Overview of Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek, adjacent to the renowned Annapurna Base Camp trek, has surged in popularity due to its spectacular vistas of Mt. Fishtail (6993 m) and Mardi Himal (5587 m), along with the encompassing Annapurna ranges, including Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna II (7937 m), South Face (7219 m), and other majestic snow-capped peaks. This trek traverses through charming Gurung hamlets and lush rhododendron forests, offering a delightful and manageable 5-day trek.
Beyond the awe-inspiring mountain panoramas, adventurers can delve into the vibrant culture of the Gurung community in villages like Lwang and Siding, celebrated for their gracious hospitality and distinct traditions. The region also boasts a picturesque tea plantation and abundant wildlife, making it a truly diverse and captivating wilderness destination.
The Mardi Himal Trekking has quickly become a top choice for trekkers due to its accessibility, brevity, and recent promotion. It's renowned for its breathtaking views of Mount Fishtail and the Annapurna ranges, lush green forests, and picturesque landscapes. The 5-day itinerary is perfectly balanced, offering a thrilling experience amidst the Gurung community villages with their warm hospitality and well-managed lodges at every campsite.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek offers diverse exploration experiences day by day, commencing in the picturesque tourist hub of Pokhara. The trek predominantly features local bases as opposed to large villages, with just a few lodges for the convenience of tourists. However, Lwang village stands out as one of the finest Gurung community settlements, boasting a stunning tea garden.
This trek is a captivating blend of exhilarating mountain and verdant forestry vistas, coupled with an immersion into the lifestyle and culture of the local people, particularly the Gurung community. Drawing close to the sacred Machhapuchhre Mountain and witnessing its awe-inspiring views fills me with immense joy and tranquility. The trail winds through dense forests, moderately open landscapes, and thrilling hillside panoramas, creating a truly memorable trekking experience.
Trekking Route of Mardi Himal Base Camp
Travellers have the option to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara either by road or by air. Once in Pokhara, the Mardi Himal Trek begins, with significant waypoints such as Pothana Deurali (2060m), Forest Camp (2500m), Low Camp (2970m), High Camp (3550m), culminating at the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m). The return journey descends through the picturesque Gurung community villages of Sidding and Lwang village (1460m). To conclude the adventure, travellers can take a vehicle back to Pokhara and then continue their journey back to Kathmandu.
Cost of Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek package costs $325 per person for a 5-day program from Pokhara to Pokhara. Additional services like accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, plus transportation, can be included for a total of $400 per person. Solo travellers may have slightly different pricing.
- US$ 325 services are from Pokhara to Pokhara, not including the Pokhara Hotel.
- The Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu full-board package includes Kathmandu Hotel and Pokhara Hotels, Kathmandu to Pokhara, and returning transportation. Its cost is US$ 400 each.
How about transportation to get Mardi Himal Trek?
Here are the transportation details for reaching the Mardi Himal Trek
- Kathmandu to Pokhara by comfortable tourist bus or by flight
- Pokhara to Phedi or Kade by comfortable vehicle
- After the trek, sidle to Pokhara by local jeep or local bus.
- Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight
- How do you like to feel free? We can arrange it easily.
How about lodging and food on the Mardi Himal Trek?
The popularity of the route has surged recently due to the presence of well-managed lodges at every campsite. These lodges offer organic and hygienic meals, ensuring a comfortable and healthy dining experience for trekkers. Additionally, the lodges boast tidy and clean bedding arrangements, providing a restful environment for a good night's sleep. Their warm hospitality further enhances the overall trekking experience, making it a memorable journey for travellers.
Crystal-clear, White Snow Mountain View from Mardi Trek
The Mardi Himal viewpoint offers a thrilling and mesmerizing view of the majestic mountains. The sight of those glorious peaks is truly awe-inspiring and adds to the majestic experience of the trek.
- Mardi Himal (5587m/18330ft).
- Mt. Fishtail (6993m/22943ft).
- Annapurna I (8091m/26545ft)
- Annapurna South (7219m/23685ft)
- Annapurna II (7937m/26040ft)
- Annapurna III (7555m/24787ft)
- Hiuchuli (6441m/21132ft)
- Lamjung Himal (6983m/22910ft)
When is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?
The ideal times for embarking on the Mardi Himal Trek are autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May). These seasons offer consistently clear weather, pleasant temperatures, excellent visibility, and stunningly clear mountain vistas.
While winter (December to February) and the monsoon season (June to August) are viable for trekking, they come with their challenges. Winter can be snowy and bitterly cold, while the monsoon brings frequent rain, cloud cover, and reduced visibility. However, if you prefer trekking during these seasons, we can arrange a safe and successful journey for you.
- Autumn Season: September, October, November, and December
- Winter Season: late December, January, and February
- Spring Season: March, April, and May
- Monsoon Season: June, July, and August.
Do we need any entry permits for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you need to issue two permits to trek Mardi Himal. It is an Annapurna Conservation Area, and they are required to issue two permits, ACAP and TIMS. We easily issue it; you should send us your passport photo copy and passport-size photos. We issue it, and our guide will carry it during the trek because he has to show it at every permit check post. After the end of your trekking, he will give you a souvenir.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Areas Project): Nr. 3000/-
- TIMS (Trekking Information Management System): Nrs. 2000/-
List of Trekking Gears:
For the Mardi Himal trek, essential trekking gear includes a sleeping bag, down jacket, long-sleeved shirt, jumper or fleece jacket, t-shirts, trekking shoes or boots, comfortable camp shoes, wool socks, light cotton socks, rucksack, sun hat, wool hat, gloves, sunblock, goggles or sunglasses, long underwear, insulated pants, nylon windbreaker, nylon wind pants, water bottle, sewing kit, medical and first aid kit, torch, batteries and bulbs, Swiss army knife, towels, and toiletries.
Carry your important medicine.
It's crucial to prioritize medication while trekking, especially if you have any existing health conditions. "Prevention is better than care," as mountain regions often lack healthcare facilities or access to specific medicines. Therefore, it's advisable to carry your required medications. Our company provides a standard first aid kit containing essentials like medication for headaches, fever, stomach issues (such as diarrhoea), coughs, colds, along with bandages, tape, and Diamox for altitude sickness. However, personal medications and prescriptions should be carried by trekkers for their specific needs.
