The Mardi Himal Trek is a captivating journey through the pristine beauty of the Annapurna region in Nepal. Nestled to the east of the renowned Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a unique and less-traveled route for those seeking a tranquil trekking experience. Lasting around 7 days, the trek presents a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of the Himalayas.
Commencing from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the trek gradually ascends through charming villages, terraced fields, and lush rhododendron forests. The forests are particularly enchanting during the spring season, when the blossoming rhododendron flowers paint the landscape in vibrant hues of red and pink. As you ascend, the trail unveils glimpses of the surrounding peaks, creating a sense of anticipation for the breathtaking vistas that await.
The ultimate highlight of the Mardi Himal Trek is undoubtedly the Mardi Himal Base Camp. At an altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), this viewpoint offers panoramic views that include the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak, the majestic Annapurna South, and the impressive Hiunchuli. As you stand amidst the pristine wilderness, you’ll feel a profound connection to the towering mountains that define this region.
One of the remarkable aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek is its relative tranquility. While the trek is gaining popularity, it remains less crowded compared to some of the more famous routes. This lends an air of serenity to the journey, allowing you to truly connect with the natural surroundings and find solace in the mountains.
Accommodation along the trail is provided by local teahouses, offering a chance to interact with fellow trekkers and experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality. The simplicity of these accommodations is a part of the trek’s charm, providing a comfortable respite after a day of trekking.
As with any trek in Nepal, it’s important to be prepared. Adequate trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, are necessary. Additionally, the Mardi Himal Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. While not as demanding as some higher-altitude treks, it does involve uphill sections and varying trail conditions.
Mardi Himal Trek
Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive
Day 2 Drive from Pokhara to Kimche (1,610m/5,281ft) and trek to Ghandruk (1,940m/6,365ft.) Duration: 2:30 hrs (55 km) drive, 2 hours (3 km) trek
Day 3 Trek from Ghandruk to Forest Camp (2,600m/8,531ft ) Walking Distance: 6-7 hours (15 km) trek Day 4 Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,600m/11,810ft) Walking Distance: 3-4 hours (8.5 km) trek Day 5 Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m/14,760ft) and trek to Low Camp (3,050m/10,006ft) Walking Distance: 7-8 hours (13 km) trek
Day 6 Trek from Low Camp to Kande (1,706m/5,596ft) and drive to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) Duration: 3-4 hours (12.5 km) trek, 1-hour (27 km) drive
Day 7 Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) Duration: 6-7 Hours (200 km) Drive
• Airport Pick up and Drop off to/from hotel
• Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner throughout rest of the trek
• Triple or double sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu city and throughout the trek
• English speaking local guide (additional assistant guide for a larger group)
• Personal porter (Will carry up to 15 Kgs per person)
• Complete medical and life insurance for porters and guides
• Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card
• High-altitude sub-zero sleeping bag (Hygienically cleaned)
• Oxygen cylinder, emergency medicine, and first-aid kit
• Storeroom facility in Kathmandu if you have additional luggage not required for your trek
Exclusions
• Water or any kind of drinks
• Nepal entry visa ($40 for foreign trekkers | not needed for Indian citizens)
• Medical and evacuation expenses in unforeseen circumstances
• Travel insurance (although you can get one for additional cost)
• Unforeseen costs (cancelation, rescheduling, extra accommodation) due to any circumstances
• Any kind of personal expenses
• Anything that is not covered in the “inclusion” segment
