Mardi Himal Trek is a secret gem of Annapurna Region. Though Mardi Hima Trek route is located in the most popular destination, this route has been in shadow stage and has not been popular like other routes in Annapurna Conservation Area; Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Treks and others.
The trail
The trail starts from the very beautiful lakeside city – Pokhara. Major attractions of Pokhara are boating in Phewa Lake, enjoying the views from Peace Stupa and lot more. Mardi Himal Trek route goes through the pine, juniper and rhododendron forest and the rivers. The route takes us steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola. The journey of Mardi Himal Trekk ascends through the dense forest. Mardi Himal trek route offers mesmerizing Himalaya scenery including the Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna Ranges, and Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail (In Nepali, Machhapuchhare) etc.
Mardi Himal Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and Trek to Pothana (1990 m)
Day 2: Trek from Pothana to Low Camp (3150 m)
Day 3: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (4100 m)
Day 4: Explore around Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and back to Low Camp (3150 m)
Day 5: Trek from Low Camp to Siding Village (1280m)
Day 6: Trek from Siding Village to Milan Chowk and Drive to Pokhara
Note: For arrival and departure, add two more days.
Mardi Himal Trek Altitude
Destination locating in higher altitude – Low Camp (3150m), High Camp (4100m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m)
Mardi Himal Trek Weather
Best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). On this season, the weather is sunny and warm with an outstanding view of Himalaya Ranges. Summer or Monsoon seasons starts from June to August, which will be affected by rain.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost
USD 575 (Include All Govt. taxes) – which covers airport pickup & drop, 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
Teahouse accommodation during the trek.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Ticket of Tourist Bus (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu).
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader.
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and Medical kit (carried by your trek leader).
Mardi Himal Trek Review
Now, let’s come to the final point. Why should Mardi Himal Trek be on your travel bucket list?
Trekking trails which can be completed within 5 or 6 days and fits among all types of beginner trekkers’ (without having any trekking experience)
Trekking route is natural on its way and less commercialized
An Uninterrupted view of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441), Annapurna I (8,091m), Khangsar Kang (7,485m), Gangapurna (7,454m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m) and Mardi Himal (5,553)
If you are looking to explore a hidden gem in the less trekked destination then without any doubt Mardi Himal trek is the one which you won’t regret putting on your travel bucket list.