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.