Discover Mardi Himal Trek: A True Beauty of the Himalayas of Nepal
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Discover Mardi Himal Trek: A True Beauty of the Himalayas of Nepal

10th March, 2024 - Posted By: Himalayan Abode

The Mardi Himal Trek is a short seven-day journey (itineraries ranging from four to five days are offered). It was first opened in 2012 and gained popularity rapidly. It takes you through the Annapurna Sanctuary Area, passing through the 4,500-meter Mardi Himal Base Camp and the 820-meter Pokhara.

While the Mardi Himal Trek is not as well-known as longer trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and the Annapurna base Camp Trek, it is still well worth the trip because of the breathtaking views it provides of the Mardi Himal (5,587 m / 18,330 ft) and other snow-capped mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m / 26538 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,680 ft), Machhapuchhre (6,997 meters / 22,950 ft), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 m / 24,450 ft). 

Depending on the number of days you choose to walk and the accessible routes, this journey passes via the following routes: Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre. 

At the Mardi Trek

It’s also noteworthy that after just four days of trekking, this is the only trip in Nepal that elevates you to an elevation of 4000 meters or higher. Due to the increasing number of tea houses along the route, there are now more options for lunch and dinner along with accommodations, making this quick hike more manageable for individuals of varying fitness levels.

Furthermore, because the majority of this hike is through oak and rhododendron-covered forests, hikers may witness animals such as musk deer, langurs, different species of monkeys, Danfe (Lophophorus), and porcupines. 

This hike is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking views of the mountains, wildlife viewing in lush forests, and hiking across rivers and hills all in one day. Follow the winding, little pathways through the forests until you emerge from them and are rewarded with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal from the Badal Danda.

The beauty of Mardi Himal Trek

  • The Mardi Himal Trek ascends to 4500 meters to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the trek’s highest point. 
  • Stunning vistas of snow-capped mountain ranges, including Mardi Himal (5,587 meters / 18,328 feet), Annapurna I (8,091 meters / 26538 feet), Annapurna South (7,219 meters / 23,680 feet), Machhapuchhre (6,997 meters / 22,950 feet), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 meters / 24,450 feet).
  • Hiking through the charming rhododendron forests—which are most colorful in the spring, from March to April—small villages, verdant forests with animals like Musk deer and Lhopophorus, swift-moving Seti rivers, and Lwang waterfalls are all possible.
  • Engage with the Gurung, Chhetri, Brahmin, and Tamang groups while experiencing the local way of life, cuisine, and gracious hospitality.
  • Possibility of interacting with amiable household yaks and calves in the early summer.
  • provides a more sedate and intimate hiking experience than other well-known routes like Poonhill and Annapurna Base Camp. 
  • Hike throughout a variety of locations, such as grasslands, woodlands, terraced farms, steep hills, and lastly the Mardi Himal Base Camp. 
  • The four-day Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent option for novice hikers as well as seasoned backpackers seeking an adrenaline rush. To cut costs, you can choose to hike in groups or privately.

Itinerary of the Mardi Himal Trek 

The following denotes the number of days you will be spending on the trek

1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande to Forest Camp
2: Forest Camp to High Camp
3: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to Badal Danda
4: Badal Danda to Sidhing to Lumre then drive to Pokhara

Location and Geography of Mardi Himal Trek

The Annapurna place of Nepal is home to the Mardi Himal Trek. It is positioned east of Modi Khola and west of the famous Machhapuchhre Himal (Fishtail), at the east-south aspect of the Annapurna Base Camp. Starting and finishing in Pokhara, Kaski, the stroll passes via some scenic spots, together with High Camp, Badal Danda, Mardi Himal point of view, and Lwang hamlet. At four,500 meters above sea stage, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is the very best factor on this stroll.

Trekking across the Annapurna area of Nepal is a charming adventure through a variety of breathtaking scenery. The path then passes through vintage forests with massive oak, maple, and rhododendron timber. It starts off evolving in verdant lowlands and ends with rugged hills. This path is made even more engaging by the extensive kinds of wild animals and chicken species that can be seen there.

This hike is a honestly far-flung experience because of the serene influence of passing through centuries-old all-right and rhododendron forests, which offers a nice retreat from the bustle of town lifestyles.  

During the trek

Furthermore, the panorama shifts as you pass higher up, from towering woods with tall bushes to cute meadows dotted with colorful wildflowers. As a result, no other season affords the breathtaking wildflower panorama as the summertime does. As you ascend the steep and difficult routes, the scenery becomes more difficult. Glacial moraines, or rocky ridges created by glaciers, decorate the trek’s appeal and make it extra enjoyable. 

Why pick out the Mardi Himal Trek?

Aside from the well-known Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem placed in the heart of the Annapurna Region.

What makes this hiking experience special? It takes you to a notable peak of 4500 meters in only 4 days of the stroll, that’s something other pathways in the Annapurna vicinity are not able to perform. It’s also a trek that truly is ideal for novices and leaves you with a robust experience of achievement.

In addition, the Mardi journey is quieter and less congested than the bigger treks in Annapurna, permitting you to enjoy nature without being too distracted. Furthermore, the actual spectacle of this adventure will become apparent. Witness a dawn in contrast to another as the sun rises, illuminating Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli in a magnificent show of light. This breathtaking sight of those tremendous peaks status magnificently before you will leave you speechless.

What is the Best Time For Mardi Himal Trek?

As with all other Nepali Himalayan treks, the optimum seasons for this walk are spring (mid-February to May) and fall (September to mid-December). 

Though many hikers prefer not to struggle with leeches and rain, the more secluded and clean trek might be achievable in the summer. 

At lower elevations, the spring season provides moderate temperatures between 11 and 20 degrees Celsius; at higher altitudes, the temperature may be lower. Clear skies provide great views of the mountains, and the trail is adorned with brilliant crimson and pink hues from the blossoming rhododendrons along the route. 

The Mardi Himal Trek will not be as congested as other treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, even though the most popular season is spring of the year. 

What is best at this time

In addition, even the lower elevations of the Mardi Himal Region receive snowfall in the spring, giving hikers the impression that they are ascending the actual mountain. In addition, the sunrise views throughout this walk are extremely breathtaking, as they arise above the Mardi Himal owing to the beautiful weather.

Trekking is more comfortable in the fall because of the 8 to 15-degree temperature range. This is the greatest time of year to go trekking in Nepal, not only for the Mardi Himal Trek but also for other treks in the Himalayan Region, because of the consistent weather that makes it ideal for both hiking and sightseeing. 

You may enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains, among many others, thanks to the bright skies and little rain. Although the trail is busier than it is in the spring, it is still less congested than other treks in the Nepalese Himalayas. 

Rainfall throughout the summer months clogs trekking trails, making them more treacherous and making the trek more difficult due to straggling leeches. While many hikers steer clear of treks in the summer, seasoned hikers choose to go for an exhilarating adventure and to see scenery that is only available in this season.

The trail also rewards these brave hikers with an abundance of verdant vegetation and summer-only blooming wildflowers, providing a captivating sight that only those who dare to finish this walk in the summertime may appreciate. 

Is the Mardi Himal trek for beginners?

The Mardi Himal trek is a moderately difficult walk due to the low likelihood of altitude sickness and the generally easy routes. Anyone can accomplish this trek, even beginners of any age, as long as they are physically capable of walking long distances on unbeaten paths and can acclimate to the cold mountain climate. Tea houses and lodges are dotted throughout the trail, making it unnecessary to camp outside and enabling families with young hikers to enjoy the experience worry-free. 

Furthermore, erratic weather might lead to some discontent in the Base Camp, so before setting out on your hike, be ready to modify some of your plans. With the assistance of a knowledgeable guide and a carefully thought-out schedule, the uncommon risk of altitude sickness can be further reduced, making the Mardi Himal climb safe and fairly difficult for novices and kids.

How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Annapurna region’s mountain ranges, including Machhapuchhre, are some of the best views at Mardi Himal Trek. The roughly 45-kilometer track is suitable for novice hikers as well as seasoned backpackers. The journey begins and concludes in Pokhara, a well-known entry point for other treks in the Annapurna region. Along the way, trekkers can find lodging and meals at a variety of teahouse hotels and campsites.

With a reasonable level of fitness, you can hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters in 4 days, 5 days, or 7 days, making it one of the more adaptable treks in terms of duration. If you want to make this walk last four days and three nights, you will need to exert yourself by hiking for six to seven hours each day and for seven or eight hours on the last day at Mardi Himal Base Camp. 

During the trek

However, a 5-day, 4-night schedule is the best option, barring visits to cultural villages like Lwang Ghalel. Because you don’t have to exert yourself for 7-8 hours of trekking, this schedule is the finest. Both complete trekking novices and those with a reasonable level of fitness can benefit from this carefully thought-out itinerary. 

Additionally, this seven-day tour takes you through the culturally diverse Lwang Ghalel, which provides fascinating perspectives into the Gurung people residing in the area. The excursion to Lwang Ghalel is a must-visit site because of the friendliness of the Gurung people, the gorgeous surroundings, the unspoiled waterfalls that are well-known for canyoning there, as well as the sunrise views and bird viewing en route.

Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu

The Mardi Himal Trek starts from Pokhara. If you want to start the trek from Kathmandu, you will have to buy a flight or tourist bus ticket to Pokhara. If you are planning the Mardi Himal Trekking directly from Kathmandu, we [North Nepal Travel and Treks] can manage your flight booking or any other means of transport. 

Trekking equipment for Mardi Himal Trek

While Mardi Himal is a short trek in the Annapurna Region of Nepal, it still takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal. So, you need to make careful decisions while packing for the Mardi Himal Trek. The section from high camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp is through ridges so you need shoes with better grip.

Is this trek possible with children?

When provided with adequate nourishment and lodging, the children’s safety is nearly certain. Furthermore, altitude sickness is not common so we can finish this adventure with little additional care and work.

Solo Trekking to Mardi Himal Trek? 

Since it’s extremely dangerous to go alone in the high Himalayas, all the agencies will assign you to a guide and porters, if needed, to oversee and manage your journey. Guides typically have excellent relationships with locals and a thorough understanding of every path that is accessible. They are also outfitted with first aid kits, medications for common illnesses, and the ability to call the appropriate authorities in the event of an emergency.

Furthermore, the guides must ensure the trekkers’ safety at all times. For safety reasons, group travel or travel with a guide is important. Above all, we need someone to look after us in the event of an emergency, altitude sickness, or injury.

Conclusion 

The Things Every Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekker Needs. Rucksack with a 30-to 35-liter capacity and a waterproof cover: The first one you need to store other necessities. A set of footwear: Since this is not a particularly challenging trip, you can wear any outdoor shoes. But it’s excellent if you have the official hiking footwear.