As spring approaches, you should lace up your hiking boots and set off on a truly enchanting Nepali adventure, the Mardi Himal trek. Hidden in the Annapurna region, it is not as popular as the Everest Base Camp, nor does it face stampedes like the Annapurna Circuit.
But the bewitching charm and all the natural beauty it possesses truly deserve the spotlight. In a mere four-day trek, one can attain a height of more than 4000 m. The Mardi Trek route has more teahouses compared to the other trekking routes, so you will not have to worry about food or where to spend the night.
If you’re trekking in spring, expect carpets of rhododendrons and oaks. Just imagine what the view will be. Also, you can hope to see many wild animals, such as musk deer, langurs, danfes, porcupines, etc., along the way.
So, if you feel like relishing all the raw beauty of the Himalayas, the quiet and lonely trail, and feeling the freshness, come along as Asian Expedition shares why Mardi Himal will steal your heart.
Highlights
- Stunning close-up views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and Mardi Himal from vantage points like Mardi Base Camp (4500m) or Upper View Point (4250m).
- Trek through terrific rhododendron forests, oak, maple, and bamboo trees, some of which are bright and colorful, particularly in spring.
- Visit ethnic Gurung villages like Pothana, Siding, and Lumre, and witness their warm hospitality and traditions.
What makes the Mardi Himal Trek different?
Want to know what makes the Mardi Himal trek so unique? We have pointed out some reasons:
1. Pretty Little Adventure
In stark contrast to well-traveled routes such as the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, Mardi Himal possesses just about enough density to foster an atmosphere of tranquility, intimacy, and earthy connection. The trail here feels untrammeled, granting deeper connections with nature far from the over-agitated trails.
2. Magnificent Mountain Views
The trek provides the closest-up view of some of the most famous peaks on earth: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself. The views from High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp are simply breathtaking and some of the best in the Annapurna region.
3. Short But Rewarding
The Mardi Himal Trek is short, only taking 5-7 days, which is good for anyone with little time and searching for a true Himalayan experience. Never mind the short distances! This trek presents an array of scenery ranging from lush rhododendron forests to dry alpine meadows.
4. An Expanding Culture
The trek leads through Gurung and Magar settlements such as Pothana and Siding, where the trekkers can meet with local communities, learn about their traditions, enjoy their music and dance, and experience local hospitality with tea houses run by them.
5. Alive With Nature
In spring, the trail is dotted with blooming rhododendron forests. These colorful terrains add to the splendor of the trail. As trekkers ascend through oak and maple forests, they are enriched with an encounter of diverse flora and fauna.
6. Gradual Elevation Gain
Mardi Himal doesn’t go for sharp ascents or descents like some other treks do, but has a steady ascent right to its maximum elevation of 4,500 m (Base Camp), which is achievable even by reasonably fit trekkers.
7. Less Connectivity
With a limited connectivity scenario all along the route, almost becoming a common sight now, Mardi Himal is an excellent backdrop to a digital break dedicated to appreciating nature. This trek is ideal for quiet people searching for an equally wonderful alternative to Nepal’s more popular trekking routes.
The Start: Pokhara to Kande
The adventure mostly begins from Pokhara, a typical, lazy, lakeside city, and perhaps the best place to warm up for the Himalayan trek. After a bumpy hour-long drive to Kande, be ready to stretch your legs. The first steps are very gentle as you walk through terraced fields and quiet villages where you can see the kids playing around and goats barely glancing up from their grazing.
The air feels crisp, unlike the city’s, and the promise of the snow-capped peaks keeps your excitement growing with each step. Do not let the excitement make you forget to take care of your body. Drink plenty of water and give yourself small breaks at times.
Into the Forest: Deurali and Beyond
On this day, you will reach Deurali, a tiny stop with basic teahouses that serve steaming dal bhat, Nepal’s comfort food of rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat.
It is a pure descent into thick and dense rhododendron forests, where moss-covered and gnarled trees drip rhythmically and nature’s confetti bursts the trail with glimpses of pinks and reds.
March and April see these forests in a riot of color, and you can not stop yourself every few steps from taking pictures or just relishing nature. As you ascend, you notice that the trees part, and there it is, Mardi Himal’s ridgeline with Machhapuchhre looming like a guardian.
You can sit there, munching on your snacks or sipping on your drinks, feeling like you have wandered into a painting.
High Camp: Meet the Magic
On the third day, you arrive at High Camp at an altitude of 3,550 meters. The elevation can make your legs feel heavy, but the scenery? Worth every huff and puff.
From here, the horizon is filled with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal’s 5,587-meter peak, all glowing under the afternoon sun with their snow-dusted slopes.
High Camp teahouses are simple wooden bunks with shared toilets, but the atmosphere is warm. Over masala tea, you can share stories with other fellow trekkers. For the night, you can either bundle up in your sleeping bag or get a cozy room.
And don’t skip the night. It is a scene that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
The Push to Base Camp
The highlight of this trek is to make it to the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. This 4-5 round trip will welcome you with rocky paths and a steep scramble along the way. The whole trouble is worth the wait because when you reach the rise, all of a sudden, the whole world opens up.
You’re standing on a slim razor-edge of earth with intimidating peaks stretched all over the horizon. Firstly, the summit of Mardi Himal feels tantalizingly near, and the Annapurna massif sprawls like a giant all over the sky.
You can stay there as long as the cold doesn’t get into your bones and enjoy the moment to the fullest. Make sure to take a lot of pictures and just take it all in.
Slight warning: Altitude here is hard, so you need to take it in stages, sipping water and popping a medicine to take care of the headache. If you’re someone who gets altitude sickness easily, try acclimatizing and listen to your body.
The Descent: A Quiet Farewell
Heading back down can bring a bit of melancholy. As you return from the upper viewpoint to the low camp, you can stop for a hearty breakfast before descending the steep paths of Siding village.
This peaceful spot with some stone houses and endless rice fields will win your heart for sure. The final reach to Lumre can be a bit hectic, but a cold drink can wash away any complaints later on till you head back to Pokhara.
Why does Mardi Himal stand out?
Mardi Himal impresses everyone with a sense of active, untouched beauty, unlike its famous neighbors. There is no Wi-Fi or fancy lodges, which is the whole point.
The scanty trekking traffic allows one to cherish moments of silence with nothing to listen to but the wind or maybe catch sight of the occasional Himalayan monal flaunting its multi-colored feathers.
It is not a very tough trek, just 5-7 days with moderate fitness requirements. You will need a permit (Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS card). A guide is optional but can be very helpful.
Tips from the trail
1. Pack Light but Smart
The trails are easy enough, but your back will thank you for keeping the load as light as possible-give or take 8-10 kg. Layering is your best bet.
Take base clothes that wick moisture away from your body, then consider fleece for warmth and a waterproof-windproof jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
And a headlamp of good quality is required since the teahouse power is not very reliable. Do not forget to carry a power bank and all other necessary items.
2. Best Timing
The prettiest pink, red, and white petals carpet the trails when rhododendrons bloom in March to May. These months provide crystal-clear views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre with stable weather from September to November. Try not to go during the monsoon (June-August) unless you’re a fan of muddy trails and leeches.
3. Hydration is happiness
Because of altitude and workload, water is not negotiable. Teahouses have bottled water (at Rs. 100-200), which is even costlier higher up, but we urge you to use purification tablets or a UV filter to save some money and environmental waste.
You can fill water from streams or taps in the teahouses. Besides, ginger tea is offered in camps to warm you and settle your tummy, just in case altitude is giving you trouble.
4. Respect Altitude
Mardi Himal Base Camp rises to about 4,500 meters, going through thin air and headaches. After 3,000 meters, slow down; do not rush to High Camp in just one day. If you feel dizzy or nauseous, inform your guide and try to descend a bit. No view would be worth risking your life.
Conclusion
The Mardi Himal Trek is the perfect blend of raw Himalayan beauty, peaceful trails, and authentic cultural encounters. In just a few days, you’ll witness stunning mountain views, vibrant rhododendron forests, and the quiet charm of Nepal’s less-traveled paths.
Ready to trade the crowds for serenity? Let Asian Expedition lead you to this unforgettable journey.
Book your Mardi Himal adventure today and experience the Himalayas like never before.
FAQs
1. What food is available during the trek?
- Teahouses: Serve Nepali (dal, bhat, tarkari), Indian, Chinese, and basic Western meals. Vegetarian food is available and safer above 2,500 meters.
- Hygiene: As you go higher, non-vegetarian meals may not be fresh, so stick to vegetarian meals for your safety and good health.
- Snacks: Carry your own energy bars, drinks, and nuts, as they are more expensive in the higher regions.
2. Is it possible to combine with other treks?
Ans: Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek can be extended:
- Annapurna Base Camp: 3-5 days added for a 10-12 day combo, starting from Pokhara via Jhinu Danda.
- Poon Hill: 2-3 days added for sunrise views, making it a 7-10 day itinerary.
- Khopra Ridge: for a longer, off-the-beaten-path adventure (10-14 days).