Mardi Himal Trekking route takes you to one of the most serene and rewarding treks of Annapurna region. As the trek permit was given only in 2012, this route is not as popular as other trekking routes of this region. So only a few people are aware of this route. However, it is no less in beautiful landscapes and vistas. It is an ideal route for those who love solitude.
Mardi Himal trekking journey starts from Pokhara, where you will spend a day exploring the Lake city. Then you will be driven to Kande from where your trekking officially starts. You will cross the rivers, deep and dark forests and rocky trails full of beautiful sceneries at every step. You will stay at beautiful vantage points such as Low Camp and High Camp and trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Our Mardi Himal trek package is designed in such a way that you get the best one can get trekking in this less-traveled zone. We take you through the different trail so that you can explore more of these beautiful places. Along the way, you can explore Magar and Gurung culture and their lifestyles as well as you will be staying at tea houses run by them most of the time. You will get to explore many of the floras and faunas and wildlife in their natural habitat. So your 5 days of Mardi Himal journey will be full of beautiful vistas and exploration.
Trip Options:
Though this package starts from Pokhara since this trek is normally chosen by someone who has already spent a few days in Pokhara and want to start trekking from there. You can also start this trek from Kathmandu. We have various options for transportation and accommodation depending on your choice. To start this trip from Kathmandu, you have three transportation options:
1. Tourist Bus
Tourist Bus from Kathmandu takes 7-8 hours to reach Pokhara. This bus usually leaves at 7 am stopping two times for meals i.e. Breakfast and Lunch. Tourist Buses charges you from 10 to 25 USD and you can choose cheaper ones or the expensive one depending on your budget.
2. Private Transportation:
Sublime Trails can organize a private car or jeep to take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It is a more flexible option since it will leave Kathmandu according to your preference. It will cost around 150 USD and a maximum of 4 people can share it. If more people want to ride together, a larger jeep can also be provided which will have a different cost. It takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Pokhara for a private vehicle.
3. Domestic Flights
A domestic flight will take you to Pokhara from Kathmandu in about 25 minutes giving you the scenic aerial view of valley and mountains. It costs 125 USD (for non-Nepalese travelers). Also, make sure that you book the flight as early as you can in peak seasons. Else, no tickets may be available for you.
Note: I case you want to start this trip from Kathmandu, accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara can also be managed upon your request. Contact us to know about the price and any other info.
MARDI HIMAL TREK HIGHLIGHTS
1. Pokhara
5 days Mardi Himal Trek starts from Pokhara which has many wonderful things to offer. At the city famously known as Lake City, you can explore beautiful Phewa Lake, Begnas lakes. You can explore caves such as Mahendra Cave, Bat Cave, etc. Sarangkot is the first place where you can go to watch sunrise or sunsets. Peaks of the Himalayas range including Dhawalagiri, Annapurna I and Machchapuchre can be seen clearly on a clean day. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are some places you can go to enjoy yourselves in this beautiful city.
2. Traditional Gurung and Magar community
During your Mardi Himal trekking journey, the tea houses you will be staying at are run by Gurungs and Magars of the local villages. One major advantage of this trek is that you get to explore the culture and tradition of isolated people living in this area. This is an amazing chance to know them and observe their lifestyles closely. Our guides will be there to help you communicate with them.
3. High Camp, Mardi Himal Base Camp and the views of the mountains
Since the beginning of the Mardi Himal trek, views of mountains welcome you and as you get close to the destination, they get clearer and more majestic. High Camp is the highest place you will stay at during this trek surrounded by the beauty of nature. Moving forward to the Upper View Point gives you get the outstanding views of mountains like Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna south (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Baraha Shikhar (7,647 m), Tent Peak (5,695 m), Singhachuli (6,501 m),Machapuchare (6,993 m).
4. Diverse flora and fauna and birdwatching
The route of Mardi Himal trek lies in the area full of various species of animals and plants. There is a chance you will see these animals during the trek but depends upon how lucky you are. The sweet chirping of the birds you get to hear is awesome. You can save some time and go birdwatching for a while.
5. Breathtaking views of landscapes
Most of the landscapes during the early days of Mardi Himal trek is dominated by rhododendron, oak and pine forests with few settlements scattered over the village. Rivers, waterfalls, and views of the snow-capped mountains make every step of this trek amazing. Along the way, you may also see several suspension bridges and stone-paved routes. As you reach the destination, the landscape gets a bit rocky with fewer settlements while the mountains seem to get bigger and bigger.
Best time for Mardi Himal Trek
Though Spring and Autumn seasons are considered the best time for Mardi Himal trek, it is possible to complete it in any season. The month of March, April and May make the trail beautiful with rhododendron flower and the climate is also favourable with pleasant temperatures. September, October and November are also equally pleasant with low precipitation and mild temperatures. October is also a festive season when the greatest festival of Dashain is celebrated.
Autumn and spring are considered best because you have fewer things to worry about but Mardi Himal trek is totally doable in winter and summer as well. You may have to pack extra jackets and sleeping bag for trekking in winter and mosquito repellents and waterproof jackets for monsoon trekking.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Mardi Himal Trek is only moderately difficult and only takes you to relatively comfortable elevations. It only requires you to stay at an elevation higher than 3000 meters for two days. This means that there is very less risk of altitude sickness. During the 5 days of trekking, you are required to walk for about 3-4 hours a day for 3 days. The longest time you have to walk in a day is about 7 hours in the second last day.
Even though Mardi himal trek is relatively easier than many other treks in Nepal, some physical training prior to the trekking can prove helpful.
Foods and drinks during Mardi Himal Trek
Food during Mardi Himal trek is minimalistic as you will stay in tea houses run by local people and the region is rural, not accessible by easy transportation. Dal Bhat, pasta, noodles, potatoes, vegetable cereals, eggs, fried rice, soup, etc. are served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Water purification pills should be taken to fill and purify tap water in your water bottles. You can buy bottled mineral water if you want to.
Any other snacks that these meals have to be carried by yourself as you can only find basic snacks in tea houses and shops along the trail. They also cost you a lot than to carry it with you. Cereals, energy bars, chocolates, etc. can be bought in Kathmandu can be packed.
Weather and temperature of Mardi Himal Trek
The places Mardi Himal trek takes you to experience a diverse range of weather conditions like any Himalayan region. Since you will be trekking in a relatively low region, you will not experience any dramatic weather shifts as you would do in places higher than 4000 meters and more.
During Spring and Autumn, you will not witness heavy rainfall, snowfall or very low temperatures. The daytime temperature will be mild enough to let you trek in just a shirt and a pair of shorts.
While trekking in winter, you need to pack thermal insulation as temperatures sometimes can get low during early nights and late evenings. Monsoon coincides with summer which means a lot of rainfall. The roads may get slippery and you may need to trek carefully. These minor challenges just test your endurance, expands your horizons and lets you feel a sense of adventure.
Mardi Himal Trek Route and Map:
Pokhara - Forest Camp- Low Camp - High Camp- Upper Viewpoint - High Camp - Sidhing Village - Lumre - Pokhara
The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp starts from Pokhara. You will have a short ride to Kande and trek to Forest Camp on the first day. You will then trek to low camp the next day and to the High Camp the other day. From High Camp, you will trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and get back to High Camp and stay overnight. Next day, you will return back using the different route. You will stay at Sidhing village and continue your trek to Lumre and drive back to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek packing list:
- A pair of comfortable trekking shoes and socks (Shoes with good grips)
- Jacket, a windcheater, and a nice fleece to protect yourself from the cold
- Trekking t-shirts, pants, and shorts
- Trekking sandals (for walking around while in the tea houses)
- Sunglasses
- A hat
- Sunscreen lotion
- Toiletries: Hand sanitizer, tissue paper, towel, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, and soap
- A comfortable backpack with a cover
- Thermal wears, breathable underwears
- Trekking gloves
- A light sleeping bag
- A first aid kit
Mardi Himal Trek Faqs
Can I trek solo to Mardi Himal Trek?
The trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp is easy and well marked. So you can trek to the Base Camp alone as well. However, you should plan carefully before pursuing the trek without a guide. It is better not to trek solo in monsoon season as the trail will be slippery so, travel in group or guide for your own safety. In peak seasons, it is better to book the tea houses early as they will be crowded and there is a high chance you won’t get the room.
Trek to Mardi Himal with a guide is relatively easy and organized but it is possible to trek solo.
Can I take a shower during Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you can take a shower during the Mardi Himal Trek. You can take showers in the tea houses you will be staying in during the trek. However, it is difficult to take shower with cold water at high altitude and you have to pay an extra price for hot water.
Does cell phone and internet works during the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, cell phone and internet works well during the Mardi Himal trek. The network coverage might be weak at some places but it works most of the time during the trek. For the internet, you can use mobile data provided by Nepal Telecom or Ncell. The tea houses provide you with the facility of charging the batteries. However, you have to pay an extra price for service and there might be a long queue to charge the batteries during the peak seasons.
Is it safe to trek to Mardi Himal base Camp?
Yes, it is safe to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek is only moderately difficult. The trail is easy and well marked. There is a risk of altitude sickness to some extent but if you acclimatize properly and trek slowly and steadily, you can complete the trek easily. The trail might become slippery during the monsoon season which might be risky. Otherwise, the trek is safe throughout the year.
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