Mardi Himal Trek - 10 Days

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Mardi Himal Trek - 10 Days
  • Duration10 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Maximum Altitude 3580 Mtrs
  • Activity Trekking
  • Group Size 1 to 20
  • Accommodation Hotel, Lodge
  • Meals Breakfast Lunch Dinner
  • Best Season Janaury to June and September to December

Mardi Himal Trek stands as one of the shortest and most accessible trekking routes within the eastern part of the Annapurna region. Being a newly established trail, only a limited number of travelers venture into this area each year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and tranquility. Despite its lesser-known status, the Mardi Himal Trek is swiftly gaining recognition for its captivating vistas and serene ambiance.

The journey takes you through a variety of landscapes, from dense forests adorned with rhododendrons, oaks, junipers, and pines to rugged mountain terrains and various low-base camps. Along the path, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the majestic Annapurna Himalayas. While some segments of the trail may present steep and slippery sections, contributing a touch of adventure, the overall trek is relatively approachable.

At Snowland Adventure, we have meticulously crafted a 10-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary to ensure that you experience all the exhilaration this trek has to offer. For any inquiries concerning Mardi Himal Trek costs or itinerary details, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at your convenience.

One of the prominent highlights of the Mardi Himal trekking experience is its reputation as the "sunrise and sunset view trek." As you ascend to the summit of a hill, you'll be treated to mesmerizing views of both sunrise and sunset. En route, you'll traverse through quaint villages, offering you a unique opportunity to engage with the locals and learn about their traditions, culture, and way of life. The region is teeming with lush vegetation, and the trek presents opportunities to witness diverse wildlife and rare bird species.

Furthermore, the trek offers panoramic vistas that include the towering Annapurna I (8,091 m), the majestic Annapurna South (7,219 m), the imposing Mardi Himal (5,587 m), the distinctive Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), and the iconic Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). This combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and remarkable mountain views makes the Mardi Himal Trek an unforgettable adventure for trekkers of all levels.

What to Expect on the Mardi Himal Trek?

Embark on a journey from the vibrant streets of Kathmandu to the serene waters of Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal's adventure capital, as the initial phase of the Mardi Himal trekking itinerary.

After exploring the highlights of these cities, you'll delve into the wilderness of the Annapurnas. Although the Mardi Himal Trek might not be as renowned as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit, you'll soon realize that it offers its own unique and splendid adventure.

Each day of the trek involves hiking for approximately five to six hours, and your efforts will be met with breathtaking vistas of mountains like Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and the prominent Mardi Himal.

Reaching a maximum elevation of around 4,500 meters, this itinerary caters to trekkers seeking a captivating mountain experience without venturing into the higher altitudes synonymous with treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Affordability makes the Mardi Himal Trek an excellent choice for novice trekkers, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves in Nepal's majestic Himalayas for the first time.

Best Time of Year for the Mardi Himal Trek

Trekking seasons in Nepal are primarily influenced by the monsoon, and the Mardi Himal Trek is no exception. The monsoon period usually spans from June to August. Consequently, many trekkers opt for the spring months of February to May or the autumn months of September to November to undertake this journey.

During these seasons, you can expect a harmonious blend of comfortable temperatures and unobstructed mountain vistas.

However, the Mardi Himal region is open for trekking throughout the year, presenting diverse experiences. The winter months offer snow-covered trails that evoke a sense of mystery, while summer months shroud the hillsides in mist, creating an equally enchanting ambiance. Regardless of the timing, Alpine Ramble Treks promises to orchestrate a trekking adventure that will exceed your highest expectations.


Where does the Mardi Himal Trek start and end?

The Mardi Himal Trek begins at Kande, around a 1.5-hour drive from Pokhara. The trail starts with a moderate ascent, becoming steeper near Australian Camp (2060 m, about 2 hours away), then gradually descending to Pothana (1950 m) before rising again towards Deurali (2100 m). From Deurali, a sign indicating "Forest Camp" points to a right turn. The path goes through a rainforest, initially going up and then down along a ridge.

The route becomes steeper as you proceed, reaching a midpoint before gradually ascending again towards Forest Camp (2600 m). After leaving Forest Camp, the trail is steep initially, but it becomes less steep closer to the top.

About an hour's hike from there, the trail exits the jungle and opens up to a ridge with stunning views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. The path departs from Low Camp and leads to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m). Going up the ridge to the Base Camp takes another 4 to 5 hours, and the return to High Camp takes around 4 hours. There's a viewpoint midway with great views. After this, the trail goes through Low Camp to Siding, and from there, a car ride takes you back to Pokhara.

 

Mardi Himal Trek difficulty

Regarding the difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek, it is considered to be a relatively short and manageable trek within the Annapurna region. This implies that individuals with good overall health and a reasonable level of fitness can complete the journey. However, it's important to note that the daily routine involves approximately 5 to 6 hours of both ascent and descent, demanding a fair amount of stamina. The trail itself varies, with some sections being narrow and slippery, and during winter, certain areas can be covered in snow. Therefore, it's advisable to have trekking poles and crampons to navigate these conditions. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the teahouse at Mardi Himal Base Camp remains closed during the winter months, making accommodation scarcer during the off-season.

 

Food, and Accommodation during Mardi Himal Trek

During the Mardi Himal Trek, your accommodations will primarily consist of 2 or 3-star hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara and lodges or tea houses along the trekking route. In Kathmandu, you will be provided with breakfast and also enjoy a welcome and farewell dinner. As for the Mardi Himal Trek itself, the food offerings will be based on the menu available at the lodges and tea houses.

As this is a newly established trekking route in Nepal, it tends to be less crowded, resulting in varying levels of lodge and teahouse development along the trail. While the construction and facilities might not be as advanced as in more established routes, you will still find lodges that offer local Nepali cuisine and comfortable accommodations. Although the lodges may vary in terms of quality, they generally provide a satisfying stay.

Furthermore, access to drinking water is readily available throughout the trek. It's recommended that you bring a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets to ensure the quality of the water you consume. This approach will allow you to enjoy the convenience of refilling your bottle while also taking precautions to ensure the safety of the water you're drinking.

 

 

Highlights
  • Tour the wonderfully rich Pokhara Valley with magnificent lakes and mountain views.
  • Explore off-the-beaten-path routes through deep woods of rhododendrons, magnolias, and oaks.
  • Views of mountain giants such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, etc.
  • Reach the Mardi Himal High Camp at an elevation of 4250 meters.
Itinerary

Every day, at 7.00 am, the tourist bus leaves for Pokhara (200 km), a drive of 6-7 hrs. The drive to Pokhara is scenic in the hilly region of Nepal. You’ll see snow-capped mountains, rivers, villages, and green hills. The tourist bus stops twice in between, and we have some excellent restaurants for lunch. After checking in at the Hotel and resting, we walked around the Few Lake and visited the monastery, the Tibetan Refugee Camp, and the waterfalls. We also make our final preparation for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Overnight in Pokhara.

 

  • Max. Altitude:822m
  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Time:6-7 hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast in Pokhara, drive for about 40 minutes to Kande. The trail climbs for about 1 ½ hrs to the ridge at 2,060 m. The clearing in the forest with lodge settlement is known as the ‘Australian camp.’ The place is scenic, with a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and Pokhara Valley. The trail winds through the rhododendron forest to the Deurali' mountain pass. Deurali overlooks the Modi Khola valley wedged between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal / Mt Fishtail.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,232m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:40 minutes drive and 1-2 hrs trek
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After spending the beautiful morning in the ridge-top village of Deurali, we head off the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to Forest camp. Since this is the new trekking destination, there are no teahouses along the way, and we need to carry a pack lunch and sufficient water. The day’s walk in the rhododendron forest is beautiful, with a gradual uphill.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,950m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3 Hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail gradually climbs through the rhododendron forest following the ridge. The low camp has a couple of tea houses in the clearing of the woods. The view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal appears much closer. You find yourself closer to a clear blue sky with a view of layers of Himalayan foothills and a sweeping valley towards the south. Note: You can trek one more hr to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) above the tree line with the consent of the guide for a better view. There is only one lodge in Badal Danda.

 

  • Max. Altitude:2,950 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3 Hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail further climbs along the ridge towards Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail. From Badal Danda, we leave the tree line and arrive in the shrubby alpine zone. Snowcapped peaks of Annapurna South, Huinchuli, and Fishtail loom in the distance above the deep valley on either side. High camp is a small pasture after the climb with three lodges. Here you find yourself above the clouds and closer to snowcapped peaks.

 

  • Max. Altitude:3,550 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:3 HRS
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day trip is more difficult than other days, with a steep climb and longer walk. The trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps. The first steep climb will take about 2 hrs to the ridge top, marked as MBC (Mardi Himal Base Camp). However, the base camp will bring another 2 hrs along the ridge. The view is impressive all along the spine. While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear above us, the idea of Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III also seems at a distance.

 

  • Max. Altitude:4,500 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:7 Hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Even though the scenery is stationary, season and sunlight make it different and exciting. Spend another morning watching the change that the sunrays bring. Walk down to forest camp after breakfast.

 

  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4 hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail climbs steeply through rhododendron and Maple forests to the permanent settlements closer to the valley basin. Lwang is a self-sufficient Gurung village with rich culture and happy people. The town is the best place to watch the Nepalese countryside lifestyle and enjoy organic food. The village farmers also grow organic tea on 50 hectares of land. Farmers offer homestay accommodation. The waterfall on the outskirt of the village offers one of the most exciting canyoning adventures.

 

  • Max. Altitude:1,500 m
  • Accommodation:Teahouse
  • Time:4 Hrs
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Down to the Mardi River basin and drive back to Pokhara. It will take about 1 ½ hrs to get to Pokhara in a 4-wheeler. The first 1 hr is to go on the dirt road and then to Pokhara, with a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.

 

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast

We return to Kathmandu, where our trek ends. You may do that if you wish to spend time in beautiful Pokhara City. We will provide transportation back to Kathmandu.

 

    EQUIPMENT LISTS FOR ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK

    Head and Face 

    • Warm and a sun hat with a scarf
    • Headlight
    • Sunscreen +40 or above
    • Proper sunglass
    • Face wipes and tiny towels

    List for Hands & Body parts

    • Lightweight gloves
    • And warm Globes
    • Down jacket (the company will be provided in rent)
    • A thick Sleeping bag (the company will be provided in rent)
    • 2 pairs of hiking t-shirts, preferably quick-drying, possibly thermal tops for the treks
    • Fleece jacket and sweaters for the cold temperature
    • Poncho or rain jacket
    • warm Socks, preferably a cotton –mix
    • Lightweight cotton trekking pants 
    • The proper Trekking Boots
    • crampon (optional)
    • walking poles 

    Essential gear

    • Day Backpack above the 30 L
    • Pack covers and Thermal bottle
    • Water peals for the normal water
    • Deodorant
    • Laundry soap
    • Antibacterial Gel
    • Toiletries
    • toothbrush
    • Shampoo

    Personal accessories

    • Camera/ Cell Phone
    • Money wallet with Money
    • Padlocks/ Plastic bag
    • Watch/ Sewing kit
    • Extra p photos and passport photocopies

    First-aid Kit

    • Diamox (acetazolamide)
    • Lozenges
    • Elastic bandages
    • Moleskin
    • Cotton bandages and band-aids
    • Lancing needle
    • Antibiotic eye-drops
    • Thermometer
    • Sling
    • Paracetamol
    • Antiseptic antibacterial cream or solution
    • Painkillers
    • Anti-emetic for nausea (not at high altitude)
    • Loperamide to control diarrhea
    • Norfloxacin or Cipro to cure diarrhea, and other infections

    Physical Fitness and Experience:

    The Mardi Himal Trek is categorized as an easy trek, suitable for individuals with the ability to walk for about 5-6 hours per day, encompassing both uphill and downhill terrain, while carrying a personal day pack. On certain days, the duration of walking may extend to 7-8 hours. As the trek remains at lower altitudes, it requires less physical exertion. However, possessing strong determination, a positive attitude, and average physical fitness are essential to successfully complete this trek. Although engaging in some physical exercises in the weeks leading up to the trip is advisable, no specific technical skills are necessary. If you are under medication for heart, lung, or blood-related conditions, it is crucial to consult your doctor and inform High Camp Adventure.
     

    Travel Insurance:

    Given the nature of this high-altitude adventure, securing travel insurance is not only a wise decision for your safety but also highly recommended. Your travel insurance policy should cover emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in case of unforeseen circumstances. It's important to note that Nepalese insurance companies do not offer travel insurance policies, so it's recommended to purchase a comprehensive policy from your home country. Keep in mind that some insurance policies may only provide coverage for altitudes below 4,000 meters, while others apply to altitudes above 4,000 meters. Prior to purchasing the policy, ensure you thoroughly understand the coverage and its applicability based on your intended destination.
     
    Cost Details
    Includes
    • All transport during the trekking, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Both ways)
    • Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,  main course only) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with a family environment
    • Transportation, food, accommodation, and insurance of Guide during the trip
    • Sleeping bags are available for rent 
    • First Aid Medical Kit(Your Guide will carry the Medical Kit, but we also advise you to bring yourself for your use, as far as possible)
    • All the required permits and paperwork
    Excludes
    • International Airfare
    • Visa Charges
    • Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
    • Your travel and medical insurance
    • Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits, etc
    • Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
    • Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
    • Emergency expenses, such as expenses on chartered helicopters.
    • Sleeping bags and down jacket ( can be rented)
    Departure Dates
    Select a Departure Month
    Trip Date PriceStatus 
    Start DateStartsOct 21, 2024End DateEndsOct 30, 2024PriceUS$650StatusAvailable
    Start DateStartsOct 29, 2024End DateEndsNov 07, 2024PriceUS$650StatusAvailable
    Clients Reviews
    • green star

      Great experience in Mardi Himal trek

      I travelled to trek Mardi Himal for 5 nights 4 days in January 2023 . I should not have completed the trek without the team of All Nepal Hiking. Started from the time that the trip was booked, the tour operator has always took the initiative to give responses and advises by WhatsApp . The guide and porter are being so helpful. The whole team really did their best to make the adventure pleasant and memorable. It was a well managed trek with nice accommodation, food and view.There are many hiking companies in Nepal but this one is definitely a safe bet!

      C
      Chong Yan YuSingapore,Feb 2023