Mardi Himal Trek Guide 2024 | Popular Trek Itinerary

Are you planning a Mardi Himal this year? If Yes, here is the Mardi Himal trek guide 2023. The Trek is a relatively new and less crowded trekking route than the most famous trek Annapurna base camp or Everest base camp trek.

The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 4-10 days to complete from Kathmandu(Get Tourist bus ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara), and the trail covers a distance of about 64 kilometers (40 miles).

The trek starts and ends in the picturesque city of Pokhara, which is easily accessible from Kathmandu by bus or domestic flight. Pokhara is a gateway for so many trekking routes including Poon Hill, ABC Trek, Khopra Trek, and Poon Hill trek. You can also join the Mardi Himal trekking route after finishing the Annapurna base camp trek, Poon Hill trek, and Khopra Danda trek.

The trail leads through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, and passes by traditional Gurung and Magar villages, offering trekkers an opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate-level trek and is suitable for trekkers of all ages and fitness levels.

However, it is recommended that trekkers have some prior trekking experience and be in good physical condition to complete the trek comfortably. The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, and trekkers will need to carry their own gear.

During the trek, trekkers will stay in teahouses or lodges along the trail. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, hot showers, and comfortable beds.

The trail offers several vantage points from where trekkers can catch stunning views of the Annapurna range, including the famous peaks of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

The best time to go on This Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear and mild.

The trail can be challenging during the monsoon season (June to August) when the trail is slippery and muddy. The winter season (December to February) is also possible, but the trek can be cold and snow-covered in higher elevations. This awesome video of Mardi Himal is For those who want to see the actual landscape of Mardi Himal.

Trek Overview – Mardi Himal Trek Guide 2023

• Location: This trekking route is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, to the east of the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek. The trek takes place in the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
• Duration: Trekking route typically takes between 7-10 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker. The trek can be customized to fit different schedules and fitness levels.
• Difficulty level: The Mardi Himalis considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with some prior experience of hiking or trekking. The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) and involves some steep ascents and descents.
• Highlights: This trekking route is known for its stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as the beautiful forested landscapes and traditional Gurung and Magar villages that it passes through. Trekkers can also enjoy panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (also known as Fish Tail).
• Accommodation: This trek is a teahouse trek, there are guesthouses and lodges along the route where trekkers can stay and eat. Accommodation is basic but comfortable, with private rooms or dormitory-style accommodation available.
• Best time to go: The best time to go on the Mardi Himal Trek is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is generally clear and dry. During the winter months (December to February), the trail can be snowy and difficult to navigate, while during the summer months (June to August), the trail can be muddy and slippery due to monsoon rains.
• Trek Permit for Mardi Himal Trek: To trek on the Mardi Himal Trail, trekkers must obtain a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or from a trekking agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
• Mardi Himal Trekking route: Trek typically starts and ends in the town of Kande(if can be different as per your itinerary and duration of the Trek), which is located about an hour’s drive from the city of Pokhara. From Kande, trekkers follow a well-marked trail through forests, villages, and alpine meadows, reaching the highest point of the trek at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek then descends back down to the Sidhing or other exist points.

Overall, Trek is a beautiful and rewarding trekking route that offers stunning views, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure. It is a great option for those looking for a less crowded trekking experience in Nepal.

Facts of trek

• Trek is a relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, first opened to trekkers in 2012.
• The trek takes its name from Mardi Himal, a peak in the Annapurna range that stands at 5,587 meters (18,330 feet).
• Trek is considered a moderate trek, with a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
• The trail is known for its scenic beauty, including stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as picturesque villages and forests.
• The trek typically takes between 7-10 days, depending on the itinerary and pace of the trekker.
• The trail is relatively uncrowded compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, making it an ideal option for those looking to get off the beaten path.
• The best time to go on the Mardi Himal is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is generally clear and dry.
• The trek passes through several traditional Gurung and Magar villages, allowing trekkers to experience the local culture and way of life.
• The Mardi Himal is a teahouse trek, meaning that there are guesthouses and lodges along the route where trekkers can stay and eat.
• The Mardi Himal Trekking route is a sustainable trekking route, with efforts being made to minimize the environmental impact of trekking and support local communities through tourism.

how long is Mardi Himal trek?

The trek duration depends on which itinerary you are using. I am giving below 4 different trekking itineraries for Mardi Himal please read the following itineraries with all the details and information.

Mardi Himal Trek 4 Days itinerary

• Day 1: Drive to siding and trek to Low camp
• Day 2: Trek to High camp
• Day 3: Hike upto View Point and trek back to Badal Danda
• Day 4: Trek back to siding and drive to Pokhara

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Permits requirements And Cost Details

Mardi Himal Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and the surrounding landscapes. To trek in the Mardi Himal area, trekkers are required to obtain two permits 1) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) 2) Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

Here’s a breakdown of the permit requirements for the Trek

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): The ACAP is a mandatory permit for all trekkers traveling in the Annapurna region. The permit is issued by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) office and costs NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 26) per person. Trekkers can obtain the permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the ACAP office in Besisahar.
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS Card is a mandatory permit for all individual trekkers in Nepal. It is issued by the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal(TAAN) and Nepal Tourism Board and costs NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 17) per person.
   
   Trekkers can obtain the TIMS card in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.

Mardi Himal Trek Map

The trek starts from the village of Kande, which is located about 30 minutes drive from Pokhara. From Kande, the trail leads to Australian Camp, then to Forest Camp and Low Camp. From Low Camp, the trail goes through the forest and reaches High Camp, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The final destination of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,500 meters. From the base camp, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli mountains.

Some FAQs of trek