Mardi Himal Trek
Register Now!
Overview of the Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful yet adventurous trekking experience that you wouldn’t want to miss! Located in the Annapurna region of Gandaki Province at the height of 5587 meters, Mardi Himal lies on the east side of Annapurna Base Camp and under Mount Machhapuchhre. In Nepal, Mardi Himal Trek is considered one of the best trekking experiences. Numerous ethnic groups, including Tamang, Brahmins, Chhetris, Thakalis, and the majority of the Gurung people, live in this area, which is rich in biodiversity. If you are an avid traveller, you’d want to dive deep into the culture of Nepal and experience the local communities here. Mardi Himal Trek gives you the perfect opportunity to do so. In addition, you travel along a magnificent trail that passes through green hills, oak and rhododendron forests, and valleys bordered by snow-capped mountains. There are four distinct seasons in the Annapurna Region and throughout the rest of Nepal; Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The most popular times to trek this Annapurna classic is from March to May and October or November. It must be acknowledged that each trekking season has its own unique environment and level of enthusiasm for trekkers. If you are looking for the best accommodation during your trek, nothing can do better justice than beautiful tea houses. The lodges will provide you with comfortable bedding, hot water, freshly cooked meals, and Wi-Fi. The hospitality and the experience will be one of a kind! If we talk about the difficulty of the trek, it is among the easiest treks in Nepal! By that we mean, literally anyone can do it. All you need is just basic physical fitness. The Mardi Himal Trek is not difficult to complete. You can make it if you enjoy hiking, and make sure to start working out well before the start of your adventure. Although the typical Mardi Himal Trek is not challenging, hikers and trekkers should be in fair physical condition. You are still travelling across Nepal’s Himalayas, after all. It would be best if you prepare yourself before you take on the trip, meaning gear up before hitting the trails and make sure you are physically fit and medically stable to take on the journey.Things You Can Experience during Mardi Himal Trek
If you are wondering what you get to see in the beautiful Mardi Himal Trek, we will guide you through. With the Mardi Himal Trek, you get a chance to get closer to the Annapurna Mountains. The Mardi Himal trip, despite being one of the shortest hiking routes in the Annapurna Region, leads you to the nearby Annapurna Himalayas range and other mountains. The Mardi Himal Base camp, which is situated at the foot of the eminent Mount Machhapuchhre, is the highlight of this walk. Additionally, the Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Annapurna mountain range, as well as many other nearby mountains, will be considerably closer to you. Along with this, you get to embrace the rural lifestyle and take in the tranquillity of the place. Did you know that Mardi Himal Trek is a gem in Nepal with an eco-tourism trail? Here, you will get the chance to witness the unspoiled beauty of the natural environment and surroundings. Trekking in this area is in harmony with ongoing environmental protection, local cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. Locals appreciate one other’s religions and cultures, and environmental awareness campaigns give them more authority. Another beautiful thing to observe during the Mardi Himal Trek is the inexplicable flora and fauna. The variety of greenery and the different species of animals are interesting to watch! Pre-monsoon, alpine, lush green woodland with bamboo, coniferous trees, and many other flowering plants is blooming with rhododendrons—unusual creatures including blue sheep, deer, yaks, and snow leopards. Mardi Himal Trek is the finest place for naturalists and foresters because of Nepal’s amazing flora and fauna, which has made it a haven for lovers of wildlife, animals, and birds. Mardi Himal is a paradise for photographers. This trek gives them the ideal opportunity to embrace the wilderness and capture it on their camera. Photographers would find it most interesting to capture the most famous mountain, Machhapuchhre, with a normal residence and way of life as their main subject.What does Annapurna base camp trek include?
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara(twin sharing).
- 5 nights of accommodation during the trek (mountain lodge/tea house).
- All required permits for the trek.
- Government licensed English-speaking guide and his entire expenses.
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
- Pokhara to trek start point and trek end point to Pokhara transportation by private vehicle.
- All required local tax and Gov tax.
- Trekking route Map.
- Please Note: We provide a porter cum guide for a single trekker.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Pokhara.
Altitude of Pokhara: 822 meters above sea level.
Accommodation: hotel.
On day 1, you will reach Pokhara and will be guided to your accommodation. You can spend the day exploring the nearby attractions in Pokhara.
Day 2: Drive to Phedi and Trekking to Pothana.
Altitude of Phedi: Phedi is 1130 meters above sea level.
Drive Duration: One to one and a half hours.
Driving Distance: 18.7 kilometers to travel.
Pothana altitude: 1890 meters.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours of walking.
Distance walked: 6 kilometers.
Night stay: in Pothana
Accommodation: Tea House
On Day 2, you will freshen up and prepare for the journey to Phedi. The path takes you along a rocky, dusty road that crosses the Baglung Highway. Although the drive is not particularly lengthy, the gravelled landscape may make you feel it more than usual.
Once you have reached Phedi successfully, that is when your real Mardi Himal Trek begins! Next, you walk towards Pothana and cross small, local villages. You can pick up things you like here as souvenirs. Your trek starts when you begin climbing upwards. Continue walking up for almost an hour and a half until you see local shops here.
Once you finish walking the stairs upward, you will reach flat land. From here, the view is majestic and breathtaking. Most local villagers plan a picnic here, and you can do it too!
Next, we stop for lunch at Dhampus. From here onwards, you might find the road a bit erratic. You begin your descent along the lovely forest track after lunch. Then, keep going up and down the diverse terrain while admiring the stunning surroundings till you reach Pothana. You will now reach your hotels where you can take some rest and explore the valley when ready. The options for accommodation are limitless here. Even though Pothana is at a low elevation, you can still feel a bit chilly. If you choose tea houses as your lodging choice, you can witness the beauty of the lush green valley.
Day 3: Trek to Forest Camp.
Altitude of Forest Camp: 2554 meters above sea level.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours.
Walking Distance: 7.9 kilometers.
Night Stay: Forest Camp.
Accommodation: Tea Houses.
Today, you will leave right after breakfast! Follow the rocky path that leads you out of the village. The trail soon changes into a forest path, and make sure to stay close to your group if you do not want to get lost.
The off-beat path takes you to Deurali after climbing trails for about an hour. A stunning view of Fewa lake, Pokhara valley, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri can be seen from this spot. Afterwards, you follow the trails through the jungle. As the name goes, today is a stay at the forest camp; therefore, you can expect tall trees and dense forests. It is a perfect spot to take in the greenery of your surroundings.
Also, this place offers an exotic way to witness flora and fauna. Birch, rhododendron, oak, hemlock, maple, and other trees can be found in the woodlands. Additionally, the air is clean and infused with an organic aroma, while the tree shades keep you cool and airy. Approximately an hour into the trek, the trail becomes steep. Following the ridge, you descend halfway and gain altitude slowly to return to Forest Camp.
Forest Camp is a relatively open area, as the name goes. It is a way to offer you the chance to indulge and embrace the serenity of the place.
Day 4: From Forest Camp, You Go To The High Camp.
Altitude of High Camp: 3980 meters above sea level.
Walking Time: 8-9 hours.
Walking Distance: 12.2 kilometers.
Night Stay: High Camp.
Accommodation: Tea Houses.
On Day 4, we slowly head to the High Camp. After breakfast, you will continue walking the forested path. However, today, you might find it a little sturdier. As you continue walking, you will find that the areas are beautifully covered with colourful rhododendrons.
You emerge to Low Camp from this magical forest to see Machhapuchhre (Mount Fishtail) in all its glory. With its mesmerizing appearance, the mountain stands out next to the forest as an attraction. In the Annapurna region, Low Camp is also a popular location for trekkers to watch sunrises and sunsets. Nevertheless, you must return to the tracks after lunch for high Camp.
This trail is particularly steep, so you are advised to be careful. Each time you climb, you will find the trail steeper. High Camp stands at an elevation of 3,500 meters, so you are bound to feel a bit cold. Once you check-in, you can set up your fire camp.
Day 5: Trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp begins.
Altitude of Mardi Himal Base Camp: 2, 554 meters above sea level.
Walking Time: 6-7 hours.
Night Stay: High Camp.
Accommodation: Tea Houses.
Today, we set off early as we have to make the final climb to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Once you finish your breakfast, you have to leave for the trek. As the trek continues, the breathtaking mountain scenery gradually gives way to rugged terrains. You choose to move slowly and steadily along the ridge rather than on an unmarked trail.
Ascending through this path might be a bit tougher. To reach the base camp, you must pass through a large boulder field and climb the trails. As you gaze at the magnificent views under the clear blue sky, your eyes immediately catch sight of the picturesque scenery.
This is the most mesmerizing part of the trek, where you can see Annapurna base camp on one side, and on the other, you can see the Macchapuchhre. You have lunch at the base and continue walking back to High Camp after that. You spend the night in High Camp and take the same route back.
Day 6: Trek to the Siding Village.
Altitude of Siding: 1750 meters above sea level.
Walking Time: 7-8 hours.
Walking Distance: 8.5 kilometers.
Night Stay: Siding.
Accommodation: Tea Houses.
This trek involves exploring the local villages and nearby cultures. From the High Camp to Siding village, it is considered a rather easy journey. Once you have had your breakfast, you move back to Low Camp.
As you pass numerous towns and rice terraces on the slopes leading down to Siding, they become highly unforgettable. Due to the clean rural farming landscapes, the journey today appears to be wonderful in many aspects. You stop at one of the places along the routes for lunch and refreshment. Continue your descent to Siding Village by passing through farmlands and lush green woods.
Siding Village often serves as a starting and ending point for several trekkers who do not have eight days to spend on a trek!
Day 7: Trek to Saidighatta and drive to Pokhara.
Altitude of Saidighatta: 1206 meters above sea level.
Walking Time: 4-5 hours.
Pokhara Altitude: 822 meters above sea level.
Drive Duration: 1-2 hours.
Night Stay: Pokhara.
Accommodation: hotel.
On Day 7, we move on to Saidighatta. After having breakfast at Siding, you move down to Saidighatta. Here, you get to explore the dense jungles and rice fields. Several Gurung communities’ traditional villages may be found along the roads. After arrival in Saidighatta we will drive to Pokhara and night stay in Pokhara.
Day 8: Departure.
Last day of our trek, check out by 11 am. The magnificent Mardi Himal Trek ends.
Items to bring with you on Mardi Himal Trek 2023
- Trekking Bag.
- UV Protected Sun Glasses.
- Best Quality Hiking Shoes (Preferably Water Proof).
- Trekking Poles.
- Crocs Shoes/sandals.
- Water disinfection Drops / Tablets.
- Knapsack / Backpack / Rucksack.
- Good jacket to protect from cold.
- Windcheater.
- Thermals – Top and Bottom.
- Poncho (for rain).
- Moisturizer.
- 1 quick-drying towel.
- Sunblocks (SPF 50 and above) and Lip Salve with Sun blocks.
- Toilet Paper.
- Wet-Tissue Papers/ Baby wipes.
- Headlamp, Torch with spare batteries.
- Gloves.
- Gaiters for hiking in winter.
- 2 lightweight trekking pants.
- 3 lightweight trekking T-shirts.
- 4 pairs of trekking socks.
- Dry Fruits and Chocolates.
- Small, basic first aid kit(cough and/or cold medicine, headache pills, etc).