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Mardi Himal Trek

A Mardi Himal Trek offers the beauty of the Nepali mountains with fewer crowds, authentic teahouses, stunning rhododendron forests, and incredible Annapurna Mountain Range views. Mardi Himal trek offers a breathtaking experience surrounded by green hills and snow capped mountains while you walk in pristine forests filled with oaks and rhododendrons.

There are stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on the west and Machhapuchhre and Manaslu on the east as one hike along a high ridge with the Mardi Himal range behind. You can get up close to mighty peaks such as Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Trekking on Mardi Himal involves walking on a narrow ridgeline surrounded by spectacular Annapurna Massifs. Budding photographers and filmmakers will have ample opportunities to capture dramatic mountain images thanks to the unobstructed and exposed views. The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region is a good choice for novices and experienced trekkers alike.

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights:

Fishtail mountain

  •         You will begin your trip in Pokhara, Nepal’s most popular tourist destination. 
  •         You will get to see the sights of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre up close.
  •         You will get to discover rich mountain cultures, incredible landscape, lush green jungles, and breathtaking natural scenery.
  •         This trek will allow you to see the sky-dominating Annapurna South (7219m), Himchuli (7893m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), Machhapuchhre             (6993m), Mardi Himal (5587m), and many more impressive peaks. 
  •         You will get to witness a breathtaking sunset from Mardi Camp over Fishtail.

Why you’ll love this trip?

Mardi Himal Trek

Located on a side trail of the Annapurna Base Camp hike, the Mardi Himal Trek offers great views of lesser-known parts of the Annapurna Massif. This trek is a little rougher, a bit more exciting, and most importantly, less crowded than other treks in the Annapurna Region.

You will reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (17,763 ft). This trek originally had a limited number of teahouses, but since about 2011, there have been many teahouses available along the trail.

A trip to Mardi Himal trek offers a picturesque and overwhelming experience surrounded by green hills and snowcapped mountains along with walks in the pristine forest filled with rhododendrons and oak trees.

The Mardi Khola valley with snow-covered Annapurna can be enjoyed while sharing meals with friends and strangers after you reach the Mardi Base Camp (4500 m) after acclimatizing at the two high camps.

The Mardi Himal trek leads along a high ridge with views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri in the west and the Machhapuchhre and Manaslu mountain range in the east.

Unique experiences in Mardi Trek:

Mountains above clouds

  •         Mardi Himal Trek is a short trekking tour in the Mardi Himal that takes you to high altitudes of the Himalayas, so you can see the mountain ranges up close and unobstructed.
  •         The Mardi Himal Trek route consists of eight camps where you can enjoy the views, including Base Camp (4,500 meters), High Camp (3,600 meters), Babal Dada Low Camp (3,150 meters), Kokar Forest Camp (2,600 meters), Pitam Deurali (2,100 meters), (1,750 meters), etc.
  •         The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately challenging trek in the Annapurna region. The first couple of days are easy, and then the latter days become more challenging as you gain elevation toward base camp. This trek, however, is comparatively easy compared to others in the Annapurna region.
  •         Mardi Himal trekking adventure takes you through green and peaceful forests, offering a wonderful experience of walking through the wilderness.
  •         As the Mardi Himal Trek follows a fairly simple route, it is one of the best options for solo trekkers.

 

Mardi Himal Trek Route:

Path-to-mardi

Mardi Himal Trek takes you to the top of Mardi Himal in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Pokhara is the starting point for the Mardi Himal trek, after which you take the drive to Kande and trek from there to Pothana or Deurali.

Then we move to the low camp, then on to the high camp, and finally on to Mardi base camp. Then we trek down to Siding after the wonderful experience in base camp. Afterward, we return to Pokhara by private vehicle (jeep, car, van, etc.).

Mardi Himal Trek: How difficult is it?

snow in mardi

You don’t need super fitness for this trek, however moderate fitness is still required since you’re trekking through the Himalayas of Nepal. You will have to cross some rocky sections near the high camp and base camp.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a normal to moderate-level trek in the Annapurna region. Trekking with a basic level of fitness is possible, but a good training program will make your trek more rewarding. The trek does not require climbing skills.

When to trek?

Sunrise from mardi

Mardi Trek is best done in the autumn, from mid-September to mid-October, and from late November to early December. March–May is the second best season of the year to go to Mardi trekking.

The skies are clear during December – January – February, but the weather can get very cold and snowfall can close passes. May to June is Nepal’s hot pre-monsoon season, which is still a good time to trek to Mardi.

During the winter, the paths going to the Mardi Himal are usually covered in snow, and the weather becomes exceedingly dry and frigid. Snow-covered mountains and visual splendor, however, make this time of year a memorable one.

A hike up the Mardi Himal will surely remain in your memory. There will always be something to cherish about the scenic beauty and the enthralling atmosphere.

Experience a true adventure by trekking to Mardi with the Himalayan Circuit, which will bring you through a lush forest of pines, rhododendrons, oaks, and dense Gurung villages.

The Best Trekking Trails in the Annapurna Region

Annapurana Base Camp

A walk in nature is like witnessing a thousand miracles. Trekking in Nepal gives you the chance to relax and awaken your inner spirituality, inspired by its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the gracious hospitality of its people. 

Nepal is a dreamland for adventure lovers, with majestic mountains, gentle slopes, and fertile valleys. There is a vast variety of terrains, from steamy jungles and the lowlands of Terai to the highest peaks on earth. People of all ages and capabilities can trek in Nepal, choosing to climb to wild and lofty places or easy, short hikes.

The Annapurna trekking trails are considered some of the best in the world, thanks to the spiritual and visual experiences they offer. Snow-covered slopes, tropical jungles, bamboo forests, eco-systems, and a diversity of cultures make it a perfect trekking destination.

Located in the North-central part of Nepal, the Annapurna region includes 30 peaks higher than 6,000 metres. In 1950, Maurice Herzog became the first to reach the summit. The region is bordered on the East by the Marshyangdi River, the Kali Gandaki Gorge in the West, the Pokhara Valley in the South, and the Nepal-Tibetan border in the North. 

According to Hindu mythology, the mountain is the home of the goddess Annapurna, who nourishes her people with food and water.

 

What makes the Annapurna Trekking Trails so special?

Annapurna

Trekking is in between hiking and climbing: walking along a variety of trails with your equipment during the day and camping in the mountains at night. Trekking trails in Annapurna can take days or even weeks to complete depending on their length.

The trails here display environmental and cultural diversity, such as bamboo forests, tropical jungles, snow-covered slopes, and the humbling Himalayas. Here are some more reasons to visit this beautiful place:

  • The trekking trails in this region are very well protected and the authorities of Nepal are working hard to increase safety for tourists, especially in the case of medical emergencies.
  • The climate is mild during the trekking season, so you won’t get too hot!
  • There is a wide variety of accommodations in the Annapurna trekking region, from traditional tea house lodges to Western-style luxury hotels.
  • Visiting the snowy peaks, interacting with the local people, and experiencing the cultural and spiritual sites, such as Buddhist Stupas and Hindu shrines, are just a few of the experiences that will make the trip memorable.
  • Enjoy the delicious local cuisine, such as momo (Nepalese dumplings), nutritious soups, traditional Dal bhat and yak burgers.
  • The Annapurna region is a great place for trekkers of all levels of experience. 
  • The area offers affordable prices.

 

Top Trekking Trails in Annapurna:

Trekking in Annapurna region

The Annapurna Sanctuary is a short and easy trek that takes you up to 1,130 metres in altitude and offers comfortable accommodation. Starting in Pokhara it passes rhododendrons, birches, oaks, and bamboo plants. Upon reaching the Sanctuary, you can see Machhapuchre, Fang, Gangapurna, Annapurna I, moraine fields, and glaciers.

ThorangLa Pass

The Annapurna Circuit trek is considered one of the world’s classics as you pass through conifer forests, murky jungle rivers, and ice wastes. The snow-covered Thorung La Pass (5,416m), the Hindu holy site Muktinath (3,750m), river gorges, and Buddhist pilgrimage sites make it one of the best trekking destinations in the world.

Poon Hill

The Poon Hill trek offers beautiful forests, enchanting villages and stunning mountain views that showcase what trekking in Nepal has to offer. Seeing the sunrise passing through the shining Annapurna I (8,091m), Himchuli (6,441m), and Fishtail (6,993m) is the major highlight of this trek. Poonhill itself is another major attraction. 

  • Tilicho trek

Tilicho Lake

The Tilicho trek gives you the chance to explore the highest lake in the world. Trekking starts from Manang and continues through pine forests and screed slopes to a pass at 5,005m with spectacular views of the lake. It is one of the finest routes in Nepal, combining a varied landscape, people, culture, and many waterfalls.

  • Khopra Ridge trek

Landscape view of Himalaya

The Khopra Danda trek offers a peaceful journey through beautiful villages, lush forests, and lofty viewpoints alongside Annapurna South. The main attractions are views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Khayer Lake (4,600m).

  • Nar-Phu trek

Trekking in mountains

The trail follows wild and difficult terrain that is particularly suitable for braver trekkers. Attractions include narrow gorges, yak herding, stone houses, prayer flags, Kang La Pass and high mountains. Trekkers also call it Kang La Pass trek, as you need to cross it at 5,320m.

The Annapurna trekking trails appeal to those seeking an adventurous journey in the Nepali Himalayan region while experiencing diverse scenery, geology, and climates. Check out the Himalayan Circuit website if you are looking for exciting trek packages in the Annapurna region. 

Pack your bags and get ready to witness the unexpected beauty of these natural wonders in Nepal!