Mardi Himal Trek Route
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Its route lies in the heart of the Himalayas, attracting trekkers and nature enthusiasts all around the world. The trek offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli in proximity. This serene trek takes through lush forests and traditional villages, perfect for trekkers who like less crowded journeys.
Like the popular Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek begins from Kande or Phedi, easily accessible from Pokhara. From there, the trail goes upwards through the rhododendron forests and winds through picturesque villages providing you a unique experience. The Mardi Himal trek is a short trek of 5 to 7 days ending at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderately difficult although it has a well-managed trail. The steady ascents and rugged terrain make it challenging as you get closer to the Mardi base camp. The trail has several alternative paths in the higher remote sections of the route, so you are advised to trek with a guide. Besides, due to the elevation of the trek, the trekkers are prone to altitude sickness. Hence, the trek to the Mardi Himal of Nepal is a perfect combination of nature, culture, and challenges.
Table of Contents
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary and Elevation
This trek offers a flexible itinerary as it has many routes. Therefore, it grants you an adjustable pace and comfortable experience to help you enjoy the trek.
Here is a 9-day Mardi Himal Trek package designed to help you from your arrival in Kathmandu to your departure. It includes an itinerary with a detailed overview of the trekking route and elevation.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel (1,400m)
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel by the assigned guide or office representative. You can take a rest to acclimatize to the altitude and explore the local vicinity or attractions such as the Thamel area, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhu, or Pashupatinath Temple.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (850m)
Your Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu starts with a drive to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. Check into your hotel and take a leisurely walk around Phewa Lake or explore the city in the evening.
Day 3: Trek to Pitam Deurali (2,100m)
After having breakfast, the trek starts with a 45-minute drive from Pokhara to Kande. Then, you will hike up to Pitam Deurali through beautiful forests and small villages, where you will spend the first night of your trek.
Day 4: Trek to Low Camp (2,990m)
On the fourth day, you will trek from forest camp to Low Camp, situated in a dense forest of Rhododendrons, Oak, and Pine. You can view the splendid Annapurna range and Machapuchare from here.
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,580m)
The trek from Low Camp passes through alpine meadows and forests. As you get near High Camp, the surrounding mountains become even more visible and striking.
Day 6: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and return to High Camp (3,580m)
On the sixth day of trekking, you will finally reach the Mardi Himal Viewpoint or the base camp. Enjoy spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Return to the High Camp by evening.
Day 7: Trek to Sidhing (1,850m) and drive to Pokhara
Trek down to Badal Danda, also called Cloud Hill, which is another viewpoint. Then, descend through rhododendron forests and terraced fields to the village of Sidhing. You can experience the local culture and rural life in this peaceful village.
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Trek to the road after breakfast from Sidhing for a drive back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you can either catch a bus or a quick flight to Kathmandu. Arrive in Kathmandu and take a rest.
Day 9: Depart from Nepal
Our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to take you to the international airport three hours before your flight time. We wish you a safe journey back home. Bon Voyage!
Trek Distance
The total distance of the Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 35-40 kilometers depending on your route and starting point. The trek generally takes about 5-7 days, with an average of 5-10 kilometers hours of trekking per day. This trek steadily ascends from Phedi or Kande to the base camp of the glacier. It has several stopovers around Low Camp and High Camp to properly acclimate trekkers and visitors.
Major Stopping Points
The Mardi Himal Trek provides several stops with panoramic views and a variety of landscapes. These places offer trekkers an opportunity to acclimate and rest.
Australian Base Camp(2,050m)
Australian Base Camp follows as a pretty good point of stop for trekkers starting from Kande. It has stunning panorama views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain ranges. The camp is located on a grassy meadow offering several days of rest and opportunities to acclimatize before continuing further on. It is also an excellent spot to study the Gurung culture as this area has numerous Gurung villages.
Deurali (2,100m)
Deurali is usually the first stoppage on the trek. It is a peaceful and serene place amidst a dense forest filled with Rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. It is an ideal place to relax and rest after a day trek from Kande or Phedi. As the altitude increases, the surrounding hills and mountains start unfolding their beauty. It’s a quiet point for some soul-searching and acclimatization for high-altitude regions.
Forest Camp (2,600m)
Forest Camp lies in the heart of a thick rhododendron and oak forest, making it a very beautiful and tranquil place to rest. The atmosphere is fresh and serene, offering a calm environment in which trekkers can acclimate. As you go higher, the forest grows thicker with tall trees and the fragrance of rhododendrons fills the air. This stop allows trekkers to take in the beauty of nature while resting before continuing towards Low Camp.
Low Camp (2,990m)
Low Camp is an important stop with spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After crossing some villages from the High Camp, the trail reaches Low Camp, one of the best viewpoints for breathtaking mountain scenery on the trek to Mardi Himal. This camp is situated on an edge, offering clear, unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks. It is also an excellent spot for acclimatization before venturing higher and prepares the trekkers for the more challenging trek sections.
High Camp (3,580m)
High Camp is one of the most critical stopovers before reaching the Base Camp. It promises amazing views of Machapuchare, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. The terrain shifts as the trekker ages, with a rugged landscape comprising alpine meadows and rocky paths. It is the last stop before your final push to Mardi Himal Base. So, it is a major place to acclimatize, rest, and prepare for the last leg of the trek.
Base Camp (4500m)
Mardi Himal Base Camp is the last destination of the trek, which lies at 4,500m. You can view some of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machapuchare (considered sacred by the locals), and surrounding peaks. It gives the trekkers a lifetime experience of being at the base of some of the highest mountains in the world.
Sidhing (1,850m)
Sidhing is the last destination on the way back to Pokhara. This low-altitude village offers the best location for relaxation and recovery from the tiring trek to Mardi Himal Base. You get to experience quiet rural life in the Himalayas here.
Why is a map a must-have for this trek?
Although the Mardi Himal Trek is short, a trek map helps a lot on the off-the-beat path to reach the base, as some parts of the trek are also less marked. The detailed map will help locate the distinctive landmarks for a safe journey.
Putting things into perspective
The Mardi Himal Trek is a great primer for the Himalayas. It has a serene trekking trail with picturesque landscapes, mountain views, and cultural experiences. The trek is suitable for beginners, with spectacular views and a bit of adventure.
Landmarks Checks
A map for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek to help navigate between forests, ridges, and meadows. It will help you with important landmarks such as Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. The trails might be confusing when it gets into dense forests or foggy weather. It will also help with planning elevation changes, identifying water sources, and spotting teahouses, adding a boost to safety and ease. In case of wrong turns or unexpected weather, the Mardi Himal trek map will surely help find alternate routes or retrace your steps.
Estimating Travel Times
The map is important in estimating travel times on the Mardi Himal base camp trek. It gives information about trail distances, elevation changes, and terrain, enabling trekkers to plan their pace and schedule stops. Knowing the distance between key points like Forest Camp, High Camp, and Base Camp helps you manage your time effectively and avoid being caught on the trail after dark. Thus, it lets you know things to expect during the Mardi Himal treks, such as steep hills and trekking, for safe and pleasant travel.
For Planning
Best Time to Trek: The best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is stable and the views are clear.
Accommodation: Most of the stops along the trail have basic tea house accommodations, but you should be prepared for cold at higher altitudes to reach Mardi base.
Permits: You will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card for this trek in Nepal.
Safety
- Altitude Sickness: The trek reaches an altitude of 4,500m, so trekkers must be mindful of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is crucial, especially at High Camp.
- Weather Conditions: The weather in Nepal’s Pokhara and Annapurna regions is very unpredictable. You ought to carry proper gear and always be prepared for a sudden shift in weather conditions.
- Navigation: A map or GPS application can be helpful in unfamiliar areas where the trail marking is not distinct. Hiring a guide or porter for safety and valuable insights to explore the Mardi Himal region is better.
- Accessories: Headlamps and flashlights are important in dark and low-light trail conditions. You can bring trekking Poles to help you balance on sloppy grounds and gloves or hats to keep warm, protect against cold weather, and prevent frostbite.
- First Aid Kit and Water Filtration: You should carry a simple first-aid kit with the most essential elements necessary in case of an accident and a water filter for safe drinking water throughout the tour.
