Guide to Mardi Himal Trek

Located in the Annapurna Region, Mardi Himal trek is a hidden jewel. Covering some of the breath-taking glacial valleys and beautifully diverse landscape of the Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal Trek is a short and spectacular trip. The trek is short with harsh and slippery trails but the ultimate destination offers such splendid Himalayan view which makes the effort worth it.

 

Time is taken to complete the trek -  7 to 10 days

Maximum Elevation – 4500 meters

Best time to visit Mardi Himal – March to May and September to November

Starting point – Deurali

Ending Point – Lumle

Difficulty – Medium

Completing this trek would surely be an amazing experience because of the rich cultural diversity, revitalizing nature, the less crowded route, glorious Annapurna massif and the species of flora and fauna. Given below are some highlights about the Mardi Himal trek that will make you pack your bags and start this journey immediately!

 

Since Mardi Himal is one of the least visited trails of Nepal, it offers unspoiled beauty of nature in the Annapurna region. The Mardi Himal remains less exposed in comparison to other trekking routes which makes the site relatively fresh and less crowded.

 Natural and Cultural diversity:

 

Since the Mardi region is known to be rich in biodiversity and panoramic landscape, the trekkers will get all soaked in the picturesque scenery of green rolling hills, waterfalls, beautiful forests and varieties of wildlife and birds with a gorgeous backdrop of the sparkling river and magnificent mountains. This trek also displays a cultural melting point of Hinduism and Buddhism as the village is inhabited by friendly, simple and ethnic groups like Brahmins, Chhetris, and Gurungs.

 

  Traditional villages and warm hospitality

 The Mardi Himal trek is initiated from the beautiful city of lakes and tourist hub, Pokhara and then ascend towards Phedi to Dhampus. Since the route is not an extensive trekking route, the trek doesn't have many tea houses and services. The trial follows traditional villages allowing us to explore the rural life; free from hustle crown which adds up to why one should choose Mardi Himal trek.

 

The National flower of Nepal, rhododendron is extensively available in the Mardi Himal trek, The flower is one of the most beautiful flowers and is also used for medicinal purposes. The locals in the region make juice from the flower which is quite famous in the area.

 

Trekkers would enjoy the hypnotic view of the hills covered with beautiful blooms of flowers during spring. The sight of different colored blooms (red and pink) in numerous hills is also one of the reasons why people choose this trek. 

 

 Sunrise and sunset view of Annapurna range

In Mardi Himal trek, you can see a spectacular sunrise and sunset view from the Australian base camp. Trekkers generally prefer to spend a night at the Australian Base camp to see the sun rays it the Annapurna massif in the morning and to enjoy the view of sun settling down to the lap of Annapurna in the evening. The outlook of sunrise and sunset as seen from the Australian Base camp is debatably the best, which is a reason for many tourists to take this trip.

 

Like any other trekking expedition in Nepal, the weather and temperature of the Mardi Himal trek are variable throughout the year. Since Nepal’s weather is generally predictable, one just needs to grab a pleasant and favorable time to make their journey fruitful.

 

Mardi Himal Trek during Summer Season (June to August)

The summer season in Nepal combines with heavy downpours and frequent light rains. During this time, the views are not as clear as you wish it to be. Dark clouds may cover the sky and the heavy rainfall may obstruct the mountain views.

Besides that, the trail is slippery and full of leeches which could definitely be a headache.

 

On the other hand, if luck favors you then you could see high definition views of the mountains as the dirt is all cleared with the heavy downpours. However, during the monsoon season, the paths may be blocked due to landslides. But the trails are clear as only a limited number of people draw this journey in the summertime, so the major plus point is getting an opportunity to enjoy the trek in isolation.

 

Mardi Himal Trek during Autumn Season ( September- November)

Autumn is considered an ideal season for any trekking expedition in Nepal. Since the season is right after the monsoon, the early days of the month of September mark a little rain in the Mardi region leaving a possibility of a moist atmosphere.

The skies are clear and the climate is stable, the scenic views of the mountains are clear which makes the season-best to trek the Mardi Himal.  The temperature during this season is not too hot nor too cold making it easier to hike. As the mild weather adds more lush to the environment, the Autumn season is by far the best time to trek to the Mardi Himal.

 

Mardi Himal Trek during Winter Season ( December to February )

Winter in Nepal falls in the month of December and lasts till February. Talking about climbing to the heart of the Annapurna region in winters, it may seem possible but is tremendously difficult. However, you will be accompanied by warm teahouses to relax.

Similar to Monsoon season, the winter season also being offseason, there will be few visitors so you will have the trails by yourself. The trekking passes may be blocked with snow but other than that trekking to Mardi Himal in winter is undoubtedly possible.

 

Mardi Himal Trek during Spring season

The Mardi Himal trek becomes totally flourishing during the spring season. If you love flowers you should opt for the spring season as rhododendrons are in full bloom filling the trails with lofty colors and serene beauty.

Since the flora of the region comes to life in the spring season, the trails will be packed with visitors. On top of it, tea houses and lodges will also be full during the spring season so pre-booking is a must.

 

Mardi Himal trek could be customized to trekker’s preference and it helps to recollect the diverse and geography of the Annapurna Region. Commencing the trek from Pokhara, the Mardi Himal trek will complete in ten days if the following itinerary as follows:

Day 01: Drive/Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (1,400 m/4,600 ft) (5-6 hours drive / 25 minutes flight)

 Day 02: Trek to Deurali (2100m) (3 hours trek)

Day 03: Trek from Deurali to the Forest Camp (2550 m) (5-6 hours)

 Day 04: Trek from Forest Camp to Low camp (4980 m) (3-4 hours)

 Day 05: Trek from Low camp to High camp (3,700 m) (4-5 hours)

 Day 06: Hike to Mardi base camp (4500m )and trek down to Siding (8 to 9 hours trek)

 Day 7: Trek to Lumle and drive back to Pokhara (2-3 hours walk and 3 hours drive)

 Day 8: Drive/Fly from Pokhara to Kathamndu (1,400 m/4,600 ft) (5-6 hours drive / 25 minutes flight)

 

Often addressed as “The hidden treasure” trek of Mardi Himal, has been rated as moderate difficulty. If you are an experienced trekker, this beautiful trek to central Nepal will be easy for you. However, for first-timers, there are a few factors to be considered before commencing the trek.

Since the trek is a tea house trek, there are plenty of resting points on the way. Suitable for everyone, the Mardi Himal trek has no vertical climbings. Since daily hiking hours are 4 to 6 hours, the trek might tend to be a bit difficult but there are several resting points to make the journey relaxing.

Here are some frequently asked questions to assist you on this journey to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.

 

No, there is no age limit for trekking to the Mardi Himal Base camp. As long as you are physically fit, you can accomplish this expedition.

 

The amazing vista of Himalayas during the trek includes Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Macchhapuchhre and Manaslu ranges.

 

The participants should have some prior knowledge about trekking and mountaineering. Since adventure travel requires a flexible attitude, you should be mentally prepared to adapt yourself to unpredictable weather changes and last-minute fluctuations to the itinerary.

 

The unforgettable experience that the trekkers bring back from Mardi Himal trek is something one cannot help but boast about. As mentioned above, the easy and accessible Mardi Himal trek has been kept hidden in the lap of the Annapurna region. Because of this secrecy for years, the trekking experience here adds up with unadulterated natural beauty and ethnic culture and tradition.

 

If you are looking for raw opulence of natural beauty and rich tradition of Nepalese along with tranquil trekking destination, then this trek is the one for you.