Mardi Himal Trek | 10 Days | Itinerary and Cost - 10 Days

Mardi Himal is the name given to the feature of the long rising ridge and its summit that from the southwest lower slope of Mount Machhapuchhare(Fishtail), the famous triangular skyline that is seen from the Phewa Lake at Pokhara. As we shall soon see from a closer and more westerly vantage point, the mountain hold wins peak – thus its name, Machhapuchhare , which is English means “Fishtail”. Furthermore, Mardi Himal trekking is a relatively short and easy trek in the Annapurna Region the Majestic Grouping of Mountains.

In particular, Machhapuchhare is the most southern high point of the Annapurna Massif , the awesomely majestic grouping of mountains in the central Himalaya that includes 5 of the 12 highest mountains in the world – all at the close of very close quarters to our route. Eight-day hiking through the forest and on above the tree line and on up to from our high altitude camp at 4,100 m. from where there are the most amazing close quarter’s views of all.

In this trek, you will be moving to your final destination through the path offering visions of numerous mountains, valley, forests, beautiful lakes, waterfalls. The trek starts from Pokhara where we start our drive till Phedi and start our trekking till Deurali. This is where all adventure and fun begins, you will enjoy your trekking right from this moment. This trek is of its own kind, you will get to see the magnificent outlook of Mt. Macchapuchare, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Hiunchuli. The national flower Rhododendrons that blooms magically will pilfer your heart. You will come across the prevailing culture and lifestyles of Magar and Gurung community. Furthermore, this trek can be arranged as a private or joining an existing group upon availability and is preferred by all grade trekkers.

Mardi Khola (River)

Now descending first through the forest, a different route takes us steeply down to the upper Mardi Khola. Also, the torrent that has been the ice and the snow of the Mardi Himal. Although remote and still away from all the much-used trekking routes, our expedition now takes on the moods of the warm valleys and the friendly villages. Here, as we make our way along the bank of the Mardi Khola from the hillside village of siding. Similarly, we will pass down through the lovely fields, past the simple farms, and over the “interesting” bridges. Consequently, there is no doubt this indeed the idyllic Nepali countryside.

Mardi Himal Trekking Facts

Destination : Nepal Highest altitude : 4500m/14,762ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp) Lowest altitude : 1400m (Pokhara) Start point : Pokhara Departure point : Pokhara Accommodation : Hotel in Pokhara and teahouse/lodge throughout the trek Other activities in Pokhara : Zip Flyer, Paragliding, Kayaking, Boating, Bungee Jumping

Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek

• Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour: Begin your adventure with a guided exploration of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
• Panoramic Mountain Views: Witness breathtaking vistas of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal throughout the trek.
• Serene Trails: Explore peaceful and less crowded routes, offering an intimate experience of the Himalayan wilderness.
• Dense Rhododendron Forests: Trek through lush forests blooming with rhododendron flowers, especially vibrant during spring.
• High Camp and Upper Viewpoint: Enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayas from High Camp and the Upper Viewpoint (4,250m).
• Authentic Villages: Experience the culture and hospitality of Gurung and Magar communities in villages like Deurali, Sidhing, and Badal Dada.
• Diverse Landscapes: Traverse a mix of terraced fields, dense forests, grassy meadows, and alpine ridges.
• Short Yet Rewarding Trek: Ideal for those with limited time, this trek provides a complete Himalayan experience within a shorter duration.
• Accessible Start and End Points: Conveniently begins from Pokhara, a major tourist hub, making logistics easy and hassle-free.
• Stunning Sunrise Views: Witness golden hues on the Annapurna range from key vantage points.
• Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: A relatively less-traveled trail compared to the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, perfect for solitude seekers.

Difficulties of the Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderately challenging yet incredibly rewarding adventure, offering stunning landscapes and serene trails. While there are a few hurdles along the way, they are manageable with proper preparation and make the journey even more memorable:

1. Altitude Gain: Reaching a maximum height of 4,250 meters, the trek offers breathtaking views at the Upper Viewpoint. Though altitude may pose a minor challenge, acclimatization and steady pacing ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
2. Steep Sections: The climbs and descents add excitement to the trek, with each step revealing new and awe-inspiring landscapes. Staying fit and taking your time will make these sections feel like small victories.
3. Weather Conditions: The ever-changing weather adds a sense of adventure. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll be ready to embrace nature’s surprises, whether it’s a misty forest or a sunny ridge.
4. Trail Variety: The diverse terrain, from lush forests to open ridges, keeps the trek interesting and engaging. A good pair of trekking boots ensures you’ll navigate the paths comfortably.
5. Basic Amenities: The simplicity of tea house accommodations adds a rustic charm, letting you connect with the local culture and enjoy the Himalayan hospitality.
6. Cold Nights: Crisp mountain nights provide the perfect opportunity to cozy up in warm layers and enjoy the starry skies—an unforgettable highlight of the trek.

Best Time and Season for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek can be enjoyed year-round, but the best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer the most favorable weather, stunning scenery, and comfortable trekking conditions:

Spring (March to May):

• The hills come alive with blooming rhododendrons, creating vibrant, colorful landscapes.

• Clear skies and moderate temperatures make trekking enjoyable during the day and cozy at night.

• This is an excellent season for photography, as the mountain views are crisp and dramatic.

2.Autumn (September to November):

• Known for its stable weather, this season provides crystal-clear views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges.
• The post-monsoon freshness enhances the greenery and landscapes, making the trek visually stunning.
• Comfortable trekking temperatures and festive vibes in the villages add to the overall experience.

3.Winter (December to February):

• Trekking in winter is a quieter experience, with fewer crowds and snow-dusted trails.
• Although it can be colder, especially at higher altitudes, the serene beauty and peaceful ambiance make it worthwhile for adventurous trekkers.

4.Monsoon (June to August):

• While the monsoon season brings lush greenery and fewer trekkers, it also involves potential challenges like slippery trails and cloudy views.
• For those seeking solitude and are well-prepared for rain, it’s still a unique experience.

Choosing the right season for the Mardi Himal Trek depends on your preferences, but spring and autumn remain the most popular for their ideal weather and breathtaking scenery.

Equipment & Gears

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Pick up from Airport and drive to your hotel (1,300m/4,264 ft) Hotel Accommodation.

Day 02:  Half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Hotel Accommodation.

Day 03:  Drive to Pokhara (828 m /2690 ft) (200km / 124miles ) 6 – 7 hrs, Hotel  Accommodation.

Day 04: Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali (2100 m/ 6888 ft) (9km / 5.5mi) 30 minutes drive, 4-5 hrs trek, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 05: Deurali to Forest Camp (2520 m/ 8266 ft) (6km / 3.7mi) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 06: Forest Camp to High Camp (3540 m/11,611 ft) (8km/ 4.97mi) 6-7 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 07: High Camp to upper viewpoint (4250 m/ 13,940 ft) (3.6km/ 2.23mi) return back to Badal Dada (3210m/10531ft) 2 hrs, Tea House Accommodation.

Day 08: Badal Dada to Sidhing Village (1700 m/5576 ft) (8.3km/5.5mi) Drive to Pokhara 7-8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 09: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a comfortable tourist bus. (200km/124miles) 7 – 8 hrs, Hotel Accommodation.

Day 10: Final departure.

On availability of your time and interest after your trek,  please feel free to choose our DAY TOURS, NEPAL TOURS , Jungle Safaris or other options from our website. Here are some trip extensions that might interest you.