OVERVIEW
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking a short hike around the Annapurna range. The trek takes you to Mardi Himal, which stands at an altitude of 4450 meters and offers a thrilling experience of summiting a peak in the Annapurna range. Mountains and high places have always been a source of excitement and adventure, and the Mardi Himal trek is no exception.
The trek is a spectacular journey in the Himalayan region of Nepal. It offers picturesque views of the Annapurna range, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail Mountain). The trek allows you to communicate with the giant Himalayas and come up close to nature. The trail is accompanied by Rhododendrons, adding to the beauty of the trek.
One of the unique aspects of the Mardi Himal trek is the experience of sipping piping hot tea in the tea houses along the trail. These tea houses offer a warm and cozy place to rest and enjoy the surrounding beauty.
The ideal Mardi Himal base camp trek can be enjoyed within a time frame of ten to fifteen days. The highest sleeping place on the trek is the High Camp, located at an altitude of 3580 meters. The forests of the Mardi Himal trek are home to many exotic and endangered birds, including the Himalayan monal and pheasants.
The Mardi Himal trek gives you a sense of accomplishment together with a serene and peaceful experience. It offers a stunning retreat from everyday life and allows trekkers to immerse themselves in an adventurous world filled with waterfalls and the magic of nature. This trek is perfect for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
EXPLORING THE ROAD TO MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP TREK
While doing the Mardi Himal Trek we start from Pokhara which is a gateway city for the many treks in the region. Take a flight or a six-hour bus drive from the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. The Mardi Himal trek begins from Kande Phedi. The first checkpoint of the trek is at Deurali or Pothana. A village surrounded by green forests and the experience of Nepalese beauty begins. The estimated time of arrival is around 3:30 hours. Our next destination or point on the trek is the forest camp at Kokar. The lodgings here are more inclined towards homestays rather than hotels and the people here are accommodating.
In the Mardi Himal Trek, there are teahouses for those who don’t want to camp outside where camping outside for a long time may not be feasible for some who have their personal choice of where to stay. After Kokar we move towards Low Camp where we come across foliage of pine trees and the flora and fauna in its natural habitat. The Mardi Himal trek brings with it amorous views of Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna to the west. Gradually we move forward towards High camp proceeding to Mardi Himal Ridge.
Feel high when you reach to mountain, particularly Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in Annapurna. Experience walking through villages, camps, forests, hills, and snow to reach the majestic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and most significantly, the Machhapuchhre Peak. From Pokhara, a two-hour drive towards Kande brings us to the start point of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. We pass through the small village climb up to the Australian Camp, and later continue towards Low Camp, Forest Camp, and High Camp for the next few days.
Mardi High Camp (4,500 meters) is the maximum elevation that we reach in this magnificent trek around Mardi Himal, before returning. Mardi Trek is praised by many for its beautiful journey and majestic views. If not a lot, this trek provides a unique travel perspective in the Annapurna Region of western Nepal. Wake up stunned by the view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Ganesh Himal, and the most Majestic Mount Machhapuchhre (also called Mt. Fishtail representing the peak shape) on your mornings at Badal Banda and High Camp. Catch both the sunrise and sunset with a glassful of hot tea or coffee easily available in the tea house. At night, gather around the fireplace in the dining room and share your experience with other fellow trekkers.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP TREK
The Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for hikers of all abilities, from novice to experienced. The climb to Mardi Himal is considered a moderate trekking route in Nepal. With a moderate increase in elevation, the hiking trip is reasonably short and easy. The trails to the Mardi Himal are well-maintained, so trekkers should have no difficulty. Conversely, the trail requires 5-6 hours of hiking up and down difficult terrain, so it's best if you're in good shape. Because the trip requires a high level of endurance, regular exercise, such as walks and aerobics, may be good for preserving your body's stamina. It's crucial since greater altitudes contain less oxygen and it can be difficult to maintain the increased elevation at times.
At Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest point is 4,500 meters above sea level. Hiking days are shorter and more carefully planned, with an emphasis on trekkers' health and well-being. The teahouses (rest breaks) make the journey less exhausting and stressful. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a possibility at such a high altitude due to dry air, cold wind, and a lack of oxygen. As a result, conventional procedures for altitude safety must be taken. Even though the risk of altitude sickness has decreased, proper health is still required to avoid Mountain Sickness. It is entirely possible to travel alone in Mardi Himal. However, going it alone isn't always a good idea. Being alone in the mountains will be extremely difficult if you become unwell or have an accident.
Climbing up to Base Camp is the most challenging portion, but as you reach the Mardi Himal Viewpoints, your efforts will be rewarded by the region's spectacular landscape. Your exhaustion fades away, leaving you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
BEST SEASON FOR THE MARDI HIMAL BASE CAMP TREK
Autumn is the most favorable time for the Mardi Himal Trek. Post-monsoon, the skies clear up, unveiling the breathtaking beauty of the mountain ranges. The weather strikes a perfect balance, being neither too hot nor too cold, with minimal chances of rainfall. This period sees the highest footfall, making it one of the busiest trekking seasons in Nepal. The awe-inspiring scenic beauty of the area during this time is truly a sight to behold.
Spring is the second-best time to embark on the Mardi Himal Trek. The weather and temperature during this period are ideal for a memorable trekking journey. The highlight of this season is the blossoming of various plants and flowers, such as rhododendrons, painting the landscape in vibrant hues. The springtime trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty and pleasant weather.
Summers in the Annapurna region are marked by the monsoon. Rainfall is a daily occurrence, rendering the trek up the Mardi Himal muddy and potentially hazardous. Consequently, only a few brave souls venture on this trek during the summer. However, those who do are rewarded with a serene and uncrowded journey. However, trekkers must be prepared for the trails to be affected by the season’s conditions.
Winter brings a blanket of snow over the trails leading to the Mardi Himal, making the trek challenging. The weather turns extremely dry and harsh during this time of year. Heavy snowfall and storms may lead to the closure of passes, deterring most visitors from trekking the Mardi Himal in winter. However, the visual splendor of snow-capped mountains in the Annapurna region during this season is undeniably spectacular.
In conclusion, the Mardi Himal Trek offers diverse experiences across different seasons. Whether it’s the clear post-monsoon vistas in the fall, the vibrant blossoms of spring, the challenging wet trails of summer, or the snow-laden landscapes of winter, each season holds its unique allure. Choose the season that best suits your preferences and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the Mardi Himal.
Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is a climb with the view it promises. Check itineraries and other details of this trip by scrolling below. Book this trek and you will not regret it.
