Mardi Himal Trek is a newly operated trekking route in Nepal. The less crowded trekking area in Annapurna, Mardi is the fine choice for the trekkers wishing to trek an off the beaten route. The trek to Mardi Himal offers to explore the Unspoiled cultural and traditional experiences of Annapurna. One of the best trips in Annapurna to explore the way of life, culture, custom, and friendliness of the local ethnic group, particularly Gurung and others.
The trek includes trekking through the sublime forest of Rhododendron, magnolia, pine, and oak. Regarded as the moderately short and easy trekking in Annapurna, this trek offers the greatest views of The Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Manaslu and Mardi Himal and more. Due to the finest views, the route offers it is regarded as the best alternative to Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. The diverse forests, green hills, rocky landscape keeps amazing the trekkers all the trip. Like other trekking in Nepal, this trip is a teahouse type trekking. The tasting of local food and explore the local living style and the culture of the mountain people is interesting. Mardi Himal Trekking is also a seasonal trekking in Nepal. The best time to trek around Mardi Himal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Mardi trip can be done in the months of winter (December to February) as well. Although, trekking Mardi in monsoon is not feasible.
The permits needed for the Mardi Himal Trek are ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS cards. The cost for the permits is US$ 30 and US$ 10 respectively. The permits can be issued either in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the Tourism Board office.
After breakfast in the hotel; you will be transferred to the tourist bus park to catch your bus to Pokhara. The drive to Pokhara is an interesting one through the green hills via the Trishuli river along with the beautiful local settlements. In Pokhara, you can walk around the Phewa lake to collect the stunning sunset views in the Himalayas.
Grab the early morning breakfast, then start the short drive to Phedi from Pokhara. Phedi is the starting point of the trek. From Phedi, the route goes on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests to reach Dhampus. From there we walk further to Deurali. Deurali offers superb views of Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Macchhapuchhare.
The trek resumes after breakfast. Today you will be trekking through the dense forest of rhododendron passing the green hills and superb landscapes. The route to the forest camp is easy and exciting through the jungle. Upon arriving at forest camp, you will take a good rest.
The route from forest camp to low camp is again mostly through the dense forest of rhododendron. Although, the route is gentle uphill. You can also get the finest view of Mount Fishtail as well. Later in the evening, you will have time to explore the local village and the lifestyle of low camp.
The route from Low camp to high camp gets tougher as you are starting to get a higher elevation. The mesmerizing views of Mount Fishtail and Mardi Himal is very pleasing. Occasionally, the spotting of wildlife and the national birds are expected. From high camp, you can collect the best views of the mountains in the evening.
Grab the delicious breakfast and get ready to climb the upper viewpoint- the final destination and the best place for the mountain views. The route to the upper view point is steep and narrow. The viewpoint offers the best views of Himalayas including Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchhre (6993m) and others. After collecting the stunning views, you will come back to high camp for the overnight.
Take a slightly different route from High camp and start trekking to Sidhing village. Sidhing offers to explore the true local life and lifestyles.
Take a swift downhill to get to Lumre first. From Lumre, you will then take a scenic drive back to Pokhara. In Pokhara, you can around the streets and can do some shopping.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Pokhara tourist bus station. The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu will be of six to seven hours a bus drive. There will be several toilet breaks and a lunch break. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. Later, you can do the last-minute shopping in Thamel.
After the finest trekking in Nepal; today you will be transferred to the Kathmandu International airport to catch your returning flight. Our representative will do the farewell with the hope to welcome you back to Nepal soon.