Mardi Himal Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Annapurna Region
Trip overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a spectacular journey that offers trekkers the chance to experience the natural beauty, stunning mountain views, and local culture of the Annapurna region, all while avoiding the crowds that often populate other popular trekking routes like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. This short yet rewarding trek takes you through lush forests, quaint villages, and high alpine meadows, all the while providing panoramic views of some of the most iconic peaks in the Himalayas, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Ideal for those looking for a trek that balances adventure with comfort and ease, the Mardi Himal Trek offers breathtaking landscapes without the physical demands of the more difficult Himalayan treks. Whether you are a seasoned trekker or a beginner, this trek is the perfect escape into the heart of the Annapurna region.
Tentative Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to your hotel and meet with your guide for a pre-trek briefing.
- Spend the rest of the day exploring Kathmandu’s vibrant streets or relaxing after your flight.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- After breakfast, take a scenic 6-7 hour drive to Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital. The journey takes you through picturesque hills, rivers, and villages along the Prithvi Highway.
- Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake, explore the lakeside area, or take a short stroll through the city.
- Overnight in Pokhara.
Drive to Kande, Trek to Australian Camp (2,060m)
- After breakfast, drive to Kande (around 1.5 hours from Pokhara), the starting point of the trek.
- Begin your hike through lush forests and charming villages as you ascend gradually to Australian Camp, a popular spot offering panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
- Enjoy the spectacular sunset views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South.
- Overnight in Australian Camp.
Trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp (2,550m)
- After breakfast, continue your trek through beautiful rhododendron forests to Forest Camp.
- As you walk through this peaceful environment, you’ll feel the serenity of the area, with occasional glimpses of the stunning Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks.
- Overnight at Forest Camp, a small teahouse settlement.
Trek from Forest Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
- This is the most exciting day of the trek, as you make your way to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- The trek is a challenging ascent, but the effort is rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks.
- You’ll pass through alpine meadows, rocky terrains, and some high-altitude landscapes.
- At Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South, making it the perfect place to relax and take in the grandeur of the Himalayas.
- Overnight in a basic teahouse near the base camp.
Trek from Mardi Himal Base Camp to Siding (1,750m)
- After breakfast and some time to enjoy the views, begin your descent back to Siding.
- The trail takes you through different landscapes, from alpine meadows to subtropical forests.
- You’ll pass through traditional villages and enjoy the peaceful environment as you descend towards Siding.
- Overnight in Siding.
Drive from Siding to Pokhara and Return to Kathmandu
- From Siding, take a drive back to Pokhara.
- After arriving in Pokhara, relax, have some free time to explore, and perhaps enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake or visit the Peace Pagoda.
- In the evening, take a 7-8 hour drive back to Kathmandu.
- Overnight in Kathmandu.
Departure
- Depending on your flight schedule, you can do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is gaining popularity, and for good reason. Here’s why this trek should be at the top of your list:
- Stunning Views of the Annapurna Range: The Mardi Himal Trek offers unrivaled views of the Annapurna range, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Dhaulagiri peaks. The trek’s highlight is reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you’ll be surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain vistas.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: This trek is perfect for those seeking a more peaceful and intimate experience of Nepal’s Himalayan beauty. Unlike the busy Annapurna Circuit, the Mardi Himal route is relatively quiet, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds.
- Varied Landscapes: From dense rhododendron forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and high mountain ridges, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a diverse range of landscapes. You’ll pass through traditional Gurung villages and picturesque valleys, offering a true taste of rural Nepali life.
- Short and Accessible: Compared to other longer treks in the Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively short and doesn’t require as much time or endurance. It’s an ideal trek for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a shorter time frame, or for trekkers who are looking to explore Nepal without committing to a long, physically demanding trek.
- Cultural Encounters: The trek takes you through Gurung and Magar villages, where you can learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of these friendly mountain communities. The warmth and hospitality of the locals add a special charm to the experience.
Mode of Transportation
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara:
You’ll start your trek with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara. This route takes around 6-7 hours and offers beautiful views of the countryside, rivers, and rolling hills.
- Drive from Pokhara to Kande:
From Pokhara, a 1.5-hour drive will take you to Kande, the trailhead of the Mardi Himal Trek.
- Trekking:
The trek is done entirely on foot, with well-defined trails that pass through forests, villages, and meadows. The trek’s steady ascent is manageable for most trekkers, with enough rest stops and stunning views to keep you energized.
- Drive back to Kathmandu:
At the end of the trek, you’ll drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about 7-8 hours, allowing you to reflect on your adventure and relax after your Himalayan journey.
The Importance of the Mardi Himal Trek
- Stunning Views of the Annapurna Range: Mardi Himal offers spectacular views of some of the most iconic peaks in the Annapurna region, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trek provides one of the best vantage points to see these majestic mountains up close.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: The Mardi Himal Trek is less crowded than other Annapurna treks, offering a quieter and more serene experience. It’s an excellent choice for trekkers looking for solitude and a more intimate connection with nature.
- Short and Accessible: Unlike other treks that require weeks of hiking, the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively short (7-8 days), making it perfect for trekkers with limited time. You still get to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without the physical toll of longer treks.
- Cultural Exposure: As you trek through traditional villages like Siding, Forest Camp, and Australian Camp, you’ll have opportunities to interact with local Gurung and Magar communities. These encounters offer a glimpse into their culture, hospitality, and mountain way of life.
- Moderate Difficulty: The trek is suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels. It doesn’t require prior technical climbing experience but still provides a sense of adventure with its stunning landscapes and alpine conditions.
Ready to Embark on the Mardi Himal Trek?
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a perfect balance of adventure, stunning views, and cultural immersion. Book your trek now to experience the beauty of the Annapurna region in a more tranquil and accessible setting.
**Step into the heart
