A Complete Guide to Mardi Himal Trek

Introduction

We went for Mardi Himal Trek which is one of the best modorate trekking destinations of Nepal located at Annapurna region. In this trek, we got to see the amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and we walked through pristine forests, traditional cultural villages and experience the mindblowing views of the Hilly and Himalayan region of Nepal.

Why Mardi Himal Trek?

One of the biggest reasons for you to trek to Mardi Himal is the spectacular view of the mountains. Based on my experience, I got the close view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as well as Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli. The Mardi Himal Trek also offers the undisturbed and least crowded trekking experience than the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek. I was able to enjoy the Panoramic views of the mountains without the crowds of hikers like on other routes.

Best time for the Trek

The best time to go for Mardi Himal Trek is Autumn (September-December) and Spring (March-May). During this time, the weather is usually clear and dry, which makes it easy to enjoy the mountain views. Winter season(Janauary-February) could also be an option for this trek due to the low altitude but monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rain and clouds which will make the trek more difficult. 

Route of The Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek starts and ends in the city of lake, Pokhara, which can be reached by a short flight or a scenic drive from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you'll need to take a jeep or a taxi to reach the trailhead at Kande or Phedi. The drive takes around 1-2 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions. From here you will start your trek following the itinerary.

Our Itinerary for the trek was:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Kande and hike to Australian Base Camp

Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp via Pothana and Pittam Deurali

Day 3: Trek to High Camp via Low Camp and Rest Camp

Day 4: Early Morning Exploration and Mountain View  and Back to Sidling

Day 5: Back to Pokhara and Pokhara Sightseeing Day

Day 6: Back to Kathmandu

Accommodation and Foods

The Mardi Himal Trek offers teahouse accommodation throughout the trail which is basic but comfortable and offer meals and hot drinks. The meals are primarily Nepalese cuisine. You can also find some Western dishes. It is recommended to carry your water bottles and use a water purification system to avoid single-use plastic bottles.

Permits and Fees

During the Mardi Himal Trek, you will need to obtain permits to do the Trek. You' ll need to get the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. The cost for these permits varies depending on your nationality.

What to Expect from the Trek?

The Mardi Himal Trek is a 5 to 7 day trek, depending upon the itinerary and fitness level. In the trek, you can get some breathtaking views of the Himalayas, friendly people, exploration of the Hilly region landscapes, pristine forest, traditon and culture, and many more. This trek can be your best moderate trekking experience in Nepal.

Consclusion

The Mardi Himal Trek can be called hidden gem for trekking, as it offers an excellent opportunity to explore the Himalayas and witness the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks for both novice and experienced trekkers within a week. It can be a perfect trekking destination for those who wants to experience the adventure in the Himalayan region in the short period of time.