Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Overview
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a captivating adventure in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and a sense of tranquility for trekkers seeking a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience. This relatively new trekking route has gained popularity for its pristine beauty and proximity to the towering peaks of the Annapurna range. The journey typically begins in the vibrant city of Pokhara, where trekkers prepare for the trek ahead. After a short drive to Kande, the trail commences through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, providing glimpses of various wildlife and exotic birds. As the path ascends, the scenery also transforms, revealing terraced fields, charming villages, and cascading waterfalls.Majestic Beauty and Tranquility: Embarking on the Enchanting Mardi Himal Trek
As trekkers ascend higher, the snow-capped peaks, including Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South, gradually come into view, leaving travelers in awe of their majestic beauty. The high-altitude landscapes, surrounded by alpine meadows and icy glaciers, create a surreal environment that feels like a trekker's paradise. The Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an elevation of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), marks the pinnacle of the journey. The sight from here is a reward like no other – a panoramic view of the Annapurna range and surrounding peaks, along with the vastness of the Modi Khola Valley below. The sense of accomplishment and tranquility amid this pristine wilderness is truly unforgettable. Unlike some of the more frequented treks, Mardi Himal offers a peaceful and secluded experience, allowing trekkers to connect more intimately with nature and the local Gurung and Magar communities along the way. The genuine hospitality and warm smiles of the villagers create a heartwarming cultural exchange. With the trek generally taking around 6-7 days to complete, the Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. Accommodation options include tea houses and lodges that offer basic amenities for a comfortable stay during the journey.Conclusion and Summary
In summary, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, providing an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure. It's an ideal choice for trekkers looking to explore lesser-known trails while still savoring the grandeur of the Himalayas and creating cherished memories to last a lifetime.Trip Highlight
- Visit the ancient UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, including as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square of Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur City
- Adventure-packed journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Less crowded trekking trail in Nepal
- Enjoy a relatively easy trek that many visitors overlook
- Trek amongst the unparalleled beauty of the Annapurna mountains
- Kick things off with white-water fun on the Trisuli River
- Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
- Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Trek to Mardi Himal’s base to take in the breathtaking panorama of the snowy Himalayan Mountains.
- Pothana Village trek through rhododendron forest to Low Camp.
- Mardi Himal High Camp (3,600m), Low Camp, Forest Camp (2600m)
- Walkthrough an untouched landscape and connect with nature
- Suitable for all age groups
- First-hand experience of rural Nepali village life
- Delightful view of the small pretty stone-built human settlement
- Immerse yourself in Nepali culture with a local homestay in the hills
- Trekking in a green atmosphere via a rhododendron forest
- The Mardi Himal Trek Route is surrounded by lush scenery, wildlife, fauna, and terraced farms.
- Magnificent sunrise and sunset view from Mardi Himal High Camp.
- Fantastic views of Mount Dhauglagiri, Mount Annapurna (II, III, IV, and South), Mount Hiunchuli, Mount Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal and more.
- Serene atmosphere and tranquility in Siding Village.
- Discover about the people’ lifestyles, culture, and traditions by visiting the settlement of Siding.
- A day in Pokhara – the tourist capital of Nepal
- Amazing view of snow-capped mountains including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna from Sarangkot, Pokhara.
- Enjoy boating on Fewa Lake’s tranquil waters.
- Visit the historic sites on the way to the Bindabasini temple.
- Physical challenge and sense of achievement in reaching High Camp.
- Relaxation and reflection time amidst natural beauty.
- Memorable moments shared with fellow trekkers and guides.
Itinerary
Our airport representative will meet you at Tribhuwan International Airport. He will drive you to the hotel in a private car and assist you to check in. You can take a rest after a long travel or go out of your hotel and explore some of the lovely places of Kathmandu city. You will meet your guide during the Mardi Himal Trek briefing that will take place in the evening. The hike’s information and any missing equipment will be provided by the guide.
Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours (200km / 124miles ) 6 to 7 hrs
After an early breakfast, we will take a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus ride will take six to seven hours. On the way, you will see the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of the Phewa Lake, known for its panoramic views of Annapurna ranges, Machapuchare in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, Manaslu and Lamjung Himal in the east. Pokhara is a tourist paradise complete with modern amenities.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included standard meal (Breakfast)
Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours 2 hrs
Trek Distance 9km / 5.5miles
Highest Altitude 2100 m / 6,889 ft
Driving Hours 3-4 hrs.
Early in the morning, we will drive around 2hrs to reach Dhampus from where the trails begin. The hike takes us through ethnic Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung villages while being greeted by panoramic views of the Annapurna peaks. Our walk continues through the rhododendron, forest to Pothana, and finally to Deurali (2100m). At Deurali, you will get to witness the high glaciers on one of the greatest Himalayan peaks – Annapurna South – looming in the distance.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance 6km / 3.7miles
Highest Altitude 2600m /8,530ft
Trek Duration 5 to 6 hrs
We leave Deurali early morning and head to Forest Camp. The path ascends fairly through rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock forest. On your path, you get glimpses of wildlife – leopards, deer, monkeys, and several bird species. We will spend the night at Forest Camp.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance 8.5km / 5.2miles
Highest Altitude 3600m / 11,811ft
Trek Duration 4 to 5 hrs
Today’s trek will take us from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp. The trails are steep, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain), the Annapurna Range, the Annapurna Base Camp valley, and Mardi Himal.
After walking for some hours, the forest finally opens into a clearing allowing you to see the face of Annapurna South. Then the trail breaks into a combination of scrub forest and open meadow.
As we climb the ridge becomes narrower, and you can see the deep valleys on both sides. To your left, you will be looking straight down on the Modi Khola river valley alongside villages that lead up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. To our right, you will see the Mardi Khola and Seti river valleys. On clear days, you can even see Pokhara Valley. We continue walking the narrow ridgeline to High Camp (3900m), where we stop for the night.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance 10km / 6.2miles
Highest Altitude 4,500m / 14,763ft
Trek Duration 7 hrs
We wake up early at High Camp to appreciate the most spectacular sunrise views on the mighty Himalayas. Then we will climb along the narrow ridge to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters.
From Mardi Himal Base Camp, you can see the sun lighting up the full face of Annapurna South while Fishtail Mountain looms directly overhead. After spending some time at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, we descend back to High Camp for lunch and then descend further to Low Camp, where we will spend another night.
- Overnight stay in a Lodge
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance 12km / 7.4miles
Highest Altitude 3,050m /10,006ft
Trek Duration 7 hrs
We descend from Low Camp down on a very steep trail that passes through the forest. After an hour’s hike, we reach a broad clearing where we will rest for a while. But our descend continues to hillside village Siding, which lies about 500 meters above the river valley. Trek descends through the village of Landruk – an ethnic group of Gurung settlement. Depending on the situation, we might stay at Landruk or continue to Jhinu Danda. There are natural hot springs near Jhinu Danda, where we can relax our tired muscles in the hot springs.
- Overnight stay at Hotel Park Himalaya (room with attached bathroom)
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
Itinerary Facts
Trek Distance 4km / 2.4 miles
Highest Altitude 1,780m / 5,839ft
Trek Duration 3-4 hrs
Driving Hours 2-3 hrs
We have reached our final day on the trekking trails. Today we make a pleasant hike along the Modi River and head down to reach Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi. We then say goodbye to the trails and make a return drive through picturesque countryside to Pokhara.
- Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
- Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
You will wake up early today and travel to Sarangkot to take in the splendor of the sunrise. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu may all be seen from Sarangkot. It also offers a wide-ranging vista of the Pokhara Valley, including the Phewa Lake. When returning to your hotel from Sarangkot, you may also tour Bindabasini, the city’s oldest temple. You will take a deluxe tourist bus through the Prithvi Highway from Pokhara to Kathmandu after breakfast. Depending on traffic, it takes 7 to 8 hours to go around 205 kilometers. Along the way, you will pass through various landscapes and see the vibrant and busy bazaars of Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, etc. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek will be successfully concluded with a celebration that you will attend in the evening. Live ethnic music is available as you eat a typical Nepalese supper. You can purchase mementos to take home or take some photographs to remember your trip.
Depending on your departure schedule, we will often set up an airport transfer service three hours before departure. If you have additional time, we can set up some side trips for you, or you may go exploring on your own.
Departures & Availability
The set departure dates listed are specially quoted and specified for group joining option. Let us know if the set departure dates are not suitable for you- another dates which are suitable for you can certainly be added by us.
Check Available Dates
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All trip prices are per person based on double occupancy, are subject to change without notice and do not include airfare. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars.
Price include
- Both way transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara on a tourist bus
- Both way private transportation from Pokhara to Dhampus (trek start )and Ghandruk Phedi (trek end) to Pokhara.
- Two nights accommodation with breakfast (room with attached bathroom) at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
- Accommodation (total five nights): Two nights room with attached bathroom at Deurali, Jhinu Danda. Three nights standard room at Forest camp, High Camp, Low camp Camp (Generally twin sharing room)
- All standard meals (7 lunches, 6 dinners, and 7 breakfasts) during the trek
- Government Licensed and experienced trek leader (guide), assistant trekking guide for a group of 12 or more trekkers Porters to help trekkers luggage (1 porter for two trekkers, luggage limit 9 kg per trekker)
- Guides and porters costs – meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Snacks (cookies) and seasonal fresh fruits every day Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- Water purification tablets for safe drinking water
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Rescue operation arrangement in case of complicated health condition (funded by travel insurance)
- Souvenir – a company’s T-shirt & cap
- Friendship World Trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trek
Price Excludes
- International flight costs
- Nepal entry visa fees at Tribhuvan International Airport- (15 days – $25-30, 30 days- $40-50 and 90 days- $100-110)
- Excess baggage charges (limit is 9kg per person)
- All Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu, before and after the trek
- Extra night accommodation, meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure or early return from the trek.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottle or boiled water, shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, battery re-charge fee extra porters, etc
- Personal clothing and gear
- Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs or delays caused by circumstances beyond our control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment, etc.
- All the costs and expenses not listed in “What is included in the Mardi Trek package?” above
Gears And Equipment
Trip Information
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Best Time and Season:
Autumn, spring, summer, and winter are the four seasons that the Mardi Himal Trek experiences. Autumn and spring are the ideal times of year for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek out of 4.
- Autumn – September, October and Novemver
For the Mardi Himal Trek, autumn is the ideal season. September, October, and November are the months that comprise autumn. One of the busiest times of year for trekking in Nepal. The Annapurna region’s surroundings grow clearer in the post-monsoon season of autumn because of the summer’s rainy weather. The region’s picturesque splendor and visibility of the mountain ranges appear to be superb.
- Spring – March, April and May
The second-best season of the year for Mardi Himal Trekking is spring. March, April, and May are the months in which it occurs. Various plants sprout and bloom in the spring, including rhododendrons. It’s that time of year when everything outside turns green and rejuvenated. During this month, you may experience the aroma of many flowers as you hike to the Mardi Himal. This time of year is when the splendor of the natural flora and animals is at its height. Because it is the pre-monsoon season, the sky is often clear, giving you a clearer perspective of the mountains.
Food or Meal on Mardi Himal Trek:
- Breakfast
Breakfast is the first meal you eat after the long fast from the previous night. To build up a lot of endurance for walking for a long time on the route, the first meal must be nutritious and pleasant. You will be given a variety of meals for breakfast, including bread and chapati, eggs, porridge, soup, pancakes, and more.
- Lunch
In Nepal, the lunchtime meal is regarded as the main course. Therefore, Dal-Bhat is prepared in all teahouses as the main dish along with many other kinds. In recent years, a significant portion of foreign trekkers has also started to favor Dal-Bhat as their lunch option. Rice, noodles, pasta, pizza, hamburgers, dumplings, desserts, and a variety of other foods are typically available at teahouses for lunch.
- Dinner
Dinner is a tasty meal after a strenuous day of walking. Similar types of lunch and evening meals are available at the teahouses along the trail. The majority of Nepalese enjoy eating dal baht for lunch and supper, although foreign visitors prefer to select different dishes. The teahouses make a variety of hot and cold refreshments available in addition to serving breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Accommodation on Mardi Himal Trek:
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trip is a teahouse trek that passes via guesthouses. The Mardi Himal Trek Route travels through a sparsely populated, extremely isolated area of the Annapurna range. As a result, the lodging options are also modest and provide few services. The bathrooms might be communal or private, and the rooms are typically tiny. The majority of the rooms are twin sharing, however, if you prefer a single room, please let us know in advance so that we may try to get one for you. But we can’t guarantee it. The alternatives will decrease as the height rises, especially during the busiest hiking season, when hotels are fully occupied.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Difficulty:
One of the most underappreciated hikes in Nepal is the Mardi Himal Trek. A lot of hikers are unaware of this lovely trail. This journey has a moderate difficulty rating from novice hikers, however, it is easy in comparison to other hikes like the Everest and Manaslu Trek. The lengthy hikes uphill are sometimes a little challenging for beginners. But rest stops along the route make the trip enjoyable. High-end hiking equipment, like ropes and ice picks, is not necessary. Reaching Base Camp from High Camp is the most difficult portion. This section of the trek is difficult because of the steep, rocky slopes. The routes along this trek’s itinerary are rugged and unpaved. When it rains, it might be a little more challenging since the track becomes slippery. Forests also get slick in the rain. However, getting enough rest and drinking enough water will ensure a successful and enjoyable walk.
Travel Insurance for Mardi Trek:
The danger of altitude sickness is quite minimal on the Mardi Trek, which is rated as mild. However, the trip may encounter unanticipated or unplanned occurrences including accidents, illnesses, floods, landslides, or abrupt climatic changes. Therefore, Mardi Base Camp Trek requires travel insurance. Medical and emergency extradition, as well as high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation costs, must be covered by insurance coverage. Based on the experiences of our clients, we can suggest insurance providers to you, but we don’t really offer insurance. After making your trek reservation, we kindly ask that you provide us with comprehensive insurance paperwork. In an emergency, we will quickly rescue you by using your insurance.
Acute Mountain Sickness and Remedies during Mardi Himal Trekking:
In Nepal, altitude illness is sometimes referred to as acute mountain sickness (AMS) or altitude sickness. Altitude sickness symptoms often appear in Nepal at altitudes more than 3,000 meters. Due to the elevation of Mardi Base Camp (4500 meters), Acute Mountain Sickness might be a risk. Altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, exhaustion and laziness, a dislike of food, nausea, and vomiting, body tingling, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nasal bleeding.
Stop ascending to higher elevations as soon as you begin to experience AMS symptoms and take some time to relax. Trek to a lower elevation if your condition does not improve. To keep your body hydrated, remember to consume lots of water and other drinks. Acetaminophen like Tylenol or another pain reliever like Ibuprofen 500 mg should be taken if you are experiencing extreme pain. Two times daily, take 250 mg of the altitude sickness drug acetazolamide.
Recommended equipment List for Mardi Himal Trek:
Your hiking clothing and equipment are one of the most crucial and significant things during Mardi Himal Trekking. The right tools include a sleeping bag, a set of High Mountain walking boots, poles, a duffel bag, necessary warm and comfortable hiking clothing, warm socks, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and so on. Another important consideration is that the finest gear for hiking in the high mountains should be light, breathable, and comfortable. Ensure that you have all the required paperwork, records, and concepts for restricted and non-restricted items. Here are some more items to consider adding to your packing list: Recommended Packing List for Nepal Trekking
Mardi Trek Guide and Safety:
Our client’s safety and security are guaranteed, and we are ready for everything. The following safety precautions are taken by Friendship World Trek, a reliable company:
- Trek leaders and guides have years of expertise leading treks, so they can guarantee your comfort, safety, and security.
- We provide intensive wilderness first aid training to all of our guides.
- As you progress through the walk, our guide will inspire and motivate you.
- In hiking areas, we inspect the sanitation of the meals and lodging.
- We have all the tools, equipment, and first aid supplies we require.
- Our trek leaders have the right to cancel or continue a tour if someone becomes ill.
- We will send out a chopper to evacuate people in case of crises (covered by insurance).
Mardi Himal Trek Route Map
Gallery
FAQS
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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.
Traveler Reviews
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