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Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those of us who are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trekking experience in the quieter parts of the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is the lowest and perhaps the least visited of the trekking peaks in Nepal. While trekking on this route, leading up to Mardi Himal base camp and finally the high camp, we get to appreciate the solitary trails complete with verdant forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms, dazzling rivers and the extraordinary views of the Annapurna, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli mountains. Another benefit about this trekking route is that the trail makes a small circuit up to the base camp of Mardi Himal so that we don’t have to backtrack over the same terrain.
In conclusion, Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal where we stay in teahouses (lodges), try local food, appreciate the excellent hill and mountain landscape; and marvel at the panoramic views of the massive Himalayan mountains including Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal. |
Mardi Himal trek itinerary
- Day 01:Drive to Kande and trek to Pothana / Deurali (2,125m)You can start your trek either from Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Option A: Trek Starting from Pokhara
If you start your trek from Pokhara, then our office representative will meet you in your respective hotel and explain to you about the trek. And then you will continue your trek to Mardi Himal.
Option B: Trek Starting from Kathmandu
If you are willing to start your trek from Kathmandu, then you need to take a flight or road trip to Pokhara. This transportation cost will be added on your trip. For example, you have to pay both trek costs and transportation costs.
From Pokhara, you need to drive around 1 hour to Kande via Pokhara Baglung highway to reach the trekking starting point. The trail climbs for around 1 ½ hrs. to the edge at 2,060 m. We will pass through green hills and reach to Kande. The real trek starts from Kande. The trail further breezes through the rhododendron woods to the mountain pass called 'Deurali'. Deurali is disregarding the Modi Khola valley wedged between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal/Mt Fishtail. We trek for about 4 hours crossing many villages to reach our goal of the day: Deurali. The spot is grand with the all-encompassing perspective on the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley. We will stop at Deurali for an overnight stay. You won't have more choices for lodging. There are just 5 lodgings in Pothana while the number decreases to 3 for Deurali. After check in to the hotel, take rest and we acclimatize in a hotel for overnight getting ready for further trekking for the next day.
Driving time- 1 hour
Walking time- 4 hours
Lunch at- Pothana or Deurali
Altitude- 2125m
Difficulty level- Easy
Number of lodges- 5 in Deurali and 3 in Pothana
Main attractions for the day- green forest views, panoramic mountain views
Mountains viewed- Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Himchuli (6441m), Mardi (5587m)
- Day 02:Trek to Low Camp (3,150m)We will appreciate a fresh morning with a decent breakfast at the lodging in Deurali. Trekking along the excellent trail enjoying the grandest perspectives, you will appreciate the trek. After walking for almost 3 hours, we will arrive at the Low Camp. You will mainly be walking from grassland with the great view of Mt Fishtail and Mardi Himal seems a lot nearer. You get yourself closer to clear blue sky with a perspective on layers of Himalayan lower regions and clearing valley towards the south. We at that point proceed with our trek to the Low camp through forest camp. If you are lucky enough, you may get a chance to have glimpses of rare animals like Himalayan Thar, Spotted Deer, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard, etc. You will also enjoy many rhododendron flowers covered with moss, fern, and lichen. The low camp has two or three tea houses in the clearing of the backwoods. After about 7 hours of trekking, we reach Low camp and rest there for a night. At the Low Camp, you will have just 5 options for the hotel. Do not stress over the service they give. The lodges are delightful and the proprietors are obliging. You will get a room in twin sharing premise.
Note: You can trek 1 more hr. to Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) over the tree line in the assent of guide for a superior view. There is just one lodge in Badal Danda.
Walking time- 7 hours
Lunch at- Forest Camp
Altitude- 3150m
Difficulty level- Moderate
Number of Lodges- 5
Main attractions for the day- Green hills, Rhododendron forests, cloud hill, Panoramic Views of mountains
Mountains viewed: Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Mardi (5587m)
- Day 03:Trek to High Camp (3,700m)Beginning at the Low Camp, we will trek directly to the High Camp today. Leaving the Badal Danda behind, we will proceed for 4-5 hours walk along the Mardi Himal edge. We trek tough towards high camp leads through the Mardi ridge providing the majestic views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. After climbing through the Rhododendron timberlands for 1.5 hours we will arrive at the Middle Camp. The tree lines begin getting slighter and the zone generally comprises of bushes with confined rhododendron bushes along the trail. If you are lucky enough, we may even see the “Daphne” (national bird of Nepal) on our approach to high camp. It would be a heartwarming experience to view all of these at once. We rise to the high camp, which is the last goal of the day. When you arrive at the High Camp, you will have options of 4 lodges to remain. The hotels are ideal perspectives of the snow-covered peaks. The hotel is greater having 8 individual rooms excluding the lounge area. The high camp offers a perfect viewpoint of the mountains. From here the mountain perspectives are dazzling.
Walking time- 4 hours
Lunch at- High camp
Altitude: 3700m
Difficulty level- Easy
Number of lodges- 4
Main Attractions of the day- Majestic Views of mountains, Danphe, Sunset view
Mountains viewed- Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Mardi (5587m)
- Day 04:Hike to Mardi Base Camp and trek down to Sidding (4,500m)Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we hike towards the High camp in the first part of the day, we at last head towards our main destination- Mardi Base Camp. It takes around 5 hours to arrive at the Mardi Base Camp. At the base camp, we will appreciate the impressive natural environment with exotic flora and fauna and snowy mountains. We will spend some time there exploring the gleaming Himalayas and snowy landscape. After spending some great time enjoying the beautiful scenes of Himalayas and capturing some beautiful memories, it’s now time to plunge back to Sidding. The trail demands around 4 hours of the somewhat steep and dangerous drop. The brutal trail brings you into a wonderful conventional village of Siding where the night will be spent. Overnight stay at a Trekkers Lodge or a homestay at Siding seeing the brilliant social encounters.
Walking time- 4 hours hike, 4 hours trek
Lunch at- High camp or Badal Danda
Altitude- 4500m (Mardi Base Camp)
Difficulty Level- Moderate
Number of Lodges- 7
Main Attractions of the day- Mardi Base Camp, exotic flora and fauna, traditional villages
Mountains viewed- Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6993m), Mardi (5587m)
- Day 05:Drive Back Direct to Pokhara or via Lwang (Mukhkhora) TrekkingThis day we go back to Pokhara from Sidding by a sharing jeep. After taking a drive of about 2 to 3 hours, you reach to Pokhara and you will be dropped in your hotel. After spending some time with your guide, the journey ends.
Extend More Hiking
If you want to extend the trek then you can trek to beautiful village: Lwang which is around 4 hours walk from Sidding. Here you can have panoramic mountain views, with a tea garden, and tropical forest views. If you stay overnight in Lwang, next morning we will walk one hour to Khoramukh then we will drive for 2 hours to reach Pokhara then we will finish our trek in Pokhara.
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