Mardi Himal trek is one of the most striking, romantic, and interesting treks in the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal trek is the best way to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the region. In the Mardi Himal trek, trekkers get the opportunity to see several traditional villages, unbelievable scenes of beautiful landscapes, and valleys, close-up views of beautiful mountains of the region, and appealing pictures of the snake-like rivers.
Mardi Himal is located in the east part of Modi Khola near Machhapuchhre Mountain across the valley of Himchuli. The Mardi Himal climbing journey is adventurous because of the isolated trek route. Mardi Himal climbing is adventurous and romantic through which trekkers get full of amusing experiences. From the High Camp, dramatic views of beautiful mountains such as Mardi, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Himchuli can be seen.
During the Mardi Himal trek, trekkers can enjoy beautiful and isolated nature, superb views of beautiful mountains, dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, diverse culture, and the hospitality of ever-smiling local ethnic people. Moreover, the traditional agricultural system, water mills, honey hunting, and cattle farming system of local people are the additional attractions of this trek. The Mardi Himal trek starts from Deurali and reaches to High Camp through the Forest camp. After the rewarding natural beauty of the surroundings and mountain vistas, return to Pokhara via Siding village with a rich cultural experience.
Day 01: Drive to Deurali (2150m), trek to Forest Camp (2600m)
Day 02: Trek to Low Camp (3050m)
Day 03: Trek High Camp (3600 m)
Day 04: Trek to Sidhing Village (1700m)
Day 05: Trek to Mardi Pul and drive to Pokhara
The trip commences from Pokhara. A scenic drive to a lovely mountain pass Deurali traversing Pothana. This beautiful place is situated between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal. Then, start the trek to Forest Camp. Ascend uphill through a dense forest and enjoy a view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continue trekking and arrive at Forest Camp. Overnight in Forest Camp.
The trek begins through the forested trail and uphill walk on a steep trail. Arrive at the beautiful grassland surrounded by beautiful scenery and mountains. Overnight in Low Camp.
The trek to High Camp is a bit tough. But the awesome surrounding vistas of attractive landscapes, lush green forest, and teasing snow-covered peaks en route make the trek more exciting. The air gets thinner as you climb higher and reach High Camp. From High Camp, get stunning views of Mardi, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, and Himchuli. Overnight in High Camp.
After a short but enjoyable trek to High Camp, retrace the steps following the steep descent. Walk through the amazing forest of pine, rhododendron, and oak enjoying the picturesque view and snowy mountains in the background. Continue descending until you reach Sidhing village. Overnight in Sidhing.
On the last day of the trek, enjoy the walk following the Mardi river in the vicinity of snow-capped mountains and cultivated crops. Leave the Mardi village behind and arrive at Mardi Pul. Then, drive to Pokhara in a vehicle. The rest of the day is leisure. Spend it on your own. Overnight in a hotel.
Accommodation
Accommodations in the Mardi Himal Treks are mostly teahouses/guesthouses. The teahouses are comfortable with basic facilities. Pay an additional charge for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, laundry, charging, internet, and electricity in the guesthouses.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic but suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout 7/8 hours of the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals prepared from home-grown crops are a treat during this trek.
Drinking water
Drinking water is easily available at the teahouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boiled water at teahouses paying extra charges. Always carry a water bottle and water purification medicine to prevent unwanted health issues. During trekking, drink direct freshwater from the flowing stream using water purification treatment.
Communication
The internet facility is easily available in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. The internet is fairly stable in the lower regions. A little instability or no availability at high altitudes. By paying extra charges at teahouses, internet facility, electricity for charging can be used. The phone signal is also good but may not work at high altitudes. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used.
Starting and Ending points
The starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek is from Deurali and ends in Pokhara.
"Deurali-Forest Camp-Low Camp-High Camp-Sidhing Village-Mardi Pul-Pokhara"
Required Permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) permits are required.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.
Safety and our guides
We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.
Best time for Mardi Himal Trek
Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time followed by the summer season for Mardi Himal Trek. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are for experienced trekkers. Only a few adventurous trekkers dare to trek during these seasons. We recommend you plan carefully if you want to trek during the off-season.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Mardi Himal Trek’s difficulty is moderately challenging. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, and rough trails. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful. So, we recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.
Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. The trek starts from Deurali (2,150m) and the altitude rises to High Camp (3,600m) during the trek. So, in between the treks, upon reaching your daily destinations acclimatize properly. Walk to the surroundings to adapt to the environment and prevent altitude sickness.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting
Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness
Preventive Guidelines
Shoes: Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks
Accessories: Sunglasses, Ski Goggles, Hats/Caps, Beanie, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Head Lamp, Pocket Knife, Personal Hygiene &Toiletries
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Medicine Kit: Wash Kit, First-Aid Kit, Blister Repair Kit, Medicines for preventing Altitude sickness, Prescribed Medicines (Personal use)
Rainy season: Waterproof clothes, boots, Raincoat, Anti-leech socks
Winter Season: Woolen clothing items (light)
Extras: Heat/Leak proof water bottles, Water Purifying solution (Iodine based), Water filters, Insulated cup/flask, Map, Binoculars, Travel Documents, Sewing kit, Cash, Extra batteries, Power bank, Pen, Diary, Book, Reusable (spoon, cup, plate), Reusable bags, Large Waterproof Disposable Bags, Snacks (Choco-bars, Mints, Nuts, Granola Bars)
It is best to bring the clothes and essential equipment from your home from the provided checklist. Also, you can buy or rent equipment and clothes in Kathmandu. You can customize the checklist as a necessity.