Mardi Himal trek is the lately opened but eminent trekking destination of Nepal in the Annapurna region. Also called a hidden treasure trek, it a short tea house trek that provides a beautiful view of the Annapurna area. The crowd is less, and the fun is double. Mardi Himal is located to the east of the ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) and offers the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna, and Manaslu Himalayas ranges. It takes around 7 days for Mardi Himal trek. Here is everything you need to know Mardi Himal trek – about Mardi trek, the best time for Mardi Himal trek, Map of Mardi Himal trek, hotels in Mardi Himal trek, and cost for Mardi Himal trek, etc.
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Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi Himal is 4500m above sea level. Besides the mountains, you can also see the natural beauty like national flowers – Rhododendron, national bird -Pheasant, Musk deer, Himalayan Thar, Snow Leopard and other wild animals and plants that can make medicine.
The Mardi Himal Trekking trail starts Pokhara, a beautiful lake city. You can either fly or get a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hours drive).
As the initial part of the trek, you shall drive from Pokhara to Phedi for around 30 minutes. Then, it’s a trek from Phedi to Pothana and Deurali (2100m) which takes 4-5 hours.
Or you can start the hike from Kande – one hour driving from Pokhara to Balung Highway. Then you will walk to the ridge (2060m) and towards Australian Camp. Australian Base Camp offers amazing views of the Annapurna range. After a night in Australian Camp, you shall trek to Pothana then again up to Deurali.
From Deurali, you need to climb to Forests Camp (2900m) for 6-7 hours. The trail then gradually climbs to Low Camp which is around 5-6 hours. From the point, you can enjoy the most prodigious scenario of Mt. Fishtail.
The walk then continues to Badal Danda and then to high camp. 6-7 of a walk from high camp takes you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (at 4500m). After exploring the Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will return from the next path. You will pass through Siding village then to Ghalel to Lwang and finally to Khoramukh. From Khoramukh, you can drive to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost
The cost for the Mardi Himal trek includes USD 20 paid to an Annapurna Conservation Area Project and USD 20 for Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). For the one traveling in a group through a travel agency should not be paying this.
The trip cost depends upon the number of days of package tours as six days, 5-7 days or 10-12 days. It roughly cost around $500.
Weather at Mardi Himal
The best season for Mardi Himal trek is Spring and Autumn. From September to November, the weather is clearer while the temperature is moderate. March to May, the spring is the season of flowers.
Summer, June to August is the month for the heavy rainfall. On the other hand, December to February is the coolest weather when the temperature falls below zero degrees.
Difficulties of Mardi Himal Trekking
Trekking to Mardi Himal is easier than other Himalayan treks. The most difficult section is the last day of a hike from High Camp to Base Camp. But during the rainy season, when the path is slippery, it is difficult to trek.
Things you need for Mardi Himal Trekking
Two permits from the Nepal Tourism Board offices in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and
- Tourism Information Management System (TIMS)
Your luggage should contain – warm clothes, Down jacket, a pair of hiking boots, Shorts, Socks, Rubber sandals, Trousers, Long sleeve T-shirt, Water bottles, Sunglasses, Sleeping bag, warm winter hat, walking steak, Headlight, and most importantly a map.
Hotels in Mardi Himal
There are multiple tea houses and restaurants from one stop to another stop in the trial. You can get accommodation and food easily. Your agency would arrange the booking themselves.
Facts about Mardi Himal
- The base camp of Mardi is at 4500m
- High Camp is the highest sleeping point on Mardi Himal
- You can see Annapurna Range, Machhapuchre, Annapurna South, and Mount Hiunchuli ranges
- It has grown very popular over the past 5 years
