Walking to the Mardi Himal Base Camp lets you explore some of the exquisite viewpoints with unparalleled views of the Himalayan complexities.
Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened trekking route in the Annapurnas. Only a handful of people had been able to witness its true glamour. The glittering peaks of the Machhapuchre (Fish Tail), the horrendous views of the Dhaulagiri, the classic villages of Ghandruk and Sinuwa, and the serene valley of Pokhara, all combine in an elegant way to create a perfectly idyllic scene. The explorers of Mardi often recount that they barely wished to step down the viewpoint.
This itinerary is meticulously built to let you revel in the exotic scenery of Mardi Himal, keeping in mind the explorer is a first-time trekker. If you are a veteran in trekking then, you may finish this trek in 7 days. Most of the trail passes through the forest sections and traverses along the grassy meadows, over the ridge. Therefore, the Mardi Himal trek has received the conventional name of “Ridge Trek”.
A Mardi Himal trek, a riveting trip in Nepal, necessitates some important procedures to ensure a wonderful and safe expedition. Begin by conducting an extensive study to understand the terrain, weather conditions, and permissions necessary. Choose the finest seasons, like spring or fall, and secure the appropriate permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Trekking alone in Nepal is presently prohibited, thus hiring a native guide porter might enhance your experience. Pack necessary equipment, remain hydrated, respect local culture and the environment, be altitude-ready, and carry emergency contacts for enhanced security. Finally, as you continue on this thrilling Himalayan adventure, take in the beautiful vistas of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains.
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek as it offers the most favourable weather conditions, creating an idyllic setting for trekking. During spring(March to May), trekkers can relish the temperate climate with warm days and cool nights, while vibrant rhododendron forests adorn the trails with a burst of colour.
The skies remain clear, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Annapurna and Machapuchare mountains. In autumn(September to November), the stable weather continues, with mild daytime temperatures and crisp evenings. Monsoon rains have washed away the dust, ensuring remarkable visibility of the mountains. Furthermore, the trekking routes are in excellent condition, and the trails are relatively peaceful, making both spring and autumn ideal seasons to explore the Mardi Himal region.
The monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to heavy rainfall and the risk of landslides, while winter (December to February) can be harsh, with frigid temperatures and the possibility of substantial snowfall at higher elevations, making it less suitable for trekking adventures.
The Mardi Himal trek in Nepal offers a distinctive experience that contrasts with metropolitan amenities in terms of lodging and dining alternatives. Trekkers may relax and stay the night anywhere along the route thanks to the availability of a network of teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses. Even though they are simple, these hotels provide hikers with the comforts they need. Teahouses typically provide basic twin rooms with clean linen, shared bathrooms, and the choice of hot showers for an extra fee. To increase comfort, lodges, and guesthouses frequently provide more luxurious individual rooms, some of which have connected bathrooms.
These lodgings provide meals with a wide variety of choices, including both local specialities like pizza and spaghetti as well as worldwide favourites like dal bhat and momo. To reduce health concerns, it is advised to avoid eating raw vegetables and salads when dining and to instead choose prepared and heated meals. In addition to providing food and comfort in the winter evenings, the community eating halls frequently contain stoves or fires that blend in with the stunning Himalayan backdrop.
It is always advisable to consult your guide for food recommendations for a more healthy and hygienic option.
The Mardi Himal Trek often begins at Kande. If you want to fly to Pokhara, you can take a domestic aeroplane (30 minutes) or a tourist bus/private car to Pokhara (approximately 6-8 hours) and then go overland to Kande to begin your trek. We will either remain in a hotel in Pokhara for the night or begin our adventure if we arrive early. To go to Kande, we will either hire a private car (shared jeep) or use a local bus. The journey may take many hours, depending on road conditions and the starting place you select.
Once you reach Lumre you can take a local bus back to Kathmandu or book a private vehicle(extra charges will be added).
Our trek to Mardi Himal begins from there. The walking routes are well-marked, and you'll follow them through stunning scenery, villages, and woods until you reach the base camp.
Mardi Himal trek requires obtaining specific permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits are essential for regulating trekking activities and supporting conservation efforts in the region.
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
To visit the Annapurna area you must get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This protected area, noted for its breathtaking natural beauty, varied landscapes, and rich cultural history, is one of the most well-liked hiking areas in the nation.
Cost: Nrs 3000 per person
2. Trekker's Information Management System(TIMS):
For hikers in Nepal, the TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card is a necessary piece of identification. It was put into place to improve trekkers' safety and security while also assisting authorities in keeping track of travellers in various hiking locations.
Cost: Nrs 3000 per person for non SAARC tourists and Nrs 1000 for SAARC trekers.
(All the necessary permits are included in this package)
Explore our itineraries to find out what Mardi can bestow.
Day 1: Drive to Pokhara in tourist bus. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Pitam Deurali
Day 3: Trek Pitam Deurali to Kokar Forest Camp
Day 4: Trek Kokar Forest Camp to Low camp
Day 5: Trek Low Camp to High Camp
Day 6: Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (West) (4500m) and return high camp
Day 7: Trek High Camp to Sidhing (1850m)
Day 8: Trek Sidhing to Lumre and drive to Pokhara
(If you are experienced trekkers, you can finish this trek in 7 days too starting from Kathmandu)
Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4500m
We will begin our tour by arriving at the Pokhara bus station, where our bus will be waiting for us. This route features breathtaking scenery and mountain ranges. The bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. So sit back, relax, and take in the scenery as you drive across Nepal's stunning landscapes. When we arrive in Pokhara, a vehicle will be ready to drive us to our hotel.
Starting off early morning, we will have our breakfast and prepare for our journey. We will take a private vehicle or a taxi which will take us to Kande which takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
The trail begins with an uphill climb from Kande, surrounded by dense forests and occasional glimpses of the stunning Himalayan peaks. After about 1.5 to 2 hours of trekking, you'll reach Australian Camp (Thulo Kharka). This viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Continuing from Australian Camp, the trail gradually descends through the forested path, leading you to the village of Pothana. It takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Pothana.
From Pothana, we will make our way through rhododendron forests and open meadows. As you ascend, the surrounding scenery becomes increasingly mesmerizing. After approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Deurali, also known as Pitam Deurali. This will also be our stop for the night.
We'll go to Kokar Forest Camp after a well-deserved breakfast. The route winds through the cool shade of a tree, a rich green forest, chattering birds, a stream, and a lovely woodland stroll on a sunny day. Walking forward, there's more to discover, including Hemlock, Birch, and even Rhododendron. After arriving at the woodland camp we will find a place to camp and will be our overnight resting place for the day. This location also provides a night sky full of stars and even constellations to see.
After breakfast, we will begin our hike to Low Camp, which generally takes 3-5 hours. This walk takes us through the lush woods and stunning scenery of the Annapurna area. The trek will also take us past picturesque villages and provide breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. After a few hours of walking, we will arrive at Low Camp, a peaceful location where you can relax and take in the scenery.
After having our breakfast, our adventure will begin early in the morning. we will walk passes through lush rhododendron woods and alpine scenery. You'll have great views of the neighboring mountains as we climb, including Annapurna South (7,219 meters) and Machapuchare (commonly known as Fishtail, 6,993 meters). We'll make our way up to High Camp and spend the night in a tea house.
For this day, we will enjoy our breakfast and begin our adventure early in the morning. The path ascends slowly through alpine meadows, rocky terrain, and snow-covered vistas. Views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal itself, grow increasingly spectacular as we rise. The Base Camp is located at an elevation of roughly 4,500 meters (around 14,764 feet) and provides a wonderful view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. We'll take our time at the Base Camp to take in the gorgeous landscape, snap some great photographs, and relax in the peaceful atmosphere. After spending some time at the Base Camp, we will retrace our steps back to High Camp for an overnight stay.
The journey from High Camp to Sidhing takes you through a variety of scenery, including alpine meadows, deep woods, and attractive towns. After breakfast, we will begin our hike by descending through alpine meadows and woodlands, presenting a new perspective of the surrounding mountains. After a few hours of walking, we will stop for a short rest before continuing our journey through thick rhododendron and oak woods, with vistas of the Annapurna and Mardi Himal ranges. The trip from Low Camp to Sidhing is a peaceful and picturesque descent through the woodlands that allows you to appreciate the region's natural splendor. Sidhing is a typical Gurung village that offers a real taste of the native culture and way of life. We will visit the village of Sidhing, interact with friendly citizens, and immerse ourselves in the serene environment of this rural town. This will also be our overnight stay.
For our final day of trekking, we will wake up early in the morning and have our breakfast. Then, from Sidhing, we'll make our way to Lumre, the last destination of the Mardi Himal Trek. We'll pass through more gorgeous towns and terraced fields on the way. We will arrange transportation in Lumre and drive back to Pokhara. If we have time, we will explore Pokhara for a bit; otherwise, we will book a hotel in Pokhara and end our Mardi Himal hiking adventure.
