Trip Highlights
- Stroll around the beautiful city on the lakeside of Pokhara.
- Breathless mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mt. Hiunchuli, and Many more.
- Opportunity to experience Adventure game paragliding, ultra-flight, and boating on Phewa Lake.
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) with the surrounded view of landscape and beautiful peaks.
- Varieties of exotic vegetation and wildlife along with the trail.
- Pristine social and cultural encounters, way of life, culture, custom, and hospitable local people, particularly Gurung.
- Moderately easy, short, and unspoiled trek in Annapurna region.
About The Trip
Mardi Himal Trekking is located at the east of Modi Khola across the valley from Hiunchuli. Mardi Himal Trek trial was first discovered in 1961 via the west flank and officially opened in 2012 for foreigners. It is an ideal choice for those who have less time but want to experience off the beaten path in Annapurna Region.
While you are in the trial, you will get to appreciate the solitary trials complete with verdant forests, exotic villages, valleys, farms, thundering rivers, and beautiful views of peaks. Mardi Himal Trek entertains you with beautiful Annapurna South (7,219 m/23,684 ft.), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft.), Machhapuchhre (6,995 m/22,851 ft.), and extends the foremost charm of this trek.
Overview
Mardi Himal Trek, also known as “Mardi Ridge Trek,” is one of the short and easy treks around the heart of the Annapurna region. This trek is located between the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek that lets you escape from the crowded trekking route around the Annapurna region. The scenery is much more incredible, with breathtaking views of the glorious Annapurna Himalayan range and the famous Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail) peak.
Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal Himalaya offers chief astounding sentiment obtaining been straight to the earth amongst a variety of its most raised mountains. Mardi Himal is a hidden pearl of Annapurna Himalayan variety of mountains expands among terribly sudden courses. We ascend to the Mardi Himal Base Camp located under the glorious Machhapuchhre Himal, famous as a fishtail peak. We get to see the best, never seen before views of these mountains all around.
Another major astonishing feature of this trek is crossing the Annapurna Conservation Area, enjoying the Himalayan vegetation and wildlife of the Annapurna region. Traversing this tranquil off-the-beaten-path through temperate to alpine forest towards secluded terrain is the epitome of wilderness adventure. Trek to Mardi Himal encompasses magnificent terraced farmlands and glacial rivers coming from the quaint mountains. Bliss your adventure soul with the amazing beauty of Mother Nature during this amazing trekking.
Besides natural scenery, this trek also allows us to explore a remote ethnic village. You will also get a chance to experience the diverse Nepalese cultures, traditions, lifestyles in rural areas.
Mardi Himal Trek Route
Our Mardi Himal Trek starts from the beautiful Pokhara, taking the ride up to Kande. From Kande onwards, we trek into the forest camp, passing the Australian Camp and Deurali. After passing the forest, we come across the different landscapes where we have to pass through the steep rocky path. We rise above 3000m altitude. We keep on ascending to reach the high camp (3580 m). The thin and dwarf vegetation confirms altitude, so we walk at a gradual pace.
We reach the viewpoint afterward from where we can see the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Range so close to us. We capture some moments with these majestic mountains and head back shortly afterward. Mardi Himal Trek is well known for its pristine location, considered one of Nepal's best ones. We get to experience the great adventure and thrill of this wonderful trek to Mardi Himal. We descend through the alpine forest full of beautiful white and red rhododendrons passing through different villages enriched with diverse ethnicities trailing through the rocky and steep landscapes.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Mardi Himal Trek is considered an easy to moderate trekking route of Nepal. The trekking distance is short, with a gradual increase in height. The maximum height of this trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, with an altitude of 4500 m.
This trek has one of the biggest draws, as you will achieve amazing views of the Himalayas without ascending much higher. You will get a good time acclimatizing during the trek, so there will be less chance of altitude sickness during the trek. If you are getting enough rest and stay hydrated, there is a very low risk of altitude sickness.
You can also prepare yourself before trek by doing light cardio exercises like jogging, cycling, or swimming. This preparation will allow you to enjoy the Mardi Himal Trek. Previous experience in high-altitude trekking is not needed for Mardi Himal.
In the entire trek, the difficult part is while climbing up to Base Camp. However, after you will be at the top, you will be rewarded with wonderful scenery. All the tiredness and pain go away and provide you a lifetime experience.
Best Time to Visit Mardi Himal Trek
Choosing the best time for Mardi Himal offers spectacular views and scenery and clear mountains with blooming forests. The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during spring and autumn, as the sky and the mountains are clear around this time and offer the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
Spring Season in Mardi Himal Trek
The spring season falls from the month of March to May and is the best season to trek Mardi Himal. The trials will be full of adventure lovers, and this is the best time to see a magnificent and clear picture of the Himalayas and beautiful nature. During the spring season, the forest is decorated with many colorful rhododendrons and the chirping sound of birds.
Autumn Season in Mardi Himal Trek
The autumn season falls from September to November, which is another best season for Mardi Himal Trek. The autumn season lies just after the monsoon so that you will see the washed environment and fresh air. This season will come to life, as the hills will be refilled with lush and vibrant views. The views will be clear, and able to see the beautiful White Mountains. This is also the best season if you want to witness the Nepalese festival because the Hindu’s biggest festival lies in these months. Such festival includes Dashain, Tihar, and Chhat.
Winter Season in Mardi Himal Trek
The winter season falls from December to February, and this is the least favorite season for the trek. You will experience the cold weather and difficulty in trekking. As the Mardi Himal is at a lower altitude, you can trek with proper equipment and clothes.
Summer Season in Mardi Himal Trek
The summer season falls from June to August, and this is the hottest season of the year. You will also experience frequent rainfall that leads to slippery and uncomfortable trials. Trekking in this season will lead to danger, as there may be landslides during the monsoon rain in the hilly region.
Transportation for Mardi Himal Trek
By Domestic Flight/ Privet jeep/ tourist Bus
On normal days, there are several domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The cost for the one-way flight will be around USD 150 per person. This is the fastest way to reach Pokhara as it takes only 35 minutes to reach there. If you are willing to travel by air in peak seasons, you need to confirm the tickets as early as possible.
By Tourist Bus
The tourist bus to Pokhara leaves early morning from Kathmandu daily at around 7 to 7:30 AM. By tourist bus, it takes about 6 hours to reach Pokhara if there is no highway disturbance. On the way, there will be a two-time break, which is for breakfast and lunch. The fare of the tourist bus will be around USD 30. The fare will depend upon the quality of the tourist bus.
By Private Vehicle
Private vehicle movies as early or late you want and leave daily from Kathmandu. The rate of a private vehicle to Pokhara costs about USD 150, and a maximum of 4 people can be transported in the car. If you are more than four people, you will need a jeep, and the cost will be different from the car. It takes about 5 hours to reach Pokhara by private car.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost
While you are planning the trek, the first thing that comes to mind while planning the trek is, “What will be the price to trek Mardi Himal Trek?” Cost varies according to lots of factors, including duration, pax, means of transportation, and accommodation.
Whether you are budget trekking or not, but it is important to consider the actual cost during the trek. The baseline cost of this will depend on how comprehensive you want your trek to be. On average, the cost of Mardi Himal Trek will generally cost USD 980 to USD1260 for 08-12 days. The price includes domestic flights, permits, meals, guides, porters, accommodations, and many more.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Day 2:Preparation for the trek
Day 3:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)
Day 4:Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Deurali (2,100m/6,720ft): 20 minutes’ drive
Day 5:Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520m/8,064ft)
Day 6:Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970m/9,504ft)
Day 7:Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,540m/11,328ft)
Day 8:Trek from High Camp to Upper Viewpoint (4,250m/13,600ft) and trek back to Low Camp
Day 9:Trek from Low Camp to Siding, 2-3 hours trek and drive to Pokhara, 5-6 hours trek
Day 10:Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 11:Day 10: Final Departure