Mardi Himal Trek with Rafting, Cycling & Paragliding is a 12-day adventure package combining the Mardi Himal Trek to 4,500 m with Upper Seti River rafting, Pokhara cycling, and Sarangkot paragliding. The trek offers spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, and Dhaulagiri, along with forests, alpine landscapes, and Gurung villages.
With South Col Adventures, the package combines Himalayan trekking, culture, nature, and adventure activities with proper preparation, experienced guides, and safety-focused planning.
📌 01. Booking & Confirmation
To confirm your Mardi Himal Trek with Rafting, Cycling & Paragliding, please provide:
- Completed booking details
- Valid passport copy
- Required travel information
- 10% non-refundable advance payment
Once the documents and payment are received, South Col Adventures will confirm your booking and arrange the required permits, accommodation, transportation, trekking guide, porter, meals, rafting arrangements, cycling equipment, paragliding arrangements, and other logistics.
Early booking is recommended, particularly during the spring and autumn seasons.
❌ 02. Cancellation & Refund
The 10% booking deposit is non-refundable if the trip is cancelled within 30 days before departure.
If the required balance is not paid by the agreed deadline, South Col Adventures may consider the booking cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
For complete cancellation terms, please refer to our CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY.
💳 03. Payment Methods
South Col Adventures accepts:
- Bank Transfer
- Visa or MasterCard — 4% card processing fee applies
- Credit Card — please contact South Col Adventures for payment instructions
Bank charges, payment gateway fees, and currency conversion costs are payable by the Client.
The applicable balance payment deadline and transaction charges will be communicated during booking.
🌤️ 04. Best Time for the Adventure
The best seasons for the combined Mardi Himal Trek and Pokhara adventure activities are:
Spring: March–May
Autumn: September–November
These seasons generally offer clear skies, comfortable trekking temperatures, excellent mountain visibility, and favorable conditions for outdoor activities. Spring is particularly attractive for rhododendron blooms.
The trek can be undertaken in other seasons, but monsoon rain, cloudy conditions, wet trails, and changing river or flying conditions can affect the schedule.
🥾 05. Difficulty Level
The combined adventure is rated challenging, mainly because the Mardi Himal section reaches 4,500 m and includes steep ascents, descents, rocky terrain, and long trekking days. The rafting, cycling, and paragliding activities add different physical and adventure elements to the overall journey.
The main trekking challenges include:
- Steep uphill and downhill sections
- Stone staircases and rocky trails
- Long trekking days
- Gradual altitude gain
- Alpine and exposed ridge sections
- Changing mountain weather
The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m. Previous trekking experience is helpful, but beginners with good fitness can undertake the route with proper preparation.
🏔️ 06. Altitude & Acclimatization
The trek reaches 4,500 m at Mardi Himal Base Camp, making altitude awareness important, particularly for trekkers without previous high-altitude experience.
Trekkers should:
- Walk slowly and maintain a steady pace
- Stay properly hydrated
- Eat nutritious meals
- Get sufficient rest
- Avoid unnecessary exertion
- Inform the guide immediately if feeling unwell
Possible symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.
Safety always comes before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp.
💪 07. Fitness & Preparation
Good fitness and endurance are recommended for this combined adventure. Preparation should include:
- Regular hiking
- Uphill and stair training
- Cardiovascular exercises
- Leg and core strengthening
- Long-distance walking
- Training on uneven terrain
- Backpack training
The trekking section involves several consecutive walking days, including a demanding ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return to High Camp.
🛂 08. Permits & Documents
The Mardi Himal Trek requires:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
- Applicable local permits, where required
South Col Adventures assists with arranging the necessary permits and official documentation.
Carry your passport, permits, travel documents, and insurance details throughout the journey.
🎒 09. Trekking & Adventure Equipment
For the Mardi Himal trekking section, essential equipment may include:
Trekking shoes • Trekking poles • Sleeping bag • Daypack • Waterproof jacket • Down/warm jacket • Headlamp
Personal equipment should also include:
- Warm gloves and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Toiletries
- Rain protection
- Suitable trekking clothing
For the adventure activities, appropriate safety equipment is provided according to the activity. The rafting section includes helmet, life jacket, paddle, and wetsuit or splash jacket when required, while cycling includes a mountain bike and helmet. Paragliding is conducted with a harness and helmet under a certified tandem pilot.
🌨️ 10. Weather & Activity Conditions
Mountain and adventure activities are highly dependent on weather conditions. Rain, snowfall, fog, strong winds, poor visibility, cold temperatures, and wet trails can affect the trekking schedule.
Similarly, river conditions can affect rafting, while wind and visibility conditions can affect paragliding. The cycling route may also be adjusted depending on road and weather conditions.
South Col Adventures may modify, postpone, or adjust activities whenever necessary for safety.
🏡 11. Accommodation & Meals
During the Mardi Himal Trek, accommodation is generally provided in comfortable tea houses and local lodges, allowing travelers to experience authentic mountain hospitality without the need for camping equipment.
Meals generally include:
Dal Bhat • Noodles • Soups • Vegetables • Pasta • Bread • Eggs • Tea and Coffee
Three meals a day are provided during the trekking period according to the package arrangements.
🛡️ 12. Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover:
- High-altitude trekking
- Emergency medical treatment
- Emergency evacuation
- Mountain rescue
- Trek cancellation/interruption
- White-water rafting, where applicable
- Paragliding, where applicable
- Lost or delayed baggage
Because this package combines trekking, rafting, cycling, and paragliding, confirm that your insurance policy covers all planned activities and the maximum trekking altitude of 4,500 m.
🚁 13. Safety & Emergency Support
Safety remains a priority throughout the journey. Our trekking guides and professional activity providers monitor weather, trail conditions, altitude, river conditions, activity routes, and participant safety.
The Seti River rafting section is guided by experienced rafting professionals with a safety briefing and appropriate safety equipment. Paragliding is conducted with a certified tandem pilot.
If an emergency occurs, appropriate medical, rescue, or evacuation arrangements will be coordinated according to the circumstances.
🌊 14. Rafting, Cycling & Paragliding Information
A. Upper Seti River Rafting
Enjoy 7–8 km of exciting rafting on the Upper Seti River, featuring rapids, gorges, suspension bridges, and scenic surroundings. The experience takes around 1.5–2 hours.
B. Pokhara Cycling Tour
Cycle through Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, World Peace Pagoda, and Pumdikot, enjoying countryside landscapes and panoramic views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna range.
C. Sarangkot Paragliding
Enjoy a 20–30-minute tandem flight from Sarangkot, offering spectacular aerial views of Phewa Lake, Pokhara Valley, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri before landing at Pame.
All activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled for safety.
🌱 15. Responsible Travel
The Mardi Himal route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, passing through forests, alpine landscapes, and traditional Gurung settlements.
Travelers are encouraged to:
- Minimize plastic and waste
- Avoid littering
- Carry reusable water bottles
- Respect Gurung culture and traditions
- Protect forests and wildlife
- Support local communities
- Conserve water and energy
- Follow responsible trekking and adventure practices
🎒 Mardi Himal Trek with Rafting, Cycling & Paragliding Guidelines
01. Prepare Your Fitness
Train with hiking, uphill walking, cardio, stair exercises, and strength training before departure.
02. Wear Proper Trekking Shoes
Break in your trekking shoes before the trek to prevent blisters and discomfort.
03. Walk Slowly at Altitude
Maintain a steady pace, particularly above Low Camp and toward Mardi Himal Base Camp.
04. Stay Hydrated
Drink water regularly and carry a reusable water bottle throughout the trek.
05. Carry a Daypack
Keep water, snacks, medication, sunscreen, sunglasses, cash, rain protection, and warm layers with you.
06. Carry Enough Cash
Carry sufficient Nepalese rupees for personal expenses, as payment facilities can be limited in mountain villages.
07. Prepare for Weather Changes
Carry warm clothing and rain protection. Mountain weather can change quickly.
08. Prepare for the Rafting Adventure
Follow the rafting guide's safety instructions and wear the provided life jacket and helmet throughout the rafting activity.
09. Prepare for Cycling
Wear comfortable clothing and a helmet, follow your cycling guide, and maintain control on downhill and uneven sections. A mountain bike and helmet are provided for the cycling tour.
10. Follow Paragliding Instructions
Listen carefully to the certified tandem pilot, follow take-off and landing instructions, and understand that flights depend on suitable weather conditions.
11. Carry Proper Insurance
Ensure your insurance covers trekking up to 4,500 m, emergency evacuation, rafting, and paragliding, as applicable.
12. Plan Personal Expenses
Keep extra cash for charging, hot showers, snacks, drinks, laundry, shopping, and other personal expenses. Tipping is voluntary.
13. Be Flexible With the Schedule
Weather, trail, river, and flying conditions can change quickly. Activity schedules may be modified or postponed for safety.
14. Respect Nature & Communities
Avoid littering, reduce waste, respect local culture, protect the environment, and follow the instructions of your trekking and adventure teams.
🏔️ Trek Higher. Raft Stronger. Ride Further. Fly Above Pokhara with South Col Adventures.
