Mardi Himal Trek is one of the short and exotic trekking trips in the Annapurna region. Many trekkers pronounced it a “well-kept secret” of the region. Very few trekkers have made their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp stunningly located at the foot of the mardi himal trek package and impressive Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain) as the Mardi Himal trek route from Pokhara. It is less trodden and perhaps the least visited trekking peak in Nepal.
Mardi Himal Trekking trail follows the exciting winding paths and meanders through exotic rhododendron forest until you rise high above the forest line at a Mardi Himal trek height of 3,300m. On the way, we get to admire the complete solitary trails filled with verdant forest, amazing villages, valleys, terraced farms, rivers, and exceptional mountain scenery.
The landscapes in the Mardi Himal trek map change suddenly into rugged and scrub terrain with a tantalizing view of ice giants during the mardi himal trek distance – Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. From high camp, we climb up to Mardi Himal BC which exhibits the spectacular close-up view of Annapurna massifs.
In Short, Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is suitable for time-limited trekkers who have a keen interest to savor the magic of the mountain while emerging deep into local culture and tradition at the same time. Trekkers can stay in the local teahouse, try local dishes and get in-depth knowledge about local culture and tradition. If are planning to trek Mardi in winter, we suggest you check the availability of a teahouse.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- World heritage sites including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and many more
- Annapurna region
- Adorable views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other range mountains too
- Pokhara ( city of Lake)
- Flora and fauna and different spices
- Oak and Rhododendron forest ( national flower of Nepal )
- Lakes, waterfalls, rivers and suspension bridges
- Rich tradition and culture of Gurung and Magar
- Magnificent landscape
- Adorable view of sunrise and sunset
Short description of Mardi Himal Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, one of Nepal's most renowned trekking destinations, is located immediately east of the Mardi Himal Trek. The Mardi Himal hike is a hidden treasure. Few hikers travel to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is ideally situated at the foot of the Mardi Himal and Mount Machapuchhre, also known as the "Fish Tail" mountain in the Annapurna region. The trail winds through enchanting rhododendron forests on narrow, serpentine roads until you ascend out of the woodland at a height of about 3,300 meters. A high mountainous terrain with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli suddenly appears in the background.
In roughly 3–4 hours, you can ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp from High Camp (3700m; some maps wrongly list 3900 m), which provides breathtaking up-close views of the entire Annapurna Range. Along the entire path, there are affordable homestays and modest guesthouses. The difficulty of the Mardi Himal Trek depends heavily on your previous hiking experience. Additionally, it can be the best choice for beginners who want to take on a high-altitude trip. The trek's highest point is 4,250 meters above sea level at the Upper View Point or 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. The Mardi Himal Base Camp, traditional Nepali villages, people's way of life, up-close views of mountains like Mt. Annapurna South, Himchuli, and Mt. Machhapuchre, and green, lush forest along the trail, to name a few, are the main features of the Mardi Himal Trek.
After a survey by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN), the Mardi Himal base camp paths were opened in 2012. The Ten-day trip to the Mardi Himal offers the closest views of snow-capped peaks including Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6993 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), and Annapurna South (7,219 m). Mardi Himal 5,553 m, Him Chuli 6,441 m 7,555-meter Annapurna III Dhaulagiri Himal (8167 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), etc.
Mardi Himal trek accommodation
Campers had very well-liked the Mardi Himal Trek for more than ten years. When the journey was formally inaugurated in 2012, teahouse services were available along the entire trail. The Mardi Himal Trek's teahouses are equipped with the bare minimum of amenities and services. The majority of the rooms include two single beds with thin mattresses and no associated bathroom. The majority of the restrooms are shared, and the entire walk is without running hot water. However, some teahouses charge extra to provide buckets of warm water. You can have it if you want to. An overnight stay in a neighbourhood tea house costs between $2 to $6 per room. The price can be negotiated. Depending on how well you negotiate, it can cost less or more.
Although the teahouses don't have as many food options as other commercial excursions, they nevertheless feature a sufficient menu. The fact that the majority of the vegetables are grown by the villagers themselves is one outstanding aspect of the food on this walk. Whatever you decide to eat is healthy and energizing. There are more meal alternatives available at the teahouses located at lower altitudes. Additionally, food is less expensive. As you climb to greater altitudes, your dietary options will become much more limited. Additionally, as the height of the climb rises, so does the price of food.
The most typical meal is dal bhat, which is followed by chop suey, noodles, and pancakes. Dal Bhat is nutritious and packed with the right kind of calories to keep you going since you'll be burning a lot of calories while trekking. Along the path, chocolate bars and other goodies are widely available. It's crucial to keep in mind that food costs increase as you ascend the mountainous portions of the hike.
Best season for the Mardi Himal trek
Autumn season
September, October, and November are considered autumn. One of the busiest hiking times of year in Nepal is now. Because of the summer rains, the Annapurna region's surroundings become clearer during the post-monsoon season in autumn. Therefore, it appears that the region's visual splendor and the visibility of the mountain ranges are both extraordinary.
The Mardi Himal walk takes place in weather and temperatures that average 20 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 degrees during the night. With the exception of early September, you might not expect any rain during this time of year. During this season, you can also explore Nepal’s two biggest festivals, Dashain and Tihar. So it will be best alternative to trek in the autumn season. The Mardi Himal hike takes place in weather and temperatures that average around 20°C during the day and 10°C or lower at night.
Throughout the month, hikers can find the exquisite autumnal leaves strewn about the trail. By the end of November, the forests, which had been glowing in a variety of hues, including red and yellow, would have been scoured by the wind. The weather drastically changes beginning in early December when winter sets in. The lack of wild creatures in the woods is a sign that you need to go more quickly because otherwise, hikers will have to face the bitter cold.
Spring season
The second-best season of the year for Mardi Himal Trekking is spring. March, April, and May are the months in which it occurs. Various plants sprout and bloom in the spring, including rhododendrons. It's that time of year when everything outside turns green and rejuvenated. During this month, you can experience the aroma of various flowers as you hike to the Mardi Himal. This time of year is when the splendour of the wild flora and fauna is at its height. Because it is the pre-monsoon season, the skies are typically clear, giving you a clearer perspective of the mountains.
In the spring, the Annapurna region's daytime temperatures may range from 17 to 20 degrees. The temperature at night may be between 0 and 5 degrees. In late May, you could also anticipate a little light precipitation. There are a lot of teahouses and eateries along the pathways leading to the Mardi Himal in spring. Therefore, if you intend to hike to the Mardi Himal in the spring, you do not need to worry about finding food and lodging. You will have access to proper facilities in the teahouses.
Summer season
In Nepal, the summer months are June, July, and August. The Annapurna region's hottest months are right now. Given that it rains nearly every day, this season is sometimes referred to as the monsoon season. The road up to the Mardi Himal is frequently muddy and treacherous because of the monsoon rain. The slippery and rainy path could make it tough for you to get to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The natural beauty of the Annapurna region is breathtaking after the rain, despite the fact that the paths become muddy. Most of this time will be cloudy with very hot temperatures and brief periods of light rain. In terms of temperature, the lower Mardi Himal region might get a little humid during the summer or monsoon seasons. Since everything will be wet from the rain, there may be a chill when climbing. The mountain ranges will be visible in some breathtaking views for you to photograph. Weather-wise, it might not be feasible to see the terrain and surroundings, let alone the snow-capped summits.
One of the least favoured seasons of the year to hike to the Mardi Himal is summer. You will have a good hiking adventure to the Mardi Himal, nevertheless, if you have the right trekking equipment and rain clothing. You don't want to go on an adventurous hike over the Himalayas while carrying an umbrella or wearing a raincoat. However, in the alpine forests, this season is wonderful for those who enjoy the greenery.
Winter season
In Nepal, the winter months are December, January, and February. The majority of the trails leading to the Mardi Himal may be covered in snow during the winter months. During this time, the surroundings become extremely arid and chilly. Due of this, the majority of tourists do not favor hiking the Mardi Himal in the winter. But the region's natural splendour and the snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna region are spectacular. The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek is 4500 meters above sea level. Additionally, everything will be frozen because of the low temperature. Water sources include ponds, brooks, a water pipeline, and drinking water.
The Annapurna region has chilly winter weather and temperatures. In the winter, the region's typical daily temperature ranges from 9 to 12 °C. Additionally, the overnight low could be -5 degrees. The Annapurna region is mostly blanketed in snow. And as a result, you can encounter certain challenges while walking in a snowy environment. Therefore, for individuals who are terrified of the cold, the winter season is not the greatest time to go on a Mardi Himal Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Deurali (2,100m/6,720ft) – 30-minute drive/ 4 – 5 hours trek
Day 04: Deurali – Forest Camp (2,520m/8,064ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 05: Forest Camp – Low Camp (2,970m/9,504ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 06: Low Camp – High Camp (3,540m/11,328ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 07: High Camp – Upper viewpoint (4,250m/13,600ft) and trek back to high camp – 2 – 3 hours trek
Day 08: High Camp – Siding Village (1,700m/5,440ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 09: Sidhing – Lumre and drive to Pokhara. Fly back to Kathmandu – 2 – 3 hours trek, 2-hour drive, and 25 minute flight
Day 10: Final Departure
