If you are in search of trekking that costs you less effort and time, you’ve come to the right place. Not only Mardi Himal Trekking requires minimum effort, but also it is one of the shortest mountain treks in Nepal. This hidden trail situated just east to Annapurna Base Camp leads you to the base of Mardi Himal and the stunning Machapuchhre (Fishtail). There are several short and long ascends during the trip to this mountain. About a long week trip in the Himalayas, you will come across an impressive landscape walking along the hidden trails in the Annapurna region.

Mardi Himal at the elevation of 5,587 m above the mean sea level is believed to be an easy target even for non- professional climbers. Up until you reach the elevation of 3,300 m, you will walk through the dense rhododendron forest which is absolutely stunning especially during March- April and as the elevation rises, the landscapes change.

There are small teahouse and lodges along the route, which provides very simple facilities as it takes you past remote and hidden paths in Annapurna. It goes through the old stone built villages and finally, at 3,580 m, you will reach the highest sleeping point at High Camp which offers astonishing views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Machapuchhre.

For more than a decade long, trekkers have ignored Mardi Himal trip. There is less number of teahouses with only basic provisions. Even these days. It has only been few years that these guesthouses are established for trekkers. Efforts have been put to build new lodges and teahouses along the trail with better facilities to attract more people.

Mardi Himal trekking does not need to be extended except if you require a longer stay at the lodge for some reasons. Plus, extended Mardi Himal trek doesn’t have much to offer. It is essential that you know your guide is professional and up to date about the mountains. If possible, meet them beforehand and build a good rapport, after all in mountains, you are at his hand. Make sure you have communicated the right information to your group. Let them know what’s included in the package. In the case of solo travelers, they get to save them costs a little more because they can bargain from hiring an independent guide to getting a room and ordering food. For veteran climbers, it is not so big of a deal to do independent trekking. It is not a difficult job at all to locate a place to rest in Mardi Himal. The only hectic side is that unlike in group package, here you will have to arrange everything by yourself from getting permits to booking a room in a guesthouse and ordering food. You will have to look after you and your properties throughout the journey up and down the mountains.

It is a newly established trek with fewer crowds visiting the territory. In case if you are a nature lover and prefer a peaceful expedition, this is your chance. Experience lifetime moments getting lost in glacier wilderness, crackling branches as you walk through Rhododendron forests and white snow-capped mountains towering around you.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (800m).

Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana.(1925m, about 4 hours trek)

Day 04: Pothana to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.

Day 05: Forest camp to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking.

Day 06: Low camp to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.

Day 07: Day excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High camp/ (4,500m)- 4 hours Trekking.

Day 08: high camp to Siding village (1,750m) -6 hours walking.

Day 09: Siding village to Lumre and drive to Pokhara- 3 hours walking and 2 hours driving.

Mardi Himal Trekking is a newly opened trekking trail in the beautiful Annapurna Region. The trek takes place in the area least visited and offers the unspoiled beauty making it one of the best cultural treks in the Annapurna region. If you like to explore the off the beaten trek this will be the best option for you.

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Travel away treks heartily welcomes you to the beautiful Himalayan nation of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, look out for your name on the placard held by Travel Away Treks representative. We will receive you at the airport and help you with your transfer to your Hotel. After check-in at the hotel, feel free to explore your vibrant surrounding or rest in the comfort of your hotel.

Day02

Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Wake up to a brand new day to experience the Kathmandu City. After breakfast, we will start our sightseeing tour in the Kathmandu valley. The Kathmandu Valley is known for its art, architecture, and culture. The valley hosts several temples and palaces, which are listed under the UNESCO World Heritage sites. We will visit the Durbar squares decorated with ancient art and architecture and shrines like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhu that showcases the unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture in the valley. After the insightful tour around the valley, we meet up with the trek leaders and team members for a brief discussion on the trek and raise questions and get insights on the adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day03

Drive to Pokhara

We will start our day early for a road trip from Kathmandu to the scenic city of Pokhara which will take about 6-7 hours. We can view the beautiful hills and the villages along the way to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city known for its stunning mountain views and serene lakes. The beauty of Pokhara will fuel you for the trek that lies ahead. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day04

Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana

We will start our day early and take an hour-long drive to Phedi, from where we will commence our Mardi Himal trekking. We will start the trek by climbing the stairs from Phedi which will eventually level. 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, 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 checkpoint in Pothana. Overnight in Pothana.

Day05

Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2554m)

After a hearty breakfast, we start our trek with a steep uphill climb through thick forest along the beautiful views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is the home to much rare 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.

Day06

Forest Camp to High Camp (3980m)

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 the ascent. On Reaching the top, we will be highly rewarded with the magnificent, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Mount Macchapuchre. Overnight at High Camp.

Day07

High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4350m)

We will rise early to appreciate the spectacular sunrise view over the Annapurna range from the High Camp. After breakfast, we will start our ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at 5300 meters. The trek today is challenging with a walk along a narrow, rocky trail. The hardship of the day is generously rewarded with the stunning mountain views along the pristine surroundings at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. After spending some time at the base camp, we will retrace our steps back to high camp. Overnight at High Camp

Day08

Trek from High Camp to Siding Village

We will retrace our steps and follow a steep descent to low camp from where we will trek into the forest to Mardi Khola. After a delightful walk along the river and the forest, we will reach a warm and hospitable village of Siding. Overnight at Siding Village.

Day09

Trek from Siding Village to Saidighatta and drive to Pokhara

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 from where we will take an hour-long drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara.

Day10

Drive back to Kathmandu

After exploring the beauty of Pokhara city, we will take a six-hour long drive back to Kathmandu. We will enjoy the beauty of the nearby villages, rivers, and hills along our way back. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day11

Farewell

The beautiful adventure in the mountains of Nepal had come to an end today! We will be helped with our transfer to International Airport for our flight back home. On our way to home, we will replay all the wonderful memories offered by the wonderful country. Travel Away Treks will love to welcome you for any trekking tour services in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet in the future.