Mardi Himal Trek to Base Camp (4500 m)

Mardi Himal Trek is the single most marvelous must-see trekking place in Nepal, which is a hidden exquisite route so far. Past the year, a couple of trekkers come up with their own purpose to the Mardi Himal Base Camp and prominently find the bottom (base camp) of Mardi Himal. This is the most iconic trek in the Annapurna region, lies behind Mt. Machhapuchhre, actually indicating “Fishtail”.

The track passes along small to medium sized snaky routes through hypnotized rhododendron forested acres before you ascend from the jungle at an altitude of around 3300 meters. The scenery transforms quite unexpectedly into a majestic high mountain surface, with an awesome outlook of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and then Machhapuchre.

This Mardi Himal Trek was formally released in 2012 and is still unspoiled. There are a few simple tea houses and homestays with normal facilities. This is a really short, relatively simple and natural trek near Pokhara. However, it is extraordinarily special with its romantic glimpses, attractive jungle treks, and mountainous surroundings. Since the path typically remains along the ridge, the altitude gain tends to be more steady. From High Camp (3550 m), you can actually ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) in approximately 3 to 4 hours. That offers a breathtaking close-proximity panorama of the overall Annapurna Range.

Which months will be the best time to go Mardi Himal Trek?

December – January – February: This is the time of winter season in Nepal. The weather will continue cold. But, the skies will remain clear. At the situation of snowfall, there will be risk to go Base Camp. But, can easily reach up to the Mardi High Camp (3550 m).

March – April – May: This is the spring season and period of flower blooming all around. Actually, peak season time. The temperature is moderate, neither very cold nor very warm. Skies are always remaining clear. Good weather, excellent view of high Himalaya range with the mishmash of rhododendron flowers. But, in high altitude of course get always cold. But, best time to plan Mardi Himal Trek.

June – July – August: This is monsoon period and annually rainfall time. Less popular season to go trekking in Nepal. There will be chance of leeches, rain storm raises its level considerably. In the initial forested sections leeches are very sharp. So, better put on long trekking trousers at this time of year before travelling Mardi Himal.

September–October–November: This is now the perfect tourist period of time in Nepal, with the hot months (Summer) passed by and the chillier weather (Winter) to come. The climatic conditions are incredibly satisfying. This is often the prime time of year for Mardi Himal treks, seeing that mountain vistas are assured. Therefore, you’d better reserve the airline flight well in advance. This is also the month of festivals in Nepal, which celebrates the greatest Hindu festivals Dashain and then Tihar.

What about physical fitness for Mardi Himal Trek?

This adventure trekking does not need excessive physical fitness. But bear in mind though average level of exercising is recommended although you cannot find any straight mounting taking part. You need to walk over certain rockbound part close to high camp and base camp only. I would like to give an advice to the trekkers to visit the personal doctor for the through medical check-up and about altitude sickness. Actually, in Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal, you also have to think about the number of days and time you are trekking out. Most of the days involve 5 to 6 hours of steady trekking every day.

How much money do I have to estimate for this Mardi Himal Trek?

Cost is very important to know before planning the trip into the Himalaya. If you estimate Minimum 400 USD to 600 USD (Should Convert Currency in NPR) per person, then that would be normal and comfort trek for 7 to 8 days from Pokhara. If you drink or smoke, then could be more. Another, the costs also depend on how much budget you have? or How are you planning your trip? or How do you like to make your adventure tour either ordinary or memorable tour plan. It’s all according to you.

Accommodation and food along the Mardi Himal Trek.

Accommodations are completely basic though the standard of sleeping room are clean and good. In a peak season, sometimes, somewhere you have to adjust in multi share basis. Don’t forget to carry your own sleeping bag. Bathroom and toilet are simple and may be outside from where you are sitting.

Foods are plain and fresh but filling, and portions are usually quite big compared to those in urban areas. However, it gets expensive as you go to higher altitudes. For the food on this Mardi Himal trek, you estimate 20 to 25 USD per day is OK per person. Food is cooked by the local people for the family. Sometimes, it might get too late to make an order on time. One or two people are involved in cooking food for many other trekkers. So, have to be patience. Coordinate the meal menu with other trekkers on time that can help to the cook man to be prepare on interval. Foods like; Nepali food (Dal Vat), Cheese macaroni, muesli, pancake, porridge etc. are available.

Do I need to hire a guide and porter for this Mardi Himal Trek?

This is an exceptional question from every budgeted traveler’s. Actually, if you are trekking alone, you should know that trekking, mountaineering and traveling in a developing country Nepal are things to do that contain a trouble of personal injuries or even loss of life. Since a common condition of trekking without a guide, you should take these types of dangers and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Comfort holiday trip needs an open and versatile way of thinking.

You may encounter extreme situations, unexpected weather conditions, and last-minute diverts to your travel plans beyond your control. So, hiring a guide and porter will be much better in Mardi Himal Trek. Because they have the proficiency to offer service in a group and can resolve significant issues with all of your trips, like in an emergency situation, giving knowledge about culture, history, and areas of interest, helping porter help to carry your heavy stuff, etc. However, your guide and porter attempt their best to improves your journey in very exciting and life-time memory.

Do I need a trekking permit for this Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, you need a trekking permit for this trek. Actually, you need a two types of trekking permit; One is TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and another you need a National trust for Nature conservation permit. This all are needed to record by Nepal Tourism Board. In order to buy these permit, you should visit the Nepal Tourism Board at Kathmandu or in Pokhara. If you are looking to travel from the trekking agency, they will manage everything what you need for trek. Just you need to provide your passport detail with a photocopy and two passport size photograph.

What gear should I carry for this Mardi Himal Trek?

• Backpack and backpack cover that resist the dust and rain
• Trekking comfortable Boot
• Light weight shoes or slipper to wear in the lodges after arrival
• Sun Glass (Polarizing)
• Sleeping Bag (-25 Degree)
• Warm Jacket (Possible Down Jacket)
• Hiking trouser that is comfortable to wear (Wind and water proof)
• Sun Screen Cream / Sun Block
• Pair of Gloves
• 2-3 Cotton T-shirt
• First-Aid Medical Kit
• Thermal Underwear
• Torch Light/ Head Lamp or Flash Light
• Trekking Map

This are the major things to carry. So, for other stuffs, make your own experience of traveling to keep the things that are required for you.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Nepal

This trek is normally 5 to 7 days that start from/to Pokhara. This adventure trek often is blended with a few other relevant treks to Annapurna; lots of people mingle this trek with Annapurna Base camp trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Khopra Danda Trek and so on. Similar to a lot of the Annapurna treks apart from Annapurna Circuit, Mardi Himal Trek also begins and finishes in Pokhara which is 200 km west from Kathmandu – a seven lake city and also biologically endowed destination to calm down after the massive hikes in Annapurna.

If you are in Kathmandu and looking to reach Pokhara, then domestic air carriers operate a number of flights every day from Kathmandu airstrip. And then roughly 6-7 hours’ scenic drive by tourist bus, which leaves every morning from Kantipath bus station. If you like to go by local buses, then they leave every one hour from Kathmandu till 4 pm as well.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1770 m) for 1 hr. and trek to Pothana via Australian Camp for 3 hrs.

We waked up early morning around at 7 am and at 7:30 we had our breakfast, toast with cheese omelet. So after, van was ready to take for us. We were driven like one hours with scenic view to Kande. A starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek. We walked like 35 min and arrived at Gol Danada (1900 m) to have a rest. It was very wonderful place to have a rest talking with local people. After walking through the forest of oak and sandal wood, we arrived at Australian camp (2050 m).

From there, we can see a perfect paradise view of the Annapurna Range, Fishtail, and Lamjung. best tea houses with attached room, comfortable bed. There we stopped to have tea break with the magnificent view of Himalaya range. Afterwards, continuing our way down with mixed trail up to Pothana (1980 m). This is very beautiful place to see the Himalaya range of magnificent view. We stayed there to rest for the night.

Day 2: Trek to forest camp (2550 m) via Deurali (2100 m) for 5 to 6 hrs.

Today, after the morning meal, we gradually headed towards the Deurali for 1 hr. and stopped to make for a pack lunch. And at the same time we had a tea break as well with the view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. Actually, on the way between Deurali and forest camp there are also a lodges to have for lunch. So, it is not necessarily important to carry the foods from Deurali.

But, after walking for around 4 hours, we arrived at Dund Kharka. There is only a tea house, which is a very long distance to take a break. In that tea house, there was only one person staying, and food was limited in choice of base. It is recommended that everyone who is going on the Mardi Himal trek should carry enough bottles of water to last till they reach the forest camp.

The trail passes by the jungle rain forest, initially upwards for one and a half hours, and then gradually up and down till it reaches the forest camp. The splendid view of mountains (Fishtail, Annapurna 3,2,1, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna) from Dund kharka was very excellent. As we walk for 1 hour from the teahouse lodge (Dund Kharka), we reach the forest camp (2550 m). The place is very beautiful with its lush green forest. There are many lodges with a capacity of 200 people at a time.

Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3550 m) for 6 hours.

From the forest camp, we began to headed upwards through the oak and rhododendron forest for one hours and reached at rest camp (2700 m). There is only one lodge for the short break to view the mountain with piquant tea. It was stunning and mesmerizing view of Machhapuchhre along with little top of Lamjung Himal. Furthermore, we again continued through the rhododendron forest upwards hill for 2 hrs. We arrived at Low Camp (2975 m). There are 3 lodges with 45 people capacity. The main highlights of that place are Fishtail, Gangapurna, Hidden Annapurna iv, Lamjung and Mardi Himal (5587 m), the high Himalaya range.

Low camp is very good place to stop for lunch before heading high camp in “Mardi Himal Trek”. Anyone can enjoy at the spot for 1 hr. lunch in front of outstanding high mountains. After having the day meal, we over again trekked inside the Rhododendron forest. The trail almost going uphill for one and half hours to the Badal Danda (3200 m). And from Badal danda to High camp still the trail goes rising gradually with up and down. Finally, we arrived at Mardi high camp by viewing scenery of spectacular Himalayas and overnight at trekkers paradise. We found that sunset view is much nicer then sunrise view along the High Camp.

Day 4: Trek to Mardi Base Camp (4500 m) for 3 hours and back to Low Camp from High Camp in 2 hours.

Today is the tough day, coz we are going to high elevation at Mardi base camp (4500 m). Early morning, we waked up at 6 and headed in the direction of base camp for 3 hrs. The trail is bit adventurous that goes along the ridge with beautiful scenery of Pokhara valley from the southern direction. And from the northern direction even we can see the way of Annapurna base camp trail. From the Mardi base camp (4500 m), gorgeous and close-up view of Annapurna I, South, Singa Chuli/ Fluted peak, Tent peak, Gangapurna, Gandarbhachuli, Machhapuchhre and of course Mardi Himal can be seen.

After spending few minute in the top, we came back to the lodge in 2 hr and had our warm breakfast. After that, we reroute back to low camp for the lunch and overnight camp. Some of the trekkers even they stay at high camp after the base camp. But, we descended down to low camp. Note: Mardi is a name of grass available in France.

Day 5: Trek to Siding (1850 m) for 4 to 5 hours.

Next morning, after breakfast, we descend down towards the siding from different route by following the track direction board inside the dense forest of rhododendron and oak tree. Siding is a small traditional village which is away from the regular tourist treks. There you find the wonderful cultural experience of village life. There you can stay at trekkers’ home which is well organized hotel at the front of first house you descend.

Day 6: Trek to Lwang Village Homestay (1460 m) for 5 hours.

At this day, we were mainly passing through delightful Gurung and also Tamang villages, rice field as well as some woodland forest. Lwang is a beautiful scenic hilly village famous for the organic tea gardens. This community is successful village tourism product nearby Pokhara (30 km). Mount Machhapuchhre rise itself tranquil in the north east background of the community.

Day 7: Trek down to Mardi Khola and drive back to Pokhara (830 m) for 1:30 hrs.

Very soon, the Mardi Himal trek is close to end. This last day, we walked down about 1 hr. to Mardi Khola and met to our transport back to Pokhara, which is 2 hr. of drive.

An alternative option for the other trekkers is that, for those who are in Lwang at that time, a bus is normally beginning to arrive at the village. Therefore, position yourself in order to secure a seat. Because in the monsoon period of time, because of landslides, saturated roads, and the probabilities of wheels skidding off, we recommend that facilities not become as good as in other seasons.