Mardi Hiimal Trek – 7 days

Mardi Himal Trek Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek, a recently opened route in the Annapurna Region, offers a short yet moderately challenging adventure. Nestled in the western wilderness, this trek provides a delightful experience for explorers. The journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp commences at Pritam Deurali (2100 meters) and ascends to the towering altitude of 4500 meters at the base camp. Slowly gaining international recognition, Mardi Trek captivates trekkers worldwide with its blend of wilderness enigma, roaring rivers, lush forests, towering mountains, and natural trails.

Embarking from the vibrant city of Pokhara, the trek takes a short ride to the north-western village of Kande on the Baglung-Pokhara highway. The initial trek segment starts from Kande, passing through a rural setup toward Australian Camp, and then proceeds to the captivating trail leading to Pritam Deurali. This stretch is a leisurely trek, meandering through rural villages surrounding Pritam Deurali.

Beyond Pritam Deurali, the trail winds through enchanting Rhododendron forests, offering a deep immersion into these scattered woods. This section showcases sub-tropical forests featuring a variety of flora, including Juniper, Bamboo, Birch, Oak, and Fir. Home to over 500 bird species, such as the Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Rufous Sibia, Spotted Forktail, and White-collared blackbird, the biodiversity along the route is awe-inspiring.

The trek passes through small hamlets in Forest Camp, an isolated area surrounded by lush greenery. Depending on your Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary, you’ll choose either Forest Camp or Rest Camp, approximately 2 hours away. Continuing through dense forests, the journey ascends to Low Camp (2600 meters), where dense forests give way to expansive grasslands. Low Camp, a small hamlet with teahouses, offers the first glimpse of Mardi Himal, Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

The final leg of the 5-day Mardi Himal Trek steeply ascends from Low Camp (2985 meters) to the last stopover, High Camp at 3550 meters. The landscape transforms from dense forest to barren territory, transitioning from subtropical vegetation to low-alpine topography. As you cross the 3000-meter mark, you enter the Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) prone zone. High Camp, a picturesque settlement, provides surreal views of the Annapurna mountains, marking the trek’s final stopover.

After a night at High Camp, an early morning hike takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters). The steep ascent through rocky ridges is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise view, painting the mountains in hues of gold, red, and lofty white as the sun emerges.

Alternatively, trekkers can opt for a hike to the Upper Viewpoint of Mardi Himal, equally majestic and situated at the edge of a rocky cliff. This viewpoint offers a picturesque gaze of the western face of Mt. Fishtail and a far-reaching view of the surrounding Annapurna massifs. The upper viewpoint, at an altitude of 4200 meters, requires a 2-hour hike.

The return journey retraces the trail descending from High Camp, with Badal Danda serving as a midpoint between Low Camp and High Camp. This stop provides panoramic views of Annapurna massifs, particularly captivating during sunrise. Descending steeply from Badal Danda, a 4-5 hour traverse leads to the village at the base called Sidhing. The journey concludes with a vehicle taking trekkers back to Pokhara from Sidhing, marking the end of this memorable adventure.

Maximum Elevation:

Base camp of Mardi Himal: 4500 meters

Highest point (Mardi Himal): 5587 meters

Trek Difficulty:

Moderately difficult

Path through a forest on slanty hills with some steep sections

Altitude sickness is rare but possible

5-7 hours of daily hiking

Suitable for first-time trekkers

Transportation:

Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back

Enjoyable journey with breathtaking views

Roads less frightening than in remote locations

Possible difficulties due to landslides during the monsoon

Accommodation:

Teahouse hike

Basic amenities in teahouses with small, clean rooms

Cozy bed with mattress, blanket, pillow, bed sheet, and some furniture

Public restrooms with running water

Bring own toiletries for hygienic purposes

Meals and Drinking Water:

Meals provided in teahouses

Menu includes Nepalese and international dishes

Breakfast: toast, potato curry, omelet, tea, or coffee

Lunch and dinner: traditional Nepali Daal Bhat

Additional meals available like momo, noodles, rice, curries, soup, tea, and coffee

Discourages purchasing bottled water, recommends using purifying tablets or filtered bottles

Network Availability:

Some teahouses provide unreliable free WiFi

Suggests bringing NCell or NTC 4G SIM for internet and calls

NTC network offers excellent coverage in outlying areas

Guides and Porters:

Package includes 1 guide for a group and 1 porter for every 2 trekkers

Guide helps navigate and assists in unforeseen situations

Trekking guide is compulsory; hiring a porter is optional

Permits Required:

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP): US$ 30

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS): US$ 10

Arrangements made before the trek

Packing List:

Trekking boots and sandals/Crocs

Undergarments, down jacket, thermal wears, T-shirts, trousers, fleece jacket

Backpack or day-pack, trekking poles, gloves, woolen hat, sun hat or scarf, sunglasses

Sunscreen, water bottles, water-purifying tablets, energy bars or snacks

Face/body wipes, small/medium drying towel, toiletries

This information is thorough and helpful for anyone planning to embark on the Mardi Himal Trek, providing insights into the journey’s challenges, logistics, and necessary preparations.