Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trekking
Ghandruk
Major Highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking
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Breathtaking Sunrise and Sunset Views: Catch stunning sunrises and sunsets from Mardi Himal Base Camp, offering a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and surrounding landscapes.
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Scenic Rhododendron Forests: Trek through dense forests of rhododendrons, which bloom beautifully in spring, adding vibrant colors to the trail.
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Cultural Encounters: Visit charming Gurung villages, where you can interact with locals and experience the unique mountain culture and hospitality.
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Serene Lakes: Enjoy the serenity of the high-altitude lakes, particularly the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by towering peaks.
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Diverse Wildlife: Spot a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various bird species, as you trek through the lower regions of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
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Mardi Himal Base Camp: Reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp, a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering a more secluded and peaceful trekking experience compared to more popular treks like the ABC or EBC.
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Views of the Annapurna Range: Enjoy unobstructed views of the Annapurna Range, including Annapurna South, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself.
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Uncrowded Trail: Experience a less crowded trekking route, ideal for those seeking solitude and peace away from the usual trekking routes.
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Authentic Teahouses: Stay in traditional teahouses along the trail, where you can savor authentic Nepali food and experience the warmth of local hospitality.
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Easy Access from Pokhara: The trek is easily accessible from Pokhara, making it convenient for travelers to start their journey to the mountains without needing a long approach.
Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
You will start your trek by arriving in Kathmandu via Tribhuwan International airport. Once you come here, you will be met by a representative from the trekking agency who will help you with your luggage and transfer you to your hotel.
After you arrive at your hotel, you might be feeling tired; hence you can rest the entire day at hotel. In the evening, you can discuss plans with your trek guides, and the we will brief you on the itinerary and answer any questions about the trek.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
After having breakfast in your hotel in Kathmandu, you will start your journey toward the beautiful city of Pokhara.
The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a scenic drive that takes about 7-8 hours. You will be able to witness stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, green forests, and local villages.
Upon arriving in Pokhara, you will check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up. You can spend the entire day exploring the city and its surroundings.
Pokhara offers various attractions, such as the Phewa Lake, the Mahendra Cave, the World Peace Pagoda, and the Davis Falls, to name a few. In the evening, you can enjoy a peaceful walk around Phewa Lake, which offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range and Machhapuchhre Mountain.
You can also relax at one of the lakeside cafes and enjoy the local cuisine while watching the sunset.
Overall, the second day of the trekking itinerary will be a relaxing day that allows you to soak in the natural beauty of Pokhara and prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 3: Drive to Dhampus and trek to Deurali
After breakfast in your hotel in Pokhara, You will start by driving through the small village of Dhampus, about an hour’s drive from Pokhara.
Once you reach Dhampus, you will start your trek towards Deurali, which is at an altitude of 2100 meters.
The trek from Dhampus to Deurali takes 3-4 hours and is mostly uphill. You will go through lush forests and small villages along the way, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.
The trail from Dhampus to Deurali is well-defined, and your guide will lead the way, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trek.
The trek is moderate in difficulty, and you should be able to complete it comfortably with regular breaks. As you trek towards Deurali, you will be amazed by the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including the Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. Once you reach Deurali, you will check into your tea house and take some time to relax and freshen up.
You can spend the evening enjoying the views and interacting with the locals, who are warm and friendly.
Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp
On the fourth day of your trekking, you will continue your trek towards Forest Camp at an altitude of 2600 meters.
The trek from Deurali to Forest Camp usually takes around 5-6 hours and is a moderate to difficult trek, with some steep ascents and descents.
The trek passes through dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron trees, providing a serene environment.
As you trek towards Forest Camp, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, including the Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Mountain.
Forest Camp is a small village situated amidst dense forests. It offers a peaceful environment to rest in. In the evening, you can take a short walk around the village and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. You can also talk around with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Overall, the fourth day of your trekking itinerary will be moderate to challenging, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and a serene environment.
You will witness the natural beauty of the dense forests and get a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.
Day 5: Trek to High Camp
On the fifth day of your trekking, you will continue towards High Camp at 3550 meters.
The trek from Forest Camp to High Camp takes around 4-5 hours and is challenging, with steep ascents and a rocky trail.
As you climb higher, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging, and you also will be walking above the tree line. You will capture the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre.
The views are breathtaking, and you will feel a sense of awe as you witness the beauty of the Himalayas.
The trek to High Camp is challenging, your guide will lead the way, and you should follow their instructions carefully to ensure your safety.
Once you reach High Camp, you will check into your hotels, relax, and acclimate to the altitude. High Camp is a small village on a ridge, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
In the evening, you can take a short walk around the village and enjoy the views of the Himalayan sunset. You can also interact with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Hence, the fifth day of your trekking itinerary will be a challenging trek that offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains.
You will witness the natural beauty of the rocky terrain and get a sense of accomplishment as you reach High Camp.
Day 6: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp to Low Camp
On the sixth day of your trekking, you will go through the most challenging day of the trek.
The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is steep and rocky and takes around 4-5 hours. As you climb higher, you will observe stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
The base camp’s view is breathtaking, and you will feel a sense of awe as you witness the beauty of the Himalayas.
After spending some time at the base camp and taking in the views, you will descend towards Low Camp.
The descent takes around 3-4 hours and is filled with a steep, rocky trail. While descending, you must follow your guide’s instructions to ensure your safety.
Once you reach Low Camp, you will go to the respective hotels and take some time to rest and relax. Low Camp is a small village amidst the lush forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Overall, the sixth day of your trekking itinerary will be the most challenging day of the trek. You will trek to the base camp of Mardi Himal, witness the stunning views of the Himalayas, and then descend to Low Camp.
The day will test your physical and mental strength, but the sense of accomplishment you will feel after completing it will be worth it.
Day 7: Low Camp to Jhinu Danda
On the seventh day of your trek, you will trek from Low Camp to Jhinu Danda, a small village in the Annapurna region. The trek takes 5-6 hours and gradually descends through the forested trails and farmlands.
As you trek towards Jhinu Danda, you will pass through several small villages and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan landscape. This trek will take you through the dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees, which are home to a wide range of bird species and other wildlife.
You can also explore the village and interact with the locals to learn about their way of life and culture. The village is known for its traditional stone houses, narrow alleys, and terraced farmlands.
You can also visit the local market and shop for souvenirs or sample the local delicacies there.
In the evening, you can relax in your place and enjoy a campfire under the stars. You can also listen to traditional Nepali music and dance with the locals to experience their hospitality and warmth.
Overall, the seventh day of your trek is relaxing and rejuvenating as you get to soak in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding.
Day 8: Trek back to Ghandruk Phedi trekking
On the eighth day of your trek, you will trek back to Ghandruk Phedi, which takes around 5-6 hours. The trek is mostly downhill and passes through small villages and farmlands.
You will be able to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.
Once you reach Nayapul, you will take a private vehicle back to Pokhara, the starting point of your trek.
The drive takes around 1-2 hours and takes you through the scenic countryside of Nepal.
After reaching Pokhara, you can spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing. You can visit Phewa Lake, Nepal’s second-largest lake, and enjoy boating.
You can also explore the local markets and shop for souvenirs or sample the local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city.
You can relax by the lake in the evening and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
Hence, the eighth day of your trek is relaxing as you drive back to Pokhara and explore the city’s many attractions and activities.
Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu
On the ninth day of your trek, you will drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast in Pokhara. The drive takes around 7-8 hours and passes through the scenic countryside of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
Once you reach Kathmandu, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city and its many attractions. You can also visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stupa offers panoramic city views and is considered one of Nepal’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
Other popular attractions in Kathmandu include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing traditional Nepali architecture and culture.
You can also visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and considered one of Nepal’s holiest Buddhist sites.
Apart from sightseeing, you can also shop for souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home.
Some popular shopping areas in Kathmandu include Thamel, Asan, and Durbar Marg.
.Overall, the ninth day of your trek is relaxing as you drive back to Kathmandu and explore the city’s many attractions and activities.
Day 10: Departure
On Day 10, it is time to say goodbye to Kathmandu, Nepal, if you are from outside the valley or country and return home. The timing of your transfer will depend on your flight schedule.
As you depart from Nepal, take memories of the stunning Himalayan mountain range, the vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people.
We hope to see you again.
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
The Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500 meters, offering stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain ranges. The trek is known for its lush forests, traditional villages, and scenic landscapes.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. It involves 5-7 hours of walking per day on uneven, steep terrain, and the highest point, Mardi Himal Base Camp, is at 4,500 meters, so acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures, providing ideal conditions for trekking.
While it’s not mandatory, it is highly recommended to trek with a licensed guide, especially for safety and navigation. A guide will ensure you stay on the right path, help with acclimatization, and manage any altitude sickness symptoms.
For the Mardi Himal Trek, you will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be arranged by your trekking company.
Mobile phone coverage is available in most major villages along the trek like Pokhara, Forest Camp, and High Camp. However, the signal may be weak or unreliable in more remote areas. Wi-Fi is available in some lodges but can be slow and expensive, especially at higher altitudes.
Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek typically ranges from basic tea houses to comfortable lodges. Most lodges offer a bed, warm blankets, and shared bathrooms. In higher altitudes, accommodations are more basic but comfortable enough for a good night’s rest.
The food on the Mardi Himal Trek is simple yet nutritious. You can expect three meals a day, including traditional Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, and curry), Momo (dumplings), soups, pasta, and bread. Some lodges also serve Western food options.
To prevent altitude sickness, it’s essential to acclimatize properly by taking rest days, drinking plenty of water, and pacing yourself slowly. The trek takes you to an altitude of 4,500 meters, so it’s important to listen to your body. Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly used to help prevent altitude sickness but should be taken after consulting with a doctor.
Yes, helicopter services are available from Mardi Himal Base Camp or High Camp to Pokhara for trekkers who wish to return more quickly or who face health concerns at higher altitudes. This is a convenient option for those with limited time or if the trek is too strenuous.