The Mardi Himal Trek is relatively new (opened back in 2012), unspoiled and at the time of writing a lot less crowded than some of the other more popular trekking routes. Mardi Himal is located to the east of the Annapurna Base camp virtually under the spectacular Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). As you trek along the ridge it’s nearly possible, but imaginable, to look down at Annapurna Base camp itself. Mardi Himal Trek goes through quiet stone built villages past wonderful rhododendron forests blooming in many different colors.
The forest path continues until about 3,300 m. when the trail takes on a rugged mountain setting with spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. There’s a low camp with probably the best views of Machhapuchhre anywhere in Nepal along with accommodation for those all important sunrise and sunset views. Above this at 3580 m is high camp which again offers spectacular views over looking Annapurna Base camp. Further along you can then reach Mardi Himal Base camp itself with views overlooking all of the Annapurna range.
We really can’t recommend the Mardi Himal Trek enough!
How Long Is The Mardi Himal Trek?
We recommend you allow 6 days for this trek from Pokhara. It can be completed in as little as 5 nights without rushing. And it is suitable for beginners to expert and family to group trekkers.
How Difficult Is The Mardi Himal Trek?
This trek is easy to moderate difficulty, and easiest to compare other popular trekking. Last overnight place will be at 3500m elevation and you can climb up to 4500m high. The more difficult sections are between High Camp and Upper View Point which is steep climbing for 2 hours and the section between Upper-View Point and Base Camp are the most difficult but View will be better from Upper view point them Base camp.
When Is The Best Time To Do The Mardi Himal Trek?
The best time to do this trek is mid-September to early December but this is also Nepal’s peak season.
Mid-February till the end of April is the second best time of year for trekking, this is at the end of the dry season.
December, January and February bring clear skies but it’s a lot colder. And snowfall can make it difficult.
June to Mid September is the least popular time because of the rain, and cloud.
Where To Start The Mardi Himal Trek
Like most treks into the Annapurna region you will first arrive in Pokhara. And Mardi Himal also lies in Annapurna conservation area. Start your adventure by drive from Pokahara to Kande and begin your trek via Australian camp and end at sidding and 2 hours drive back to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Mardi Himal Trek Map
Day 1. Drive to Kande Trek to Deurali 1700m 1hour drive 3 hours trek.
Day-02:Trek to Forest Camp (2,500 M / 4-5 Hours).
Day-03:Trek to Low Camp (2,990M / 3-4 Hours).
Day-04:Trek to High Camp (3,580M / 4 Hours).
Day-05:High Camp (3,580M )- Mardi Himal Base Camp (4450 m) and back to High Camp 7 hrs.
Day-06:High Camp (3580 m) – Sidhing (1885 m) 5 hrs.
The Mountains can be seen from Mardi Himal Trek
Annapurna IV – 7,525 metres
Annapurna South – 7,219 metres
Hiun Chuli – 6,441 metres
Annapurna II – 7,937 metres
Lamujung Himal – 6,463 metres
Gangapurna – 7,445 metres
Machhapuchare (Fishtail) – 6993 metres
Tips For Completing the Mardi Himal Trek
You will need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry permit to visit the Mardi Himal Trek region. You also need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card which helps to keep track of all the trekkers entering the area. The ACAP permit and TIMS card can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Office your trekking agent will get ready for you.
Pack as light as possible Even you are hiring porter but make sure you have everything for your trip, you may not able to buy any trekking gears up there. Before start trek you may leave your unnecessary stuff at Pokhara hotel with free of cost.
Expect very basic accommodation – as this trek is still fairly new all the accommodation available is basic, getting more so the higher you go. All the places they have Hot showers and basic needs. You may buy local sim card and all the places it will work to connect your loved one.
Accommodation need to be booked in advance during peak season due to limited availability. And your trekking agent will handle all this.
Bring along snacks and tits bits like trekking bars and sweets. You can buy up there in mountain but compare bit costly .
Once you get past a certain height you can’t buy bottled water, to avoid plastic waste on the trek. So ensure you bring a couple of water bottles with you to refill or bring a life straw or purifying tablets. You can buy filtered water, but you have to have your own bottle to put it in.
Do not get dehydrated. Dehydration can make the affects of altitude sickness worse so we made sure we drank plenty of water on every day of our trek. Luckily we didn’t get altitude sickness, but we did hear of other people who did while we were there.
Make sure you have travel insurance that includes being airlifted off a mountain. If you get severe altitude sickness you will need to be quickly airlifted down. Although the Mardi Himal Trek is not as high as other treks, we could still feel the air was much thinner at high camp and altitude sickness is always a possibility. You will likely have to pay a premium and a very high excess, but it’s better than needing to pay for the entire evacuation which can cost thousands.
If this is the first time you have trekked to this height, then take it slow and listen to your body. Give yourself time to adjust to the change in altitude and if you need to spend a extra night at a lower altitude in order to adjust then do so.
Involve your guide in the trek, ask them questions about their life as a guide and find out more about the incredible country of Nepal. Ask them to sit with you to eat, play cards and really get to know them. It will enhance your trek experience and if you’re lucky you’ll make a new friend.
Wear sunscreen – even when the temperature isn’t high the rays from the sun on the mountains are still very strong. Once you pass through the layers of forest you will be completely open to the elements and can very easily burn. This is especially so between Badal Dada and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Mt.Fishtail above the cloud
For More information contact us, we will organise trip as you want in your budget.
