Overview –
The country of Nepal is blessed with some of the most stunning mountain adventures i the World. From the very popular Khumbu valley that homes the popular Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal offers some of the most underrated trails as well. Trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal is probably on every adventurers bucket list. But while it may be a dream destination, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to the duration and complex fitness requirements. The Mardi Himal trek is the an adventure that can easily fit this combination.
Introduction –
The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a short period. This scenic trail takes you through charming villages and dense forests, passing through Dhampus, Potana, and Forest Camp. As you trek, you’ll encounter lush Rhododendron, Bamboo, Oak, and other vibrant plant species. Spanning 8 days, the trek starts and ends in Kathmandu, with 5 days dedicated to core trekking.
Mardi Himal Trek – Facts
- Grade: Easy to Medium
- Max Elevation: 4,500m (13,550ft)
- Duration: 08 Days
- Trekking Days: 05 Days
- Distance: 64.30km/39.9 Miles
- Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara / Tea Houses during the trek
- Arrival City: Kathmandu
- Departure City: Kathmandu
- Region: Annapurna Region
- Best Season: February to June & September to December
Journey Highlights
- Experience the magical land filled with colorful Rhododendron forests (March to May).
- Enjoy mesmerizing views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, including the Annapurna Massif, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,176m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), and the iconic Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,993m).
- Immerse yourself in the unique and rich culture of indigenous groups such as the Magar, Gurung, and Thakali.
- Explore the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Entry and exit points
Day 1 of your journey will be your arrival in Kathmandu. Our team at Adventure Pulse will greet you and drive you to your hotel in the Thamel district, famous for its trekking gear market. After a comfortable night in Kathmandu, we will take an early morning flight to Pokhara the next day.
From Pokhara, the 7-day trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back begins.
The start point of your trek is a place called Dhampus which is a 1.5 hour drive from Pokhara. From Dhampus, we head towards Deurali, the first stop in the wilderness. We continue trekking through Deurali, Forest Camp, High Camp, and ultimately reach Siding and Lumre.
The exit of our trek is in Lumre. We drive back from Lumre to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu by flight.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and the iconic Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain). If you’re new to trekking, this is an ideal journey to start with, combining adventure with stunning landscapes in a manageable timeframe.
Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Overnight stay.
- Day 02: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Dhampus & Trek to Deurali.
- Day 03: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp or Rest Camp.
- Day 04: Trek from Forest/Rest Camp to High Camp.
- Day 05: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and to Low Camp.
- Day 06: Trek to Siding Village or Lumre, then drive to Pokhara.
- Day 07: Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Day 08: Departure from Kathmandu.
Best Season for the Mardi Himal Trek
The ideal time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during pre- and post-monsoon periods. From March to May and October to December, trekkers will enjoy the most favorable weather conditions.
- Spring (March to May) offers clear skies, stunning views of the Annapurna range, and the opportunity to witness Rhododendron flowers in full bloom. The valley bursts into shades of red, white, and pink, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Post-Monsoon (October to December) provides clear skies and majestic mountain views, though temperatures drop, and snowfall is possible. The Rhododendron flowers aren’t in full bloom, but some fading colors may still be visible.
Accommodation Options
Throughout the Mardi Himal Trek, you’ll stay in tea houses, mountain lodges built for trekkers. These tea houses vary in size and are operated by local families who migrate to higher altitudes during trekking season. Rooms typically feature twin beds with mattresses, pillows, and blankets, and access to common bathrooms.
The tea houses also have fully functional kitchens that prepare fresh meals. The dining areas are equipped with tables, chairs, and a central Bukhari to keep you warm and cozy. The hospitality of the Nepali people enhances the entire trekking experience, making it unforgettable.
Network and Communication During the Trek
Wifi and internet facilities are available in some tea houses, but they tend to be unreliable due to weather conditions, technical issues, and limited bandwidth. The cost for internet access, when available, ranges from 500 to 1500 Nepali Rupees for a 24-hour cycle.
Alternatively, you can buy a local sim card in Thamel. Ncell and NTC networks generally offer good coverage, though strength fluctuates with weather and altitude.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
Each day on the Mardi Himal Trek follows a simple routine:
- Wake-up: Around 6:00 AM, with breakfast served by 7:00 AM.
- Departure: We aim to begin trekking by 8:00 AM.
- Trekking: Expect to walk 4-5 kilometers each day, with breaks for tea or lemon-ginger honey water. You’ll have at least 3 breaks throughout the day, including a longer 30-45 minute lunch break.
- Arrival: We typically reach the next tea house by 1:00-2:00 PM.
What Will I Be Carrying on the Trek?
Adventure Pulse offers a backpack offloading service as part of all our packages. You won’t need to carry your heavy rucksack while trekking. Your duffel bag will be transported by porters, who will ensure it arrives at the next destination before you do. You’ll only need a small daypack containing essentials like a light jacket, windcheater/raincoat, and water bottle.
For a detailed list of items to carry, refer to our recommended checklist.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for trekkers of all levels. With 5 days of trekking, it’s graded as easy to moderate, depending on your physical fitness.
Can a Beginner Do This Trek?
Yes! The Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for beginners, first-time trekkers, children, and older adults. With support from our expert guides, assistant guides, and porters, you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What Makes This Trek Ideal for Family Adventures?
- Duration: At just 5 days of trekking, this trek offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation for both children and adults.
- Terrain: The trek’s terrain is manageable, without major obstacles, making it ideal for all ages. Some ascents may require a bit of preparation, so we recommend some pre-trek training.
- Comfort: The relatively short distances and tea house accommodations provide ample time to rest each day.
Reasons Why the Mardi Himal Trek Should Be on Your List
- Offbeat Adventure: If you’re looking for a less crowded trek, the Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice. Unlike popular routes, this trek offers a more intimate experience of the Himalayas in its rawest form.
- All-Inclusive: This trek is accessible to all ages and abilities, with services like premium logistics, backpack offloading, and a higher staff-to-trekker ratio.
- Explore More: If you’ve already trekked other famous routes like Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a chance to explore less-travelled paths and deeper into Nepal’s heart.
Final Thoughts
The Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent option for trekkers who want to experience the best of Nepal in a short time. This 8-day trek combines physical challenge with stunning natural beauty, making it a must-do for adventure lovers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, this trek offers something special. Its untouched beauty and panoramic views make it an unforgettable experience.
