Mardi Himal Trek
Discover Untouched Wilderness and Breathtaking Himalayan Views
Trip Overview:
Location
Nepal
Region
Annapurna
Max-Elevation
4,500 m
Duration
11 days
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge
Best Seasons
Spring and Autumn
Group
Min. 1 Pax
Difficulty
Moderate
Start Point
Kathmandu
End Point
Kathmandu
Permit
Required
Food
Three Meals/Day
Introduction to Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is also termed the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, a relatively new but highly sought-after trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The journey will take you to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. Mardi Himal Base Camp lies to the east of Annapurna Base Camp and near Pokhara.
The Mardi Himal Trek track has been accessible to trekkers on foot since 2012, however, it has become so popular recently that it is frequently used by thousands of international and local trekkers throughout the year. When you go along the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, you are actually passing by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. You can see Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna on the way.
Aside from the mountain vistas, the trek will take you to meet the residents of the transitional villages, will give you a taste of the infinite cultural diversity, and will offer you the most beautiful views of the river. The walk through the woods has the added advantage of the freshness and closeness of Mardi Himal.
The main entry points for the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek are various places, however, Kande and Dhampus phedi are the most frequently chosen. Following the itinerary, Dhampus phedi is recommended as your starting point for the Mardi Himal trek after a 40-minute drive from Pokhara. The village of Dhampus is to be reached by the steep trail first and then the walk will be on a flat and steep trail to Pothana (1,950 m) and next to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m).
There is a sign at Deurali saying “Forest Camp” and here, the right-hand trail is taken. The trail leads through the woods, at first it is on the up then it starts undulating on the top of a ridge. When you are just over the half-way through, the way drops steeply and then it rises slowly. Then returning to the ridge pathway, you will reach Forest Camp (2,554 m).
The trail is very steep at first leaving Forest Camp, but it does become less steep as soon as you reach the ridge again. Once again, the trail leaves Low Camp in the jungle, but the trees soon start getting smaller. An hour later and you are coming out from the jungle to enjoy the panoramic view of Machhapuchhre from the open ridge and on the left, you can see Annapurna south. After all, you are below the tree limit at a place called High Camp, prepare for the decline in the outside temperature.
High Camp is the final overnight stop, with only a few teahouses available. Most trekkers choose to stay there before continuing to Mardi Himal Base Camp. However, if you decide to spend the night at Low Camp or Badal Danda instead, it’s still possible to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and return in a single day—but be prepared, as it’s quite a challenge.
Let’s say you plan for a total day of walking, and the point where you can see the scenic outlook will be somewhere in the middle to get to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Most tourists prefer to go back from this stage besides those who want an additional challenge, they can proceed to the Base Camp at 4,500 meters. In any case, the journey there covers a short visit and then you’ll begin to descend down to Low Camp once again. The route from there leads to Siding and on to Lumre where a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara. On the next day, you will be on a return trip to Kathmandu.
Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek
Itinerary
After you arrive in Kathmandu airport please check our company board outside the main gate there will be our airport representative you will meet with him and he will transferred to hotel by private vehicle and our representative will help you to check-in your hotel after that if time enough, representative will take you to our office for short briefing about the trip but if not enough time then give a short trip brief in hotel and request to pay the due balance for the trip. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, Kathmandu visits Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa which are all World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square throws light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage places for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. Late in the afternoon, we introduced you to your mountain/trek guide. overnight at Hotel
200 km: Early Morning (7.00 AM) departure to Pokhara by Tourist Bus transfer to Hotel. Arrive in the Pokhara afternoon about at 3 Pm. Relax or walk around Lake Side. O/N Hotel.
From Pokhara half an hour drives to Phedi, from where we will commence our Mardi Himal trekking. We will start the trek by climbing the stairs from Phedi which will eventually level level. The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through rhododendron and pine forests till we reach the Dhampus, a Gurung village known for the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We will continue our ascent until we reach the small village of Pothana, surrounded by forests and exhibiting marvelous mountain views. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, we start our trek with a steep uphill climb through thick forest along the beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is the home to many rare wildlife, and we may catch a glimpse of some of the rare birds and animals along the way. After walking for around five hours, we will reach the forest camp. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
The trail from the Forest camp to the high camp follows a steep ascent through the rhododendron and Juniper forest. The pattern for the day is a steeper climbing to get over a hillock, then relatively flat for a while and again start the ascent. On Reaching the top, we will be highly rewarded with the magnificent, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Mount Macchapuchre. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
We will rise early to appreciate the spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna range from the high Camp. After the breakfast, we will start our ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 4500 meters. The trek today is challenging with a walk along a narrow, rocky trails. The hardship of the day is generously rewarded with the stunning mountain views along the pristine surroundings at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. After spending some time at the base camp, we will retrace our steps back to high camp. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
We will retrace our steps and follow a steep descent to low camp from where we will trek into the forest to Mardi Khola. After a delightful walk along the river and the forest, we will reach a warm and hospitable village of Siding. Overnight at Teahouse/Lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our easy descent to Lumre. The trail follows the contour of the Mardi river valley and gradually descends down the pastures through beautiful Tamang and Gurung Villages. Our Transport will wait for us at Lumre from where we will take an hour long drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.
It takes about seven hours, while driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to the capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, End of our services with departure transfer to the Kathmandu airport to board flight for your onward destination.
Not Satisfied with the above itinerary? We also offer flexible, tailor-made trips according to your preferences and specification.
Cost Includes:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Reviews:
Soumia Msallek (USA)
Endless thanks, respect for this company and the people who runs it! From my initial email, Binod was prompt, organized and helpful, creating the perfect personalized itinerary to suit our timeframe and hiking level. My group of 7 and I had an amazing experience trekking the Mardi Himal trail to...
Linda Susan Bean (USA)
Heartfelt gratitude for an adventure that was life affirming in every sense. Led by Bishnu & his incredible team of human beings we were immersed in the culture and majestic surroundings of Nepal, Pokhara & Kathmandu. Alpine Adventure Club’s degree of professionalism , kindness and technical expertise allowed our entire...
Rebecca Felicia Lyne (USA)
What an amazing trip! Our guide Bishnu and his entire crew were professional and accommodating. My group felt safe and taken care of. I was particularly delighted with how excited and in awe the whole staff was with the mountains still after years of experiencing them! Would rebook without any...
