Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan

The Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan is a Cordial exclusive combination of both tour and trek packages available in Nepal. It is an extensive travel plan that features the trek to Mardi Base Camp followed by Chitwan Jungle Safari. The trip has been planned so as to suit the needs of enthusiastic travelers as well as adventurers.

The trek begins from the beautiful city of Pokhara and follows the route through the villages of Dhampus and Pothana. It then passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. The trail then heads towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp offering its travelers stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli peaks. While on your stay in Dhampus village you will also be enjoying the exhilarating panoramic view of your ethereal surroundings with traditional Gurung hospitality at your service.

Mardi Himal

Mardi Himal is a 5587 m peak beneath the much more prominent Machapuchhre in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is thus separated by a 5200 from the Fishtail Mountain. It was first successfully summited in 1961 by Basil Goodfellow. The Mardi Himal Trek was however opened to the public only after 2012. It is therefore also known by the name Virgin Trail. The peak is now also classified by the Government of Nepal as a Trekking Peak.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a metropolitan city in central Nepal. It also serves as the capital of Gandaki Province. Furthermore, it is the second most populous city in Nepal after Kathmandu and largest metropolitan city in terms of area. Moreover, Pokhara is located 200 kilometers (120 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu. The city is on the shore of Phewa Lake, and sits at an elevation of approximately 822m. The Annapurna Range, with three out of the ten highest peaks in the world—Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Manaslu—is within 15–35 mi (24–56 km) of the valley.

Chitwan Jungle Safari

The trip then heads toward Chitwan National Park in Sauraha. The tour is known to have earned its fame with the sighting of the already endangered Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and very rare One-Horned Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis). Furthermore, the activities here include a Jeep Safari / Elephant Ride deep into the forest for a thrilling Jungle Safari. The ride thus unravels the mystery of other wild animals including deers, crocodiles, gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) as well as various species of birds. The trip also allows you for a quality time with the indigenous group of Tharu people and their cultural programs.

Kathmandu Day Tour

The package also takes you to explore the historical civilization of Kathmandu Valley. Here the travelers get an insight into UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness the living goddess ‘Kumari’ as well.

Trek Map

Mardi Base Camp Trek

Additional information on Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari:

Booking your Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips in Nepal for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 100 per person as a booking amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 999 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the booking, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 14 Days Mardi Base Camp Trek with Chitwan jungle Safari, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 14. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for Mardi Base Camp Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your Mardi Base Camp Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Checklist for Chitwan National Park Tour:

As bright colors like red and yellow make it difficult for you to blend in with your surroundings, darker hues like black, brown, gray or tan are most preferable. The idea is to blend into the bush so that wildlife is undisturbed, and you can view them in their natural habitat. Moreover, as you will be in the middle of the jungle, it is highly recommended that you wear full sleeve clothes even in the summer to avoid any insect bites and skin rashes. Additionally, comfortable shoes that cover your feet effectively are also recommended.

During the afternoon, sunscreen is very crucial with proper eye shades as well. You might as well carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

Furthermore, it is recommended to dress in layers if you are planning for the tour during mid winter to keep yourself warm. Similarly, if you want to go on your adventure during the monsoon, you must have proper rain wear.

Despite the proper preparations, you should constantly be ready for insect bites and rashes. It is therefore advisable to keep an insect repellent with you throughout the tour.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, holding our official name Cordial Trek and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 3 to Day 9. The trekkers begin their trip on Day 2 with a 6-7 hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The travelers on Day 3 then take another short drive from Pokhara to Kande to begin their trek. Expect to spend 6 nights and 7 days completing the Mardi Base Camp Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Kande & move towards Mardi Base Camp and back to Pokhara with overnight stays in Pothana, Forest Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, Low Camp & Kalimati.

Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy dinner and breakfast at the same place, while lunch is en route.

Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan:

In Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan you’ll stay in a 3 Star Category Hotel with twin/double sharing beds.

Accommodation during the trekking days:

During the trek, your accommodation options are mostly at teahouses. Although basic, these tea houses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu & Pokhara, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. Except if you plan to leave for your trip early in the morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. During the trekking days & Chitwan Jungle Safari, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek, as proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the trekking experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 100-120 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 100-150 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Baggage and weight limit:

Your porter is limited to carrying a maximum of 25 kgs for every two travelers. However if you are a solo traveler or want to pay extra for a private porter you may utilize the complete 25 kgs. Else, if you have items that you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at your Kathmandu hotel for storage at no extra cost. But remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

As said earlier, every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. Therefore, the baggage must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Additionally, both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of Mardi Base Camp Trek and Chitwan Jungle Safari:

1. Hike via beautiful village of Pothana
2. Trek inside the lush green jungles of Forest Camp
3. Spectacular 360 degree view from Badal Danda
4. Hike to Mardi Base Camp (4500 m)
5. An overnight stay at High Camp
6. Explore beautiful city of Pokhara
7. Experience Jungle Safari inside Chitwan National Park
8. Visit Elephant & Gharial Breeding Center
9. Go for a dugout canoeing ride in river Rapti
10. Explore traditional Tharu village
11. Enjoy the Tharu cultural show