Mardi Himal trek has a reputation of one of the shortest and easy treks that provides you an unimaginable interaction with the pristine wilderness and one on one time with some of the highest mountains in the world: Hiunchuli, Annapurna range, Machhapuchre (Fishtail Mountain), Gangapurna and Mardi Himal standing as if in a touching distance. A mountain flight experience to Pokhara, walk in the rhododendron forest, enjoying the misty view of Annapurna Sanctuary, and walking on the ridge leading to the upper viewpoint is the main reason why travelers always find excuses to backpack to this region of Nepal.
Overview
<p><b>Starting Trek point: Kande</b></p>
<p><b>Ending Trek point: Sidding</b></p>
<p><b>Highest altitude to gain: Mardi Base Camp (4450 m)</b></p>
<p><b>Difficulty: 3 out of 5</b></p>
<p><b>Seasons to avoid trekking here: Mid-June to August (Monsoon season) </b></p>
Itinerary
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1400m)
Your arrival will be awaited by our representatives at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). You will be transferred to the hotel rooms in the city along with your luggage. There is no specific activity designated for this day. You will meet the rest of the trekking team and representatives and you will have all the freedom to prepare yourself for the next day.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400 ,m), Pokhara (822 m), Kande (1740 m), Australian Camp (2,100 m), Pittam Deurali (2,130 m)
We leave the bustling city of Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara. The flight experience guarantees unforgettable panoramic mountain scenery and an aerial view of Pokhara also popularly known as “The city of lakes”. From Pokhara, we drive to Kande which in about an hour and start hiking. Today we will not cover a long distance as we have to monitor the altitude gain. We hike from Kande to Australian Camp in about one and half hour and then hike an interesting trail for about 2 hours to Pittam Deurali for night stay.
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Overnight in Pittam Deurali
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Pittam Deurali (2,130 m), Forest Camp (2,450 m)
We walk through the dense oak and rhododendron forest for about 5 hours before reaching the open field of the Forest camp. The extreme change in vegetation will be noticeable today as the dark forests of this region offer an insight into why Nepal is known for its massive hills and woodlands. One of the best thing about walking through these forests is the protection from harsh sunlight in day time.
Overnight in Forest Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Forest Camp (2,450 m), Low Camp (3,210m),
After breakfast we prepare our gears before heading towards Low camp. The trail is not too different from what we experienced yesterday as we march through the rhododendron forest again. After about 3 hours of the uphill climb we will reach a place called Low Camp where we will stay overnight.
Overnight in Low Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Low Camp (3,210 m), High Camp (3,585 m)
As we start gaining altitude the trees start getting shorter and the forest trail starts disappearing. After one and half hours of the climb from Low Camp, we will reach a scenic ridge called Baadal Danda. We take a short break here as the view of Fishtail mountain, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Hiuchuli, and Gangarpurna looks majestic.
In about 3 hours of ridge and jungle walk, we will reach the High Camp where we will spend our night.
Overnight in High Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: High Camp (3,585 m), Mardi Himal Basecamp (4,450 m)
Today is the day we hike to the highest point of this trek. The trail leading to the Mardi Himal Base Camp is a walk on a ridge. After early breakfast we will leave High Camp. It takes about 2 and half hours to reach the upper viewpoint where you will be welcomed by the cattle grazing. The variation of peaks seen from this point is mind-boggling. You will be able to see Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III from this breathtaking viewpoint, to say the least.
We will return to High Camp after spending some quality time at the viewpoint and wait for the sunset.
Overnight in High Camp
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: High Camp (3,585 m), Middle Camp (3,200 m), Sidding (1,750 m)
The trail from this day is all downhill with occasional uphill walks. We start early in the morning to reach Low Camp for lunch and follow another trail down to Sidding. The total walk time will be 6-7 hours. We spend our night here as this will be our last day of spending a night in a tea house in the Annapurna region.
Overnight in Sidding
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Sidding (1,750 m), Lumle (1,190 m), Pokhara (822 m)
We will walk for about 2 hours to reach Lumle and take a jeep straight to Pokhara in about an hour. The condition of the road is not ideal but it is still a more viable option than walking to Pokhara. If the road condition is good enough you can travel in a jeep from Sidding.
Pokhara city is one of the most popular tourist hubs of Nepal. There are ancient caves, historic waterfalls, temples, and numerous vibrant lakes for everyone to enjoy along with boating, paragliding, cycling, and many more.
Overnight in Pokhara
Lunch, breakfast and dinner included
Altitude information: Kathmandu (1,400m), Pokhara (822m)
We can return to Kathmandu by bus, minivan, or airplane. The return to the capital denotes an end to our memorable journey.
FAQs
Mardi trek is one of the easiest treks in Nepal. This is a short trek that is suitable also for beginners. With an experienced guide, the right gears, permits and the will to travel this trek can easily be completed. Minor fatigue and body aches can be the result of some off-road travel but it can be shaken off with a rest day.
The accommodation in this part of Nepal has improved in recent years but in a very packed season, you might have some difficulties as there are still not too many lodges and tea houses built in this trekking region. Wi-Fi, hot shower, internet coverage is available in the tea houses but you might have to use shared bathrooms in some checkpoints. Water freezing is a big problem during the winter season at the High Camp so we recommend travelers to resist the urge to take bath at higher altitudes.
The highest altitude we reach in this trek for night stay is about 4,500 meters. If you have never attained such height earlier, you will need to be physically and mentally prepared for this trek through cardio workouts, lower body workouts, and core strengthening exercises. No special training or physical fitness is required but if you can maintain a certain level of fitness before starting this trek it will be a bonus point.
Yes! When you gain altitude oxygen level in the atmosphere decreases but with a healthy diet, hydration, and slow-maintained walking pace it will not be a problem. If you see any signs of altitude sickness our guides and porter will guide you to a lower altitude for recovery. This trek can be completed in 5 to 6 days by a physically fit person, so if you aren’t confident about acclimating every other day, extend your trekking days to 10 to 12 days giving your body be familiar with the altitude.
