Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region, offering stunningly up-close mountain views, deep valleys, and alluring Himalayan sunrise. Ideal for beginners and time-bound trekkers, the Mardi trek presents an ultimate blend of adventure and comfort. During the 7 days of the trek, you hike through beautiful villages, cultivated lands, thick forests, and steep, desolate hills to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp at the height of 4500 meters. This newly established and unexplored trekking route was only opened for trekking in 2012. Isolate trail with the most amazing vistas? Sounds perfect to us!
Looking for a brief trek when you're in Nepal? Look no further!
The Mardi Himal Trek - 7 Days is a week-long getaway to the Himalayas which involves only 5 days of trekking on a moderately difficult trail facilitated by numerous tea houses along the way. Despite being a short trek, it does not deprive you of the actual thrill of a real high-altitude trek by taking you as high as 4500 meters above sea level. The trek serves the best value for your time, money, and effort with its mesmerizing panorama of the snow-clad mountains.
The trailhead is easily accessible from Kathmandu by road and is only a couple of hour's drive from Pokhara. Its accessibility also adds up to its rising popularity. Where else do you get to escape the chaos of a city and transport yourself to the Himalayas' lap in just a matter of a few days? It is an adventure that refreshes your mind with a wonderful sight of the snow-topped white mountains against the clear blue sky without taking a toll on your physicality. Plus, to be able to breathe the fresh air of the mountains is a blessing in itself.
Although the final destination is Mardi Himal Base Camp, the best mountain view you can get during the entire trek is from Mardi Himal View Point, located at an elevation of 4200 meters. Reaching the base camp just takes you closer to Mardi Himal. So, if you want to spend more time with the extensive mountain view, you can save yourself from climbing to the base camp, which is about 2 hours taxing uphill trek at a high altitude.
The Annapurna region, where the Mardi Himal is situated, is an infamous trekking region in Nepal, in fact, in the entire world, housing the world's 8th highest mountain peak, Annapurna I, at 8091 meters. You already know so much about it. So, without wasting any time, let's explore the main highlights of the Mardi Himal hike before moving on to the itinerary.
Best Features of the Mardi Himal Trek
- A short yet incredible trek taking you to the elevation of 4500 meters
- Scenic bus ride on a comfortable luxury coach from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
- Enjoy the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara, before and after the trek
- Hike through tiny human settlements, deep forests, and rocky, barren hills
- Explore the less-traveled trekking trail of the Annapurna region
- Watch the gorgeous Himalayan sunrise from Mardi Himal Viewpoint
- Stand at the Mardi Himal Base Camp with wonderful up-close mountain views
Less-traveled trekking trail in the Annapurna Region
Mardi Himal Base Camp is one of the newest hiking routes in the Nepalese Himalayas, which only started welcoming tourists in 2012, with establishments of teahouses and mountain lodges at several stops. Although the trail is not off-the-beaten like before, it has not yet been thoroughly explored. Compared to other well-known trekking locations like Annapurna Base Camp, the path to Mardi Himal sees fewer hikers, making it a dream location for solitude lovers. However, it has grown in popularity among domestic hikers due to its short length and relative ease, which again presents a chance to engage with the local youth.
Hike through rich vegetation abundant with flora and fauna
During the Mardi Himal hike, you traverse along some lush, dense forests where you can find a variety of plants, ranging from tropical to sub-alpine vegetation. These woodlands are home to over 1000 plant varieties, of which about 50 are indigenous to Nepal. Rhododendron flowers blanket some areas of the woods in spring, turning the green forest red. These forests are also home to a variety of animals and birds. If you're lucky, you might get to see some unusual wildlife.
Up-close panoramic view of the high mountain peaks
Starting on the first day of the journey and continuing throughout, you will experience breathtaking views of the Annapurna range. You will see a slightly different side of snow-capped mountains from each new town, and the mountains will get closer with each passing day. The crystal clear view of Mt. Machhapuchre in front and Annapurna South on the left after you reach Badal Danda is a heavenly experience. You will also see other mountains like Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fang, Mt. Singhachuli, Tent Peak, Mt. Manaslu, Mardi Himal, Ganesh Himal, etc.
Experience the glorious Himalayan sunrise
You'll witness the most breathtaking sunrise, throwing golden shadows across the Himalayas. On day 5 of your journey, you wake up at High Camp early in the morning and begin your hike towards Mardi Himal Base Camp while it's still dark. Halfway on the hike lies Mardi Himal View Point, with a sensational up-close panoramic view of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Mt. Machhapuchre. Imagine the rising sun casting its rays on them! It produces an incredibly beautiful but fleeting scene. After trudging for days on the exhausting trail, it is an extraordinary experience to be able to take in such grandeur up close.
Stand in Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters
Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) is the main highlight of the Mardi Himal Trekking. Except for a few tiresome, steep uphill sections and the challenging trails on the slanting cliffs near the finish, the hike to the base camp is relatively easy. You can experience the mesmerizing views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, and the surrounding Himalayan region from Mardi Himal Base Camp without having to engage in a taxing and extensive trekking trip.
