Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek offers an off-the-beaten-path experience and is perfect for those looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. The Mardi Himal trek is a relatively new trail that takes you through dense forests, traditional Nepalese villages, and spectacular landscapes. This trek is not as popular as other treks in the Annapurna region, making it a great option for those seeking a quieter and more peaceful experience.
The trek starts from the lakeside city of Pokhara, which is located about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. From Pokhara, a short drive takes you to the starting point of the trek at Kande. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and takes you to the traditional Gurung village of Landruk. The next day, you will trek to Low Camp, where you will stay overnight. On the third day, you will trek to High Camp, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
On the fourth day, you will reach Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is the highest point of the trek. The view from the Base Camp is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. After spending some time at the Base Camp, you will retrace your steps back to High Camp and then trek back down to Low Camp.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek and is suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. The trail is well-marked, and the accommodation along the way is basic but comfortable. The trek is best done between March to May and September to December when the weather is dry and clear, and the views are spectacular.
The Mardi Himal Trek package usually includes accommodation, meals, permits, and the services of a local guide and porters. It is important to note that the Mardi Himal Trek is a tea-house trek, which means that there are no camping facilities, and trekkers stay in local tea-houses along the way.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Kande and trek to Deurali
Day 4: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
Day 5: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp
Day 6: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
Day 7: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return to High Camp
Day 8: Trek from High Camp to Sidhing Village
Day 9: Trek from Sidhing Village to Lumre and drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Flight or drive back to Kathmandu
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu.
Itenerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. You will have free time to rest and explore the city.
Day 2: Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu You will spend the day exploring the cultural and historical sites of Kathmandu, including the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara You will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes about 7 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes and picturesque villages.
Day 4: Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali From Pokhara, you will drive to Kande and begin the trek to Deurali. The trek will take you through lush forests and charming villages, and you’ll get stunning views of the Annapurna range.
Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp You will continue trekking through forests of oak, rhododendron, and bamboo until you reach the Forest Camp. Along the way, you’ll see breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks.
Day 6: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp As you trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp, you’ll notice the landscape becoming more rugged and mountainous.
Day 7: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp After a hearty breakfast, you’ll embark on the trek to High Camp. You’ll start by walking through rhododendron and bamboo forests before climbing up the ridge to reach Low Camp, where you’ll take a break. From there, you’ll continue your ascent, passing through forests of oak and rhododendron, to reach High Camp, where you’ll spend the night. As you gain altitude, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and the Annapurna range.
Day 8: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp On this day, you’ll wake up early and hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Annapurna I. After taking in the breathtaking views, you’ll descend back to High Camp to spend the night.
Day 9: Trek from High Camp to Siding Village On this day, you’ll descend back down to the lush forests of the lower altitudes. You’ll follow the same trail through rhododendron and bamboo forests before reaching Siding Village, a traditional Gurung village surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields. You’ll spend the night in a tea house in Siding Village.
Day 10: Trek from Siding Village to Lumre and drive to Pokhara On the final day of the trek, you’ll continue your descent to Lumre, passing through beautiful forests and terraced fields. From Lumre, you’ll take a private jeep back to Pokhara, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful lakeside town. You’ll spend the night in a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 11: Departure from Pokhara to Kathmandu On the final day of your trip, you’ll take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, where you can explore the city’s cultural and historical sites or do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, you’ll attend a farewell dinner with your trekking team to celebrate the successful completion of your Mardi Himal Trek.
Full Board
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
BC Service
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Price per person
Usefull Information
Inclusions:
- Airport transfers
- All necessary trekking permits
- Accommodation during the trek
- Meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Experienced trekking guide and porter(s)
- First aid kit
- All government and local taxes
- Welcome and farewell dinner
Exclusions:
- International airfare and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, snacks, and drinks
- Tips for guide and porter(s) (optional but recommended)
- Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or flight cancellations.
FAQs
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What is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short but scenic trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range, including Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Mardi Himal itself. The trail passes through lush forests, traditional villages, and alpine meadows.
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How long does it take to complete the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek can be completed in 4 to 7 days, depending on the specific itinerary chosen and trekking pace. Shorter itineraries typically start and end in Pokhara, while longer ones may include additional days for acclimatization or side trips.
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When is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered to be a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all experience levels. While it involves some uphill climbs and rough terrain, the overall difficulty level is lower compared to more strenuous treks in the region like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp Trek.
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What permits are required for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Trekkers need to obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card, which can be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
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What is the highest point reached on the Mardi Himal Trek?
The highest point reached on the Mardi Himal Trek is typically the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits at an altitude of around 4,500 meters (14,763 feet). However, trekkers may also ascend higher if they choose to hike to nearby viewpoints.
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What are the accommodation options along the Mardi Himal Trek?
Accommodation options along the Mardi Himal Trek include teahouses, guesthouses, and basic lodges in villages along the route. These provide simple rooms with communal dining areas and shared bathroom facilities.
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Are there any side trips or attractions along the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, there are several side trips and attractions you can explore during the Mardi Himal Trek, including visits to High Camp, Badal Danda (Viewpoint), and the traditional villages of Siding and Lwang.
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Do I need a guide for the Mardi Himal Trek?
While it’s not mandatory to hire a guide for the Mardi Himal Trek, it’s recommended, especially for those unfamiliar with the terrain or traveling solo. Guides can provide valuable assistance, navigation, and cultural insights during the trek.
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Best Seasons spring
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Duration 11 days
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Trek Difficulty Moderate
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