The Mardi Himal Trek is indeed a popular choice for trekkers seeking a quieter and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Annapurna region of Nepal. While treks like the Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp attract larger crowds, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a more serene and untouched environment.
One of the main highlights of the trek is reaching the base camp of Mardi Himal. Located at an altitude of around 4,500 meters, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the magnificent Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself. The trail also passes through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming traditional villages, providing an opportunity to experience the local culture and lifestyle.
The Mardi Himal Trek gained popularity relatively recently and has become a preferred choice for trekkers who want a more secluded experience. While it’s still a challenging trek that requires physical fitness and endurance, it is considered less demanding than some of the longer and more strenuous treks in the region.
Overall, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, stunning mountain vistas, and a quieter trekking experience, making it a great option for adventurers looking for something off the beaten path in the Annapurna region of Nepal.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a beautiful and shorter version of the famous Annapurna region trek in Nepal. In just four days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains and experience the diverse natural beauty of the area. The trek passes through lush alpine forests and offers glimpses of Annapurna South, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Himchuli, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and more. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in the local Gurung culture and observe the area’s flora and fauna. Starting from Pokhara, the trek takes you through Forest Camp and High Camp to reach Mardi Base Camp. After a memorable experience, you return to Pokhara.With excellent service and hospitality, this Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a fantastic option for those seeking a short but fulfilling adventure in Nepal.
The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for you to approach your guide with any final questions or concerns you may have.
After a satisfying breakfast in Pokhara, we will embark on a one-hour drive to Kande. From there, we’ll commence our journey through Australian Camp (2,100m) to witness breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. Our trek will then lead us to Deurali, where we’ll veer away from the busy trails of the Annapurna Sanctuary and venture towards the serene Kokar. This part of the trail is tranquil, winding through lush green jungles adorned with vibrant blossoms during spring. Prepare to be enchanted by the stunning rhododendrons and other sub-alpine flowers. We’ll spend the night at a local tea house in Forest Camp, also known as Kokar.
After a restful night at Forest Camp, our trek commences as you once again traverse the enchanting forest area. Keep an eye out for remarkable wildlife sightings, such as Himalayan Thar, Mask Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, and even the elusive Snow Leopard. As the ascent begins, the landscape undergoes a transformation, adorned with moss, lichen, and fern-covered trees. After an hour of trekking from Low Camp, the trail emerges above the treeline, revealing breathtaking views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Continuing along the ridge towards Mardi Himal, you’ll reach Badal Danda, transitioning from the tree line into the alpine zone, characterized by expansive grasslands. Finally, you’ll arrive at High Camp, a picturesque and intimate pastureland, where the majestic snow-capped peaks seem tantalizingly close.
Embark on an early morning hike to the remarkable Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an elevation of 4,500m. We will continue our trek along the ridge, leading us to the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp. While this day may pose challenges for beginners and learners, the trail consists of manageable stone steps, reminiscent of the iconic Great Wall of China. The awe-inspiring views that surround us serve as a constant source of motivation and determination to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Once there, we’ll be treated to the majestic sights of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South and Mt. Machhapuchhre, with Hiunchuli towering above. Additional high mountain peaks, including Annapurna I, II, and Gangapurna, grace the panorama. After a memorable excursion to Mardi Base Camp, we will retrace our steps back to Low Camp (2,900m) for an overnight stay.
After savoring a delightful breakfast accompanied by a steaming cup of coffee, we embark on a 2 to 3-hour trek via the captivating Lower Low Camp. This stretch of the trail offers an authentic nature walking experience, immersing us in the true essence of the surroundings. The trail descends steadily until we reach Sidhing, from where we’ll embark on a scenic 2-hour jeep ride back to Pokhara. Once we arrive in Pokhara, before bidding farewell to our team, we will express our gratitude to our porter and guide and appreciation for their unwavering support and assistance throughout our incredible journey.
Acclimatization during the Mardi Himal Trek is crucial for adapting to higher altitudes. Key acclimatization points include Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. It’s important to listen to your body, stay hydrated, eat well, and avoid overexertion. Descend if experiencing symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult with a guide or medical professional for personalized advice.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in Nepal offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. With its sweeping landscapes, towering hills, lush forests, and ravines, it never fails to captivate trekkers. While spring and autumn are the recommended seasons for this trek, it can be undertaken at other times as well. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution and take necessary precautions while climbing the trail during these seasons. Safety should always be a top priority to ensure an excellent and memorable experience.
Mardi Himal Trek in Spring:
Spring is the prime time to embark on the Mardi Himal Trek, offering a perfect blend of favorable weather and breathtaking views. With temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and slightly colder nights, trekkers are advised to carry warm clothing. As the days become longer after the spring equinox, there is ample sunlight, gentle breezes, and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The hills come alive with vibrant, blooming flowers, particularly rhododendrons, creating a picturesque landscape. The melodious songs of birds further enhance the immersive experience of this season.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in Autumn:
Autumn is an ideal time for the Mardi Himal Trek. The weather remains warm during the day (around 20°C), with cooler nights (around 10°C). You can witness colorful autumn leaves along the trail, creating a picturesque landscape. Additionally, this season offers cultural festivities and a chance to interact with the friendly locals. However, as December approaches, the weather gets colder, and wildlife sightings decrease. So, maintaining a steady pace is crucial. Enjoy the stunning beauty and vibrant experiences of autumn on this trek.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in Off-season:
Trekking Mardi Himal in winter and monsoon requires extra preparation and caution. Winter brings snow-covered trails and cold temperatures, while monsoon brings heavy rain and damp conditions. Despite the challenges, winter offers cozy moments by the fireplace and mesmerizing snowy views. In monsoon, improved visibility after rain showers enhances the experience. Although not the ideal seasons, with proper planning, these treks can still be enjoyable for adventurous hikers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trek. All the trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation- including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes (up to 4,500m).
Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue up to 4,500m.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill the water from the fountains that we find along the way or from the tap of the teahouses themselves, for this we have to count on water disinfectant tablets that we can find in pharmacies.
Mardi trek w/ Firantes = Epic! Views, vibes, thumbs up! 🏔️👍