Complete Guide to Mardi Himal Trek

The complete guide to the Mardi Himal trek offers you everything you need to know about this amazing trek in the heart of the Annapurna region. This trek is a hidden gem that provides you with stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant local culture.

With its lesser-known trails, Mardi Himal provides a perfect escape from the crowded trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Himalayas. So, if you are wondering more about this rewarding journey, this Mardi Himal Trek guide will help you out. From routes, itineraries, permits, to acclimatization tips, we've got your back.  

Where is Mardi Himal?

Recognized as a trekking peak in Nepal, Mardi Himal stands proudly at an incredible elevation of 5,587 m (18,330 ft). Surrounded by the Annapurna massifs and positioned just beneath the iconic Machapuchare peak, Mardi Himal shows its domination in the Annapurna Sanctuary. The trek is situated in the heart of the Annapurna region, one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations, yet it remains relatively less frequented.

About Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek can be considered a relatively new trekking route in comparison to mainstream trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek was officially opened for trekkers only in 2012. With many national and foreign trekkers wanting to explore the remote Mardi region, this trek has been gaining worldwide recognition. Taking you to a maximum height of 4500 m at base camp, this trek is suitable for both seasoned and beginner trekkers.

The panorama of the Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Annapurna range, and Lamjung Himal throughout the trek makes your journey more worthwhile. This rewarding trek passes through many charming settlement areas, providing you with insights into the way of life of the secluded region. Most of the tea houses and lodges can be found in the three main areas, i.e, Australian camp, Forest camp, and Low camp. So, there is usually no issue of accommodation during the trek.

Why Choose Mardi Himal Trekking?

1. Short Time Trek

If you have limited time on hand but still want to enjoy nature, this trek is the perfect escape for you. This rewarding trek can be completed within 5 to 7 days, which provides you real Himalayan trekking experience.

2. Great Cultural Experience

You'll pass through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, where you can enjoy warm hospitality, taste local food, and learn about the highland lifestyle of Nepal’s hill communities.

3. Off the Beaten Path

Since the Mardi Himal Trekking doesn't follow the mainstream trekking route like the Annapurna Circuit Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you will get a peaceful and less crowded trail. Moreover, the remote setting in the heart of the Himalayas, the Mardi trail offers you a more authentic trekking experience with its off-the-beaten-path.

4. Spectacular Views

Following the dense, lush forest of the lower Annapurna region to meandering waterfalls and high alpine ridges, the Mardi trail is decorated with the serene allure of nature. Moreover, the expansive view of the Annapurna ranges, Machapuchare, and Mardi Himal itself captures the heart of many trekkers.

5. Even Feasible For Beginners

Even though this trek can be considered a moderately difficult trek, this journey is completely doable even for trekkers. With no technical climbing and spectacular views, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks for beginners.  However, to ace the trek, you will need to make beforehand preparation about your physical fitness and mental determination.

Highlights of the Mardi Trek

• Walking through the lush subtropical forest and verdant meadows of the lower Annapurna region
• Expansive and close-up views of Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and the Annapurna South
• As you ascend higher, explore the secluded and remote setting of the upper Annapurna region
• A short trek that can take you to a higher elevation of 4500 m at the Mardi Base Camp
• Witness the local way of living through the lives of Gurung and Magar people inhabiting the Mardi region
• Incredible sunrise from places like High Camp or Mardi View Point

How Long Will You Be Trekking on the Mardi Himal Trail?

Generally, it will take around five to twelve days to complete this amazing journey. While considering the duration of the trek, you have to remember that no two trekkers have the same physical fitness, walking pace, and trekking experience. Novice trekkers may take time while ascending and include acclimatization days in their Mardi Himal Trek package, which can increase the duration of the trek. Likewise, seasoned trekkers who have mastered high altitude trekking may only need 5 days to complete the trek.

The total distance to cover during this journey is about 64.30 km (39.9 miles) from Phedi, following forest camp, high camp, viewpoint, base camp, and back to Lumre. However, if you want more exploration, then you can add more treks, like the Khopra Ridge trek, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, to your itinerary.

Mardi Himal Trek Route Overview

The real adventure of the Mardi Trek starts only when you reach the trail. Our trekking to Mardi Himal basically starts from Phedi, after taking a scenic road drive from Kathmandu. Once you reach Phedi, you will be welcomed with incredible Himalayan views. Walking on the trail shaded by the forest, you will reach Deurali.

Further progressing with the trek, you will pass through the dense forest of rhododendron, birch, and oak trees. As you walk uphill, enjoying the enchanted and tranquil surroundings of the Annapurna region, you will reach Forest Camp. You will continue to take the uphill trail that opens up to short shrubs, grasses, and alpine meadows. Now, enjoying the scenic view of the valley below, you will reach Badal Danda(cloud hill). This name truly resonates with the vibe of the place. When you are trying to look below the valley from Badal Danda, oftentimes all you will see are the white cottony clouds surrounded by panoramic Himalayan views above you. 

Now, approaching the middle phase of the trek, you will ascend towards the high camp. You will walk on the narrow ridge line with a stunning view of the Machapuchhre in front of you. Continuing the trail of narrow ridgeline, you will reach the viewpoint where you will be bestowed with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchhre (6993m), and many other towering peaks of the Annapurna range. During the last leg of the trek, you will return to the high camp and trek back to Lumre via Sidhing village, where you will end your trek.

Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
Day 3: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali 
Day 4: Deurali to Forest Camp 
Day 5: Forest Camp to Low Camp
Day 6: Low Camp to High Camp 
Day 7: High Camp to Upper Viewpoint (4250m/13943 ft), return to High Camp 
Day 8: High camp to Sidhing Village 
Day 9: Trek to Lumre and, drive back to Pokhara 
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 11: Departure for the Airport

Different Routes For Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

There are various routes to complete this incredible journey. Now, it depends on you which Mardi Himal Trek route you opt for. You can choose the route according to your fitness level, time availability, and preference.

Pokhara → Phedi → Deurali → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → Siding → Lumre →Pokhara

Pokhara → Nayapul → Ghandruk/Landruk → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Base Camp → Siding → Pokhara

Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Deurali → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Base Camp → Siding → Pokhara

Best Time to Do the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal

Usually, trekking in Nepal is possible throughout the year. However, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons are considered ideal for trekking adventures, and the trek to Mardi Himal is no exception. The mild temperature with clear views provides you with panoramic mountain views during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Moreover, the trail becomes more pleasant with rhododendron blooms during spring. Likewise, the festive environment during the autumn season makes the Mardi region more vibrant. It’s not like monsoon and winter treks are not doable. It's totally doable, but the harsh temperatures of winter and heavy monsoon rainfall increase the difficulty of this journey.

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal Trekking is considered a moderate-level trek. It does not require technical climbing experience, but a reasonable level of physical fitness is necessary as the trek involves steep ascents and altitude gains up to 4,500 meters. Beginners with good physical fitness who can handle 4 to 7 hours of trekking daily can easily complete this trek. However, you should be mindful of altitude sickness symptoms as the trail climbs above 3,000 meters.

How To Prepare For The Mardi Himal Trekking

Preparing for the Trek involves careful planning and physical and mental readiness. You can start your preparation by considering your fitness level. You can increase your physical endurance through cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Likewise, going on short hikes can come in handy. Moreover, you can try to create a positive mindset about the trek. You can visualize the trek by watching videos and reading blogs to prepare yourself mentally.

Permits and Entry Requirements

You will need two trekking permits to complete the Mardi Base Camp Himal trek.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)

Most of the trek, you will walk on the trail of the Annapurna Conservation Area that usually starts from Dampus, Kande, or Pothana, whichever route you choose. So, you will need ACAP at different checkpoints of the trek.

Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card

Another permit you need to obtain for safe trekking in Nepal is a TIMS card. This card will cost you around NRS 1000 if you are a SAARC National. If you are trekkers from countries other than SAARC Nationals, you will have to pay around NRS 2000 for obtaining a TIMS card.

Accommodation and Food on the Mardi Trail

You can find numerous teahouses and lodges alongside the trail during the Mardi trek. These teahouses may not provide you with extravagant amenities, but they will definitely provide you with basic and comfortable accommodations with great views. You can get twin-sharing rooms where beds will be equipped with blankets, mattresses, and pillows. The lower elevation rooms may have an attached bathroom, but as you ascend higher, you will only find a shared traditional bathroom.

When it comes to food and drinks during the trek, these teahouses have a wide range of food options that can suit your taste buds. You can find Nepalese food, regional food, and even some of the foreign delicacies. However, we recommend that you eat a hearty meal that has more nutrition and energy.

What About Electricity, WiFi, Hot Showers, and Other facilities?

You can find electricity in most of the teahouses, even up to the high camp. However, you may not find WiFi facilities as you ascend higher. Hence, we recommend that you take a data package if you want internet access. Likewise, the facilities of hot showers, charging electrical equipment, and other facilities may be available. However, for all these additional amenities, you have to pay an extra amount between $2 to $5 for each service.

What To Pack for The Mardi Himal Trek

Clothing:

• Base Layers
• Insulating Jacket
• Waterproof Shell Jacket & Pants
• Trekking Pants
• Quick-drying T-shirts
• Warm Hat
• Sun Hat / Cap
• Neck Gaiter / Buff
• Mittens

Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• Sandals
• Trekking Socks

Trekking Gear

• Daypack or Backpack
• Duffel Bag
• Sleeping Bag
• Trekking Poles
• Flashlight with extra batteries

Personal Items

• Water Bottles
• Sunscreen & Lip Balm
• Toiletries
• biodegradable soap
• toothbrush/paste,
• Quick-dry Towel
• Wet Wipes
• Sanitizer

Optional

• Camera
• Charger and Power Bank
• Snacks
• Energy Bars
• Notebook & Pen

Mardi Himal Trekking Cost

The Mardi Himal Trek cost can range between USD 750 to USD 1200. However, this cost may vary according to various factors like duration, itinerary, highlights, inclusion of services, guides and porters, group size, etc. Most of the trekking agencies, including us, include all the transportation during the trek, accommodations and meals, permits, guides, and porters in the package we provide you. However, most of the time the Mardi Himal Trek package may not include your airfare, insurance, visa, and other personal level of expenses.

Altitude Sickness and Safety Tips for Trekking Mardi Himal

One of the main concerns that trekkers like you have when trekking in Mardi Himal is high altitude sickness. Most importantly, when you are not used to a high-altitude atmosphere, this concern is truly valid. Altitude sickness occurs when your body cannot adapt to the lower oxygen of the high altitude air.   Some of the mild symptoms of altitude sickness that you will suffer from are
 

• Headache or lightheaded
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness

The symptoms of altitude sickness can range from mild to extreme too. In extreme medical conditions like HAPE or HACE, you can suffer from hallucination, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and even coma or death.

Hence, to overcome the effect of such low oxygen, altitude acclimatization is the key. Likewise, you can take some precautions and safety measures to boost the acclimatization process

• Stay hydrated and consume lots of fluid
• Eat and sleep well. Even if you don't feel like eating, force-feed yourself.
• Walk at your own pace. Take short breaks throughout the trek. Don't ascend rapidly
• Make sure you do not ignore the signs of your body.
• Pack your medications, including altitude sickness medicines like Diamox.

Mardi Himal Trekking is truly a great adventure in the stunning landscapes of the Annapurna region. With careful preparation and a spirit of adventure, you can fully enjoy the trek's unique offerings. So, are you ready to embrace the lush forests, panoramic mountain views, and scenic trails all in one journey? If yes, contact us today.