Nepal is the home of many iconic mountains. Tucked between the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Located at an altitude of 4500 meters, Nepal Mardi Himal offers its charm to its visitors. Due to the elevation position of Mardi Himal, it offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna giants, and Machhapuchhre.
Mardi Himal Nepal has gained popularity among local people and international tourists due to its thrilling adventure with less risky trails. The Mardi Himal trek is perfect for beginners and for a short trek to the Himalayas.
Though the most famous trekking route might be the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal Trekking has successfully gained its own identity and is loved by all.
Nepal Mardi Himal Trek Overview
Mardi Himal Trek Nepal offers spectacular snow-capped mountains wrapped in the bright morning light.
Get ready to “Kill two birds with one stone.” Witness the view of Annapurna Range: Annapurna 1 (8091m), Annapurna 2 (7855m), Annapurna 3 (7555), Annapurna 4 (7525m), Annapurna South (7819m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847), and Gngapunma (7483m) within the short trekking distance.
During the Nepal Mardi Himal Trek, expect vibrant landscapes, beautiful villages, lush forests, terrace farming, and a waterfall throughout the trek. Scroll down to the hills filled with blooms of rhododendrons. The Mardi Himal Trek comes alive, especially during the spring and autumn. It is the best time to visit Mardi Himal.
Take a moment, observe the local culture, and practice the traditional way of life. This trek will introduce you to the different ethnicities living peacefully as one big family in the mountains.
Encounters with animals like piercing gaze, playful monkeys, and shy Himalayan tahrs are pretty common during the trek to Mardi Himal trek in Nepal.
Key Attractions Of The Mardi Himal Trek
- Witness the spectacular view of the Annapurna Range from Mardi Himal.
- Get a close-up view of three mountains above 8000 Meters, Annapurna 1, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.
- Trek through the rhododendron forests during trekking seasons.
- Walk through enchanting trails and landscapes filled with rhododendrons and wildflowers.
- Discovering the hidden waterfall and rare animals adds a magical touch to your journey.
- Experience the unique Nepalese culture and tradition.
Why Is Mardi Himal Trek Famous?
Mardi Himal is the new hot spot, famous among locals and travelers. The trek to Mardi Himal is an adventure not only because of its beautiful mountain scenery. The Mardi Himal gets a lot of attendance for its short distance and trails.
The green forest trails of Mardi Himal offer a safe trek that is doable for elderly trekkers. You can conquer the trails within a week. Mardi Himal is the perfect holiday package that offers the serenity, beauty of mountains, short vacation, and peace of mind far from the city area.
What Is The Best Trekking Season For The Mardi Himal Trek?
Nature never loses its beauty and changes its appearance. The Mardi Himal offers the best trekking experience no matter the season. However, some trekkers believe that the best trekking season for the Mardi Himal is spring and autumn. These seasons offer weather advantages. Spring and autumn are the best and also the busiest season of all. It provides a clear sky and golden light during dawn.
Due to the harsh weather conditions in winter, fewer trekkers can be seen on trails which makes it a peaceful trekking experience. Finding a tea house and guest house is much easier in the winter season however, winter is off-limits for most trekkers due to the challenging conditions. It’s best suited for experienced trekkers comfortable with navigating snowy terrains and extreme cold.
Monsoon season starts from (June to August) in Nepal. Unlike winter, some trekkers are visible but significantly fewer compared to the spring and autumn seasons. Witness the lush landscapes and beautiful mountains. The risk of landscapes, avalanches, limited visibility, and difficulties in acclimatization can cause discomfort in your trek during monsoon season.
How To Reach Mardi Himal Trek?
Trek to Mardi Himal is an off-beat path in itself. ‘There is more than one way to cook an egg,’ which translates to there being more than one way to reach Mardi Himal. Depending on the physical fitness, the trekking experience to reach Mardi Himalaya from Pokhara takes 5-7 days, less or more.
Standard Route to reach Mardi Himal starts from Pokhara. Following a well-established trail through villages and rhododendron forests, we reach Mardi Himal within less than a week.
The other option is that you can combine the Mardi Himal trek with other treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek or the Poon Hill trek.
For those with limited time, shorter routes are variations of the trek that reach viewpoints offering stunning panoramas of the Mardi Himal massif without reaching the base camp itself.
How Long Does It Take To Reach Mardi Himal From Pokhara?
The total distance from Pokhara to Mardi Himal is around 40-50 kilometers (25-28 miles), a relatively short trek compared to others in the Annapurna region, making it ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge with stunning scenery in a shorter time frame.
- Pokhara to Kande (trailhead): 27 kilometers (17 miles) by car or a jeep
- Kande to Mardi Himal Base Camp: 13 kilometers (8 miles) on foot
How To Go To Mardi Himal From Kathmandu?
The total distance from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal is approximately 182.5 kilometers (113 miles). However, this distance refers to the straight line distance, which isn’t possible to trek. To reach Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’ll need to follow a designated trekking route, which is much longer.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara: Take a flight for 25 minutes or ride a bus.
- Pokhara to Kande (trailhead): take a taxi or Jeep for an hour.
- Once you reach Kande, you can begin the Mardi Himal Trek.
How Difficult Is The Mardi Himal Nepal Trek?
The easy and short trekking destination might fool you. Trekking to Mardi Himal isn’t just a walk. Mardi Himal Base Camp is at 4500m high. Climbing to such height requires both physical and mental dedication. The Mardi Himal Trek packs a punch.
Unpredictable weather with fluctuating temperatures adds another challenge. Altitude sickness can also be an obstacle while conquering the Mardi Himal. So, while the trek may be shorter, good physical preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
How Do I Prepare For Mardi Himal Trek?
Preparation is better than care, especially when it comes to a trek like Mardi Himal. While the trek is moderate with a daily hike of 4-5 hours, trekkers must be in good physical condition. Heavy exercise or lifting may not be necessary, but regular cardio and strength training can help make the trek comfortable.
To prepare for the trek, it is also recommended that you walk for an extended period with a backpack. Additionally, ascending slowly and acclimatizing before starting the trek is crucial. Drinking fluids and avoiding caffeine during the trek can also help prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Packaging the right gear and equipment is essential to further prepare for the trek. Warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a backpack, a sleeping bag, and a water bottle are some essential items you should bring. Packaging a first aid kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a headlamp with extra batteries is also recommended.
Researching and planning your trek before embarking on the journey is crucial. You can consult a local trekking agency or guide to get information on the best route, permits, and other necessary information. It is also essential to have travel insurance that covers trekking and medical emergencies in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Finally, respecting the local culture and traditions during the trek is important. The Mardi Himal trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the traditional way of life of the local ethnic groups. Trekkers should be mindful of their behavior and dress appropriately to avoid offending the locals.
In summary, preparation is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Mardi Himal. With the right gear, physical training, and research, you can ensure a comfortable and memorable journey while respecting the local culture and traditions.
What Permits Do I Need For The Mardi Himal Trek?
Carry the necessary documents and photos to avoid delay and discomfort. You need two permits for the Mardi Himal Trek.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is necessary for every trek who travels in the Annapurna region. Get ACAP upon arrival in Nepal at the ACAP office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Permits are also available at the entry points of the conservation area, such as Besisahar, Bhulbhule, and Chomrong.
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card is a trekker registration system that helps track hikers and ensure their safety. As of March 31, 2023, for some regions like the Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need to get a TIMS card issued by a licensed trekking agency. You can obtain the TIMS card upon arrival in Nepal from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or authorized trekking agencies.
Mardi Himal Trek Route Map
How Long Is The Mardi Himal Trek?
Compared to other treks in the Annapurna Region, Mardi Himal is a short trek destination. The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 5-7 days to complete, depending on the route chosen and your trekking pace.
Where To Stay During Mardi Himal Trek?
After an hour of walking, your body needs a rest. Relax in nature filled with greenery surrounding your lodges and tea house. Unlike other hotel services, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a more rustic teahouse experience. Teahouses are basic guesthouses run by locals along the trail. They provide dormitory-style rooms with bunk beds and communal dining areas.
List of Tea Houses on Mardi Himal Trek
- Deurali: Nice View Lodge and Trekkers Inn Lodge
- Forest Camp: Hotel Forest Camp, Hotel Mardi, and Hotel Green View
- High Camp: Hotel Fishtail, Hotel High Camp, and Hotel Trekker’s Paradise
- Badal Danda: Hotel Lucky View
- Sidhing: Homestays
Mardi Himal Trekking Packages
When it comes to planning a trekking adventure to Mardi Himal, it’s essential to choose a reliable and experienced trekking company that can provide you with a well-organized itinerary and complete assistance throughout the journey. Tidy Himalaya is a popular trekking company that offers customized Mardi Himal trekking packages, tailored to meet the needs and preferences of trekkers of all levels.
Our packages include everything from accommodation to transportation, meals, permits, and porter fees. With our assistance, you can rest assured that everything will be taken care of, allowing you to focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences that the Mardi Himal trek has to offer. Additionally, we offer group discounts, making it an affordable option for friends or family members who want to embark on a trekking adventure together. So, if you’re planning a trek to Mardi Himal, consider choosing Tidy Himalaya for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.
FAQs:
Mardi Himal is considered one of the safest trekking destinations because of its easy trails. But be aware of altitude sickness and weather. As a beginner, consider hiring a guide for safety and navigation.
Trekking for several hours for 5-7 days till you reach Mardi Himal is worth it. The journey offers beautiful scenery with moderate difficulty. The Mardi Himal Base Camp is stunning because it gives close-up views of the Annapurna Range, Machhapure, and Dhaulagiri.
Trekking to Mardi Himal without a guide is possible. However, hiring a guide has its advantages. Guides offer safety, navigation, and cultural insights through the trek.
Both Poonhill and Mardi Himal Trek are beautiful trekking destinations. Poohhill is famous for its sunrise views, but the Mardi Himal is loved for its diverse landscapes and a closer view of the Annapurna Range.
The climate in Mardi Himal is pleasant compared to other trekking destinations. Spring and autumn offer a clear sky and comfortable temperature. Winter and monsoon season offers possible snow and rain with extreme cold temperatures.
Mardi Himal forest camp is 2910 meters (9547 ft) high.
Spring and autumn are the best times for the Mardi Himal trek because they offer the best climatic and weather conditions.
Mardi Himla High Camp is located at 3500 meters (11483 ft) high.
Mardi Himal offers stunning views with a shorter, less crowded trek, while Annapurna Base Camp provides a more challenging adventure with closer mountain encounters. The choice is yours!
