STAY CONNECTED
Government Licence No.: 131483/071/072
STAY CONNECTED
January 6, 2020
1. Facts of Mardi Himal trek
2. Introductions
3. Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
4. Mardi Himal trek route options
5. Mardi Himal trek weather and Temperature
6. Mardi Himal trek detailed Itinerary from Pokhara
7. What to take for the Mardi Himal trek
8. How to reach Mardi Himal trek from Pokhara and back
9. How and where can I get a trekking permit and TIMS card for the Mardi Himal trek
10. Trek independently can I get a trek permit and TIMS card for Mardi
Himal trek
11. Accommodation & Food in Mardi Himal Trek
12. The major available foods during the trek
13. Conclusion
Total distance: 40 km
Duration of walk: 4 to 5 days
Highest spot: Mardi Himal viewpoint 4250 m
Trek ends at: Sidding/Kalimati or lwang
Trek starting places: Kande/phedi or Landruk
Ascent in total: 3274 meters
Decent in total: 3731 meters
Accommodation: Tea Houses and Lodges
Required permits: TIMS card, ACAP trek permit
Available foods: Nepali, Tibetan, Indian and western foods
The Mardi Himal trek is a picturesque and popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its high alpine meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. In recent years, the trek has gained popularity as a tea house trek, but it was previously a campsite trek.
Located near Pokhara, the Mardi Himal trek can be completed in 4 to 5 days, making it an ideal choice for those who are short on time. The trek is relatively less crowded and passes through local villages and dense forests, offering a peaceful and serene environment for trekkers.
Upon reaching the last settlements at high camp, trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, spectacular valleys, and rolling green hills. For those who wish to return to Pokhara quicker, alternative routes are available.
Magnificent sunrise and sunset views from Mardi Himal High Camp .
Remote and less-traveled trail in one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal
Get closer to the Annapurna Himalayas .
Short walking distance makes the trek suitable for all age groups.
Easy trail and eco-friendly lodges.
Views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
Cross over the pristine forests of bamboo and rhododendron.
Get to experience the culture and lifestyle of traditional Magar and Gurung villages.
Enjoy the tranquility of the glacial lakes.
Get to enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna Range from Poon Hill.
Option 1st-Most popular standard trek route
Starting place from- Kande
Finish at: Kalimati
Duration of the trek– 4 Days
Distance (Kande to Kalimati)– 40 km
Trek Route: Pokhara- Kande- Forest camp- high camp-Kalimati then Pokhara
Option 2nd-Short Mardi trek
Starting place from- Landruk
Finish at: Siding village
Duration of the trek: 3 days
Distance (Landruk-Highcamp-sidding)– 31 km
Trek route: Landruk- Rest camp- High camp- Sidding then to Pokhara
Option 3rd- Dual connecting trek route
Starting place from– Ghandruk
Finish at: Sidding village
Duration of trek- 5 Days
Distance(Ghandruk to Sidding via High camp)– 35 km
Trek route: Nayapul- Ghandruk- Landruk- Rest camp- High camp- Sidding village then to Pokhara
Option 4th- Longest Mardi Himal trek route
Starting place from– Nayapul
Finish at: Sidding Village
Duration of the trek- 9 Days
Walking Distance– 75 km
Trek route: Pokhara- Nayapul- Ghorepani poon hill-Ghandruk-forest camp- high camp then to Sidding and Pokhara
Mount Fishtail View from High Camp
Trekking and touring are popular aspirations for people worldwide. The Mardi Himal trek offers an unforgettable experience of nature and unparalleled wilderness on a short and less touristy route. It is the nearest and easiest short trek from Pokhara, taking between 3 to 6 days.
During the trek, you will have the opportunity to explore beautiful villages and enjoy the stunning scenery. The Mardi Himal trek is a relatively low altitude trek, starting from an elevation of 1,500 meters and reaching up to 3,580 meters at High Camp and 4,250 meters at the View Point. The minimum temperature during the trek is approximately -2 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius. The temperature varies depending on the season, and here is a summary for your information:
Winter is the coldest trekking season in Nepal including the Mardi Himal trekking route. The temperature drops down very quickly goes till -3 at night and during the day will be about 10 degrees centigrade.
Mardi Himal High Camp(3,580m)
The Winter season means from December to February. In these months, there are mostly snows along the route that makes your trip even more memorable and beautiful but for sure relatively will be quite cold. If you are trekking on your own without crowded then the Mardi Himal trek will be the best because it is short, also easy route, safe, and the tea house are easily available along the route all year.
Mardi Himal trek during the Spring season is probably the best months because the trekking routes are almost covered by rhododendron forest and fir and during the spring the flowers bloom everywhere and also the weather gets clear every day. The temperature will be mild that the coldest temperature at Night will be 5 -7 degrees centigrade similarly during the day the temperature will be very good about 17 to 20-degree centigrade.
If you want to skip the crowd and want your peaceful time during your trek in the Mardi Himal area then you are highly recommended to visit during the spring season in Nepal.
Although the summer season is not the best time for Mardi Himal trek, it can still be a good option if you have limited time and are looking for something to do in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Despite almost daily rain and slippery trails, the lush greenery and clear views of the Himalayas in the morning make it worth it.
Way to Mardi Himal View Point- very close by view point
During summer, temperatures can reach up to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and drop to about 12 degrees at night. To fully appreciate the scenic views, it is recommended to wake up early in the morning as the weather is usually clear then and clouds tend to form after noon.
Note: If you decide to trek during the monsoon season, it is important to bring a poncho or raincoat and hire an experienced trekking guide for safety.
Autumn is the ideal season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is usually clear, with mild temperatures and a low risk of landslides or rain. The lush greenery of the valleys and mountains creates stunning scenery that will stay with you for a lifetime.
During the day, temperatures while trekking are typically around 20 degrees Celsius, so a t-shirt is usually sufficient. Nighttime temperatures average around 10 degrees Celsius. The highest temperature during the Mardi Himal trek is typically around 20 degrees Celsius, with the lowest temperature averaging around -2 degrees Celsius.
Overall, autumn is the best time for trekking and touring in Nepal, and the countryside offers unforgettable experiences that you’ll cherish forever.
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara Hotel to Kande and trek to Deurali/ Pothana
In the morning, we will travel by private car or jeep from Pokhara to Kande, which is approximately an hour’s drive. Our trek begins from Kande, following a natural walking route through local houses and a forest with steep stone steps leading to the top of Australian camp. We then take a short, easy hike to Pothana, where we will stop for lunch before continuing our trek to Deurali. We will follow the well-known trekking route through a forest of fir, rhododendron, and oaks.
After reaching Deurali top we take our room and enjoy your time.
Overnight destination: Deurali- 2125 meter
Walking distance: 3 to 4 hours
Meals in the package: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 02: Trek to the Low Camp
At Deurali, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and the stunning Mt. Fishtail while having breakfast. We’ll then trek through a peaceful forest to reach Forest camp. There are no proper tea houses on the way to Forest camp, but basic huts selling tea and soups are available.
The forested trail today is shaded and serene, but you won’t see much sunlight. After a three-hour hike from Deurali, we’ll reach Forest camp and have lunch at the lodge. Then, we’ll continue towards low camp through rest camp. The trek will mostly be a gradual uphill walk today.
Overnight destination: Low camp- 3,150 meter
Walking distance: 5 hours
Meals in the package: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 03: Trek Low camp to the High Camp
Today is an exciting day as we make our way towards the high camp and leave the tree line area behind after passing through Badal Danda. Located on the ridge of the Massif Mountain, Badal Danda offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fishtail and the Annapurna range. You can take a break here for some tea before continuing your walk to the high camp.
As you reach the top of the high camp, you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the mountain range and find yourself above the clouds. Although the high camp of Mardi Himal is not a large area, it’s undoubtedly the best place to spend the night. With about 10 small lodges, you can enjoy a hot shower, food, Wi-Fi, and private accommodation.
Overnight destination: High camp- 3,550 meter
Walking distance: 4-5 hours
Meals in the package: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Hike to the Mardi viewpoint and trek to the Sidding village
On this day, we will start our hike to the Mardi Himal viewpoint early in the morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise view over Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and Fishtail.
The Mardi Himal viewpoint is the highlight of this trek, offering a picturesque valley view, towering mountains, rolling hills to the south, and a deep gorge towards Annapurna base camp.
After soaking in the stunning scenery, we will return to our hotel for breakfast before embarking on a steep 3 to 4-hour descent through the forest to Sidding village. We will spend the night at a lodge in Sidding village, but if you’re interested in immersing yourself in local culture, you can choose to stay with locals in a homestay where you can savor local food and drink.
Overnight destination: Sidding village: 1,750 meter
Walking distance: 7-8 hours
Meals in the package: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Drive back to Pokhara
Today marks the final day of your trekking journey. You will be greeted with a magnificent view of the valley in the morning from Sidding village, where a delightful organic breakfast awaits. Following that, we will take a 2.30-hour jeep ride to Pokhara. Upon arriving at Pokhara, we will check into the hotel and have lunch before embarking on a city tour together.
Overnight destination: Pokhara- 950 meter
Driving distance:2.30-3 hours
Meals in the package: Breakfast and Lunch
Essential trekking gear
The Mardi Himal trek is a moderate trek in the Annapurna region that follows a tea house route. This means you do not need to bring a lot of things with you. The trek takes four days and you will be staying in lodges that provide warm blankets and a heated dining hall. It is important to pack only the essential items you will need.
For more clearance about the trekking gears to Mardi Himal trek here I made the list of essential gears:
View from mardi himal high camp
From Kande:
Kande is situated to the west of Pokhara and can be reached by bus in about an hour. Many buses travel from Pokhara to the Baglung highway through Kande, so you can easily find transportation by going to the Baglung bus park in Pokhara. Taking the bus costs 300 Nepali rupees, or about 2.5 USD per person. Alternatively, private transportation from Pokhara to Kande is a comfortable option, and the driver can stop at various points for you to observe breathtaking mountain views and valleys.
If you want to experience a standard Mardi Himal trek and explore the region, it is recommended that you begin your trek from Kande and end at Kalimati.
From Landruk:
Landruk, a picturesque Gurung village nestled in the Annapurna region, offers an authentic glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of the area. To experience this firsthand before embarking on the Mardi Himal trek, a visit to Landruk is highly recommended.
While there are a few buses that run from Pokhara Harichok and Baglung Bus Park to Landruk, they may not operate during monsoon season due to poor road conditions. Typically, buses depart Pokhara between 8 am and 10 am. If you’re unsure of where to catch a bus to Landruk, local taxi drivers are a great resource for information. Public bus fares to Landruk are approximately 5 USD per person, while public jeep service costs between 10 and 15 USD per person.
From Ghandruk:
Ghandruk is a highly popular Gurung village located in the Annapurna trekking region and is also part of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. To reach Ghandruk, you can easily find jeeps or buses from Pokhara Harichok, with buses departing every hour. The cost of taking a bus is around 6 USD, while a shared jeep costs around 10 USD, and a private reserved jeep costs around 75 USD.
For the Mardi Himal trek, there are more than three entry points, including Kande and Ghandruk. The trek ends at either Kalimati or Sidding, which can be customized with the help of your guide, porter, or locals. To return to Pokhara from Sidding or Kalimati, local buses are not available, but you can reserve a whole jeep for around 50 to 60 USD, or you can share the jeep with others for a cost of around 10 USD per head.
To obtain a trekking permit for the Mardi Himal trek, you will need to follow these steps:
Note: it is recommended to carry a copy of your passport and permits with you during the trek.
First step– You take your passport with you and fill up the required form provided by the tourism office.
Second step– Give them your pp size photograph along with your form. if you don’t have pp. size photo just go to the next door they will make it very quick photo and cost 3 USD.
Third step: Pay 3000 Nepali rupee for your ACAP permit and 2000 Rupee for TIMS card per head.
Stone made steep up to Upper Sinuwa
The Mardi Himal trek is considered moderate, with well-marked trails and wooden signs guiding trekkers. For those who are physically fit and have previous trekking experience, it is possible to make the trek without a guide. However, first-time hikers or those with limited experience are advised to hire a guide or porter. A knowledgeable guide can share local information about the nation, culture, and politics, making the trek more informative and comfortable. Additionally, they can help ensure your safety and reserve accommodations during peak trekking seasons, such as Oct-Nov and March-April. Overall, while a guide is not necessary for those who are fit and experienced, having one can make the trek more memorable and meaningful.
Hiring a professional A-grade guide cost: 30 USD a day
Hiring a B grade guide cost: 25 USD a day
Hiring a C Grade guide cost: 20 USD a day
Hiring a porter Cost: 19 USD a day
There are hundreds of trekking agencies around Kathmandu and Pokhara so you can hire from there easily.
The Mardi Himal trekking used to be a camp-based trekking route a few years ago, but it has become very popular in the last 4-5 years due to its scenic beauty. Now, there are plenty of tea houses along the route that offer comfortable private rooms, gas showers, big dining halls, and clean bathrooms. Therefore, if you are trekking to the Mardi Himal route, you do not need to bring a tent or any sleeping gear as cheap and private rooms are easily available along the trekking route.
Annapurna tea house trek
Although maps and Lonely Planet books provide information about food, trails, and accommodation, you can easily find food from the menu wherever you stay. The food varieties include Indian, Nepali local food, some Chinese, Tibetan, and a few continental options.
During this beautiful trek, there are many inns and lodges to eat and sleep, but the people who work in the kitchen are not as professional as city cooks, which means that it takes some time to prepare food. Therefore, if you are having lunch at the lodge, it is better to order something quick like fried noodles, fried rice, Thukpa, or similar items to save your time.
The Mardi Himal trek is situated in the northwest of Kathmandu, and it is a moderate trekking route that poses no risk of mountain sickness due to the pleasant weather. During this trek, you can effortlessly discover the diverse mountain range, cultural villages and their inhabitants, unique verdant forests, and enchanting wilderness. If you can plan your trip during the Spring or Autumn season, you will undoubtedly create unforgettable memories of the mesmerizing nature and vibrant culture of Nepal.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, you can find additional information through the link provided below.
Safe Holiday Adventure Pvt. Ltd.
P.O.Box: 20065
Nayabazar-16,Khusibu,Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977 9849116284
Email: info@safeholidayadventure.com,
safeholidayadventure@gmail.com
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