Are you looking to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas? The Mardi Himal Trek beckons with its serene trails and breathtaking vistas. As a lesser-known alternative to the popular Everest Base Camp trek and thrilling Mustang Jeep Tour, this trek offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect combination of culture and nature. As you trek through the remote villages, you’ll have the chance to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. You’ll also have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and tradition of the Gurung community.
The Mardi Himal Trek stands as an excellent choice for adventurers seeking a distinctive and demanding journey within the Annapurna region, far from the bustling crowds. If you’re also considering the Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Trek, or Khopra Danda Trek, you’ll find them equally enticing options to explore.
Transport for Mardi Himal Trek
For the Mardi Himal Trek, you can typically reach the starting point, which is often Phedi or Kande, by taking a private vehicle or a local bus from Pokhara. The journey to the trek’s trailhead is quite accessible, making it convenient for trekkers to begin their adventure. And when you back take local jeep from Siding village to Pokhara.
Permits for Mardi Himal Trek
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit is required as the trek falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It helps fund conservation efforts and supports local communities in the region.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: The TIMS card is another mandatory requirement for trekking in Nepal. It assists in tracking trekkers and providing necessary assistance in case of emergencies.
Telephone and Wi-Fi during Mardi Himal Trek
While some lower-altitude areas may have weak signals from providers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom, higher altitudes offer little to no connectivity. Teahouses in larger villages might offer paid Wi-Fi, but it can be slow.
Map of Mardi Himal Trek
Outline Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek
| Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu | |
| Day 02: Drive to Pokhara | 210KM, 7hr |
| Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana(1890m) | 5.8KM, 4hr |
| Day 04: Trek to Forest Camp (2540m) | 8.3KM, 6hr |
| Day 05: Trek to High Camp (3590m) | 7.9KM, 6hr |
| Day 06: Trek back to Badal danda (3210m) | 12.8KM, 6hr |
| Day 07: Back to Pokhara | |
| Day 08: Drive to Kathmandu | 210KM, 7hr |
| Day 09: Home |
Is Hiking or Trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp Difficult?
The difficulty of hiking or trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp depends on your fitness level and experience. While it’s considered a moderately challenging trek, it’s accessible to most trekkers with reasonable fitness.
What is Different About Doing the Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek offers a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience compared to more popular treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. It provides unique views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains.
Itinerary of Trek
A typical itinerary includes 8 days, starting from Kande and ending in Pokhara. It covers various scenic spots and allows for acclimatization. Check more Itinerary
What about Trek Map
You can Check Detailed trekking maps of the Mardi Himal route are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and from trekking agencies.
How safe is it to do the Trekking?
Mardi Himal Trek is generally safe, but it’s important to trek with a reputable guide or agency, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for potential altitude-related challenges.
What does the Mardi Himal Trek cost?
The cost of the Trek can vary depending on factors like the trekking agency, duration, and the level of service. It typically ranges from $500 to $1,200 USD per person.
How do you select a reliable trekking operator for the Trek?
To select a reliable operator, read reviews, check their credentials, and ensure they follow ethical and safety standards. Recommendations from fellow trekkers can also be helpful.
Trip info
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4500 m
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Sep-Nov | March-May
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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41 km
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Hotel | Tea house
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Private Vehicle
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All meals during the trek
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English, Hindi, Chinese
Overview
Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s best trekking adventure holidays to discover fascinating Himalayan vistas and deeply spiritual ethnic culture that is yet to be explored. This trek is designed for a keen naturalist who wants to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region while taking a less-trodden trail. Trekkers get an exceptional opportunity to witness the looming Mardi Himal in front of sacred Machhapuchhre (fishtail), as seen from Pokhara.
Madri Himal Trail rises through torrent streams and emerges through a dense forest of oak, rhododendron and bamboo to the ridge. The scenery becomes magical as we grow high from the forest camp and expands further as we climb to the high camp: Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna group I (8,091m), II (7,937m), III (7,555m), IV (7,525m), South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m). You can see more than 60 (6,000m+) peaks from a higher viewpoint. Very few other treks in Nepal offers such majesty.
The villages along the trekking routes see very few trekkers and thus offer you warm hospitality and personalized care. There are very few guesthouses along the trail which offer very basic facilities (but improving). If you wish to trek Mardi Himal in winter, do check the availability of the teahouse.
(April – May) spring and (September – October) autumn are the best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek. The Mardi Himal Trek package offered by Himalayan 360 covers all the permits, transport to and from Kathmandu, porters, accommodation and meals during the trek.
Trip Highlights
- Stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, including a close-up of the Mardi Himal peak.
- Trekking through lush rhododendron forests, passing by cascading waterfalls, and traversing steep ridges.
- Exploring the traditional villages of the Gurung people and getting a glimpse into their unique culture and way of life.
- A chance to experience the beautiful culture and local hospitality of the people living in the surrounding villages.
- The trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal, which offers a wide range of activities to explore, such as paragliding, boating, and sightseeing.
