Mardi Himal Trek

Overview of Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking is a new addition to the trekking trails offered in Nepal. Stationed in the foothills of Mount Fishtail, Mardi bestows its seekers with spectacular views and natural wonders. It is still remote and unexploited with very few numbers of tourists visiting the region every year. For those limited by budget and time can opt for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek instead of Annapurna Base Camp. The usual trek lasts up to 5-7 days with a total distance of 40kms with the trail passing through numerous Gurung settlements that in itself is rewarding and surreal. The off beaten paths along the trail offers a unique experience with verdant forests, dazzling rivers, terraced farms, appealing beauties of northern mountains and whatnot. The lower stretch of the trek goes through Rhododendron forests, small streams, bustling villages while as the elevation crosses the 3000 meters, the spatial difference of the geography overturns. The green landscape suddenly turns alpine and the weather gets as chilly as it can get. The villages get scattered and with only limited accommodation options available as the elevation adds up. http://mardi-himal-base-camp-trek

This trekking trail can be best experienced during the Autumn(September-November) for the best weather window that it possesses. Spring( March- May) blooms with greenery all across the trails and the picturesque view is just amazing. Inhabited majorly by the Gurungs and Magars, this trail offers a unique con flux of mixed cultures, food habits, tradition and walk of life in every step. Mount Fishtail will never leave your sight until you reach the top of the trail, High Camp(3700 meters). The pristine and intriguing view from the top of the high camp is simply pleasing. The terraced farm and small villages to the south and majestic Himalayan mountains to the north along with the cool breeze is sure to make your moments worthwhile.

Your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek begins from the submissive city of Pokhara. The route head westward following Pokhara-Muktinath Highway or Baglung highway and takes a gravelled road for 10 kms until you reach Dhampus, your starting point of the trek. From Dhampus its a 12 kms of walk that would take anywhere between 3-4 hrs for your to reach Deurali, your stopover for the day. Deurali resembles a typical Nepalese village with Vernacular architecture houses settled densely. Our route heads further north from Deurali and cross through dense Rhododendron forests and numerous river-streams.

From Deurali the trail traverses through dense Rhododendron and Bamboo forest. There are small settlements of tea houses and villages along the way. Low Camp is situated at an altitude of 2900 metres and the vegetation up till this point is tropical with dense forests all along. The stretch from Low Camp to High Camp is steep ascent via dense forests. The topography variates from High Camp on wards, the dense forest in the lower elevation now changes to arid spatial distribution. The trail passes through narrow rocky ridges along the way. Several landslides in and around High Camp makes it arduous trek and the elevations adds up more to the difficulty of the terrain. Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4500 metres with its elevation higher than Annapurna Base Camp and sits as one of the best vantage point to gaze at the Annapurna Massifs. The entire Annapurna range of : Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Annapurna I and Mardi Himal is visible from the base camp. We descend from the base camp taking the same trail on our ascent to get back to Pokhara.

The accommodation during Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is in a tea house. A tea-house is wooden built structure in the mountains for accommodation facilities. Similar to the mountain lodges in the European Alps, tea houses provide with private room and meals for travelers in trekking regions. These tea houses provide a limited food and beverage options. In Annapurna Base Camp Trek, your food and beverage options are limited to mostly Nepali and Tibetan dishes. Dal Bhaat Set( Rice, Lentil Soup, Curry and other sides) is usually preferred by most trekkers as it great value for money. You have other western dishes options too.

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek requires a you to have TIMS ( Trekkers Information’s Management System) and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits. You will need these two documents for your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek:

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP): 3000 Nepalese Rupees (About $30)
• Trekkers Informations Management System (TIMS): 2000 Nepalese Rupees ( About $20)

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