Celebrate Tihar and Trek Mardi Himal

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal on the third day of the Tihar Festival. You will be transported to your hotel in Thamel, where we invite you to a traditional Nepali welcome dinner in the evening.

Because of the Tihar Festival, the evening is dedicated to worshipping the goddess Laxmi. Days before, houses are meticulously cleaned and decorated, as the goddess favors clean and tidy places. In the evening, a small area outside the main door is painted red with red mud, and an oil lamp is lit. A pathway is created from this spot to the puja room, where the old money box and valuables are kept. Every Nepalese household has a box where money is placed each year, worshipping goddess Laxmi.

Throughout the evening, groups of girls visit houses, singing songs in praise of the goddess. They are welcomed as guests and given gifts. The entire place is lively throughout the night, filled with joy and festive spirit.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.

Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

On the fourth day of the Tihar Festival, people across Nepal celebrate multiple traditions. Oxen, or Goru, are worshipped, and in the Vaishnavism tradition, cow dung is used to create a mountain known as Govardhan, which is then worshipped in a ritual called Govardhan Puja.

In the evening, boys gather to play Deusi, visiting neighborhoods to sing Tihar-related songs and collect funds for social welfare. This is usually accompanied by girls playing Bhailo, a similar tradition where they visit homes and sing songs in exchange for money or sweets.

On the fifth and final day of the Tihar festival, known as Bhai Tika, you will join us in our home to celebrate this special occasion together. Sisters perform a heartfelt ritual for their brothers, putting Tika on their foreheads while praying to Yama, the God of Death, for their brothers' success, growth, health, and longevity. After the Tika ritual, sisters offer gifts to their brothers, including roti, fruits, sweets, and other items. In return, brothers put Tika on their sisters' foreheads and give them gifts or money.

The day is filled with joyous celebrations, including singing, playing cards, and participating in cultural programs such as Deusi in local communities. Firecrackers light up the sky, adding to the festive atmosphere. House owners bless the Deusi team with money, goods, and heartfelt blessings as a token of appreciation.

After a delightful breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara on a comfortable tourist bus. The journey offers breathtaking views of lush hills, terraced fields, and the majestic Himalayas, setting the stage for an enriching eco-tour that combines adventure and learning.
Pokhara is a vibrant hub for adventure and nature photography, serving as a gateway for treks such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek , Upper Mustang Trek and Mardi Himal Trek. The city is rich with temples and gumbas, providing unique cultural photo opportunities. The main attraction, Phewa Lake, is surrounded by scenic spots that beautifully capture the serene beauty of the region. With its majestic mountain views and the spiritual ambiance of its temples, Pokhara offers an ideal setting to learn and explore.

Pokhara Road Update

Due to extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara, the usual 6-7 hour journey may now take 8-9 hours, resulting in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara for USD 125 per person, one way.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll hop into a tourist vehicle and head to Kande, the starting point of our trek. The drive is about an hour and a half. Once we arrive, we'll begin our trek along a beautiful trail, ascending to Australian Base Camp, which takes about three hours.

Australian Base Camp is a charming village with stunning, unobstructed views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Himchuli, Manaslu, and other peaks. It's a perfect spot to soak in the breathtaking scenery.

After breakfast, we'll set out on a six to seven-hour trek to Forest Camp. The trail starts with a gentle descent from Australian Base Camp to Pothana (1,950 m) and then ascends to Deurali (2,100 m). At Deurali, we'll follow a sign pointing towards "Forest Camp."

The path leads us through a serene jungle filled with oak trees, maples, and rhododendrons. As we hike under the shade of trees and enjoy the sound of birds chirping, we'll eventually reach Forest Camp, where we'll spend the night.

Today's trek to High Camp is one of the most scenic parts of our journey. After an early breakfast, we'll hit the trails, walking through rhododendron forests until we reach Badal Danda. From there, the trail continues along grassy ridges.

The path gradually ascends throughout the day, and as we climb higher, the temperature begins to drop. After trekking for six to seven hours, we'll finally arrive at High Camp, ready to rest and take in the spectacular views.

Today, we'll rise early and hike for a few hours to reach the Upper View Point or Mardi Himal Base Camp. From here, the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary comes into clear view.
The panoramic vistas of the south face of Mt. Annapurna, Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) are incredibly rewarding, marking the high point of our journey.
After soaking in the views and enjoying our accomplishment, we'll head back to High Camp for breakfast. After a relaxing lunch and some rest, we'll trek down for about two hours to reach Low Camp .

We begin our day with a descent down the trail to Landruk village via Forest Camp. This part of the trek features a dramatic change in elevation.
After approximately six hours of trekking, we will arrive at Landruk, a village rich in Gurung culture known for its warm hospitality.

On our final day of trekking, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk down to Kyumi. The trail continues towards Syauli Bazaar, where we'll catch a ride back to Pokhara in a tourist vehicle.
Upon reaching Pokhara, we'll celebrate the successful completion of our Mardi Himal trek.

Free day in Pokhara 
 

We'll head back to Kathmandu in a tourist bus, a journey of about seven hours. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our representative will meet you and transfer you back to the hotel.

Pokhara Road Update

Due to extensive road construction between Kathmandu and Pokhara, the usual 6-7 hour journey may now take 8-9 hours, resulting in increased traffic congestion and air pollution. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara for USD 125 per person, one way.

This is your final day in Nepal. With hearts filled with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich culture and stunning landscapes, it's time to say goodbye. Our dedicated representative will ensure your departure is smooth and comfortable, driving you to the international airport.

As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences and the knowledge gained during your eco-tour. We hope to see you again for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and all the best for your future endeavors!