The Mardi Himal trek is one of the best newly unlocked destinations in the Annapurna region. It is a perfect trekking destination for people who want to explore unexplored and underrated trekking destinations of Nepal.
This 11-day trek will draw you to one of the hidden treasures of Nepal, which are still waiting desperately to be explored. Mardi Himal Base Camp sitting on the lap of the holy mountain Machhapuchhre (better known as Mt Fishtail) seems heavenly.
Since Mardi Himal Trek is one of the underrated trekking destinations of Nepal, you will get to enjoy the mountain views will a rabble. On visiting the Mardi Himal trek at the right time, the beautiful rhododendron forest will be blooming in its red color to welcome you. And that view of the Annapurna Mountain range is a total reward.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
Every day is pleasing during the trek on the Mardi Himal trail. But if we have to highlight some moments, here are some highlights:
- Overnight stay at Pokhara city
- Dhampus offers you a Heavenly view of the Annapurna Mountain range.
- Rhododendron forests
- Low camp
- View of Annapurna Mountain from high camp
- Mardi Himal Base Camp
- View of Fishtail Mountain
- Australian Base Camp
“Untouched and Virgin trek- Mardi Himal Trek may be underrated but this trek is perfect for adventure and challenge seekers.”
Mardi Himal Trek leads into the heavenly forested area of rhododendrons, pines during Spring & snow carpet during the end of Winter. Due to its distinct adaptation of beautiness during each season, Mardi Himal Trek is the best trek in my view.
Cost Inclusion
- Private vehicle for airport arrival and departure
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu on the basis of twin sharing with breakfast
- Two-night hotel in Pokhara
- Tourist bus ticket (Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu)
- Taxi to/from bus park
- Private vehicle from Pokhara to Phedi (trekking starting point)
- Private vehicle from Kande to Pokhara (after trekking)
- Lodge accommodation on mountain during trekking
- 3 meals a day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the trek
- Fresh fruits with dinner
- ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION AREA PROJECT (ACAP) permit
- TREKKERS INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TIMS) cards for trekking
- Authentic licensed, English speaking experienced trekking guide
- One porter for two trekkers
- Guide and Porter's salary, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance
- Government and local taxes
- Water purification
- Farewell dinner at one of the reputed restaurant
Cost Exclusion
- Travel insurance
- All kinds of soft and hard drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery charge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, hot shower on the lodge, heater, phone calls, etc
- Tips for guide and porter
- Any additional night stay in hotels in case an early return from the trek or an extended stay in Nepal
Itinerary
Today will be the welcome day for you in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. After your arrival at the International Airport of Kathmandu, our team will be there to pick you up. You will be brought to the deluxe hotel of Kathmandu for one night stay.
In the evening, we will have a short meeting to discuss about the trip information. Similarly, the main focus of this meeting is to give you information and to let you meet with the guide.
Usually, most of the peoples get time to explore the Thamel area of Nepal also. So, you can explore the area after finishing our meeting.
Mardi Himal adventure trek starts with an interesting and exciting overland drive on Nepal’s busy highway to reach scenic Pokhara. This journey leads through farm villages and towns with views of mountains.
After reaching Pokhara you will then have an overnight stay in a hotel near the pristine and beautiful Phewa Lake where other nice hotels are located.
After a pleasant stop in Pokhara, your day starts with a short drive to Phedi. It is approximately 14 km from Pokhara. Similarly, Phedi is the starting point for the Mardi Himal trek.
Today, you have to climb up to Dhampus for a couple of hours. Dhampus offers a nice view of the Annapurna Himalaya range. After Dhampus, you will have forest areas all the way to Pitam Deurali via Pothana. After that, you will have an overnight stop at Deurali.
After a pleasant overnight in Deurali with fantastic views, walk leads away from the main trekking trail towards the pristine wilderness of lovely forested area of tall rhododendron, pines and oaks trees.
After a good walk on the ridges, you will reach at Kokar Forest camp for an overnight stop in a lonely lodge with incredible views of surrounding landscapes and mountains.
From this forest area, walk leads higher on the uphill path with a steep climb to reach a pasture land for an overnight stop at Low Camp on the route of Mardi base camp. It offers the fantastic views of surrounding landscapes and mountains at close range.
This wonderful area offers a grand vista of beautiful landscapes and snow-clad peaks in perfect tranquility heading higher to reach High Camp. You will feel the air getting thinner and cooler with a steep climb to reach High Camp.
Here at High Camp, you will have a single and lonely lodge for overnight accommodation with basic facilities commanding superb views of Annapurna Himalaya.
With another night stop, get to explore beyond High Camp with a day hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp on a much higher ridge reaching the highest point of this trek at 4,500 meters. Fantastic panorama of high peaks, this area is sometimes called “Other Sanctuary” first pioneered and explored by Col Jimmy Roberts in 1970’s.
From the base camp close views of Mardi Himal at 5,587 m beneath towering Mt. Machhapuchare “Fish Tail” at 6,993 m high, a highly respected and unclimbed peak. After a wonderful moment head back to High Camp for last overnight stop around Mardi Himal ridge.
From High Camp, retrace the walk back on the long downhill to Pitam Deurali through a forested area. On reaching Deuarli, head back on the main trekking trail a short descent of an hour which will bring you to Pothana village for last overnight stop on the high hills of Mardi and Annapurna Himalaya.
In the Morning catching fantastic views of snowcapped peaks, continue your last day walk into the cool forest with last uphill to Thulo Kharka known as Australian Camp. It offers a scenic and pristine spot located on a large meadow with parallel views of Annapurna and Manaslu range of mountains.
Likewise, our final walk of this adventure leads downhill to the road at Kande village. You will then have a drive back at picturesque Pokhara.
Today, you will head back to Kathmandu after a fantastic time at Mardi Himal West Ridge Trekking. After six hours of nice pleasant ride, you will then reach Kathmandu where you will be transferred to your hotels. At the afternoon leisure, you can go for shopping souvenirs.
Last day in amazing Nepal country of Himalayan wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel where Pristine Nepal staff transfer you to the airport, after a greatly enjoyable and memorable time on Mardi Himal West Ridge Trekking with quality services and guidance of Pristine Nepal.
Planning and Preparation are very important to have a safe and sustainable experience while trekking. Focusing only on fitness is not what you should be doing to prepare for the trek, instead, there are so many key factors that you should consider before leaving for the trek.
Things like gear & equipment, mental preparation, budgeting, planning itinerary, acclimatization, safety & other important factors are necessary to avoid trekking errors. Here are some important factors to plan & prepare for a safe & sustainable trek in Nepal:
Gears & Equipment: Packing list for EBC
Packing the right gear & equipment can save you from any unnecessary expenses. To make it easy for you, here is the checklist of the packing list for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Clothing gear for the trek
Down jackets
Trekking boots
Long sleeve t-shirts
Gortex-waterproof
windproof jackets
Hiking socks
Beanie
UV rays protected sunglasses
Nylon windproof pants Nylon
windproof pants
Water bottles
Gloves
Neck gaiter
Essential gears for the trek
Duffle bag (It is provided by us without extra charges if you trek with us)
Minimum 40L daypack for carrying essential items during the trek
Water bottles or Camelbak (Hydration bladder)
Sleeping bags
Trekking poles
Quick dry trekking towels
Toiletries Items
Toilet paper
Soap
Shampoo Diaper
Rash cream
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Lip balm
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer
Hairbrush
Foods and Snacks
Snacks (which include chocolate bars and Protein & carb-containing foods)
Thermos (For storing hot water for a longer time)
Re-hydration powder (To stay hydrated)
Important Documents
Passport (It is needed for entry gate registration)
Visa
Travel Insurance
Additional Supplies
Portable solar charger/power bank
Playing cards or any other games
DSLR cameras
Book
What can you rent in Thamel, Kathmandu for your trek?
In Thamel, Kathmandu, we can recommend several rental shops where you can rent a Down Jacket, sleeping bag, and Trekking Pole, and buy the remaining gear too. We also offer quality sleeping bag rental service.
I am Vegan, what extra things should I pack for the trek?
If you are a vegan, it is strongly recommended to bring additional protein bars or snacks for the trek. The cost of snacks in the trekking trail will be expensive, so prepare accordingly.
More About Mardi Himal Trek
Best time to do Mardi Himal trek
Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November) are viewed as the best seasons to do trekking in Nepal. So, it is a good decision if you are planning a Mardi Himal trek during Spring or Autumn.
Mardi Himal’s weather during Spring:
During the daytime in the Annapurna region, the temperature may go up to 20 degrees at maximum and 17 degrees at minimum in Spring Season. Similarly, at night the temperature may fall up to 0 to 5 degrees.
Since the atmosphere is warm and humid, we need to pack our clothes accordingly. We need to check the weather forecast before leaving for the trek because it may rain lightly during late May.
Advantage of doing the Mardi Himal trek during the Spring season
- Perfect weather and clear skies for good views
- Good facilities for accommodation
- Since the weather is warm you don’t need to carry thick clothes
- Dis advantages of doing the Mardi Himal trek during the Spring season
- Packed tea houses. We recommend you book early
- Light rainfall may occur during late may
Mardi Himal’s weather during the Autumn season
Autumn is considered even a suitable season to trek in Mardi Himal trail because the summer rain washes off the landscapes and makes it more pretty to look at. The temperature rises around 20 degrees in day time and at night time the temperature might fall up to 10 degrees. The Mardi Himal trail is dry during Autumn except in early September.
Advantages of doing the Mardi Himal trek during Autumn.
- Perfect temperature, even at night
- Dry Mardi Himal trail
- Better views of Mountains
Disadvantages of doing the Mardi Himal trek during Autumn.
Might be a little bit crowded because of the peak season. So, make sure to choose a good trekking operator like us so that you will not be having problems with accommodation.
Our Pristine Nepal treks team will work our level best to go against those disadvantages and give you a lifetime memorable trekking experience.
Trekking permit for Mardi Himal Treks
Since the Mardi Himal trail lies at Annapurna Conservation Area, we will be needing TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit).
These permits are available at the Tourism Information Center in Kathmandu and in Pokhara as well. If you book with Pristine Nepal Treks, we will arrange everything for you.
The following information is for solo travelers:
How to get a TIMS card?
Step 1. Get to the TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association Nepal) office located in Kathmandu, Maligaon, or the Tourist Service Center at Kathmandu, Bhirkutimandap.
Step 2. Ask for the form at the counter and fill it out.
Step 3. Take a photo. You will need 4 passport-size photos. You don’t have to bring your photos they take them right there at the office and it’s free of charge.
Step 4. Submit the filled form and NPR 2000 at the counter
Step 5. Collect your TIMS card
How to get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit?
Step 1. Get a TIMS card and go to next door room and ask for a form
Step 2. Fill the form
Step 3. Submit the filled form with a photo and NPR 3000
Step 4. Collect your permit
Note: The payment is only accepted in Nepali currency. Your TIMS card is only valid for one time to enter at Conservation area.
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal trek is a perfect destination for peaceful nature lovers. This newly unlocked trekking route is gaining popularity for its unreal beauty. This short trek is now getting quite popular among novice trekkers.
Trekkers who are quite familiar with trekking and are frequently traveling and hiking might find this trek easy but for the beginner trekkers we might rate it medium in difficulty.
Long uphill walks of 5 to 6 hours per day can be quite exhausting. Lots of resting spots on the Mardi Himal trail make it a bit easier for slow walkers. You will be walking at an adjustable altitude, so Altitude might not be an issue for you. 4500m is the maximum altitude you will be at. The Mardi Himal trail might be full of surprises.
Your preparation for the trek, your packing list for the Mardi Himal trek, and your trekking team have a direct influence on the difficulty level. So be wise about these topics.
Transportation facilities for the Mardi Himal trek
A representative from Pristine Nepal Treks will be at the airport to welcome you and take you to your deluxe hotel in Kathmandu safely (the vehicle will be arranged according to your number of guests). During this whole trek, we will be traveling by vehicle quite a lot.
Our Mardi Himal trek will start from Kathmandu. To travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara we will arrange a deluxe vehicle (according to the volume of guests). After Pokhara, we will drive 14km away to Phedi. Phedi is the starting point of the trek.
On the 9th day of the Mardi Himal trek, we will get back to picturesque Pokhara. Then after six hours of pleasant driving, we will reach back to Kathmandu.
We will be having a lot of driving during the trek, but our experienced trekking guide will not let those long drives be boring. Their friendly and cooperative nature will make those drive very fun.
You don’t have to be worried about the fare of the vehicle. Everything is arranged by our Pristine Nepal Treks team.
Accommodation and food services for Mardi Himal Trek
Generally, the Mardi Himal trek is a tea house trek. You will be staying at traditional teahouses. You will get every essential item for trekkers in these teahouses.
You will get basic meals during Mardi Himal Trek. Which includes local delicacies of Nepal like Dal, Bhat tarkari (steamed rice, lentil soup, and seasonal vegetables). Up to Dhampus, continental dishes are also available.
The cost of the three-course meal along with a drink and stay at the tea house is included in the package. Our guide will make sure the food you eat and the place you stay at are safe because we care about your health and well-being.
