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Travel Guide
Most Popular Mardi Himal Trek Cost | Itinerary | Permit
The Mardi Himal Trek, located in the heart of the Annapurna region of Nepal, is a hidden gem awaiting adventurous and enthusiastic trekkers seeking a less trekked destination with equally beautiful natural wonders.
Located in the shadows of the iconic Annapurna and Machhapuchre (Fishtail) peaks, this trek has rapidly gained popularity among trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Unlike its more crowded counterparts, this trek offers a deep connection with nature as you go through lush rhododendron forests, a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks, and a chance to immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of traditional Gurung and Magar communities.
Max. Altitude
4500m
Best Season
March-May and September-November
Difficulty
Medium
Destination
Annapurna Region, Nepal
Transportation
domestic vehicle
Start / End
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accommodation
tea houses and lodges
Trip Type
Trekking in The Himalaya
The Mardi Himal Trek promises an unforgettable experience as you ascend to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, a viewpoint that unveils the grandeur of the Himalayas in all its glory. The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is a rewarding journey that provides a close-up view of Mardi Himal’s stunning south face. It’s a challenging but manageable trek suitable for trekkers with moderate experience.
So let’s get on a beautiful journey towards Mardi Himal, making it to the land of beautiful Himalayas and an unforgettable experience that awaits us, only via Himalayan 360. If you want to start your trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu please check Mardi Himal trek with 9days itinerary.
Permits required for Mardi Himal Trek
In order to trek Mardi Himal, you need to obtain certain permits. The permits required for the Mardi Himal trek are listed below:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
The ACAP is a mandatory permit for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the Mardi Himal Trek. The fee for the ACAP varies for foreign trekkers, with different rates for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals and other foreign nationals.
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card
The TIMS card is another essential document that tracks trekkers in Nepal and provides information for search and rescue operations if necessary. There are two types of TIMS cards: Green for independent trekkers and Blue for trekkers traveling with an organized group (with a guide).
However, the requirement for TIMS cards may have changed, and there might be new regulations in place. It’s essential to check the latest information from the Nepal Tourism Board or a local trekking agency regarding the specific permit requirements.
Best season for the Mardi Himal Trek
The most favorable season for trekking in Nepal has always been Spring and Autumn.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek. At this time, the weather is favorable and the temperature is bearable. Many flowers and rhododendrons bloom and cover the whole tree, making it colorful and fascinating to watch. The view from the top is clear, and there is no fog or rain covering the scenery. Wildlife is more active during this season, and various species of birds and animals can be spotted.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent season for the Mardi Himal Trek. The weather is clear with dry and stable conditions, making it ideal for trekking. The visibility is excellent during this time, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The temperatures are comfortable during the day, although nights can be chilly at higher elevations.
Seasons to avoid
Monsoon (June to August)
Monsoon season in Nepal, which typically spans from June to August, is a period of heavy rainfall and high humidity. This can result in muddy and slippery trails, leeches, and limited visibility due to frequent cloud cover. Landslides and swollen rivers can make some sections of the trail dangerous and impassable. Whereas, accommodation and transportation can be more challenging as some tea houses and roads may be closed, and the overall trekking experience can be less enjoyable.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in the Mardi Himal region brings cold temperatures, particularly at higher elevations. Snowfall can obstruct the trails, making them more challenging to navigate, and some sections may be closed due to avalanche risk. Accommodation options may be limited, as some tea houses may close for the season.
The altitude of Mardi Himal Trek
The highest point on the Mardi Himal Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level. This is the ultimate destination of the trek offering stunning views of Mardi Himal, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding Annapurna mountain range.
It’s important to note that while Mardi Himal Base Camp is the highest point on the trek, the journey will start in lower elevations, such as in the city of Pokhara, which is at around 800 meters (2,624 feet) above sea level. As you trek, you will gradually ascend through various elevations, passing through villages and different landscapes, before reaching the base camp. Proper acclimatization and trekking at a gradual pace are essential to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues like altitude sickness.
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Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek allows trekkers to explore pristine natural beauty and experience the region’s rich culture. The trek is situated in the western part of Nepal, within the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of the most renowned trekking destinations in the world. The journey typically starts and ends in Pokhara, a scenic lakeside city. The Mardi Himal Trek can typically be completed in 5 to 7 days, depending on your chosen itinerary and hiking pace. Whether you’re a trekker or a mountaineer, the allure of Mardi Himal’s pristine landscapes and challenging routes is undeniable.
Highlights
- The breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, including iconic peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal.
- Opportunities to visit traditional Gurung and Magar villages, offering insights into local culture and lifestyle, along with a chance to sample delicious Nepali cuisine.
- The Mardi Himal Trek is relatively less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayan wilderness without large trekking groups.
- The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including colorful pheasants, the Himalayan tahr, and various smaller mammals.
- Stunning landscapes, pristine forests, and panoramic mountain views provide excellent photography opportunities at every turn.
- Clear nights at higher altitudes offer breathtaking stargazing experiences due to the lack of light pollution.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara - Australian Camp - Deurali
Day 02: Pitan Deurali -Forest Camp - Rest Camp - Low Camp
Day 03: Low Camp - High Camp
Day 04: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek down to Badal Danda
Day 05: Badal Danda - Siding- Pokhara
Itinerary
Day 01: Pokhara - Australian Camp - Deurali
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration: | 1 hour Drive / 4-5 hours walk |
| Highest Altitude: | 2100m |
Our journey begins on the first day of trekking, with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande. We will be traveling on the Pokhara-Baglung highway until we reach Kande, a small village settlement. This is where our trek officially starts. Today’s walk is relatively easy, with gentle ascents through terraced farms and a Rhododendron forest. Along the way, we will come across an Australian camp, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massifs. After approximately four hours of trekking, we will arrive at Pritam Deurali for an overnight stay. Pritam Deurali showcases the typical rural village setting in Nepal, with its stone-built houses and terraced farms.
Day 02: Pitan Deurali -Forest Camp - Rest Camp - Low Camp
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration: | 7 hours |
| Highest Altitude: | 2985m |
Today’s path is immersed in dense forests, mostly consisting of evergreen foliage. The vegetation in this region is temperate, with abundant and vibrant jungles sprawling throughout. The trail cuts through these deep woodlands, occasionally allowing for short rests along the way. As we make our way to the forest camp, we will traverse Rhododendron and Oak forests. This particular stretch of the trek is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of 488 bird species including the colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe), which happens to be Nepal’s national bird, as well as Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge and Kalij Pheasant. You can also spot various species of eagles, vultures, and owls here.
This section of the trek is defined by its temperate vegetation. As you continue towards Low Camp, you will catch a first glimpse of the magnificent Annapurna massifs in the distance. By evening time, we will have arrived at Forest Camp where we will spend the night.
Day 03: Low Camp - High Camp
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration: | 4 hours |
| Highest Altitude: | 3550m |
The most challenging part of the Mardi Himal trek lies in the journey from Low camp to high. Today, as we surpass the 3000-meter mark, the trail becomes narrower. The landscape surrounding us transforms into barren and semi-arid terrain. Though this stretch presents several steep climbs, the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas make it all worthwhile. As you approach High camp, you will feel the effects of altitude taking hold. Be prepared to navigate numerous narrow ridges along your way. Finally, we arrive at High Camp where we will spend the night before continuing our expedition.
Day 04: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek down to Badal Danda
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration: | 6-7 hours |
| Highest Altitude: | 4500m |
The final phase of the Mardi Himal trek commences with an early morning wake-up call. We embark on a journey to the Mardi Himal Base Camp in the early hours to witness the breathtaking sunrise. The ascent to the viewpoint takes approximately two hours, and it is not without its challenges. The trail consists of rocky terrain that can be slippery, and you must navigate narrow paths along rocky ridges of the mountain.
As you venture beyond 4000 meters in elevation, you will feel a noticeable change in altitude. However, upon reaching the base camp, you will be rewarded with a heavenly ambiance unlike any other. The base camp offers a mesmerizing panorama of Annapurna’s majestic peaks. Many consider this spot to offer one of their most unforgettable views during sunrise. After spending some time at the base camp, we descend towards Badal Danda for our accommodation.
Day 05: Badal Danda - Siding- Pokhara
| Itinerary Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Duration: | 5 hours walk / 2 hours drive |
| Highest Altitude: | 830m |
Today marks the commencement of our descent from the Mardi Himal trek. We will retrace our steps on the same path we took during our ascent. The journey is relatively straightforward, as we gradually make our way down until we reach Badal Danda. From there, our trail veers off towards Sidhing, guiding us through dense jungles nestled at the foothills of Mt.Machhapuchhre. The descent becomes steeper and more challenging, with a trail that proves to be quite slippery. After approximately five hours of hiking, we finally arrived in Sidhing and proceeded to board a jeep that would transport us back to Pokhara. Our overnight stay will be at Lakeside in Pokhara.
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