Mardi Himal Trek is nestled in the Annapurna region and offers a serene escape for adventure trekkers. Unlike its more crowded counterpart, this trek presents a pristine wilderness experience. You’ll be blown away by the views of snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and those cool little Gurung villages. Mardi Himal is like a hidden treasure—you gotta see it to believe it! It’s going to be an epic adventure through the heart of Nepal.
The Mardi Himal Trek begins from Pokhara, and the initial part of the trek takes you through lush forest and terraced farmlands that offer glimpses of the rural life of Nepal. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into dense rhododendron forests, their vibrant blooms painting the hillsides in spring.
The trail gradually climbs, revealing magnificent panoramas with each turn. Villages like Deurali Forest Camp and Low Camp, decorated with traditional houses and prayer flags, provide a glimpse into the Gurung culture and the indigenous people inhabiting this region. Their warm hospitality and rich traditions offer a unique cultural experience.
As you gain altitude, less vegetation will be present, giving way to alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers. The mighty Annapurna South face begins to dominate the horizon, its icy ridges gleaming under the sun. The Mardi Himal Base Camp, hiding at an altitude of 4500 meters, is where you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Himalayan giants, including the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the massive Annapurna.
The Mardi Himal Trek is amazing! Fresh air, singing birds, and cool breezes make it super relaxing. Plus, you might see wild animals like mountain goats, monkeys, and colorful birds. Even eagles fly around the big mountains!
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Mardi Himal region. Cozy teahouses and homes to warm-hearted locals dot the trail, offering authentic experiences. Delight in the flavors of Nepal with dishes like dal bhat and momos, and engage in enriching conversations with the people who call this place home. As night falls, gather with fellow trekkers, sharing laughter, stories, and dreams that will last a lifetime.
While not technically demanding, the Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate hike with daily elevation gains. The switchbacks and occasional steep climbs can test your physical resilience. However, the rewards far overshadow the challenges. Upon reaching the viewpoint and beauty of the surrounding landscape, the sense of accomplishment will leave you feeling refreshed and humbled.
The Mardi Himal Trek can be suitable for beginners and expert trekkers. It’s an ideal choice for trekkers seeking an introduction to Himalayan adventures or for experienced hikers looking for a shorter yet rewarding experience. The trek can be customized to range from 4 to 6 days, depending on your fitness level and desired pace.
You are a guest in this pristine environment on this extraordinary journey. Minimize your impact by packing out all waste, respecting wildlife, and following designated trails. Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning about their customs and traditions, supporting local businesses, and dressing modestly. Practicing these principles will preserve natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations to cherish.
The Mardi Himal Trek is not just a hike; it’s a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and deep connection with nature. It’s a chance to witness the raw power of the Himalayas and experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality. So, lace up your boots, and be ready to be delighted by the magic of the Mardi Himal.
Kathmandu
The Mardi Himal trek offers trekkers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than other popular routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Expect an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural experiences, and a sense of achievement as you conquer the Base camp of the Mardi Himal.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is rich in cultural heritage and offers a vibrant atmosphere to kick off your adventure. Take some time to rest from your journey and explore the lively streets of Thamel, known for its colorful shops and busy markets.
In the morning, you’ll either take a scenic but long drive or a short flight to Pokhara, a picturesque city beside Phewa Lake. Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna region and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Spend the rest of the day exploring the charming streets.
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive 1 hour to Kande, the starting point of the Mardi Himal trek. From here, your trekking adventure begins as you ascend through lush rhododendron forests and the traditional village of Pothana to reach Deurali, a peaceful stopover in the Himalayas for the first night on the trek.
Today’s trek takes you deeper into the heart of the Mardi Himal region. You’ll navigate enchanting forests and gradually gain altitude as you head to Forest Camp. Along the way, watch for colorful bird species and wildlife.
The landscape reveals panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks as you leave the forest camp behind. Trekking to High Camp, you’ll be surrounded by alpine meadows decorated with vibrant wildflowers, offering a taste of the rugged beauty of the Himalayas.
The highlight of the day is reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. After soaking in the awe-inspiring views, descend to Low Camp for a well-deserved rest.
The last day of the trek, a 3 to 4-hour trek through lush forests to reach the charming Siding village, marking the finale of your scenic journey. One can take a 4-wheel drive to Pokhara, and upon arrival, treat yourself with good food and drinks. Take the time to explore the city’s attractions and immerse yourself in its vibrant ambiance, creating unforgettable memories.
When traveling from Pokhara to Kathmandu, one can choose between a scenic but long, bumpy drive or a short flight, offering unique perspectives of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.
TRANSFER TO AIRPORT OR EXTEND TRIP
The Mardi Himal trek is considered easy to moderate. It involves walking for several hours each day over varied terrain and at high altitudes. While no technical climbing is required, trekkers should be prepared for steep ascents, rocky trails, and changes in weather conditions.
The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to December. These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions.
Essential items to pack include sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a first aid kit. It’s essential to pack light, but ensure you have all the necessary gear for the trek.
While a good fitness level is recommended, trekkers of varying fitness levels can undertake the Mardi Himal trek. Regular cardio exercise and hiking preparation are advisable to ensure physical fitness for the trek’s demands.
Sufficient acclimatization is crucial to prevent altitude sickness. Trekkers should ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness. It is recommended that rest days be included in the itinerary for acclimatization and to descend if symptoms become severe.
Accommodation along the trek route ranges from basic tea houses to more comfortable lodges with amenities such as hot showers and WiFi, especially in the lower elevations, but higher up, accommodation is more essential. Most trekkers find delicious food along the trail, with different meal options. As the Mardi Himal trek is more commercial now, food and accommodation facilities are getting better day by day to serve their guest in the mountains.
While it’s possible to trek independently, many trekkers hire a guide or porter for added support, safety, and convenience. Guides can provide valuable insights and assistance, while porters can help carry trekking gear and luggage, reducing physical strain.
The cost of the Mardi Himal trek can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, accommodation preferences, and whether you choose to hire guides or porters. On average, trekkers can expect to budget between $500 to $1,000 for the entire trek, including permits, accommodation, meals, and incidental expenses.
Great Trek with Sali and Company!
We did the Mardi Himal trek. Sali and his team were amazing and took great care of us the whole time. Our guide, Ritvek, was also amazing. We stayed in all the hotels with the best views! And our porter was also great! Highly recommended! Honest, Sali responds to emails quickly, has fair prices, and provides great service! You can’t go wrong with Sali!
Mardi Himal trek
It was such a great experience with my trekking guide Bipin and my porter Sakchat.and his team. Thanks to them I was able achieve succes and reach the Mardi Himal viewpoint, even though i got a bit of altitude sickness. Moreover, they provided me with everything needed during the hiken. Next time when I’ll get back for Nepal and do the EBC trek, i will definitely contact Bipin to be again my guide. Thank you for the amazing experience!
Thank You! ~ from the Mardi Himal team
It’s my third-time adventure with Sali Trekking. We didn’t have to look any further when planning a trip to Nepal, Sali arranges it all to perfection!
I personally feel very much at home with Sali’s team of guides and porters, they feel more like friends to us and their presence makes our trip so much more enjoyable. Special mention to my best guide Suresh, he’s been a part of all my 3 treks, a very strong support and safe pair of hands to me. I’ll never forget how Suresh patiently helped a stubborn me all the way back from EBC after I fell and continue to trek with a gaping wound in my knee during my second trek. He kept close to a limping me throughout regardless of how slow I was. We witnessed his attentiveness again this time, as he patiently helped one of our teammates who needed support from time to time during the trek. Also not forgetting the bubbly and fun-loving Ritip, and a quiet but reliable Chandra, they are an awesome team to have. A very heartfelt THANK YOU to Sali, Suresh, Ritip and Chandra! I returned home with beautiful memories! Till the next adventure my friends!
Memorable trek 🙏
An excellent trek to Mardi Himal. The guide,porters and tea houses were exceptionally good. My health condition was not at the best due to my weak hands but the guide and porters were present there and gave me a hand all the time with a smile and affection. Kudos to them.
This is the 2nd time I am trekking with Sali Trekking.
A definite recommendation to my fellow trekkers to go with Sali and crew.
God bless 🙏
MBC
This is my first hiking trip in Nepal. We did the MBC and it was a great experience. Our guide, Suresh, is responsive to our needs and helped us throughout the trip. Me and my friend had a wonderful time hiking the MBC.
