Why the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek?
In short, Mardi is just an amazing place mixed with greenery, beautiful forests, hills, peace, and the stunning view of the Himalayas within a short day at lower elevation. The results and the reviews of our clients show that this is a perfectly designed itinerary for all kinds of travellers. You don’t need to rush and push like on other adventure trips. Like in the Everest trek, it's a bit hard, and pushes are needed because of the elevation and the trail. We will have enough time for yoga and meditation because the walking hour is shorter. In one day, you don’t need to walk more than 4 hours, including a tea break.
Will there be enough time to practice yoga and meditate?
Yes! As we mentioned above, we will be walking a maximum of 4 hours a day, and in the morning and evening, we will practice yoga and meditation. It will be an outdoor yoga practice, and in all spots there is grassland. Normally, this trip departs in the clear months, when the skies will be clear and there will be no rain.
Who can join this Yoga retreat?
You don’t need to have previous yoga and hiking experiences. It will help if you have previous experience, but we welcome all but limited participants. The maximum number will be 10 in one group and the Nepalese yoga instructor will teach. Note that the techniques might be different because we are practicing in an authentic way.
What made Mardi Yoga Trek unique?
The Mardi Yoga Trek offers a truly unique experience that combines stunning scenery with a focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Imagine yourself surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas, serenaded by birdsong. Lush green hills give way to the majestic Himalayas, offering a sense of peace and tranquilly. The trek takes place at a lower elevation, making it accessible to a wider range of participants.
Here, you'll find friendly locals, charming villages, delicious food, and the freedom to explore. Our experienced team will guide you through diverse terrain, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. The Mardi Yoga Trek has something to offer everyone, whether you're enamoured with the scenery or just looking for a sensible escape from the daily grind.
Embrace Tranquility in the Himalayas
Leave your anxieties behind and breathe in the fresh Himalayan air. As the sun rises, greet the morning with an invigorating yoga session under the open sky. You won't find this kind of revitalizing energy amidst the chaos of city life.
Capture Unforgettable Memories
Photography enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to capture breathtaking landscapes at a lower elevation. The trek offers unparalleled Himalayan views and peaceful escapes, unlike any other route.
The trip starts from Pokhara only and what about Kathmandu to Pokhara?
Mardi Yoga Trek starts in Pokhara and ends in Pokhara, but if you are interested in joining this trip, we will make a customised itinerary from Kathmandu. The dates are fixed and you need 2 extra days in Nepal. Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu, either you can fly or drive from Kathmandu.
The Birth of the Mardi Himal Yoga Trek
The Mardi Himal Yoga Trek wasn't always the popular retreat it is today. Here's the story of its creation:
A Chance Encounter and a Gap in Knowledge
In 2013, while working for a trekking company in Nepal, I received inquiries about the Mardi Himal trek from an Italian couple. It was listed in our packages, but embarrassingly, none of us knew the details. Despite asking around, no one could shed light on it. Finally, a cook-guide offered some information, and I hesitantly booked the trek for the couple. While the trip went smoothly, I felt unprofessional not having explored the route myself.
A Personal Journey Leads to Inspiration
After leaving the company and starting my own, I vowed to personally experience the treks I offered. Photography being my hobby, I invested in a Nikon D7000 to capture stunning visuals. Having already explored Everest, Annapurna Circuit, Mustang, and Rolwaling, I felt a sudden urge to explore Mardi Himal.
The trek through peaceful forests past Pothana and Pitam Deurali villages, with the sound of birds and the majestic Fishtail in view, sparked an idea. This serene trail, I realised, was perfect for a meditation retreat.
From Idea to Reality
At the time, I was already organising Everest Base Camp Yoga Treks. But for Mardi, I envisioned a shorter experience with a Nepalese yoga instructor. The opportunity arose when a French traveller, Florine, requested a customised yoga trek for four friends. With the Mardi itinerary in mind, I contacted a Nepalese yoga instructor. Budgetary constraints and language barriers meant we had to invite an international instructor, despite having many qualified Nepalese ones. The trek was a success, and the positive feedback from the participants solidified the concept.
The Growth of a Trend
The popularity of the Mardi Yoga Trek has been heartwarming. It's great to see more companies offering spiritual journeys in the Nepalese Himalayas, but they could have done it in a healthy way rather than just to get people for business.
A Disappointing Experience
Unfortunately, the international yoga instructor tarnished the experience. He failed to disclose his own trekking company and used photos and concepts from our collaboration without permission. While competition is healthy, copying someone's unique creation is unethical. Despite my attempts to have him remove the copied content, he remained unresponsive. This incident, however, only strengthens my commitment to offering authentic and innovative experiences.
Mardi Yoga Trek is for you
What do you think? It looks amazing, and one more night on the trip will be at the local houses (Homestay) so you can experience Nepalese cultures too. Mardi Yoga Trek departs annually. For more details about the Mardi Yoga Trek, feel free to contact us.
We start taking Mardi Himal Yoga Trek bookings for 2024, and 2025.
