Mardi Himal used to be a newly opened Trek route in Annapurna Region. Nowadays, Mardi Himal is a popular trek route in Nepal because of its unique landscape, mountains, people, and diversity in the lower elevation. Mardi Trek Route was opened in 2014; at the beginning, there were no lodges. Nowadays, there are nice hotels, and the amenities are also getting better. Mardi Himal is situated just east of the most popular Annapurna base camp trek and on the bottom of Mt. Fishtail.
The Holy Peak, Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), 6993m, Annapurna South, 7,219 m, Hiunchuli (6441 m), Baraha Shikhar (7647 m), Singu Chuli (6501 m), and Annapurna I (8090 m) Mountains are the major highlights of the trek. From the Mardi Himal viewpoint, 4500 meters (14,764 feet), spectacular views of Mardi Himal (5587 meters (18,330 feet), and a myriad of other peaks surround you.
This 10-day Mardi Himal Trek starts in Kathmandu with visits to heritage sites. Before heading to the Pokhara which is the starting point of the trek, we will explore Kathmandu and prepare our trekking permits. The Rugged Trails Nepal team will give brief, detailed information about the trip during the welcome dinner. Pokhara is another beautiful city where we spend one night at the beginning and one night after the trek. We will explore lakes, monuments, and major highlights of Pokhara. The 10-day itinerary covers all the ground transportation for the entire trip and hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara as well.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Best viewpoint for Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South
- World Heritage Sites visit Kathmandu.
- Beautiful Pokhara Valley and Lakes.
- Amazing Annapurna Himalayas and Landscapes.
- Sunrise viewpoints and diversity.
- Food, culture, lifestyle, and more.
Places Covered During the Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek goes through typical villages such as Dhampus, Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Rest Camp, Dadal Danda, and High Camp. Along the way, you will be welcomed by Mt. Fishtail, Rhododendron Forest, typical villages, ships, yaks, colorful forests, and grassland. The Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for all kinds of hikers and is also suggested for families. You can see in the pictures how close you can see the mountain ranges in front. Mardi Himal Trekking is one of the best short trek routes in Nepal for beginners as well. Rugged Trails Nepal suggested itinerary can be customized on your request; we can make it shorter or longer upon your request and time frame.
The best seasons to Trek to Mardi Himal
Trekking to Mardi Himal is possible throughout the year, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Spring is a bit more colorful, the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. If you want to avoid crowds, then December, January, February, and March are the best months; it will be cold and snowy around. Mardi Base Camp will not be able to trek up to Mardi Upper Viewpoint.
A Photographer's Guide to the Mardi Himal Trek
We offer a photographic trek in the Mardi Himal since the path for the trip is so beautiful. For the most breathtaking photos of this trail's vibrant rhododendron blossoms, springtime is always the ideal time to visit. The best spots during the hike for photography are listed below.
- Pothana Viewpoint
- Badal Danda, or Middle Camp.
- Flora and nature photography along the way.
- After Badal Dand, every single spot is great.
- Mardi High Camp and Mardi Himal Viewpoint
Food during the Mardi Himal Trek.
Simply select a dish from the menu. The majority of teahouses serve Italian, Indian, Tibetan, and continental cuisines, including piza, pasta, spring rolls, and spaghetti. Our guide will propose foods if you are a vegetarian or vegan, and it is doable. You will receive fresh veggies as well as Dal Bhat, a staple of Nepalese cuisine. For meat eaters, meat is available; however, we advise against eating it after a particular location. The guide will advise if the meat is safe to eat, even though it won't be fresh and will have been transported from the city.
In the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, food will be on your own, and there are many nice restaurants around. We suggest OR2K in Kathmandu and Pokhara for vegetarian food.
Mardi Himal Trekking and Accommodation
A local family runs the lodges or teahouses where lodging is available. If we exclude some lovely luxury lodges, the standard lodges feature individual rooms with 2 beds or 4–5 beds arranged in a dormitory-like arrangement. Please don't anticipate restrooms in every teahouse; some have them. Nowadays, lodges have been updated with modern amenities at Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, Poonhill, Everest, and some other locations. It will be difficult to find private rooms at the busiest times, but we'll do our best. A squat or a flush? Most of the locations have flush toilets. You will get clean rooms with pillows and warm blankets (if sleeping bags are needed, you can hire them in Kathmandu or Pokhara). Don't expect heating inside the room, but there will be traditional heating in the dining area.
- Special hike bundle: Mardi Himal Yoga Trek
Drinking water and showering during the Mardi Himal Trek
It is not advised for hikers to drink water straight from the tap. On most trails, you may purchase hot water, mineral water, and filtered water. We advise using water purification pills on the treks (if you are used to the tablets). We ask hikers to utilize alternatives because there is a serious issue with plastic bottles near the route. If you apply a purification tablet, our guide will be able to obtain pure water from the tap. Both are not worth using in some locations, in which case purchasing water bottles is secure.
Other than Badal Danda, most establishments provide showers where you may take a hot shower for somewhere between $1 and $4 USD.
How hard is the Mardi Himal Trek?
Everyone can do the Mardi Himal Trek because it is mild. You don't have to be athletic, but you should be fit enough to walk for 5–6 hours while carrying a light daypack. If you have a major knee condition, this journey might not be the best option for you. The trip route was made with altitude in mind and is intended for leisurely, slow hikers who want to take it all in. The Mardi Himal hiking route is safe. Cycling, swimming, and climbing stairs are all good exercises for the trip; if you also practice yoga and deep breathing techniques, this is great for you.
Travel Insurance For Mardi Himal Trek
For this trek, you must have travel insurance. While most people have insurance, your policy must also cover air ambulances, medical care, and helicopter rescue. Check out WorldNomads and other options for travel insurance.
How high is the Mardi Himal Trek? Can I hike with my kids?
The viewpoint is at an elevation of 4,200 m, whereas the Mardi base camp is at 4,500 m. The highest height of the Mardi Himal hike, then, is 45,00 M if we go to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Keep in mind that the Mardi Viewpoint, located at 4,200 meters above sea level, offers a beautiful view; therefore, getting to Base Camp just requires touching Mardi Base Camp.
Children can travel, and we've had numerous successful trips with kids as young as two. Rugged Trails Nepal established support staff that deals with children. Due to the fact that all of the trips were successfully arranged with kids, you need not be concerned about height on this climb. If you think you can't walk, you may skip the viewpoint and base camp because the views are magnificent from Badal Danda or the High Camp. Believe us, this is a beginner-friendly trek if you follow the 10-day trek itinerary.
Trekking Gears for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Depending on the time of year you visit, you will need different hiking equipment for the Mardi Himal Trek. Get ideas for packing the right gear by checking out the list of trekking supplies at the link below. If you forget to bring equipment, you can purchase it in Pokhara or Kathmandu. The Porters will handle your baggage; you will just need to carry your valuables. Bring a small daypack with you on the hike so you can transport water and valuables like your wallet, passport, and other items. You will only bring the items that are absolutely required for the walk. Duffle bags will be provided for the trek to put your stuff on by Rugged Trails Nepal.
Can I just make a reservation for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you can only reserve a spot on the Mardi Himal Trek with us. Just provide us the information for your Pokhara accommodation and your arrival time. The Mardi Himal Trekking Maps and Trekking Permits will be waiting for you when our guide arrives. However, in order to issue the trekking permits, we require copies of your passport and P.P. size pictures. Follow the link for the 5-day Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara.
How short can the Mardi Himal Hike be?
The Mardi Himal Trek can take between three and four days if you don't have enough time. The 2-day Mardi Himal Trek is difficult, and you should only do it if you want to run a marathon. We have listed a 3-day-long Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara.
Short 3 days Trek itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek
- Day 01: Pokhara drive to Kalimati and trek to Rest Camp.
- Day 02: Rest Camp Trek to High Camp.
- Day 03: Low Camp Trek to Mardi Viewpoint, base camp, and trek back to Sidding. Drive to Pokhara.
Additional Information for the Mardi Himal Trek
If there is anything missing from this list of essential trip information, please let us know by sending us an email, and we will respond as soon as possible. You may check out our Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels for views and travel inspiration. Please let us know if you want the hotels in the cities upgraded. Get the best rate if you're traveling as a group, especially for the health services since you guys were so helpful during the COVID-19 epidemic.
