Overview
Mardi Himal trek is on what you could say is, “the road less traveled”. The route to Mardi Himal Trek, not long opened, attracts fewer visitors than some of the other famous Annapurna region treks, yet it has all the spectacular views and stunning landscapes as its cousins.
This is a more demanding trek and a high level of fitness is required. As you may expect, the standard of accommodation is also more ‘rugged’ than on the more frequented trails. This is definitely a trek for those who wish to be in the Annapurna’s but want something a little different or who have trekked the more popular routes before. So bring your sense of adventure!
We pass along steep-sided valleys, along raging rivers, and through rhododendron and bamboo forests, and along ridges with the mountains of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Manaslu ranges on view. The Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 5,300m, reached by following a strenuous and rocky trail. Look out for Nepal’s national bird, the Lophophorus, as you go!
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Trek on paths less traveled
- Feel close to nature, free from the usual hustle and bustle of trail life
- Enjoy the stunning mountain views in solitude
- Sunrise and sunset view
- High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Rhododendron forests as well as Terrance field
- Tea garden, local homestay
- Hospitable inhabitants with a warm welcome
The Cost Includes
- A professional and informative guide during the trek including his salary, food, accommodation, and single trip mountain insurance
- Porter service during the trek (One porter for Two clients)
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu drive by private jeep
- Two night 4-star hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing basis (Kuti Resort and Spa)
- All necessary Trekking permits and TIMS card
- Pokhara to Nayapul drive by private jeep
- 3 times meal in a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Accommodation during the trek in basic tea house
- Nayapul to Pokhara by private jeep
- Water purification tablet and NEST branded water bottle
- A pulse oximeter
The Cost Excludes
- Food and accommodation in Kathmandu
- Any kinds of drinks in the mountain
- Hot spring entrance fee in Jhinu danda $3 per person
- Wifi, hot bucket shower and other personal expenses
Itinerary
We will be driving to Pokhara from Kathmandu early in the morning, which takes 6-7 hours. Watching the view of green forest and passing via beautiful villages like Damauli, Dumbre we will reach Pokhara. Also, the sight of the Trishuli river on the way is amazing.
Today, we will drive to Phedi for about 1 hour and hike up to Pothana for 4 and a half hours. For 1 hour till Dhampus, the trail is uphill. On the way, the view of fishtail mountain, Annapurna range, and Manaslu. Most of the people in this area are Gurung who are engaged in farming. From Dhampus we will hike to Pothana for 3 hours. The way is gradual until we walk through the forest and after it is uphill, but it is an easy hike. During the trek, we will see many small rivers and brooks.
It takes 5 hours to reach Forest Camp from Pothana. From Pothana we will walk for 45 mins to Pritam Deurali. Along the way to Pritam Deurali, we will pass through beautiful forest and enjoy the view of Fishtail mountain. Upon reaching Pritam Deurali, we will enjoy the view of Annapurna South and Ghandruk village if the weather is clear. The way is gradual uphill.
Similarly, we will head towards Forest Camp, where the road is moderate. There are no views seen on the way; we have to walk through the forest. After reaching to Forest Camp, we will have our lunch. There are 4 to 5 tea houses. We will stay overnight at Forest Camp.
It takes 6 to 7 hours to reach High Camp from Forest Camp. Early in the morning, we will walk for 45 mins to Rest Camp through uphill trails. The view of Fishtail, Mardi Himal is perfectly seen from there. Maximum time we will spend trekking on forest along the way of suspension bridges.
Early at 3 am, we will walk up to Mardi Base Camp for the sunrise view, which is 3 hours walk from High Camp. It is said that the sight of sunrise from the Base Camp is best like in Turkey. From there we can see the Annapurna ranges, Himchuli, Close Mardi, Fishtail, Gangapurna, and the beautiful valley of Pokhara. The trail to Mardi Base Camp is uphill, so one needs to be careful while walking. Similarly, having our breakfast and strolling around Mardi Base Camp, and return to Low camp, which is 3 hours walk.
Today we will head towards Siding from low Camp. It is 4 hours walking all the way down. Siding is the local village where people are engaged
After having our breakfast, we will be driving to Pokhara from Siding which take 3-4 hours. The way is rocky upto Lumbre.We will be passing to any local villages while returning. Stay overnight n Pokhara.
Today we will say Goodbye to nature and new friends that we made and driving back to Kathmandu.
Frequently asked Question
Expand/CloseThe best time to trek Mardi Himal is March, April, September, October, and November.
Mardi Himal is not that hard as people say it. With proper itinerary, equipment, and guide, it can be easily done. Slow down your pace, drink plenty of water and rest, that's how you will reach Mardi Himal easily.
A person with normal fitness can also trek to Mardi Himal as there are many people who have gone to Mardi Himal for the first time with normal fitness and came back with a positive review
Regarding the food and accommodation, you don’t expect anything like the city area but every tea house will have a menu for the food and accommodation will be clean and comfortable. They don’t provide you with enough blankets so you should carry a sleeping bag with you.
As Mardi Himal lies in the Annapurna region, We need to have a conservational area project (ACAP) permit to enter. The cost of the permit is Rs 3000 for foreigner and Rs 300 for the SAARC countries including vat.
There are no public toilets along the way. If you are nearby the village, in this case, you can go to the tea house otherwise you will go to the separate place nearby you.
Yes, you can but its a newly opened trekking trails so it is better to go with a professional guide. Also, the government of Nepal has made a rule that trekkers should take the guide for most of the trekking regions.
Basic hiking gears are enough for Mardi Himal trek. You can read the equipment checklist on our website.
Yes, there is. You can even get the 3G services up in Mardi Himal base camp.
Yes, there is electricity in Mardi Himal. You can charge your gadgets there and enjoy the trek. However, you will be charged some money for it.
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