Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek of 7 days(4 days and 5 days itinerary available), a newly opened route in 2012 that quickly grew in popularity. It takes you inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area,
starting from 820-meter Pokhara to 4,500m Mardi Himal Base Camp. Even though it is a less famous trekking route than long treks like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Annapurna base Camp Trek, the Mardi Himal Trek offers spectacular views of the Mardi Himal (5,587 m / 18,330 ft) as well as other snow-capped mountains like Annapurna I (8,091m/ 26538 ft), Annapurna South (7,219 m / 23,680 ft), Machhapuchre (6,997 meters / 22,950 ft), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454m / 24,450 ft), which makes this trek worth every penny. This trek takes you through the routes of Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre, depending upon the number of days you choose to trek and the routes available.
Moreover, this is the only trek in Nepal that takes you to an altitude of 4000m+ only after four days of trekking, which is impressive. The growing number of tea houses along the route has made this short trek easier for people with different fitness levels, as options for lunch and dinner with accommodation are readily available. Additionally, this trek mostly passes through forests covered with oaks and rhododendrons, so wildlife such as Musk deer, Langurs, other monkeys of various species, Danfe (Lophophorus), and porcupines can be seen during the trek.
This trek is a hidden treasure where one can revel in majestic mountain panoramas, encounter wildlife in verdant forests, and traverse rivers and ridges within a single hike. Travel along the small curving paths through the forests and finally climb out of the woods to witness mesmerizing views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchre from the Badal Danda.
Itinerary
After an early breakfast at your hotel we drive along the Trisuli and Mashyangdi River to reach Pokhara. We will see the beautiful river view and the views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu as well during the driving. Pokhara itself is a traveller’s paradise full of natural wonders as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. After a 7 hour drive we will arrive in Pokhara and stay overnight at a hotel.
Early in the morning, we will drive for one hour to reach Phedi and the start our Mardi Himal trek. We will climb the steps from Phedi. The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through rhododendron and pine forests till we reach the Dhampus, a Gurung village known for the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, including Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We will continue our ascent until we reach the small village of Pothana, surrounded by forests and exhibiting marvelous mountain views. We will also get TIMS/ACAP card at the check point in Pothana. Overnight in Pothana.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our trek with a steep uphill climb through thick forest along beautiful view points of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is home elusive wildlife and we may catch glimpse of some of the rare birds and animals along the way. After walking for around five hours, we will reach the forest camp where we will set up camp for the night.
The trail from the Forest camp to the high camp follows a steep ascent through the rhododendron and Juniper forest. The pattern for the day is a steeper climbing to get over a hillock, then relatively flat for a while and again start another ascent. Upon reaching the top, we will be highly rewarded with the magnificent, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Mount Macchapuchre. Overnight at High Camp.
After having breakfast at lodge, we trek to the view point at Mardi Himal Base Camp to have an amazing view of the Himalayas including Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchahre (6993m) and many other mountains. We return the same way to High Camp where we spend another night.
After having breakfast at lodge, you start your trek and you will take a different route from high camp that will take you to the Sidhing village and the trekking through this trail different for other common trails and overnight at lodge.
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our easy descent to Lumre. The trail follows the contour of the Mardi river valley and gradually descends down the pastures through beautiful Tamang and Gurung Villages. Our transport will wait for us at Lumre for a one hour drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara.
We take a tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu and the driving will be fantastic along with many towns and we are able to see the settlements, rivers, terraces and landscapes, after 7 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and overnight at your hotel