Mardi Himal Trek & Tihar Festival

Overview

Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights and Flowers, is a vibrant five-day Hindu celebration that occurs soon after Dashain. Each day of Tihar is dedicated to different animals and deities, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual values of Nepal. The festival begins with Kaag Tihar, where crows, seen as messengers, are offered food. This is followed by Kukur Tihar, celebrating dogs as the messengers of Lord Yamaraj, the God of Death. The third day is Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja, where cows are worshipped for their vital contributions, and homes are illuminated to honor Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth. Women sing traditional Bhailo songs, blessing households in exchange for Dakshina (money).

The fourth day, Gobardhan Puja, is dedicated to oxen, essential for ploughing fields, with nighttime celebrations featuring Deusi songs and blessings. The festival concludes with Bhai Tika, where sisters apply tika to their brothers' foreheads, praying for their long life and expressing gratitude for their protection, rooted in the legend of Yamraj. Tihar underscores the profound connections between humans, animals, and deities, fostering unity and gratitude within the community.

The Mardi Himal Trek, nestled in Nepal’s Annapurna region, is a serene and less-traveled alternative to the popular Annapurna Base Camp route. This trek offers a peaceful escape from the crowds, with tranquil walks under the shade of trees and the soothing sound of birds. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature.

Trip Highlights:

Experience the vibrant five-day Festival of Lights, witnessing Nepal’s rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
Explore Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Fewa Lake and the enchanting city of Pokhara, with its stunning mountain views.
Trek the less-traveled path to Mardi Himal Base Camp, experiencing peaceful walks, traditional Nepali villages, and panoramic mountain vistas.
Witness spectacular views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, and Annapurna South from various points along the trek.
Traverse lush rhododendron forests and encounter diverse flora and fauna, enhancing your connection with nature.
Discover the local ethnic culture of the Gurung people, gaining insights into their traditional way of life.
Stay in local teahouses, savor traditional Nepali cuisine, and engage with the local culture and communities.
Suitable for trekkers with moderate experience, reaching altitudes of up to 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Enjoy a well-organized trek with meals, accommodations, experienced guides, and porters included.

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Plan uw reis

Inbegrepen in prijs

Prijs inclusief

Arrival and departure transfers to and from the international and domestic airports by private vehicle.
Welcome dinner upon arrival in Kathmandu.
win-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, including breakfast. (Private room accommodation can be arranged at an additional cost.)
Cultural guide and private transport for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Tihar celebrations in Kathmandu with dinner and lunch included.
Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
Experienced, first-aid trained, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.
Porters for carrying luggage during the trek (1 porter for every 2 clients).
Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff.
Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
Travel and rescue arrangements.
Government taxes.

Prijs exclusief

International airfare.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Nepal entry visa (USD 50 for a 30-day visa, easily acquired upon arrival at the airport in Kathmandu).
All beverages.
Monument entrance fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Personal trekking equipment, travel and medical insurance, helicopter rescue, and personal expenses.
Tips for staff (guide/porter and driver).
Any other expenses not mentioned in the inclusive section above.

Important Informations:

At your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu, you'll receive a complimentary duffel bag and baseball cap. The duffel bag is for packing your trekking supplies.

For every two trekkers, we provide one porter to carry your duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg (22 lbs). You'll need a personal daypack (with a waterproof cover) to carry daily necessities such as cash, important papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, and extra clothing.

You can store any luggage you don't need for trekking at the hotel in Kathmandu.

A down jacket with a hood is essential for staying warm at altitudes above 4,000 meters. You can rent one for USD 20-25. Please note that if the jacket is lost or damaged, you will need to reimburse the cost of USD 200 per item.

A 4-season sleeping bag is also available for rent at USD 20-30. If the sleeping bag is lost or damaged, the reimbursement cost is USD 150 per item.

Please be mindful of local customs when choosing your trekking attire. Form-fitting, figure-hugging clothing made of elastic material (such as yoga pants) may offend locals. If you choose to wear these items for comfort, please ensure you cover them with another garment.

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