Mardi Himal Khayar Lake Trek

Mardi Himal Khayar Lake Trek

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Trip Facts

Overview

Mardi Himal (5,587 m/ 18,330 ft) is a mid-range mountain on the outskirts of the Annapurna Sanctuary. A ridge connects the Mardi mountain with the majestic Machhapuchhre mountain (6,993 m) adjacent to it. This region was completely unexplored by outsiders up until a few decades ago. When Colonel Jim Roberts and his British team ventured past the ridge across Mardi in the 1960s, they named it the ‘Other Sanctuary’, with the Annapurna Sanctuary being the first one.

Very few trekkers visit the Mardi Himal region even now compared to the more popular Annapurna Circuit. There were only a few far-flung tea houses on the route priorly but few guesthouses have opened up after tourists started to trickle down on this route. Despite the recent rise in popularity, the Mardi trail is still much more peaceful and lacks motor roads and vehicle sounds which are more frequent in the lower belts of the Annapurna treks.

We will get a stunning view of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks from the top of Mardi High Base Camp. After exploring the Mardi region, we will head towards Khopra Ridge (4,500 m) or Khopra Danda (with danda meaning hill). The beautiful Khayar Lake (4,600 m/ 15,091 ft) lies near Khopra Ridge. Because of the close proximity of the lake and the ridge, this trek is also known as the Khopra Ridge Trek. We will also get an opportunity to see the high grasslands and pastures during our trek to Khopra Ridge and Khayar Lake. There are numerous other water holes in the vicinity of Khayar Lake.

We will walk across the beautiful villages of the Gurung people throughout our journey. Villages like Badal Danda, Dovan, Chistibung, Tadapani, and Tikhedhunga are the main attractions of the region. These villages provide a glimpse into the ancient culture of these people which has remained intact even up to this point. The path between these villages is covered in dense forests and sprawling grasslands.

We will come towards Nayapul via villages like Santa and Tikhedhunga after completing the tour around Khopra Ridge. We will board a bus from Nayapul to Pokhara and then end our trip with another bus ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Day 01

We will begin our trek with a short flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The early morning flight provides us with the first glimpse of the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. We will get to see the mountains of the Langtang and Lakpa Dorje range during the first part of the flight the mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range during the second part. We will land at the Pokhara airport. During the landing, we will get a spectacular view of the Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas lake from mid-air.

A jeep will be waiting for us at the Pokhara airport. We will board on that jeep and head north towards the village of Sidhing. The road goes along beautiful terraced fields and villages. The ride is three and a half hours long. We will not set on foot today and stay at a guest house in Sidhing for the night.

Day 02

Our trek begins from today as we set foot on the beautiful canopy forests ahead of Sidhing. The forest starts to get completely silent as we move further ahead of the settlements, except for some chirping of rare birds. We will see the Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) and Mardi Himal get closer as we move towards the Mardi Himal Low Camp. We can also get a crystal clear view of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri mountain from our way. The vegetation turns into alpine as we move further up along the road.

When we reach Mardi Himal Low Camp, we can hike up to the top of Badal Danda if we are interested. It is located nearby the low camp and offers an even better view of the surrounding. There are only a few lodges in low camp. We will stay at one of these for the night. The low camp also provides an amazing view of the starry night sky. We can get out of our beds to catch this spectacle if we are interested.

Day 03

We will trek towards the Mardi Himal High camp today. The Rhododendron, Juniper, Pine, and Fir forest creates an amazing atmosphere for trekking. If we happen to be trekking during spring the entire forest is turned red by the blooming Rhododendron. We can get a beautiful view of Mardi, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Himchuli peaks throughout our journey.

The weather starts to get chillier as we move up. A cold breeze also blows from the mountain. If we are lucky we can see the beautiful Danphe bird, which is the national bird of Nepal. We will be right at the lap of Mardi Himal by the time we reach the high camp. We will stay at a guest house in high camp for the night.

Day 04

We will start the trek towards one of the prime attractions of our journey – the Mardi Himal Base Camp. We will walk gently for a short while from the high camp until the path starts to go significantly uphill. The first part of the trek takes us through beautiful grasslands on the mountain slope. The road leading up to the base camp goes through a narrow and slippery pass therefore we must tread with care during the last one-third part of the trek.

Mardi Himal Base Camp offers a spectacular view of the nearby mountains like Mardi, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. We will spend some time at the Base Camp and then restart our trek. We will head towards Badal Danda from the Base Camp and rest at a guest house there.

Day 05

We will start the day with an easy stroll among the forest and grasslands. The trail mostly goes level or downwards during today’s part of the trek. We will once again meet with the wonderful forests of Rhododendron and conifers on our descent. If we are lucky we will get an occasional sightings of the Danphe bird, the national bird of Nepal, mountain Eagles, deer, langurs, mountain fox, and boar.

We will reach the stunningly beautiful village of Landrung at the end of the day. Landrung village is known for its spectacular view of the mountains in the Annapurna massif. It also provides a beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri mountain. The Landrung village is also often known as the twin city of the Ghandruk village, which lies in another hillside in the west across the Modi river. We will stay at a guest house in Landrung today.

Day 06

We will trek towards the beautiful thoroughfare town of Tadapani today. The town is a meeting point for trekkers from Ghorepani, Ghandruk, Landrung, and Annapurna Base Camp. It sits at the rim of a mountain on the two sides of which lie glorious green river valley varved by the Kimrong Khola and the Modi Khola.

We will get a crystal view of the mountains on our right throughout today’s part of the trek. We will enter inside the canopy Rhododendron forests a number of times and get out of it often to find ourselves in small villages at the center of which lie beautiful tea houses which help us freshen up. We stay at a guest house in Tadapani for the night.

Day 07

We will begin our trek with a beautiful walk along with the Rhododendron forests which provide a glorious end to end view of Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Varaha Shikhar (7,847 m), Annapurna III (7,855 m), Machhapuchhare (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m.), Annapurna IV (7,525 m), Lamjung Himal (6,931 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m) and numerous other peaks.

We will reach Dobato at the end of the day. Dobato is a small village of the closely clustered houses which is known for its traditional home-stays. We will learn and explore the culture and tradition of the local Gurung people today and rest at a homestay or a guest house for the night, the destination depending upon your choice.

Day 08

We will move towards the village of Chistibung today. The village is divided into upper Cjistibung and lower Chistibung. Upper Chistibung is a settlement of Yak herders. There are wide and green pastures as we reach Chistibung. The herder’s settlement of upper Chistibung is much smaller compared to the village of lower Chhistibung, wherein lies the homes of the people in the region, including those who are temporarily staying at Upper Chistibung for animal husbandry purposes.

If we are lucky during today’s trek we can catch an occasional glances of the Danphe bird, the national bird of Nepal, and the Himalayan Tahr. We will also get a beautiful view of the mountains throughout our trek. We will rest at a guest house in lower Chhistibung tonight.

Day 09

We will trek towards the Khopra Danda today. The village of Khopra lies at an altitude of 3,660 m and is among the last settlements before we reach Khayar Lake (4,600 m). The trek takes us through some of the most beautiful forests in the Annapurna Sanctuary. These forests are home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Different kinds of birds including the mountain eagle, Danphe  – the national bird of Nepal, Kalij, and Kite are found in the region.

We will reach the Khopra village during the second part of the day when the setting sun turns the entire northern Himalayan range into the red. The view of the Annapurna Massif in its entirety from Khopra is spellbinding. We will rest at a guest house in Khopra for the night following a choice between exotic local food and regular food.

Day 10

We will begin an uphill trek towards the Khopra ridge. The first part of the trek until we reach near the top end of the ridge is challenging as we will have to go significantly uphill in a short period of time. As we reach the top of the Khopra Ridge, the highest point being 4,500 m in altitude, we will see mountains shooting up towards the sky from all sides. This view of the Himalayan peaks while walking along the Khopra Ridge is one to behold for a lifetime.

Khayar Lake is located at a slightly more altitude than Khopra Ridgetop. We will walk along with the grasslands on the mountain slope to reach Khayar Lake. Khayar is a beautiful lake, the surface of which reflects the nearby mountain peaks in vivid clarity. We will take a short tour of the grasslands and other smaller water holes nearby Khayar lake and return to the village of Khopra for the night’s stay.

Day 11

We will trek down towards the village of Swanta today. The path starts to go downhill, providing a welcome respite for our weary legs. We will get a majestic view of Mount Dhaulagiri from our way.

We will reach Swanta after five and a half hours of the easy trek along with the dense forests of Rhododendron and other conifers. We will enjoy a wonderful evening by the fireplace with the local people, learning more about their culture, history, and way of life. We can also taste local brew tonight since we are already down from the high mountains and altitude sickness should not be a problem from now on.

Day 12

We will start our trek towards the lower outskirts of the Annapurna Sanctuary tonight. We will

Walk along stone pavements for the most part of today’s trek, which makes our descent easier. We will often come across the herds of a mule on our way as a mule caravan is the only mode of transport in the region.

Beautiful terraced fields of the local people welcome us as we approach Tikhedhunga. The village is a small typical Gurung village located at the slope of the hills that go steeply up northwards. We will stay at a guest house in Tikhedhunga and enjoy the local cuisine made by the guesthouse owners.

Day 13

We will go down towards Nayapul today, on what is the last day of our trek. The trek takes place along river banks, paved roads, and motorways. We will see beautiful villages of local people abound in citrus fruits, vegetables, and fields of paddy, corn, barley, and millet.

A car will be waiting for us as we reach Tikhedhunga. We will drive along the highway which goes up and down through green hills and forests. We will reach Pokhara after a three-hour drive. We will stroll by the Fewa lakeside during the evening and rest at our hotel during the night.

Day 14

We will embark on a bus trip via Prithvi Highway to Kathmandu following an early morning breakfast. The ride on the tourist coach is a pleasant affair through the mid-Mahabharata hills of Nepal. The Trishuli river follows us for most of the journey.

We will check into our hotel upon reaching Kathmandu. Our trip formally ends after you check back into your hotel.

Above 14 days Mardi Himal Khayar Lake Trek itinerary has included only trekking period. It does not include your arrival day in Nepal and departure day from Nepal. In this regards, you need to allow at least 16 days holidays.

Pricing

Price for Mardi Himal Khayar Lake Trek in different currency as follows:

Currency Pricing USD Euro AUD CAD Indian Rupees
Price per person 1075 N/A N/A N/A N/A

WANT TO KNOW LATEST DEALS ?
For latest offers & pricing for group & individual, please contact us.

Service Includes and Excludes

Service Included in this Trip

  • All the ground transportation as per itinerary.
  • Domestic flight tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara with taxes.
  • Hotel in Pokhara at 2 stars level, inclusive breakfast.
  • Meals 3 times a day (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking for you.
  • Twin sharing comfortable and clean  private room in trekking.
  • Trip Map.
  • An experienced, knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and English-speaking trekking guide.
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, transportation, local tax for Guide.
  • First aid medical kit, Ox meter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
  • Four season sleeping bag and down jackets to use for trekking, if necessary.
  • All necessary paper works and Annapurna conservation entry permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement (Should covered by your insurance company).
  • Trip achievement appreciation certificate.
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
  •  All our government taxes, vat, local tax, tourist service charges.

Service Excluded in this Trip

  •  Hotel in Kathmandu.
  • All kinds of drinks in the trekking (hot, cold and alcoholic).
  • Personal equipment.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  •  Extra personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, laundry, shower, excess baggage charges)
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on ‘Price Includes’ section.

Trip Info

The full board package includes your meals 3 times daily in trekking where as budget packages does not include meals. Please do let us know which package that you would like to book we are here for your service.

Grade A: Easy *

Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn’t require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoying the spectacular views of the mountains and encounter village life are essential. We offer a diverse range of easy treks. Categorizing a trek as easy means that no difficult climbing or ascents to high altitudes is involved. They take usually no more than a week and are suitable for anyone. Be assured that a loss of altitude in no way means a loss of interesting things to see and experience. While our more challenging treks get you closer to a small number of mountain ranges, lower altitude treks often provide better viewpoints from which to enjoy the colorful horizons of a whole series of ranges. The duration of a trek can be from 4 to 9 days with an average of 4 to 5 hours walking per day. The elevation of the trail will be between 800m/2624ft and 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level.

Grade B: Moderate **

These treks are suitable for any walker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. They are a combination of some longer and shorter walks and hill-walking experience is desirable. The duration is usually from 10 to 15 days. Following the up and down terrain of Nepal and walking to higher elevations contrasts these treks to those in the easy classification. However, you will be rewarded for your efforts with spectacular close-up views of glaciers and of the high Himalayas. Although the terrain is not difficult, some vigorous hiking experience is useful. There may be up to 6 hours a day on the trail and the elevation rises and falls from 800m/ 2624ft to 4000m/13210ft above sea level.

Grade C: Fairly Strenuous ***

Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should except to trek above 5416m/17872ft.

Grade D: Strenuous ****

These real adventure treks are both technical and highly strenuous. Excellent physical condition is essential and mountaineering experience is preferable. Following rough terrain, they involve steep ascents to high altitudes with the possibility of some rope climbing. Stamina is needed to complete one of these treks, as it can take from 20 to 28 days to reach the heart of the wildernesses that they transverse. Participants should except to trek above 5600m/18480ft

EQUIPMENTS & GEARS

EQUIPMENTS, GEARS AND GUIDES

Nepal is one of the best places in the world for river rafting. Numerous fine rivers offer excellent opportunities for rafting, canoeing and simply immersing oneself in the magnificent landscape. Nepal’s thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalayan, provide unmatched thrills.

Clothing

Down Or Fiber Filled Waterproof Jacket And Trousers 1
Fleece Jacket Or Pullover 1
Warm Cotton Trousers 2 Pairs
Shirts And T-Shirts 4 Pieces
Lightweight Cotton Long Pants 3 Pairs
Long Under Wear 2 Pieces
Short Under Wear 4 Pieces
Sun Hat Or Scarf 1
Woolen Hat 1
Sunglasses 1
Lightweight Gloves 1
Rain Coat 1
Heavyweight Gloves Or Mittens With A Waterproof 1

Footwear

Trekking Boot 1 Pair
Thick Socks 4 Pairs
Light Socks 3 Pairs
Camp Shoes 1 Pair
Sandals 1 Pair

Other Equipments

Sleeping Bag(4seasons) 1
Down Jacket 1
Daypack 1
Water Bottle 1
Sun Cream, Sunglasses
Flashlight With Spare Bulbs, Batteries, Lip Salve, Gaiters.

Optional

Insect Repellent Toilet Articles Note Book & Pen Toilet Roll
Laundry Soap Pocket Knife Towel Sewing Kit
Plasters Binoculars Camera Film
Cards And Personal Medical Kit

Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc.

For your kind information, we would like to give a list of the insurance companies, please go through the links below:

For Canadians And Americans

  1. http://www.travelguard.com
  2. http://www.worldnomads.com
  3. http://www.mondial-assistance.ca
  4. http://www.travelassistnetwork.com
  5. http://www.travelex-insurance.com
  6. http://www.travelite.com
  7. http://www.travelunderwriters.com
  8. http://www.hccmis.com/atlas-travel-insurance

For Australians And New Zealanders

  1. http://www.covermore.com.au
  2. http://www.allianz.com.au
  3. http://www.worldnomads.com.au
  4. http://www.bupa.com.au
  5. http://www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au
  6. http://www.1cover.com.au

For British

  1. http://www.travel-guard.co.uk
  2. http://www.worldnomads.co.uk
  3. http://www.thebmc.co.uk
  4. http://www.direct-travel.co.uk
  5. http://www.essentialtravel.co.uk

For Europe And Slovenia

  1. http://www.coris.si
  2. http://www.europaeische.at

For South-Africa

  1. http://www.travel-guard.co.za
  2. http://www.tic.co.za

For Indians

  1. http://www.internationalsos.com/en/asia-pacific_india.htm

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is common at high altitudes sickness. In general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 m. The symptoms of altitude sickness are due to lower air pressure at high altitudes, which results in lower oxygen levels as you breathe the air in. The air is under less pressure and this makes it harder for your body to get the oxygen out of the air and into the circulation. It’s this extra strain on the body that causes altitude sickness.

Symptoms tend to be worse at night and include headache, dizziness, and lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, breathlessness and irritability. Difficulty sleeping is another common symptom.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

INITIAL SYMPTOMS

  1. Periods of sleeplessness
  2. Runny nose.
  3. Extra tiredness
  4. Occasional loss of appetite
  5. Feeling laziness
  6. Wish to vomiting
  7. Periodic breathing

Above are normal symptoms which may occur into your body that you should not be worried. Every trekker will experience some or all of these, no matter how slowly they ascend.

ADVANCE SYMPTOMS

  1. Headache and vomiting
  2. Dizziness
  3. Racing heartbeat
  4. Exhaustion
  5. Nausea
  6. Diarrhoea
  7. Loss of apatite
  8. Weakness
  9. Hard to breath
  10. Extra tired
  11. Dry Raspy cough
  12. Sleeplessness

When above symptoms will occur into your body, these symptoms usually resolve by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude or using medicine. Even you are resting at the same altitude or using medicine, if symptoms are becoming worse, then it is necessary to descend.

SERIOUS SYMPTOMS

  1. Worsening headache and vomiting
  2. Swelling of hands and face
  3. Reduced urine output
  4. Walking with a staggering gait
  5. Confusion
  6. Increased tiredness
  7. Breathing irregularity
  8. Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not real)
  9. Changes in the ability to think
  10. Changes in normal behavior

If above serious symptoms will occur into your body, these extremely dangerous symptoms are called High Altitude Cerebral Edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours. Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or HAPE. HAPE can also be rapidly fatal if ignored.

TO PREVENT ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

  1. If possible, don’t fly or drive to high altitude. Start below 3,000 metres (10,000 feet) and walk up.
  2. If you do fly or drive, do not overexert yourself or move higher for the first 24 hours.
  3. If you go above 3,000 metres (10,000 feet), only increase your altitude by 350 to 500 metres (1,000 feet) per day
  4. Climb high and sleep low! You can climb more than 300 to 500 metres in a day as long as you come back down and sleep at a lower altitude.
  5. If you begin to show symptoms of moderate altitude sickness, don’t go higher until symptoms decrease.
  6. Drink plenty of water, tea or juice etc (at least three to 4 liters per day). Urine output should be copious and clear to pale yellow.
  7. Eat high-carbohydrate foods (rice, pasta, cereal) for more energy.
  8. Take it easy and don’t overexert yourself when you first get up to altitude. But, light activity during the day is better than sleeping because respiration decreases during sleep, exacerbating the symptoms.
  9. Avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of dehydration, and don’t smoke.
  10. Don’t push yourself when climbing up to passes, rather take plenty of breaks.
  11. Avoid taking sleeping pills.
  12. Avoid active movements and try to relax in the first one or two days upon arrival at the high altitude areas.
  13. Bring adequate medicine.
  14. If nothing else works, return to the areas with the lower elevation.
  15. Allow sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters).
  16. Don’t make rapid Ascent. Don’t go too far too fast.
  17. Do not trek/travel alone, take guide/porter.
  18. Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local, guide book.
  19. Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
  20. Never leave or descent sick person along.
  21. Avoid getting cold.
  22. Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if its longer

MEDICINE

Following is a list of items you should consider including in your medical kit – consult your pharmacist for brands available in your country.

  1. Aspirin or paracetamol – for pain or fever
  2. Antihistamine – for allergies, eg hay fever; to ease the itch from insect bites or stings; and to prevent motion sickness.
  3. Antibiotics consider including these if you’re traveling well off the beaten track’ see your doctor, as they must be prescribed, and carry the prescription with you.
  4. Loperamides or Diphenoxylate ‘blockers’ for diarrhea’ Prochlorperazine or metaclopramide for nausea and vomiting.
  5. Rehydration mixture to prevent dehydration, eg due to severe diarrhea; particularly important when traveling with children.
  6. Insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm and eye drops.
  7. Calamine lotion, sting relief spray or aloe vera-to ease irritation from sunburn and insect bites or stings.
  8. Antifungal cream or powder – for fungal skin infections and thrush.
  9. Antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine for cuts and grazes.
  10. Bandages, band-aids or plasters and other would dressings.
  11. Scissors, tweezers and a thermometer (note that mercury thermometers are prohibited by airlines)
  12. Cold and Flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant.
  13. Multivitamines – consider for long trips, when dietary vitamin intake may be inadequate.