Mardi Himal Trek is a secret gem of Annapurna Region. Though, Mardi Hima Trek route is located in the most popular destination. This route has been in shadow stage and has not been popular like other routes in Annapurna Conservation Area; Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Treks and others. But, this route worth your visit.

Mardi Himal Trek (higher altitude – Low Camp (3150m), High Camp (4100m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) ), the trail starts from the very beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. Major attractions of Pokhara are boating in Phewa Lake, enjoying the views from Peace Stupa and lot more. Mardi Himal Trek route goes through the pine, juniper and rhododendron forest and the Rivers. The route takes us to steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola. The journey of Mardi Himal Trek ascends through the dense forest. Mardi Himal trek route offers mesmerizing Himalaya scenery including the Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna Ranges, and Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail.

Best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). On this season, the weather is sunny and warm with an outstanding view of Himalaya Ranges. Summer or Monsoon seasons starts from June to August, which will be affected by rain.

Highlights

Itinerary

What's Included

Mardi Himal trek starts at Kandeafter 1 hour driving from Pokhara. The trail is good, first slowly up, then a bit steeper to Australian Camp (2060m – About one hour), then after that slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m) then up again to Deurali (2100m). There is a right turn in Deurali signposted “Forest Camp” the trail is through jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2600m). The trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as you again get up on the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp again in the jungle, but the trees soon start to get smaller and after about one hours trekking broke out of the jungle and onto the open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to my left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another 4 to 5 hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and return to High Camp in around 4 hours – This makes a long day but there is also a viewpoint about halfway, the imaging view can be from here. After that, we trek down to Siding via Low Camp. From Siding, we drive back to Pokhara.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu. Check-in to hotel. In the evening, welcome dinner with cultural program. Night in Kathmandu.

Day 2 :

Kathmandu City Tour and Trek Preparation

After breakfast, full day Kathmandu Valley City tour including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Stupa. Trek preparation. Night in Kathmandu.

Day 3 :

Kathmandu-Pokhara(204 km, 6hrs) via Prithivi Highway

Early breakfast, drive to Pokhara by Tourist Bus. Check-in to hotel. After refreshment, boating at Phewa lake & visit Tal Barahi. Night at Pokhara.

Day 4 :

Drive to Kande and trek to Pitam Deurali (2125m)

After breakfast, drive to Kande and start treking to Forest Camp(1810m). The trail is steep until Dhampus and pleasant walk up to Pothana. Overnight stay in Pothana.

Day 5 :

Trek to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking.

After breakfast, the trail continues from Forest Camp to Low Camp. The view from Low Camp is stunning with Mt Machhapuchhre at the background which is visible up the valley. Night in Low Camp.

Day 6 :

Trek to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.

After breakfast, the trek continues along the Mardi Himal ridge. The view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is breathtaking. Night in High Camp.

Day 7 :

Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)- back to Low Camp.

Early morning walk for sunrise view of the snow capped mountains. After an early breakfast trek towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. On the way, the view of landscapes and animals grazing in Himalayas is stunning. The 3 hours of trekking took us to the Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m,where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panoramic view of the spectacular Mt.Annapurna(south) and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Overnight Stay at Low Camp.

Day 8 :

Trek to Siding village (1,750m,6hrs)

On the way back,taking a different route to completing a circuit. From Low Camp, there is a trail that goes down to Siding village. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busier modern tourist treks. One ca experience the different culture and tradition up in the Himalayas. Night at Siding village.

Day 9 :

Trek to Lumle and drive to Pokhara- (3 hrs walk, 2 hrs drive)

From Siding, walking out to the road heading to Lumle. On the way from Siding, passing the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is ethnically diverse. Drive from Lumle to Pokhara. Night in Pokhara.

Day 10 :

Pokhara-kathmandu

After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner at Night. Night in Kathmandu.

Day 11 :

Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Airport. Happy See off.