Mardi Himal Trek
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> Close-up views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchare
> A natural paradise with old-grown forests and elusive wildlife
> Gurung and Magar mountain culture
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened trekking trail, wedged between the more famous Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit treks. The route is not frequently visited by trekkers and offers unspoiled beauty making it one of the best natural and cultural treks in the Annapurna region.
The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is a relatively short, easy hike on the heavily forested foothills of the Annapurna Massif. The mountain Mardi Himal itself is located towards the east of the Modi Khola across the valley from Hiunchuli. The route follows a lesser-known trail away from the famous, busy Annapurna hikes, traverses thick rhododendron forests, unspoiled terrain up and takes you to an elevation of 4500 meters. You'll be hiking on the ridge that comes down from the Machhapuchare Peak (6993m) also known as Fish Tail Mountain. The region is known for its rich bio-diversity and wildlife: Danphe (pheasant), Himalayan thar, several species of deer, snow leopard are some of the animals you may spot during this trek.
Itinerary
Day
1
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After an early breakfast at your hotel we drive along the Trisuli and Mashyangdi River to reach Pokhara. We will see the beautiful river view and the views of Ganesh Himal and Manaslu as well during the driving. Pokhara itself is a traveller’s paradise full of natural wonders as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains. After a 7 hour drive we will arrive in Pokhara and stay overnight at a hotel.
Pokhara
Day
2
Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana
Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 7.16 km
Ascent: 1000 m
Descent: 180 m
Early in the morning, we will drive for one hour to reach Phedi and the start our Mardi Himal trek. We will climb the steps from Phedi. The trail ascends all the way to Pothana through rhododendron and pine forests till we reach the Dhampus, a Gurung village known for the magnificent views of Annapurna ranges, including Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. We will continue our ascent until we reach the small village of Pothana, surrounded by forests and exhibiting marvelous mountain views. We will also get TIMS/ACAP card at the check point in Pothana. Overnight in Pothana.
Pothana
Day
3
Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp
Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 680 m
Descent: 240 m
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our trek with a steep uphill climb through thick forest along beautiful view points of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The forest is home elusive wildlife and we may catch glimpse of some of the rare birds and animals along the way. After walking for around five hours, we will reach the forest camp where we will set up camp for the night.
Forest Camp
Day
4
Forest Camp to High Camp
Duration: 04:50 h
Distance: 7.63 km
Ascent: 1080 m
The trail from the Forest camp to the high camp follows a steep ascent through the rhododendron and Juniper forest. The pattern for the day is a steeper climbing to get over a hillock, then relatively flat for a while and again start another ascent. Upon reaching the top, we will be highly rewarded with the magnificent, breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Mount Macchapuchre. Overnight at High Camp.
Mardi Himal High Camp
Day
5
High Camp to Mardi Himal BC and back to High Camp
Duration: 07:30 h
Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 920 m
Descent: 920 m
After having breakfast at lodge, we trek to the view point at Mardi Himal Base Camp to have an amazing view of the Himalayas including Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchahre (6993m) and many other mountains. We return the same way to High Camp where we spend another night.
Mardi Himal High Camp
Day
6
High Camp to Sidhing Village
Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 8.4 km
Descent: 1670 m
After having breakfast at lodge, you start your trek and you will take a different route from high camp that will take you to the Sidhing village and the trekking through this trail different for other common trails and overnight at lodge.
Sidhing
Day
7
Trek to Saidighatta and drive to Pokhara
Duration: 01:50 h
Distance: 3.93 km
Ascent: 90 m
Descent: 380 m
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our easy descent to Lumre. The trail follows the contour of the Mardi river valley and gradually descends down the pastures through beautiful Tamang and Gurung Villages. Our transport will wait for us at Lumre for a one hour drive to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara.
Pokhara
Day
8
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
We take a tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu and the driving will be fantastic along with many towns and we are able to see the settlements, rivers, terraces and landscapes, after 7 hours driving we will arrive Kathmandu and overnight at your hotel.
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Contact our Trekking Expert
Jan Bakker
This trek is operated by
Just for You
