Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara

The Mardi Himal trek from Pokhara is the most popular short trek in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 5,587 meters the base camp of Mardi Himal lies 4,500 meters above sea level. With a moderate difficulty level, the trek is popular among all age groups of trekkers. Meanwhile, the Mardi Himal Trek's total distance that can be covered is about 65 kilometers. Located on the eastern side of the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal trek lies under the Machhapuchhre, majestic Fishtail Mountain. The most difficult part of the Mardi Himal base camp trek of Nepal is reaching Mardi base camp from a high camp.

Mardi Himal is one of the underrated trekking trails of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Because of that, ACAP Permit and a TIMS card are compulsory for foreign travelers traveling on the route. This Mardi Himal trek in Nepal was officially opened in 2012 after arrangements of the teahouse and lodges throughout the trekking trails. It has been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years. Some of the popular destinations to stay over include High Camp, Low Camp, Deurali and Forest Camp which also provide beautiful views.

This trek provides you with the elegant scenery of the Annapurna ranges, Manaslu ranges, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, etc.  One can cover this trek in a short time of 4-6 days from Pokhara on determining their body fitness and time. This trek is considered a tea house trek. Visitors can find tea houses in the various areas of this trekking route. A booking could ensure the rooms at the accommodation. Yoga Trek is also one of the popular activities that we are offering and a detailed itinerary and cost can be provided upon request.

There is no specific best season to explore this trek. Though, Autumn and Spring are the best time for Mardi Himal Trek. Winter and Monsoon would be slightly difficult seasons to visit yet rewarding. The weather here is clear and the temperature is moderate. The trekking difficulty level is moderate. The Trek route to base camp isn’t very challenging except for high camp to base camp as the trail follows a steep hill.

During March and April, the dry season ends and is regarded as the best month to visit Mardi Himal. Similarly, September, October, November, and December have clear skies. It is one of the ideal times for trekking in almost all parts of Nepal. But during these months of the year, the chances of snowfall are high.

Mardi Himal

Mardi Himal is a mountain peak in the Annapurna region of Nepal. With an altitude of 5,587 meters above sea level, it is comparatively one of the low mountains of the Annapurna region. Although short in length, it has a long history. Mardi Himal was first submitted successfully in 1951 by Basil Goodfellow. Meanwhile, the trekking routes of the trek were not established long before. After 2012 only some of the teahouses and lodges were established by the local people. The hotel and lodges facilities are available up to High Camp only which is situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters.

After High Camp Hotels and Lodges are not available. Because of that all the trekkers spend their night at high camp and summit towards base camp in the morning and return to High Camp or Low camp. Mardi Himal is also offered as a trekking peak by the Government of Nepal. Similarly, Mardi Himal is one of the easiest peak climbs in Nepal. Meanwhile, no royalty fees are needed to pay to the government of Nepal for scaling the peak. Because of that many climbers nowadays are choosing Mardi Himal to summit. Mardi Himal is situated east of the Modi Khola and across the valley of Hiunchuli.

About Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal lies in the Gandaki province and the trekking trail lies in the shadow of the amazing Fishtail mountain. Pokhara is 200 kilometers away from Kathmandu and is one of the most attractive cities in Nepal. It will take about 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by road. Meanwhile, 25 minute's flight can take you to the city of Lakes Pokhara from Kathmandu. Kande is the starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara. Kande is 27 km away from Pokhara and it will take about an hour to reach; however, one can be accessed from Phedi as well.

The Mardi Himal base camp trek can be started from several parts of the Kaski district. It en-routes through Kande, Dhampus, Landruk, and Siding. Initiated mainly from Kande, the trek starts with the steep climb towards Australian camp, goes down to Pothana and again climbs back to Pitam Deurali before climbing to Forest camp. At forest camp, the trail starts from Landruk meets whereas, at Pothana, the trail comes from Dhampus meets. Trekkers have to pass through the dense Rhododendron forest before reaching Low camp. Peaceful walk while listing to the soothing sound of the incest and chirping of the birds.

The vegetation completely changes after reaching the Middle camp where you’ll leave the tree line below and start walking at the cliffs of grasses. You’ll find the unique and unspoiled landscape of the Annapurna region before reaching the Mardi Himal base camp via high camp. Basic accommodation facilities are available in the upper regions of the trek. Meanwhile, the Tea house and the Hotels in the lower regions of the trek offer various options for meals than those in the upper regions.

What to expect from the Mardi Himal trek from Pokhara?

The Mardi Himal trek is one of the shortest and most rewarding treks in Nepal. This trek will take you to a beautiful place from where you get another spectacular viewpoint of Annapurna Massif along another iconic mountain. This trek starts from Pokhara and ends at Pokhara as it is one of the shortest treks from Pokhara in Nepal. You will be picked up early in the morning on the first day of your trip and drop you off at Phedi on a private basis from where you will start walking.

As you start the walk you will slowly get into the forest and expose yourself to raw nature full of life and endless peace. You will walk through rhododendron, pine, subtropical and other native vegetation. For the next 5 days, you will connect with nature and be cut off from the internet, basically the outer world. As you move towards your daily destinations you will most likely run into small cold freshwater streams, mini waterfalls and magical-looking forest spots. The wild orchids hanging on the decaying trees, invisible insects that you can only hear, your footstep over a dry leaf and your own breath will be a part of your trek.

Most of the people you find during the trek are mainly native Gurung ethnicity and have heartwarming hospitality. You will notice a new concept of hospitality as you get to interact with the locals, they will welcome you with a warm smile on their faces and a typical Nepali greeting gesture by joining their both hands and saying Namaste. You will see the natives mostly in their traditional garments looking beautiful and elegant. All over the trekking route, there are little to no modern transportation facilities so it's common if you bump into animals carrying goods from one place to another such as mules, horses, and donkeys.

The view of the mountains truly depends on the weather condition and if the sky is clear you can see the top of the mountains from the start of your journey. Once you pass the forest camp you are graced by a glorious view of Mt. Fishtail until you get to the high camp. The trail is narrow at certain points and the cliff will intimidate you with its dangerously deep cliff. The alluring yet savage edges will make you feel alive and make your adrenaline rush. Once you get to your ultimate destination you will forget all your fatigue while you breathe in crisp fresh air while your eyes feast on the immaculate mountain view. Take your time to appreciate the celestial beauty found nowhere else and slowly make your way back as this ends your fascinating trek. Return with loads of memories, one of a kind experience away from the concrete jungle and refreshment for a new start and respect for the sky-piercing mountains.