Trip Info
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Kathmandu
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Kathmandu
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7 Days
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Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov
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Trekking/Hiking
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4500m Mardi Himal Base Camp
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Tourist Bus/Sharing jeep
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
Mardi Himal Trek, in the recent past, has been one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations. Officially opened as a valid trekking trail in 2012, Mardi Himal has seen a massive influx of trekkers in terms of volume over the past decade and keeps going from strength to strength. One of the draws of the Mardi Himal Trek is the accessibility and the trekking time compared to other treks like Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp. Being one of the nearest trekking spots from Kathmandu and especially Pokhara, Mardi Himal is also renowned among local Nepalese as well as among foreign tourists. The trek could be barely lacking 7 days but is complete with some of the most exhilarating trails, magical mountains dipping into the dense green alpine rhododendron and oak forests, and warm Nepalese hospitality.
A sanctuary of Annapurna with towering snow-covered peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 m) that are delightful to the eye. Trekking into the forests away from all the mad hustle and bustle until the mountains can truly be some of life’s best.
Mardi Himal Trek Comprehensive Overview
The 7-day Mardi Himal Trek begins with a scenic bus ride to Pokhara. As soon as you reach Kathmandu, you will be driven to your hotel, and the following day you will be heading to the city of lakes and Nepal’s tourism hub, Pokhara. Staying overnight at Pokhara, you are free to stroll around the city in the night, as tomorrow a fresh trip begins. Following an early morning breakfast, we have another bus ride to a place called Phedi. Now, you will be completely withdrawn from the hustling city life and into a much tranquil and calm environment. You will have a view of the entire city of Pokhara and especially the stunning mountain Machhapuchhre through the entire ride. Upon deboarding and a brief rest, we will embark on our trek at last.
The forested trail and snowy peaks of the Annapurna Massif will enthrall you to your core, and that’s just the prelude. We’ll reach our destination of the day, Deurali, after five hours of trekking.
On the third day, as usual, we get up early, have our stomachs full with a satisfying breakfast, and resume our beautiful adventure. We walk for some hours and come to a point from where we can see some of the most desired views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Machhapuchhre, and other similarly breathtaking peaks. Absorbing the peace of nature surrounding us, we arrive at Forest Camp, where we would be taking our night stay.
By today we will have gained a significant altitude and need to be somewhat careful in our rate of climb. Today we reach High Camp, which is at an altitude of 3600 meters so gradual climb and healthy food and sufficient hydration is necessary in order to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Finally, the day arrived when we hiked from high camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is a thrilling day before us as we hike even higher in altitude, where we are going to get a show of a lifetime. It is a challenging hike to the top but the views will make all the struggle even more worthwhile. Reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the mountains, especially Mt. Annapurna I (8090 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail) (6993 m), Hiuchuli (6444 m), Baraha Shikhar (7647 m), Gangapurna (7575 m), Mardi Himal (5553 m) and other great towering mountains of the Annapurna range. A true gem nestled among all the trekking destinations Nepal has to offer. Having had our fill of the mountains, we head back to High Camp. Eating lunch in a rush, we pack our gear and start our descent, as the bulk of our trek is done.
Then, the next morning, the sixth day of the trek, we go further down. Scenery will have been changed from the base camp, where there were no trees since it was a highly elevated area, and you would be on the forest path once again. You will reach Jhinu Dada after a walk of approximately seven hours.
Jhinu Dada is well known for two things: firstly, it is one of the gates to the iconic Annapurna Base Camp, and secondly, it contains a natural hot spring. The benefit of doing this route is that you can choose to extend your trek and also do the Annapurna Base Camp trek. But the added benefit of soaking your tired body in the hot spring is always there.
Day seven, after early breakfast, we take a Jeep and drive back to Pokhara, the lake city. It is only 3-4 hours drive so you have ample time to walk around the city after checking into your hotel.
From here on, you can either stay in Pokhara or head back to Kathmandu the next day. Nevertheless, the adventurous Mardi Himal trek has officially reached its end. But wherever anything ends, a new beginning is always visible. We are happy to be a part of your beautiful journey.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- Breathtaking Views of Mardi Himal (5,587m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993m)
- Panoramic Himalayan Scenery from Base Camp (Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the entire Annapurna Range)
- A Peaceful Off-the-Beaten-Path Trek- Mardi Himal remains less crowded, providing a quiet, immersive trekking experience with pristine nature and solitude.
- Enchanting Rhododendron Forests in Bloom - Hike through lush rhododendron forests, especially magical in spring (March-May)
- Spectacular High Camp & Upper Viewpoint- High Camp (3,580m) and Upper Viewpoint (4,200m)
- Magical Sunrise & Sunset Over the Himalayas
- Cultural Experience in Gurung & Magar Villages- Pass through traditional Gurung and Magar villages like Pothana, Deurali, and Siding, experiencing their warm hospitality, traditional lifestyle, and rich culture.
- A Short Yet Rewarding Himalayan Trek - Mardi Himal is a moderate trek that offers incredible Himalayan scenery, making it perfect for trekkers with limited time.
- Easy Access from Pokhara for a Hassle-Free Trek
Max Altitude: 850m/2788ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Duration: 7-9 hours
Distance: 200.7 km.
