Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best trekking adventures in Nepal. It offers you breathtaking views of the Himalayas along with diverse flora and fauna. It can be completed in shorter days, making it a beginner-friendly adventure. Furthermore, the exclusion of the region attracts fewer crowds.

Views of the Mountains during Travel & Trek

Mardi Himal trek offers you breathtaking views of the Himalayas throughout the journey. You will start to witness the distant views of the Himalayas from Kathmandu only. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will get a slightly closer view of the Annapurna Ranges.

Our first stop Deurali, offers the more clear views of Annapurna along with Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). As we ascend forward, the mountains start to get clear, along with the views of Mardi Himal itself. In this adventure, you will also be witnessing Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.

• Annapurna I – 8,091 meters
• Annapurna South – 7,219 meters
• Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) – 6,993 meters
• Hiunchuli – 6,441 meters
• Mardi Himal – 5,587 meters
• Gangapurna – 7,455 meters
• Dhaulagiri – 8,167 meters
• Lamjung Himal – 6,983 meters

Fewer Crowds

Not much popular compared to Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek, the Mardi Himal is less crowded. This offers you a more peaceful trekking trail and helps you get closer to nature. As you make your way through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged landscapes, this trek gives you a more intimate connection with nature.

Diverse Flora and Fauna

The Mardi Himal Trek passes through a variety of landscapes, such as subtropical forests, which you will get at the starting point of the trek. This forest is mainly available in lower regions of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Deurali. As you ascend, you will pass through alpine vegetation, rhododendron forests, and the forests of oak, maple, or hemlock.

Similarly, if you choose the right trekking seasons, you will also get to watch the different fauna the region offers. Some common animals you can see include langurs, Himalayan thar, barking deer, and pika. Similarly, birdlife such as pheasants, dance, and eagles can also be witnessed in the journey. Getting a glimpse of various butterflies and smaller mammals makes the adventure a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Traditional Gurung Villages

With the Mardi Himal Trek, you will pass through several traditional Gurung villages such as Dhampus, Deurali, Landruk, Pothana, Sidhing, and more. These villages provide a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. These villages are known for their warm hospitality, traditional houses, and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

You will also find Buddhist prayer flags and small stupas that reflect the spiritual essence of the region. Exploring these villages offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making your trek truly memorable.

A Great Alternative to Annapurna Base Camp

The Mardi Himal Trek is a great alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. It offers similar breathtaking views of the Annapurna range without the heavy crowds. While ABC is more popular and busier, Mardi Himal provides a peaceful and less-trodden trail, allowing you to connect deeply with nature.

This trek is shorter and less physically demanding compared to ABC. Thus making it suitable for those with limited time or looking for a less challenging route. Additionally, Mardi Himal Trek gives you more raw beauty of nature along with more traditional Gurung villages. This is perfect if you want a peaceful retreat to the Himalayas.

Our 7-day Mardi Himal Trek starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will drive to Kande and begin our trek to Pitam Deurali, passing through lush forests and small villages. The next day, we will trek to Forest Camp, surrounded by dense greenery and the peaceful sounds of nature. As we climb higher, we will reach High Camp. Upon reaching here, we will see the breathtaking views of the Annapurna range.

The highlight of the trek is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, which we reach on day 5. Here, we will be rewarded with stunning mountain vistas. After exploring the base camp, we will descend to Badal Danda, enjoying the serene beauty of the hills. The final leg of the trek takes us to Sidhing before we drive back to Pokhara and eventually return to Kathmandu. Each day of this trek offers a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

Transportation Options

For the Mardi Himal Trek, we will start with transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which can be done by either a tourist bus, private vehicle, or domestic flight. The most common and budget-friendly option is the tourist bus, which takes about 7-8 hours and offers scenic views along the way. Alternatively, for quicker travel, a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is available and takes around 25-30 minutes.

From Pokhara, we will drive to Kande, the starting point of the trek. This can be done by private vehicle or shared jeep, which is a more local and cost-effective choice. Throughout the trek, transportation between the different trekking stages is done on foot, as there are no motorized vehicles on the trail. At the end of the trek, we will drive back from Sidhing to Pokhara by shared jeep or private vehicle and then take a bus or flight back to Kathmandu to complete the journey.

A typical day on the Mardi Himal Trek will begin with a warm breakfast at our tea house. We will pack our essentials and set off early to enjoy the cool morning weather. The trek will usually start with gentle paths as we pass through beautiful forests, villages, or ridges. Along the way, we will stop to take in the views and rest during short breaks. Around midday, we will reach a scenic spot for lunch, where we can refuel while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

In the afternoon, we will continue trekking toward our destination for the day, often a cozy tea house or lodge. The trail may involve some steep climbs or descents, adding a touch of adventure to our journey. Once we arrive, we can relax, explore the nearby area, or chat with other trekkers. Dinner will be served early, and we will spend the evening resting, enjoying the stars, or planning for the next day’s adventure.

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best choices a beginner can make. With a moderate difficulty level and lower altitude compared to some of the popular trekking routes, Mardi Himal attracts more new trekkers. Also, you do not have to compromise any views or adventure. You will get the best views, people, and trekking paths, with many hassles. Here is a brief reason why a beginner should consider Mardi Himal Trek:

Moderate Difficulty Level

The trek is considered to be moderately challenging, making it a perfect choice among beginners. With steady ascents and gradual terrain, the trek allows you to take an adventure without the exhaustion that you will get with steep climbs. Graded to be 5 out of 10, the trek does not require intense training and preparations and even prior experiences. Also, the availability of amenities and short duration make the trekking adventure a lot easier for new adventure seekers.

Lower Altitude

Located below 5,000 meters, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek’s altitude lies below some of the popular trekking routes here in Nepal. It stands at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet). If you are concerned about altitude sickness, a lower altitude definitely will give you some advantage. The risk of getting affected is low, making the trek more accessible for beginners. However, it is very important for you to take some preventive methods.

Local Hospitality

The trek is well known for the exceptional hospitality offered by the local people, especially the Gurung community. They are also known for their warmth and friendliness. As you pass through villages like Pothana, Deurali, and Sidhing, you will experience the traditional way of life. You will be welcomed into their homes and tea houses. You can also try authentic Nepali food like dal bhat, momos, and roti.

On the Mardi Himal Trek, you will primarily stay in tea houses or lodges along the route. These accommodations are basic but comfortable, offering a warm place to rest after a day of trekking. They provide essential services such as beds with blankets, meals, and sometimes hot showers (depending on the location and season). The tea houses are spread out across the trail, from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp, making it easy to find a place to stay each night.

The higher you go, the more basic the tea houses become. In places like Forest Camp and High Camp, the facilities are simple, with shared rooms and basic amenities. However, these tea houses are great for meeting fellow trekkers and experiencing the local Gurung culture. The food served at these tea houses is typically Nepali dishes like dal bhat, momos, and noodles, and it’s an essential part of the trekking experience.

Dining on the Mardi Himal Trek offers an opportunity to try traditional Nepali food and some familiar international dishes. At the tea houses and lodges along the route, you will find a variety of meals to fuel your trek. Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice) is a staple and is served daily, often accompanied by vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. It is a hearty, nutritious meal that provides energy for long trekking days.

Other popular options include momos (dumplings filled with vegetables or meat), noodles, and Tibetan bread with jam. You can also find Western dishes like pancakes, omelets, and soups in the lower villages. As you go higher on the trek, the menu becomes more limited, but the food remains simple and satisfying. Drinking tea or coffee with a piece of chocolate or a biscuit is a common way to relax and recharge in cozy tea houses.

Drinking water on the Mardi Himal Trek should be treated with caution. While there are plenty of natural water sources along the trail, such as streams and rivers, it is not always safe to drink water directly from these sources due to the risk of contamination. It’s recommended to purify the water before drinking it, either by using water purification tablets, a filter, or boiling it.

Most tea houses along the trek will provide bottled or filtered water for a fee, which is safer for drinking. If you’re concerned about carrying enough water, you can refill your bottle at these tea houses. Be sure to have a reliable purification method, especially in more remote areas, to avoid any waterborne illnesses.

During the Mardi Himal Trek, you may have limited access to the internet. In the lower villages like Pokhara and Deurali, you can find Wi-Fi in some hotels and cafes. However, as you go higher into the mountains, internet access becomes scarce or non-existent. In places like Forest Camp and High Camp, you might not have any internet at all, so it is important to prepare for limited connectivity.

To stay connected during the trek, you can buy a Nepali SIM card in Pokhara or Kathmandu before you start your trek. The main mobile networks in Nepal are Ncell and NTC, both offering good coverage in major towns and some parts of the trail. While signal strength is weaker in remote areas.

Generally, the Mardi Himal trek is open for exploration throughout the year. However, when talking about the best season to trek to Mardi Himal, Spring and Autumn always stand out. Summer and Winter, on the other hand, bring unique challenges that often discourage trekkers. Below is a brief explanation of all the seasons.

On Seasons

Spring (March to May)

As mentioned earlier, Spring is one of the best trekking seasons in Nepal. It brings along some of the finest trekking conditions. The temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, and the landscapes turn vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. Along with that, the trail that leads to Mardi Himal allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks more clearly. All in all, trekking the Mardi Himal trail during the spring offers an unforgettable experience.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another ideal trekking season that differs a bit from spring. Known as the season of transition, the warm sunny days and the cooler nights give the best trekking experience in the Mardi Himal region. The changing colors of the landscape also give a unique flare to the views. Moreover, Autumn also welcomes several festivals, including Dashain and Tihar both of which are perfect for exploring Nepali culture and tradition from a close distance. However, overcrowding might be an issue during this season because of its best trekking conditions.

Off-Seasons

Summer (April to September)

Although trekking to the Mardi Himal is open during summer, the not-so-suitable weather conditions often seem to be a huge challenge. The daytime temperatures are too hot, while it can drop below 0 degrees at night. Meanwhile, summer also brings along monsoons, which can make the trail slippery and muddy. This poses additional risks to the trekkers while ruining the trekking experience. Despite such challenges, the views of cascading waterfalls, roaring rivers, and the clear surroundings after rainfall still tend to mesmerize, making about one-third of the effort worthwhile.

Winter (December to February)

Winter, as we all know, is the season of extreme cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. Trekking to the Mardi Himal is a huge challenge due to a lot of reasons. The trails are covered with snow, accommodation is limited, temperatures drop quickly, and there is always a risk of avalanche at higher altitudes. Since these challenges discourage most trekkers, planning a trip to the Mardi Himal during winter can reward you with a tranquil atmosphere and a scenic snow-covered landscape.

Hiring a guide for the Mardi Himal trek can be an ideal way to uplift your trekking experience. Walking alongside a guide gives you an opportunity to explore the places better. As your trip advisor, they are always happy to share their knowledge about the local culture, history, and natural environment while also ensuring your safety. Finding a suitable accommodation on the trail can also be easy while trekking with a guide. Additionally, a guide can help with acclimatization, reducing the risks of altitude sickness.

A porter, on the other hand, can carry your heavy trekking gear, allowing you to focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about your pack. They typically carry around 15-20 kg of gear, which can include clothing, a sleeping bag, and other essentials. Along with lightening up your shoulders, hiring a porter also supports the local economy. You can hire both guides and porters through trekking agencies in Pokhara or Kathmandu, and their services are relatively affordable.

Similar to all other treks in Nepal, you will need a couple of permits for the Mardi Himal trek. There are two major permits you need for this trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. It is important that you carry both of these permits in hand throughout the journey for a hassle-free crossing through checkpoints.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

As the Mardi Himal is located in the Annapurna region, trekkers are required to collect the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to trek the trail. This permit aims to maintain and protect the region’s natural and cultural heritage. A huge part of the amount collected through ACAP goes towards conservation activities and trail maintenance.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card is an important document that every trekker needs to collect before embarking on the Mardi Himal trek. It is used as a tracking device to keep track of hikers and rescue them in case of emergencies. The TIMS card can be collected from either the Nepal Tourism Board Office in Kathmandu or the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) office in Pokhara.

Clothing and Footwear

• Moisture-wicking clothing (t-shirts, pants, layers)
• Waterproof jacket and pants
• Sturdy trekking boots and sandals
• Sleeping bag (rated for cold temperatures)
• Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, hat)

Gear and Essentials

• Backpack (30-40 liters)
• Reusable water bottles and purification tablets/filter
• Trekking poles
• First aid kit
• Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, chocolates)

Personal and Tech Items

• Passport and permits
• Camera and phone
• Power bank
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue, menstrual products)
• Travel insurance and emergency contact details
• Wallet (cash, credit cards)
• Notebook and pen
• Plastic or zip-lock bags for waste disposal