The Mardi Himal Trek is a quick, freshly opened, medium-difficult trek in the Annapurna region. From the Mardi Himal hike (41km), one can see the mountains of Annapurna circuit, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fish-tail), and Manaslu. Australian Camp, Forrest Camp, Mardi Himal base camp, Siding village, and Lwang are the key attractions on this 11 days hike.
The first leg of the Mardi Himal trip is a 40-minute drive from Pokhara to Kande via the Beni Baglung Highway, followed by 1.5 hours of hiking to Australian Camp (2060m). Australian Camp provides expansive views of the Pokhara and Annapurna basins. First Camp lies in the Pitam Deurali (2100m), between Annapurna South and Mardi Himal 4-5 hours walk, and it has views of the Modi Khola gorge and a rhododendron woodland. From Deurali the trail to Forest Camp (2600m) winds through a woodland region before ascending and then descending on top of a ridge. Just over halfway, there is a stretch where the trail abruptly drops in elevation before gradually climbing again and leading back to Forest Camp. After Forest Camp, up until you ascend out of the forest at an elevation of around 3,300 meters, the track follows narrow, meandering trails through magnificent rhododendron forests. The scenery abruptly transforms into a high mountainous terrain with stunning views of the Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trail starts off extremely steep but quickly flattens out as you ascend the ridge once more at the elevation of (3580m), High Camp.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp is the endpoint and it is 4,500 meters above sea level. From High Camp you will trek for 3-4 hours towards the Mardi base camp. From here you can have the enjoyable views of the entire Annapurna range. Besides base camp, Sidhing village, Lumre are also popular destinations where you will camp on your return trip to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal altitude
The world's most well-known Annapurna circuit includes the mountain Mardi Himal (5587 m above sea level). Mount Machhapuchhre (6993m), the most well-known peak from the lake of Pokhara, is near to Mardi Himal. This mountain's trek path was made available by 2012, and more people have been visiting it since.
What is the major attraction of Mardi Himal?
It's a section of the Annapurna Circuit that has a lot of biodiversity and a variety of climate zones. The main features of Mardi Himal include a trail through a rhododendron forest. It also offers the opportunity to see the cultural richness of the Gurung and Magar people who are the local inhabitants. Moreover, the unbelievable panoramas of numerous mountains, including the eighth-highest mountain in the world, Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m) is its major attraction. The fishtail-shaped mountain Macchpuchre (6,993 m), Himchuli (6,441 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mardi Himal (5,587 m), that are seen during the hike are major attractions. The rivers, waterfalls on the way, the mid hill and alpine forest are something more the Mardi Himal offers.
How difficult is Mardi Himal Trek?
Considering that it is a teahouse trek, most hikers believe it to be relatively simple. It is one of the short treks and the route avoids challenging terrain. However, novice hikers do consider it to be a moderate trek. On the Mardi Himal highlands, you trek for 5 to 6 hours daily. It is made simpler, by the campsites between the treks. The altitude might not be a big issue because climbing upward is properly planned. Moreover, it's challenging to get from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp during winter because of the snow on its narrow path.
Do we need a trekking permit for Mardi Himal trek?
For Mardi Himal trek, we need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), just like on any other trek inside the Annapurna protected area/Annapurna Circuit. A TIMS may only be obtained with a valid passport, insurance, a reference in Nepal, and 4 photos. Additionally, the card and a permission are free to be picked up at the office in Pokhara.
Is there a risk of having altitude sickness?
Approximately 4,500 m Mardi Base Camp elevation is reached after much hiking. Altitude sickness is less likely if you proceed gradually and cautiously. Breathing difficulty is one of the initial symptoms you are likely to encounter during the trek. The absence of a break in between journeys will lead to altitude sickness. When you are affected, you will not have enough time for your body to acclimate to the decreased oxygen and air pressure. So, in order to prevent getting sick, it is wise to allow yourself as much rest as possible in between hikes.
Mardi Himal Base camp weather and temperature
The Mardi region experiences constant moderate temperature throughout the year. The highest temperature reaches 15°C, while the lowest is -3°C. The temperature constantly varies depending upon the seasons. Anytime of year is considered to be suitable for trekking in this area. However, it has been discovered that a lot of hikers visit Mardi Himal Base Camp in the spring and autumn, which are also thought to be the best time for trekking in Nepal. Moreover, the view of the mountains is breathtaking because the surrounding areas are covered with snow in the winter. It is the time when the best views of the mountain vistas are provided by the snow-capped mountains.
Flora and fauna in Mardi Himal Base Camp areas
While hiking along this wonderful trekking route, Mardi Himal Base Camp trek offers trekkers the chance to experience beautiful and secluded nature, breathtaking views of giant mountains, closely packed rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, a variety of bird species, rare and common wildlife, and wide range of flora and fauna.During the pr-monsoon season, alpine, lush green woodland with bamboo, coniferous trees, and many other flowering plants can be observed, blooming along with rhododendrons. Moreover, strange creatures including blue sheep, deer, yaks, and snow leopards makes this area unique. Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for naturalists and foresters because of its rare and amazing plants and animals.
Food and accommodation during Mardi Himal Base Camp treks
Expecting the same level of lavish and sophisticated lodging on a hiking route as you find in a city is impractical. The tea houses on the trekking route will provide accommodation for the trekkers. The trekkers will have to satisfy themselves with the common facilities provided to them. During busy times, you might need to reserve the bed two or three days in advance. Otherwise, you'll have to spend the nights in the hallway or dining room, by wrapping yourself in a sleeping bag. Tea houses generally provide you with typical foods available in the areas (rice, lentils, curry) tea, breakfast and lunch. Because of high altitude and lack of electricity access, it might be difficult to get electricity facility, and wifi. It is far better to carry essential medicines needed for you and portable batteries and torchlight for your safety in the evening.
Conclusion
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a less traveled and less crowded, moderate hiking trail. The trek is magnificent as it offers the visitors with the remote uniqueness. It is always better to travel in a less crowded area when we seek solace. Moreover, Mardi Himal trek also offers researchers plenty of opportunity to explore the remote uniqueness (flora and fauna, culture and people). For the novice hikers Mardi Himal trek offers the wonderful opportunity for highland treks which includes Mount Everest Base Camp trek, Gokyo trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Upper Mustang trek and others.
