two hours, till you reach Isharu. From Meshar, the trail gradually ascends till Isharu, the second viewpoint of the day. You are just above the tree line here. The views from Isharu are outstanding – the panorama includes Mt Annapurna II, Mt Annapurna IV, Mt Ganesha Himal along with other peaks of the Annapurna range. The next hour till Dobato is a mix of ascent and descent. After reaching Dobato, have lunch at the teahouse.
After a short break, set out for the best place on this trek – the MULDHAI peak view point. There is a reason this place has such a reputation among locals. You see twenty-two snow peaks out of which two are among the fourteen highest mountains in the world – Mt Dhaulagiri I (7th highest) and Mt Annapurna I (9th highest). The complete Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range with Mt Tukuche and Mt Nilgiri North and South are a sight to behold, especially at sunset. If you want to witness this magic again, don’t forget to come back for sunrise the next day.
Day 11: Dobato to Khopra ridge(3,668m, 7 hours, 10.8km)
Start early from Dobato since it’s a long day today. After 30 minutes of ascent you will reach a junction. The trail to the right leads to the hidden lake and the one to the left goes to Khopra Ridge. Halt here and capture the last view of all the mountain peaks of the Annapurna range. Don’t worry, these mountain views will soon be replaced by the Dhaulagiri range. Take the trail leading to Khopra ridge. After 15 minutes, the Dhaulagiri range appears to the left. This is also an indication that you are close to your first rest point, Bayali. From Bayali, the trail descends for two hours through a forest. This brings you to Chhistibang, a tea house inside the forest. Have lunch here. Make sure you eat a light lunch – you have 3 more hours of trekking to complete.
From Chhistibang, the trail ascends continuously. There are multiple small streams and small waterfalls all along. On both sides of the ridge, clouds form a small playground and enchant you with their changing forms. From here, every step towards Khopra takes you up-close to the Dhaulagiri range. Watch the sun and clouds prepare for a perfect sunset. On reaching Khopra, you see majestic mountain ranges all around you. Mt Annapurna South, Mt Annapurna Fang, Mt Annapurna I, Mt Nilgiri South and North, Mt Tukuche and the Dhaulagiri range welcome you. The tea house here itself is a view point.
Day 12: Khopra ridge to Khayar lake and back(4,560 m, 8 hours, 15.5 km)
Start early today. It’s the summit day and the longest day of the trek. The initial 45 mins is a level walk with scenic views of the Dhaulagiri range. The trail turns into a ridge walk with multiple climbs and descents for the next two hours. Take a look to your left – in addition to the Dhaulagiri range, you will see the world’s deepest valley, Kaligandaki, between Mt Tukuche and Mt Nilgiri North.
Slowly the trail brings you to an open field surrounded by barren mountains. This is similar to the cold desert landscape of Spiti in the Indian Himalayas. This also means that you are approaching Khayar lake. A small dhaba at Khayar Ghat welcomes you with some local tea and snacks. From here, it is another 1.5 hours’ trek to Khayar lake. The trail ascends continuously from here, on steps. All along, there is are symbols of a temple and bells clubbed together, which is a sign of khayar lake and mythological stories of the area. Before you see the lake, you see Mt Annapurna South. The lake is at its foothill.
The lake is surrounded with praying flags, bells and a lone temple. Sit down here for a while and take in the surroundings. You have reached the highest point of the trek. In the month of July a yatra (pilgrimage) is undertaken by Nepalis who visit Khayar lake to seek fulfilment of wishes and sacrifice an animal to lord Shiva. They believe that if the wish comes true, they will have to return as a token of thanksgiving. It will take around 3.5 to reach Khopra Ridge on the same trail. Have lunch at Khayar ghat on the way. Every step on the descent is an ideal spot to view the sunset.
Day 13: Khopra Ridge to Swantha(2,270m, 5 hours, 9.6km).
Today’s trek starts with a ridge walk which which descends into the forest. Up to Chhistibang, it’s the same trail that you took to get to Khopra ridge. After 2 hours of continuous descent, you reach Chhistibang. At Chhistibang, the trail splits. The one to the left goes back down to Dobato. Avoid this, and take the trail to the right – this leads to Swantha and further on to Ghorepani. From Chhistibang, you will trek through a dense forest which is entirely different from the initial two days of forest trails. You mostly find oaks here, followed by bamboo. Three more hours of trekking through this forest trail brings you to a village named Swantha. There is a lot of agricultural land here, but very few tea houses. Your tea house is near a basketball court. Enjoy your rest of the day exploring the quiet village life of Shwata.
Day 14: Swantha to Ghorepani(2,850 m, 4.5 hours, 9 km)
The trek today begins by descending right down to a water stream. Here, you cross the only bridge on the trek. After crossing the bridge the trail goes uphill but it is not very steep. After a hiking for about an hour, you will reach the village of Chitre. The next three hours of the hike is a mix of ascents and descents. After about 1.5 hours, You can see Ghorepani in the distance. Ghorepani is one of the most developed villages in Annapurna Conservation Area. There are hotels here instead of teahouses. You also find bakeries and clubs. Another popular trek to the base camp of Poon hill starts from here. If you’re interested to do this trek you have an option to go till Poon hill which is 45 minutes from your tea house. The entire Dhaulagiri range is visible from Poon hill top.
Day 15: Ghorepani to Ulleri(1,960 m, 3-4 hours trek, 7 km + 2-3 hours drive to Pokhara, 34 km).
The last day of the trek takes you till Ulleri which falls on the old route for Muktinath. Because of this it is also known as old pilgrimage route. It’s a completely easy descent through forests for initial 2 hours. Post that you walk along a water stream till the time you reach Ulleri. Your trek ends here. Take a Jeep and reach Pokhara.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Breakfast and get a tourist bus drive to Kathmandu. It is also possible to drive by private vehicle and also by flight to Kathmandu. For this cost will come an extra cost. Spend night in Pokhara. 
Day 17: Kathmandu Airport
Breakfast and free day on your own until the airport time, and final transfer to Kathmandu airport  to get your flight back to  home.

Cost Includes

• Airport Pick up and departure transfer
• Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu by tourist bus transfer
• Standard twin sharing Hotel in kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
• Necessary Trekking Permit - ACAP and TIMS card
• Sharing jeep or private cab transfer - Pokhara to trek start/ending point to Pokhara.
• English speaking guide and all his expenses during trek
• Basic tea house or homestay accommodation during the trek
• 3 times meals-Breakfast, Lunch and dinner during the trek.
• Service charge,Goverment Tax and Vat

Cost not included

• Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Sightseeing tour
• Private transfer and flight cost - Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu
• Travel Insurnace in case of emergency for rescue and other medication
• Tips for guide and porter
• Porter to carry your luggage
• Expenses of personal nature like hot shower, wifi, internet, telephone.
• All the cost not mention on above cost includes

Best Season for trekking Poon Hill and Mardi Himal
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be done all year round, however it’s easier when there isn’t rain or snow on the trails.So, the best time to do the Poon Hill trek is from March to June and September to December. In these months, the weather is clearer and the temperature moderate, when only the morning and evenings are a bit chilly, leaving the days perfectly clear for splendid views of the mountains.

Equipment for Poon Hill Mardi Himal Trek
In case that you’re travelling just with a carry-on suitcase or backpacking in Southeast Asia, you don’t need to worry about the clothes you need to bring for the trek because you can rent everything you need in Kathmandu and Pokhara. And the prices are really good.But you must bring:

Head
Sun hat or scarf
Warm fleece hat
Sunglasses with UV protection
Feet
Thin, lightweight inner socks
Thick, warm woolen hiking socks
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Gaiters for hiking in winter
Hands
Lightweight gloves
Lower Body
Under Garments
Hiking shorts
Lightweight cotton long pants
Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Upper Body
T-shirts
Light weight thermal tops
Fleece jackets or pullovers
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jackets
Accessories
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
Headlamp with spare batteries
Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
Basic First Aid Kit
Large plastic bags – for keeping Items dry inside the trekking bags
Trekking Poles
Water bottles
Toiletries
Toiletries
Tooth brush/paste
Multipurpose soap
Nail cutter
Small mirror
Personal Hygiene:
Wet wipes
Tissue /toilet roll
Anti-bacterial hands wash

Altitude Sickness
The Ghorepani Poon hill trek has a very low chance of altitude sickness. The highest point is Poon Hill at 3250 meters high. Here you might experience some mild symptoms like being tired and more easily out of breath. However, as you will descend to lower altitudes on the same day this should not pose a problem. 

Passport and Visa
All foreigners except Indian nationals need a visa to enter Nepal. You can get an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport or Nepal border regional offices. For a visa application, you need a passport valid for at least six months, a passport size photo, and visa application fees.The current visa cost for 30 days is US$50 which you have to pay in USD cash. Children under the age of 10 will get a free visa. Chinese citizens and citizens of SAARC countries:Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka get a free visa.The citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan will not get visa on arrival in Nepal.

Tipping in Nepal
Nepali culture accepts tipping and views it as proof of good service. However, tipping is at the traveler’s discretion and should reflect the quality of service provided.We advise you to tip at the end of the trek. 

Trip Extension
After completion of Poon Hill Trek, if you have extra days, we can arrange sightseeing tours around Kathmandu. Also cater your 2 nights 3 days Chitwan Jungle Safari tour, paragliding, rafting, canyoning, Everest Mountain Flight, Heli tour to ABC, EBC and Langtang.

Money Matter
Nepali Rupees (NPR/Rs) is the local currency and 1 USD =Rs 120 NPR.You can exchange most foreign currencies in banks and other financial institutions or money exchanges in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Money exchanges display exchange rates visibly for the public.

Please note that only Indian Rupee Notes (INR) of 100 and 2000 denominations are legal in Nepal. We recommend you to bring cash and exchange them for Nepali Rupees at money exchanges instead of traveler's Cheque are not accepted now in Nepal.You can also withdraw cash in Nepalese Rupees using your credit/debit card from ATMs in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can withdraw up to Rs. 35,000 for a fee of Rs 500. Most banks in Asia do not accept old, torn and faded foreign currency notes so bring clean new notes.

Travel Insurance 
Travel insurance is compulsory for Poon Hill Trek. Though this is an easy trek with low risk of AMS. However, this mountain journey is not a normal visit due to the possibility of unforeseen or unexpected events such as injury, illness, flood, landslide and sudden climate changes.All trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation - including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes. We kindly request you to send your detailed insurance policy copy before trekking departures. In case of emergencies, we will use the documents you sent us for rescue. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please make sure with the insurance company that they cover helicopter evacuation at high altitude trek along with medical costs. 

Expenses of Personal Nature
Our package does not include meals and accommodation costs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Moreover, all our valuable clients need to bring personal spending money to cover visa fee, travel insurance policy purchase, beverages, snacks for the trek, hot (tea/coffee) and cold drinks, tips to guide and porter, souvenirs and so on. We recommend you to bring cash in major currencies which you can easily exchange for rupees in Nepal. Poon Hill Trek accept only Nepalese currency.

Water and Electricity
Electricity is available for camera and mobile battery recharge at an extra cost. You can buy either packed mineral water from local lodges and en route shop or fill your water bottle with boiled water at an extra cost. If you require, we can provide you with water purification pills. You shouldn't drink water from rivers, taps and wells in trek as the water might not be drinkable.

Solo Travelers-Single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Minimum Age-You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a our tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the mini