Last Updated on January 28, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the Annapurna Region‘s hidden jewels when it comes to trekking. You have the option to travel around the corner of the map and get off the beaten path, where most people would trek to Annapurna Base Camp. The Mardi Himal Trekking excursion brings you to Mardi Himal’s base camp, which is nestled between Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre, also known as Fish Tail Mountain.
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately difficult trek that begins on the eastern side of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, a new trekking route in the Annapurna region. The trekkers were given access to these trials in 2012. Then, to avoid the crowds of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, trekkers select this route. This is a 10-day walk, although it can be changed to suit our needs.
Trek Highlights:
• Experience majestic Himalayan peaks of Macchapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri and many more.
• Trail through thick Rhododendron forest.
• Observe Himalayan floras and faunas.
• Immerse yourself on traditional Gurung villages and their culture.
A quick glimpse:
• Trek start point: Pokhara
• Best season: All year round (esp. September – November)
• Highest point: 4,500 metres
• Lowest point: 800 metres
• Duration: 12 Days/11 Nights
Preparations for Mardi Himal Trek
Every year, this is a common question posed by potential trekkers. In many ways, it’s straightforward, as it boils down to two basic considerations: how much time a trekker has available, and whether or not they want to carry a hefty weight. The vast majority of trekkers nowadays prefer to employ a local trekking firm like Third Rock since it allows them to have a much more enjoyable vacation. There is no need to deal with papers or permissions upon arrival, there is no need to plan transportation, there is no need to get lost, and there is certainly no need to lug a big rucksack. To ‘learn the ropes,’ first-time hikers might wish to plan a trip like this. Many first-time trekkers go to Mardi Himal, and with so many young Nepalese on the trail, they are sure to have a memorable experience. Is it possible for someone to hike here on their own? Of course, for some, the challenge and a different kind of independence are the factors that influence their decision.
Mardi Himal Trek Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara
Day 04: Pokhara to Phedi drive and Trek to Pothana
Day 05: Pothana to Forest Camp
Day 06: Forest Camp to High Camp
Day 07: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp
Day 08: High Camp to Siding Village
Day 09: Siding Village to Pokhara
Day 10: Sightseeing and relaxing Pokhara.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Day 12: Departure day
MARDI HIMAL TREK 5 DAYS By Jeep/Bus:
Package/Price/Cost: Starts from $399/person
Itinerary:
- DAY 1: At 8 a.m., your guide and porter will pick you up from your Pokhara hotel and transport you to Kande, where your trek to Pitan Deurali begins (1925m, about 4 hours’ trek). The lodge will be your home for the night.
- Day 2: From Pitan Deurali to Low Camp, there’s a lot to see (2985m). After roughly four hours of hiking, you’ll arrive at Forest Camp for lunch (2600m). The hike from Pitan Deurali to the Low Camp takes 6 hours, with an overnight stop at the Lodge.
- Day 3: From Low Camp to High Camp, there is a trek (3,700m). The views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to the left will be breathtaking. It took roughly four hours to get to High Camp (3550m). Staying the night at the Lodge.
- Day 4: This hike will take you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and back to High Camp. The round trip will take approximately four to five hours to complete. If you don’t want to travel all the way to Mardi Himal Base, you can hike to a viewpoint approximately midway and return to High Camp. Trek down to Badal Danda (3210m) and stay at a lodge overnight.
- Day 5: You’ll go via Ghalel from Siding to Lwang. We walk down to Lwang Village on this day. It takes roughly 5-6 hours to walk from Siding to Lwang. After that, you’ll spend the night in the Lodge. You return to Pokhara the next day. You will have a beautiful view in the morning. Following that, you will walk to Siding. It takes about four hours to complete the journey. After lunch, drive 3 hours back to Pokhara and spend the night at your hotel.
Mardi himal trek solo(independent):
The Mardi Himal Trek is a well-marked hiking destination in Nepal that is suitable for beginners to intermediate trekkers. Trekking to the Mardi Himal without a guide is completely possible and can provide you with an unforgettable trekking experience. Going to the Mardi Himal on your own will bring you closer to nature. A unique hiking adventure awaits you as you walk alone through the lush jungles of rhododendrons, surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Make sure you have all of the travel permissions and essentials you’ll need as a lone trekker before you begin. It’s preferable to book the teahouse and accommodations ahead of time so you don’t have to waste time looking for a suitable lodging. A guided trek is always preferable to a solo trek. During independent treks, you will be responsible for managing everything on your own. As a result, this can be really aggravating at times.
Mardi himal trek packing list:
- 40L Backpack
- Waterproof Bags
- Packing Cubes
- Plastic Bag for Laundry
- Down Coat
- Fleece Jacket
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Long Sleeve Quick Dry Shirt
- 2 Quick Dry T-shirts
- Lightweight Trekking Pants
- Thermals
- Hiking Boots
- Ankle or Knee Support
- Sunglasses
- Hand Sanitizer
- Roll of Toilet Paper
- Sunscreen
- Antibiotics
- Activated Charcoal
- Basic First Aid
- Water Purification Tablets
- Diamox
- Head Lamp
- Protein Bars
- Water Bottle
Ghandruk To Mardi Himal Itinerary 4 Days:
Day 1: Ghandruk to Forest Camp
Maximum Altitude: 2459 m above sea level
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 9.5 km
For the first day of your travel from Ghandruk to Mardi Himal, you head to Forest Camp. Before you reach your destination, today’s hike will be long and include some hard rises. To begin, leave the traditional Gurung settlement and descend the hillside till you reach a river. From here, you can take the trails to Kyuni, where you can have lunch.
Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Maximum Altitude: 3550 m above sea level
Today you will be walking to High Camp, which will be a long ascent along the trails. However, it is not as steep or as exhausting as the day before. You start your trek by climbing uphill toward Low Camp. As you approach Low Camp, you can see a variety of mountain summits. On your way, you’ll pass through a number of tea houses. After a little rest, you proceed to High Camp, passing via Middle Camp. The walk from Low Camp to High Camp is more difficult because you will be climbing above 3000 meters in altitude. For tonight, you’ll be staying in one of the lodges.
Day 3: High Camp to Base Camp and Return Back
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Trek Distance: 9 km
Maximum Altitude (Mardi Base Camp): 4500 m above sea level
Today’s hike will take you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest point on the route. Before reaching your objective, you must first climb the trails and walk along the crest. The majestic peaks of Machhapuchhre South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, and others can be seen from the base camp. After spending some time there, you return to High Camp and retrace your travels. When you get at High Camp, you spend the night there.
Day 4: High Camp to Siding and drive back to Pokhara
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Trek Distance: 8.5 km
Maximum Altitude: 1885 m above sea level
You have the option of trekking straight to Siding after spending some time in Mardi Base Camp. It’s a lengthy trip down, but it cuts your journey in half. You start your trek by descending steeply on the trails for 3 to 4 hours. From there, the routes become more difficult until you reach Siding, where you will spend the night. From there, you travel back to Pokhara, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.
Mardi Himal Trek FAQ:
Trekking in the Mardi Himal Depending on the amount of time you have and your degree of physical fitness, the itinerary will be 7 to 9 days from/to Pokhara and 1 to 2 days’ transit from/to Kathmandu.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an easy trek. This trek is newer than the Everest Base Camp Trek, yet it is very breathtaking. It will astound you with some of the most breathtaking sights you will ever see on any walk. This hike is suitable for people of all ages.
The Mardi Himal trek costs between US$550-$799 in total. On a tight budget, you may enjoy this short yet exciting excursion. Furthermore, this stunning trip is great for travelers on a budget and with limited time on their hands.
Permits to climb the Mardi Himal are available. To trek Mardi Himal, you’ll need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card, much like any other trek inside the Annapurna Sanctuary area. Both can be obtained at the Pokhara Tourism Information Center (approximately 1,5 km from Lakeside) or Kathmandu.
The greatest time to trek the Mardi Himal is in the autumn. September, October, and November are the months of autumn. It is one of Nepal’s busiest trekking seasons. Autumn is the post-monsoon season, when the Annapurna region’s surroundings become clear after the summer rains.
Mardi Base Camp is in Annapurna Region at an elevation of 5,587-metre (18,330 ft).