Mardi Himal Trek: Unconventional trek to Annapurna Region
Mardi Himal also known as the hidden gem in the Annapurna Himalayan range, lies in Kaski District with an elevation of 5587m from sea level just below mount Machhapuchhre (fishtail). It was least visited Himal in the previous time but now lots of trekkers are more interested and attracted towards it, as it is an easy, unspoiled, and memorable trek in Annapurna Circuit.
Very few trekkers were seen on this route since it was just tenting based trek in the past but the availability of tea houses and many more facilities in recent years has risen the popularity among trekkers.
This trek is for those who tend to be in the highest elevation in short days. The splendid beauty of the Himalayas, unique trail, changes in vegetation, endangered flora, and fauna makes the trek more beautiful. This trek is very easy and short but can be dangerous if you’re not yet intimate with hiking.
Walking through the pristine forests consisting of national flower rhododendron, oak, and beech, small and beautiful villages, traced farms, valleys, and viewpoints is breathtaking.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking
Breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains
Extend to high elevation in a short time
Witness the biodiversity
Explore Sherpa village and different landscapes
How long does it take to reach Mardi Himal Base camp?
As it is a short trek so it’s just 7 days of the trek. The trek starts from Phedi and ends in Lumre. You’ll drive to Phedi from Pokhara by a local bus and then you’ll walk for 7 days. The hike will be of 4-5 hours per day.
Let’s see the sample itinerary, which makes it easy to understand.
1st day: Drive to Phedi from Pokhara, 30 mins of drive and then trek to Deurali.
2nd day: Trek to Forest Camp from Deurali
3rd day: Forest Camp to Low Camp
4th day: Low Camp to Heigh Camp
5th day: Heigh Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return back to High Camp
6th day: Trek to Sidhing village from Heigh camp
7th day: Trek to Lumre from Sidhing and Drive to Pokhara.
Detailed Itinerary
1st day: Drive to Phedi from Pokhara and Trek to Deurali (2100m).
On this day, you’ll drive to Phedi from Pokhara just a 30 min drive. After reaching Phedi, you’ll hike to Deurali village. You’ll walk via stone steps, traced fields, small villages, and pristine forests before reaching Dhampus. You’ll have your lunch in Dhampus and then again continue walking until you reach Deurali. After reaching Deurali you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of the majestic Himalayas including Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Mount Machhapuchre.
2nd day: Trek to Forest Camp from Deurali (2520m) 6-7hrs hike.
Forest camp is also known as Kokar locally. On this day you are going to hike in the beautiful lush forest where you can see varieties of flora and fauna including Nepal’s national flower rhododendron.
3rd day: Trek to Low camp from Forest camp (2970m) 5-6 hrs hike
On this day, you’ll trek via dense forest witnessing Nepal’s rich biodiversity. After reaching Low camp you can see the mesmerizing view of Mount Machhapuchhre (mt.Fishtail) . In the evening you can enjoy watching the local lifestyle.
4th day: Trek to High Camp from Low Camp (3540m) 4-5 hrs hike
You’ll ascend towards mt.Machhapuchre and Mardi himal. if you’re lucky this day you can see the national bird of Nepal called “The Danphe pheasant”.
5th day: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp(4500m) 2-3 hrs hike
You’ll descend and ascend sometimes steeps and narrow trails. After reaching to base camp you’ll see the eagle eye view of amazing mountains such as Mardi Himal(5587m) mt. Annapurna I (8091m) Annapurna South(7219m), mt.Hiunchuli(6411m), Baraha Shikhar(mt.Fang)(7447m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli(6501m), Mt.machhapuchre(6993m) and many other peaks.
You’ll trek back to high camp for an overnight stay.
6th day: Trek to Sidhing village(1700m) 6-7 hrs hike.
You’ll walk to Sidhing, a different route and a different place. Sidhing is a beautiful small village far from hustle and bustle of city life.
7th day: Trek to Lumre(1300m) and drive to Pokhara 2 hrs drive,2-3 hrs hike
After breakfast in Sidhing you’ll trek to Lumre and then drive to Pokhara Airport and you’ll fly to Kathmandu.
As a whole, your Mardi Himal Trek trip will be of 10 days. Packages can be changed according to your wish.
How difficult is Mardi Himal Trek?
In comparison to other treks in Nepal, Mardi Himal is a Moderate hike that doesn’t require any mountaineering experience. The distance from Pokhara to the Mardi Himal base camp is approximately 57km. As a whole, this trek is a simple, short, and easiest trek in Annapurna Circuit but the trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal base camp can be challenging for those who have problems with their knees. Walk from High camp to Base Camp is sometimes steep and the trail is also narrow, so we would like to recommend you have proper exercise and make habit of walking if possible before you’re coming to Nepal for the trek.
How about accommodation and food in Mardi Himal Trek?
As you already know trekking in the lap of the Himalayas means there is no availability of fancy cafes and restaurants but we can promise that you’ll not ever be going to forget the taste of Nepali authentic food of Sherpas and the services of tea houses. You can also see the menus of food in the hotels while trekking and can order what you want to have like Nepali cuisine, Tibetan dishes, Pizza, and many more. The hotel rooms will be clean and tidy, the dining room will be warm. The shower is available in Deurali and Siddhing but in rest of the places do not have showers, if you want, you can take a bucket shower.
How much does it cost for this trek?
The price of this trek may vary according to the group size, and mode of transportation and also depends on the duration of the days but this 10-day trip starts from 700 USD. In comparison to other treks, it is cheaper and short.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost
For Mardi Himal Trek, you will need the following permits:
ACAP Permit- USD 20 per person
TIMS Card: USD 20 per person (For free individual Trekkers)
TIMS Card: USD 10 per person (For Authorized Trekking Agency)
In the event you might like to strive our company or want to give us another opportunity to serve you please feel free to contact Shepherd Holidays PVT.LTD at [email protected] /[email protected] or whatsapp to +977 9851226742.
