10 Day Mardi Himal Yoga Trekking and Heritage Site Tour in Nepal

Mardi trek is located directly east of the most popular journey to Annapurna, alongside the magnificent and imposing Fishtail Mountain, and is one of the closest treks to the newly inaugurated routes in the region. The Mardi Himal trek begins with a 40-minute drive from Pokhara to Naudanda Kande on the Beni Baglung Highway, followed by a one-and-a-half-hour hike to Australian Camp. Australian Camp offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Pokhara valleys. The camp at Pitam Deurali is located between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal and overlooks the Modi Khola gorge and rhododendron forest. There will be two hours of yoga and meditation (one hour each) from 07:00 to 09:00.

The Mardi Himal trek starts at Kande after a one-hour drive from Pokhara. The trail is good, beginning with a gradual ascent and becoming steeper up to Australian Camp (2060 meters, about one hour), followed by a slight descent to Pothana (1950 meters), then ascending again to Deurali (2100 meters). At Deurali, a right turn signposted “Forest Camp” leads into the जंगल. The trail initially climbs, then undulates along the ridge. Just over halfway, the trail drops steeply before gradually ascending again and returning to the ridge, reaching Forest Camp (2600 meters). The trail is initially quite steep when leaving Forest Camp, but it soon becomes less steep as it rejoins the ridge.

The trail leaves Low Camp through the forest, but the trees gradually become smaller. After about one hour of trekking, the trail opens onto a ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to the left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another four to five hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters) and return to High Camp in around four hours. This makes a long day, but there is also a viewpoint about halfway where the views are equally impressive. Afterward, the trail descends to Siding via Low Camp. From Siding, there is a drive back to Pokhara. Some of the best views of the Annapurna range can be seen from Mardi Himal.

Three mountains in the region rise above 8,000 meters: Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), and Manaslu (8,163 meters). The trek between Pokhara and Mardi Himal is approximately 31.0 kilometers (19 miles). This is a significant hike through rhododendron जंगल in an eco-friendly environment in the Annapurna region. The four-night, five-day short Mardi trek begins in Pokhara and travels through Kande, Pothana, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and Siding village. The itinerary below is for reference only. Goniyore Yog ashram Nepal may adjust the itinerary according to time schedule, requirements, budget, and weather.

Day 1: arrival

Arrive in Kathmandu and stay overnight at Hotel Tradition and Spa.

Day 2: drive to Pokhara

Start the day early for a six- to seven-hour road trip from Kathmandu to the scenic city of Pokhara. Enjoy beautiful hills and villages along the way. Pokhara is known for its stunning mountain views and serene lakes. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

Day 3: drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana

Early in the morning, drive for one hour to reach Phedi and begin the Mardi Himal trek. Climb the stairs from Phedi. The trail ascends through rhododendron and pine forests to Dhampus, a Gurung village known for magnificent views of the Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu. Continue ascending to reach the small village of Pothana, surrounded by forests and offering beautiful mountain views. The TIMS/ACAP card will be obtained at the checkpoint in Pothana. Overnight in Pothana.

Day 4: trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2554 meters)

After breakfast, begin the trek with a steep uphill climb through dense forest, with views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is home to various wildlife, and there may be sightings of rare birds and animals along the way. After approximately five hours of walking, stay at a tea house.

Day 5: Forest Camp to High Camp (3980 meters)

The trail from Forest Camp to High Camp involves a steep ascent through rhododendron and juniper forest. The route includes alternating steep climbs and relatively flat sections. Upon reaching the top, there are rewarding views of the Annapurna range and Mount Machhapuchhre. Overnight at High Camp.

Day 6: trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4350 meters)

Wake up early to experience the sunrise over the Annapurna range from High Camp. After breakfast, begin the ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek is challenging, following a narrow and rocky trail. The effort is rewarded with stunning mountain views and pristine surroundings at the base camp. After spending time at the base camp, return to High Camp. Overnight at High Camp.

Day 7: trek to Siding village

Descend steeply to Low Camp, then continue trekking through the forest to Mardi Khola. After walking along the river and through the forest, reach the welcoming village of Siding. Overnight at Siding village.

Day 8: trek to Saidighatta and drive to Pokhara

After breakfast, begin an easy descent to Lumre. The trail follows the Mardi River valley and gradually descends through pastures and villages inhabited by Tamang and Gurung communities. Transportation will be arranged at Lumre for a one-hour drive to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 9: drive back to Kathmandu

After exploring Pokhara, take a six-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Enjoy views of villages, rivers, and hills along the way. In the evening, return to the hotel for a Nepali cultural program with a local dinner.

Day 10: departure

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Daily schedule

• 06:00 Sit in a comfortable posture and begin pranayama practice (Bidduut)

What you learn

• Pranayama, Kapalvati, Anulom Bilom, Agnisar, Bhramari, Om chanting mantra
• 07:00 Postures, Surya Namaskar, and Hridya Asan
• 07:30 Pranayama
• 08:00 Yoga Nidra with cosmic sound therapy

What you will learn

Warm up the body with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation), including stretching and various postures

Pranayama is a core yogic practice involving regulation and control of breath, derived from Sanskrit:

Prana – life force or vital energy

Ayama – extension, expansion, or control

Pranayama refers to expanding or controlling life force. It is considered a bridge between the physical body and the mind (mental and spiritual) and is one of the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga as outlined by Patanjali Yoga Sutra.

Benefits of pranayama

• Improves lung capacity and respiratory health
• Balances the nervous system (reduces stress and anxiety)
• Purifies nadis (energy channels)
• Enhances concentration and clarity
• Balances the seven chakras of the human body
• Boosts immune function
• Supports emotional and mental stability
• Prepares the mind for meditation

Types of pranayama

• Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing) – cleanses nadis, balances left and right brain, calms the mind, relieves stress and anxiety
• Anulom Vilom – inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other, balances energy and reduces mental tension
• Bhastrika (bellows breath) – slow but forceful inhalation and exhalation using abdominal muscles; energizes, removes toxins, improves oxygen flow
• Kapalbhati – passive inhale and forceful exhale through the nose; detoxifies the body, activates the brain and digestive fire
• Bhramari (humming bee breath) – inhale deeply and exhale with a humming sound; calms the nervous system and helps with insomnia and emotional tension
• Ujjayi (victorious breath) – slight throat constriction during slow, deep breathing; builds heat and improves focus during meditation and asanas
• Sheetali and Shitkari – inhaling through a rolled tongue or teeth and exhaling through the nose; cools the body and mind, reduces anger and stress
• Om chanting – begins from Muladhara chakra and continues to Sahasrara chakra, activating the nervous system and connecting body and mind

Steps of practicing pranayama

• Sit in a comfortable meditation posture such as Padmasana or Sukhasana
• Keep the spine erect and eyes closed
• Relax the body and bring attention to natural breathing
• Begin with basic techniques such as Anulom Vilom or Nadi Sodhana
• Gradually increase duration and intensity under guidance
• Practice on an empty stomach in a well-ventilated space

Precautions

• Practice under the guidance of a trained teacher if new
• Avoid forceful breathing if there is high blood pressure, heart disease, or pregnancy
• Start slowly and progress gradually