Mardi Himal is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Annapurna Region, which is located at an elevation of 5,587 meters and 18,330 ft and is superbly situated at the base of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). Mardi Himal trek is new to every trekker and this destination provides the untouched beauty of the Annapurna Region.
In 1961, the east wall was used to reach Mardi Himal for the first time. Only because of photographs taken by Englishman Basil Good Fellow in 1953 was the trail and the Mardi Mountain discovered. The Base Camp of Mardi Himal Trek welcomes hundreds of people/ trekkers each year, and the number is growing by the day. It encompasses a diverse range of mountains, as well as floral and faunal wonders. Mardi Himal is mainly visible from the south, where the southwest bone of its "older sibling" Machhapuchhare (Fishtail) expands. Three distinct shaking stones with hanging ice sheets in the center can be found on the southwestern divider.
This trail mostly travels through the stunning scenery, breathtaking glacier valleys, and lush, green alpine terrain of the Annapurna region. Since it travels through numerous types of vegetation, dense rhododendron woodland, and narrow, winding roads, the journey is frequently referred to as an eco-tourism route. A rugged high mountain with breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks including Mt. Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Annapurna ranges suddenly emerges from the landscape. You can hike through a region abundant in wildlife, panoramas, and beautifully sculpted landscapes as part of the Mardi Himal Trek, which takes you to the foothills of the Annapurnas.
Trekking in Mardi Himal also means you’ll also get to have a cultural experience in both rural and urban areas. On the way towards Mardi Himal, you will explore one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities, Pokhara is also known as the “City of Lake'' where you can eat varieties of different cuisines, walk near Phewa lake, boat, fish, paraglide, and many more activities will definitely be the most influential factor of Mardi Himal Trek. Once you reach the village area, you will see diverse ethnic communities like Limbu, Rai, Magar, and Chhetri, which also help you to learn about their culture and lifestyle. Their hospitality with warm smiles will definitely make this trek worth it for you. This exciting combination of natural beauty and diverse cultural aspects is the reason that makes the Mardi Himal Trek truly beautiful.
Mardi Himal Trek Route
As is usual in the Annapurna region, you begin your trek in Pokhara. Dhampus is where the footwork begins, and it continues towards Forest camp, which is bordered by pine, rhododendron, and juniper forests, after some time in the woods next destination is Low Camp & to High Camp. After acclimatizing in the two high camps, you simply relax and enjoy the beautiful vista of the Mardi Khola valley with the southern face of snow-covered Annapurna while sharing supper with friends and strangers at the Mardi Base Camp (4500 m). Camping is also a viable alternative. The best seasons for trekking in Mardi Himal are spring and fall. Rhododendron blossoms in bloom may make you fall in love with the nature of Nepal. After there you will descend down towards the siding village, from there to Pokhara and finally, you will arrive in Kathmandu City.
The difficulty is Mardi Himal Trek
Normally Mardi Himal Trek is considered an easy to a moderate-level hiking trail. The walking distance is shorter and easier and you won’t gain much altitude in a single day. Also, the maximum altitude is nearly 4200m, So, this altitude is common for high mountain trekking. The longest day will be hiking from high camp to base camp and back to high camp. The risk of altitude sickness will be less as we won’t spend much time at higher altitudes. Still, plenty of water, proper rest, and sufficient food will take you easily to the most famous and beautiful trekking trail in Nepal. However, a narrow path. Steep slopes might be a problem while trekking, so it’s better to be aware of it.
Major Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
Best Season/Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal trek can be done around the year since the altitude is quite normal as compared to high mountain trekking and also it's moderate in trekking grading. Despite this, there is always favorable weather for the amazing view of mountains and landscapes. Spring and Autumn are the best season to trek in all the Himalayan regions of Nepal and including Mardi as well. Spring generally arrives in February and lasts until May. This season is best for a long day with mild weather and a brightly colored landscape filled with wildflowers and diverse colors of rhododendron bloom. Autumn normally occurs from September and lasts until November's end. This season is an excellent choice mostly for photographers because you can see the clear blue sky which offers an amazing view of mountains and sunset and sunrise over such snow-capped mountains are the most stunning view ever.
Entrance and permits for Mardi Himal Trek
At first, every trekker or climber must get an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit because the Mardi Himal Trail is attainable in the Annapurna region (ACAP). Trekkers Information Management system (TIMS) is also required. Cost for these permits are given below:
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permits) = USD 28.00 P/P for foreigners (NRP- 3000.00) and USD 14. P/P for SAARC Nationals (NRP- 1500).
TIMS CARD for the group: USD 10.00 P/P for foreigners (NRP- 1000) and USD 6.00 P/P for SAARC Nationals (NRP- 600).
Major Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Explore the hidden gem of the Annapurna Region.
- Trek through the less crowded and newly opened trail can offer the experience of the off-beat virgin path of Nepal.
- Get the closest view of the Annapurna mountains range and most iconic mountain, Machapuchhre (also called Mt. Fishtail) including the snow-capped mountains like Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna massif, Lamjung Himal, Mardi Himal, Heauchuli, Nilgiri, and many more.
- Trek through the traditional mountain village, lush green jungle, and unrevealed majestic natural beauty.
- Experience local culture, traditional villages, and warm hospitality from the locals.
- Breathtaking view of the sunset over fishtail from Mardi high camp.
If you are looking for other popular trekking in the Annapurna Region, we also offer Annapurna Base Camp Trek - 10 Days, Annapurna in Luxury – 11 Days, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Sunrise Trek with Chitwan Jungle Safari, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and many more.
For the complete guide for the Mardi Himal Trek, please click here.
Top 10 Things about Mardi Himal Trek, please click here.
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