Mardi Himal Trekking route is a hidden gem for the trekking lovers which is a relatively newly opened route in the Annapurna region since 2012, located to the east of the Annapurna Base camp virtually under the spectacular Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). The Mardi Himal trek rewards you with stunning views of this majestic mountain range of Annapuran Himalayas and surroundings. Few trekkers make their way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp spectacularly situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the impressive Machapuchhre.
While trekking in Mardi Himal Trek Trekkers follow the ridge above the Modi Khola river draining Annapurna Base Camp. The trail at first winds through dense rhododendron and maple forests rich in bird life. The clearings in the forests offer magnificent view of the Annapurna range.
Mardi Himal Trek offer:
The trail offers really gorgeous views of view of snow-covered peaks, including the most spectacular Mt. Fishtial. The changing colors of the peaks at sunset and sunrise appear heavenly. Mardi Himal The trekking goes through quiet stone built villages past wonderful rhododendron forests blooming in many different colors. The forest path continues until about 3,300 m.
It takes around 3 to 4 hours climbing up from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range. Basic teahouses and home stays are available during the Mardi Himal trek.
During the Mardi Himal trek there are many of interesting villages in this route like Lumre, Kalimati–a village inhabited by Brahman and Ghale- mixed Brahman and Gurung are equally fascinating to learn their way of life and culture.
Summary of Mardi Himal Trek:
Overall, to enjoy a new trek, this would be a good choice for the trekkers those who looking for an alternative to the busy trails of Annapurna region like Annapurna base camp trekking, Annapurna circuit trekking or Ghorepani poon hill trekking. However, the trek is never short of superb mountain views, forest, amazing landscapes and rich, traditional settlements.
Elevation and Altitude Profile for Mardi Himal Trekking:
Trip highlights of Mardi Himal Trek.
-Panoramic view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt Machapuchre ( fishtail) ,Mt Mardi and its soundings.
-Walking through the wake and rhododendron flower forests.
-Beautiful Valleys with landscape, flora and fauna.
– Rich with unique culture and tradition.
Small video clips of Mardi Himal Trekking by us:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (800m).
Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana.(1925m, about 4 hours trek)
Day 04: Pothana to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.
Day 05: Forest camp to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking.
Day 06: Low camp to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.
Day 07: Day excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High camp/ (4,500m)- 4 hours Trekking.
Day 08: high camp to Siding village (1,750m) -6 hours walking.
Day 09: Siding village to Lumre and drive to Pokhara- 3 hours walking and 2 hours driving.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
We will pick up you from the airport and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (800m).
We will drive to Pokhara by tourist bus which takes 6 to 7 hours. Over night at Pokhara Hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana.(1925m, about 4 hours trek)
After breakfast we drive half an hour to Phedi by car and start our our trek to Pothana. The trail is steep until Dhampus and pleasant easy walk up to Pothana, Over night t tea house,
Day 04: Pothana to Forest Camp at Kokar (2,600m)- 4 hours walking.
We walk up to place Pitam Deurali where you will turn off the main Annapurna Sanctuary trek and continue along a quiet trail through a dense forest of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron. Over night t tea house,
Day 05: Forest camp to Low Camp (3,150m)- 5 hours trekking.
The trail continues from Forest Camp to Low Camp through the forest however as we ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley. Over night t tea house,
Day 06: Low camp to High Camp (3,700m)- 4 hours trekking.
An hour or so above Low Camp the trail breaks out above tree line and towards the west there is a great view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli mountain. Along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on grass with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Over night t tea house,
Day 07: Day excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High camp/ (4,500m)- 4 hours Trekking.
Wake up early for sunrise view of the mountains. After an early breakfast walks up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Back into high camp, Over night t tea house,
Day 08: high camp to Siding village (1,750m) -6 hours walking.
One the trek back we will take a different route so completing a circuit, from Low Camp there is a trail that goes down to Siding village rather than going back down Mardi Himal back to Kokar. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and wonderful cultural. Over night t tea house,
Day 09: Siding village to Lumre and drive to Pokhara- 3 hours walking and 2 hours driving.
From Siding you walk out to the road head at Lumle, on the way from Siding you will pass the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is mainly a Brahmin village with Ghalel and Siding mixed Brahmin and Gurung. Transfer to the hotel.
Trip Cost US$ 650.00 Per person
Cost Includes:
- Pick up from the airport and Final drop to the airport by private vehicle.
- Two night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- All your standard meals like, Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner, during the trek with A cup of tea or coffee during the breakfast.
- Tea house Accommodations during the trek.
- equipment like Sleeping bag, down Jacket, Duffel bag and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed).
- All ground transportation.
- Well English speaking guide, friendly, experienced, with government license holder.
- A Strong Porter among the two trekkers ( one porter sharing among two member ) including all his expenses including full insurance during the trek.
- Monastery fees.
- Emergency helicopter rescues arrangement if in case, pay by your travel insurance company.
- Insurance of Guide.
- A trekking route map.
- Annapurna conservation area fee.
- TIMS (trekkers’ Information Management System.)
- Two night standard accommodation on B/B in Pokhara Before and After the trek.
- First aid service kit box, Normal medical supplies.
Cost Excludes:
- All kind’s of Drink’s like Mineral water, beer Juice, Coke, fanta, other alcoholic hard drink’s, ETC.
- Sweet things like chocolate and others
- Your personal expenses.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Extra night hotel night in Kathmandu.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.
Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.
If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.
1. Is trekking difficult?
The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.
If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.
Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.
If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.
Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.
Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.
2. Is trekking expensive?
This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.
You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.
Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!
3. What preparations should I make before trekking?
It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.
Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.
Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.
If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.
4. What are the things I need to pack?
There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.
To know about the things you require, refer to the following link-
5. Do I need special permission to trek?
You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.
Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-
http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees
6. Is drinking water easily available?
Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.
An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.
Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.
7. What kind of food is available during trekking?
Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.
Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.
8. What kind of accommodation should I expect?
Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking
1. Tea house trekking:
You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.
Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.
The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.
2. Camp treks
In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.
9. What are the risks associated with trekking?
Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.
You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.
10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-
- Attain height gradually and slowly
- As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
- Drink plenty of water
- Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
- Eat high caloric food
- Avoid smoking or drinking
11. How to diagnose AMS?
In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Upset stomach
- Feeling unsteady
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty sleeping
If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:
- Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
- Descend to a lower altitude if possible
- Take complete rest until you feel well
- Do not exercise
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Take external oxygen supply if necessary
- Take anti-sickness medicines
If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.
12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?
There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.
A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.
A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.
In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.
Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.
13. Can I trek solo?
To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.
A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.
Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.
14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?
Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.
In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.
15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?
Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.
In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.
Conclusion
The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]
