Mardi Himal trekking in the Annapurna region is a short and beautiful trekking tour in Nepal. Want to enjoy the views of the beautiful Annapurna mountain range without the crowds? This off the beaten path trek is less busy compared to other routes in the Annapurna area. On your way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, you can choose to lodge at traditional tea houses or to camp, whatever you prefer!
The Mardi Himal trek offers breathtaking views of many Annapurna mountains including Mt. Fish Tail (Machhapuchhare), Annapurna South, and other peaks of the Annapurna mountain range. A special thing about this trekking route is the change of landscape: First, you will see tropical areas, with farmland terraces and passes through the magical rhododendron forest. Later, the beautiful trail leads to the Mardi Himal base camp, with stunning glacier valley views on the way.
From the beginning to the end, one can enjoy the dramatic panoramic views of the Mardi Himal and Annapurna mountain range, including brilliant shining sceneries of both, mountains and valleys. As you gradually gain higher altitude, you reach the Mardi Himal base camp, from where a rewarding view of the whole Annapurna mountain range awaits you! Local tea houses or trekking lodges offer you warm meal and a place to rest.
Why Mardi Himal?
You want to trek off the beaten path? This short trekking route follows a rugged trail, dominated by hard rock formations. The Mardi Himal trek is promoted as a newly opened route. However, Nature Trail has been organizing this trip for many years already. Previously, no tea houses were available in this region, wherefore it was only possible to camp while trekking. This has changed throughout the years and now visitors can also chose to sleep in teahouse lodges as well. In addition, this trek is considered as one of the few remaining off the beaten path trekking routes, as very few trekkers explore this route. Mardi Himal trekking offers a classical and exotic setting with such pure and untouched villages, panoramic views on the Himalayas, wildlife, rhododendron forests, beautiful terraces, landscapes and more.
If trekkers have more time, there is the option to extend the route while returning or on the way from/to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Other areas of the Annapurna region such as Poon Hill, Ghandruk village, Jhinu Dancha or even to Annapurna Base Camp can be added to the route.
Itinerary Outline:
01: Arrival in Kathmandu and getting to know Nature Trail (1350m)
02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour
03: Fly to Pokhara, and trek to Australian Camp or Deurali (2060m)
04: Deurali to Forest Camp (2500m) – 6-7 hrs
05: Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970m) – 4 hrs
06: Low Camp to High Camp (3550m) – 4 hrs
07: Day Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) – 6-7 hrs
08: High Camp to Sidding (1700m) – 6 hrs
09: Sidding to Lwong (1460m) – 5:30 hrs
10: Lwong to Khoramukh, back to Pokhara – 3 hrs
11: Relaxing or sightseeing in Pokhara
12: Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach
For more details, contact us: +9779851022394 or email us: [email protected]
Additional information
| Difficulty | All levels |
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Arrival in Kathmandu and getting to know Nature Trail (1350m)
Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour
Fly to Pokhara, and trek to Australian Camp or Deurali (2060m)
Walking time: around 3 hours
Note: As option, you may want to take a car or tourist bus to Pokhara instead of a flight. This is not only better for the environment, but also gives you the chance to see more of Nepal’s countryside on the ride along beautiful landscapes, people in villages, rivers and more. The journey takes around 7-8 hours, and is best to combine with an afternoon and overnight stay in beautiful Pokhara. You can start your trekking trip next day.
Deurali to Forest Camp (2500m)
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970m)
Walking time: 4 hours
Low Camp to High Camp (3550m)
Walking time: 4 hours
Day Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m)
At the end of the trek you will enjoy great views on Mardi Himal, Annapurna I and other mountains of the Annapurna region. Then, we’ll walk back to the High Camp.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
High Camp to Sidding (1700m)
Walking time: 6 hours
Sidding to Lwong (1460m)
Walking time: 5:30 hours
Lwong to Khoramukh, and back to Pokhara
Relaxing or sightseeing in Pokhara
Options are also to enjoy a spiritual and/or wellness treat. For the adventurous, Pokhara is a great place for paragliding, ultralight flights or helicopter tours.
Drive Back to Kathmandu by Tourist Coach
Mardi Himal trekking is a newly opened off the beaten path trekking route, located in the Annapurna region. Till this date it is one of the least visited, short and easy trails in this region. Starting from Kande after a short drive from Pokhara, the trail becomes more adventurous with a steep ridge at some point. While walking on this route, trekkers can enjoy the stunning snow capped mountain ranges which include Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli, the mesmerizing rhododendron forest, with varieties of orchids, flora and fauna, rivers, birds and local livelihood.
Noteworthy, this less touristy trail is very interesting due to the wide variety of landscape you get from not returning back to the same starting point. This means more chance to explore in less time! Mardi Himal is therefore more suitable when you’re on a tight schedule.
Prefer sunrise or sunset?
It doesn’t matter! You will love both at the end of this trip, as you’ll see spectacular sunrise and sunset views every morning and evening from the Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp. The best time for trekking is March and April. You will be surprised with the mesmerizing beauty of the colorful forest decorated by the blooming rhododendron, one of Nepal’s national icons. Another suitable time is October and November, then you can enjoy the excellent views of the snow capped mountain range. In case of good weather conditions, the trail is possible anytime of the year. You will be walking up to 4500m at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, where after we descent back to the High Camp where we spend a night and continue to descent from there, walking in the shades of forest and along the river flow.
There is no doubt that you will enjoy the interesting walk in the lovely farm field, bridge and steep ridge with the welcoming smiling face, mostly of Gurung and Thakali in the classical countryside.
Looking for a more natural experience?
In early days Nature Trail used to organize this trip only with camping. When Mardi Himal officially opened in 2012, simple but nice tea houses were built, so that it is not necessary to camp anymore. However, we still offer the camping experience to our adventurous customers. You may book your trek with us early advance so that we can provide our experienced trekking guide and his support in order to have most enjoyable experience in the mountain.
Package details:
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Kathmandu | |||||||||||||||
| JOIN GROUP | 1 before departure from Kathmandu | |||||||||||||||
| SERVICE INCLUDES |
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| SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE |
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The above cost is based on Minimum 2 Pax, on Sharing Basis.
Note: for Single Traveler, Single supplement charges apply.
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