Short Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara 2024
short Mardi Himal trek from Pokhara 2024 is one of the most beautiful short trekking trails that begins from the lovely city of Pokhara, Nepal. It typically takes 3 to 5 days and provides panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Mt. Machhapuchchhre, popularly known as Fishtail.
The begins with transportation for the Kande trek, then tends to go and walk through an awesome panoramic forest full of rhododendron flowers with some small, lovely villages. Higher up, the trees thin down and then disappear to give way to terrains of grasslands; finally, reaching Mardi Himal Base at 4500m will offer magnificent views of the mountains.
It is to be noted, however, that Short Mardi Himal trekking is moderate and calls for physical fitness along with aerobics. As can be perceived, there are only a few risks while hiking down, given the steep nature of the paths, but the high altitude calls for some difficulties. All in all, it is worth the scenery. Some of the trails to be followed may be rough, especially around the base camp.
Why select the Short Mardi Himal Trek?
If you want to go on a relatively short trek, Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best options. You can finish this moderately short trek in 5 days, which will fit your schedule if you have limited time. Moreover, this trek starts from Pokhara City, which is accessible very easily, and you will get spectacular views of the ‘Annapurna’ range and the ‘Fish Tail mountain.
The third reason a short Mardi Himal trek should be chosen is the chance to embrace local culture. While on the tour, you pass through small villages. You are welcomed by friendly villagers, and you can study their lifestyle and culture and enjoy the beauty of nature, like the rhododendron flowering in spring.
How to Reach the Mardi Himal Trek Starting Point?
From Pokhara, a short drive towards Kande takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The real trekking begins from Kande on a clear trail that would lead you through the greenery forest and past several communities. The general trek takes five days and is provided by our leading trekking guide in Nepal’s company.
Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek?
It is best to visit Mardi Himal in spring and autumn. Spring, from March up to May, is recommendable because it has warm weather with daytime temperatures ranging from 17 to 20 degrees Celsius. This time, you might see some trails where flowers bloom, like colorful rhododendrons. Autumn, the second-best season, falls between September and November.
At other times, after the rainy season, the skies are blue, and the mountain views are great to see. Generally, the weather is warm and often ranges from 20 degrees Celsius during the daytime.
Each has good weather conditions, with little precipitation and few insects to bother you in your trekking adventures. Though the trek can be done in other months, spring and autumn are the perfect seasons to see the vistas of Mardi Himal.
Itinerary for Short Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara
Day 1: Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali (2200m)
On the first day, you will drive from Pokhara to Kande, which will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Kande, it is about 3 to 4 hours of walking to reach Deurali, which is an important place for acclimatization. You will spend a night at one of the lodges, and all meals for the day include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 2: Trek to Rest Camp (2700m)
The second day involves a 5—to 6-hour hike to reach the Rest Camp, commonly referred to as Middle Camp. This part of the trek offers an excellent view of the rhododendron forests, which are colorful during April. Lunch and dinner will be served at the same camp, and the accommodation for the night will be at the Rest Camp.
Day 3: Trek to High Camp (3500m)
The third day entails further trekking for 5 to 6 hours to get to High Camp. Here, there are excellent views of the surrounding mountains, and there should also be fewer people on this trail. Local tea houses also give the experience a cozy touch that cannot be easily replicated. Meals will be provided throughout the day, and you will spend the night at High Camp.
Day 4: Ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and Return to Badal Danda (3200m)
On the fourth day, you will trek up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which will take roughly 3 hours. After that, you will see views of Mt Fishtail and the Annapurna range. The next day, after spending some time at base camp, you trek back to High Camp for breakfast and then to Badal Danda, which will take approximately 7 hours. All meals will be provided to you, and you will spend the night at Badal Danda.
Day 5: Descend to Sidding (1750m) and Drive Back to Pokhara
On the last day, it takes roughly 3 hours to hike down to Sidding. You will then travel back to Pokhara in a jeep, taking around 3 hours on the road. This ends your trip, and you have free time to sightsee in Pokhara or prepare for your journey.
Short Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
Enjoy the panorama views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare-Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and other iconic peaks.
Welcome to a quiet, peaceful trekking path-much less crowded than the more ‘fashionable’ treks.
All the local communities here are Gurung and Magar, known for their friendly nature and good hospitality.
Cross rousing rhododendron forests-very spectacular in springtime. Diverse landscapes become apparent in the climb-up to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
The base camp rests at an elevation of 4,500 meters, a quiet place that offers stunning views.
Relax in the serenity of this camp and enjoy the ideal setting to be with yourself and nature.
Accommodations on a Short Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara
Overnight stays in teahouses are the primary accommodations on the Mardi Himal Trek, which are managed locally. These teahouses have basic facilities with two single beds and a washroom; this may not necessarily be an en suite toilet.
The services also include a comfortable sleeping or resting place after a tiring day of hiking. Notable facilities available on request are hot showers and a charging port for a certain amount. These teahouses also offer a chance for trekkers to taste the local hospitality and feel the cultural vibe of the place.
Foods on Mardi Himal Trek
Basic food but very delicious is provided on Mardi Himal Trek without causing much variation to your diet. For breakfast, an omelet or scrambled eggs, pancakes, toast with jelly, or marmalade, or porridge are available to start with. When you begin your morning, a cup of tea or coffee is usually taken with milk.
The most sought-after noon meal is Dal Bhat, which includes rice, lentil soup, and some vegetables. You may also have fried noodles or momos, which are types of dumplings.
Dinner- Same, you may order Dal Bhat or even a simple meal of fried rice or soup. The portion of food is good enough to provide your trekking with sufficient energy.
Wifi & Communication in Mardi Himal Trek
Communication on the Mardi Himal Trek is possible to an extent but is not freely open. There are two major mobile networks on the trek route: NTC and Ncell. Sometimes it may take time for good signal reception due to high altitudes, so you have to move around to get good signal reception.
If 3G services are available, you can use them, but sometimes, internet access may be slow and unreliable. Many tea houses provide WiFi services at an extra cost of about $1 – $2 each day; however, internet speeds may be slow since many people are connected at the same time.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
There are, however, several factors that the Mardi Himal trek hikers should expect or rather find on their trekking adventure. It’s moderately strenuous since one needs to hike for about 5-7 hours daily on steep and rocky terrain often at high altitudes.
The highest altitude is 4,500 meters and hence, there are some physical discomforts like altitude sickness, so water intake and rest are recommended. It is advisable to bring warm clothes as well as footwear because the weather is always cool, and it may rain and snow in winter and during the monsoon.
Mardi Himal Trek Permits
The two permits you need to trek to Mardi Himal are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the Trekkers’ Information Management System card. The foreign visitor fees for the ACAP are NPR 3,000, and the permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or the ACAP office in Pokhara. You no longer need the TIMS card for this trek; it will be enough if you get an ACAP permit.
Mardi Himal Trek Packing List
It is necessary to have a good backpack to carry the following items before heading to Mardi Himal Trek. Casual and comfortable clothes, easily movable like moisture-wicking shirts, hiking pants, and warm fleece jackets are needed. In case of rain, it’s compulsory to wear a waterproof jacket.
This would mean bringing strong hiking shoes and some flat shoes. Do not forget a sleeping bag, water bottles, and energy bars. Bring gloves, wet wipes, basic and medicated toiletries, a first aid kit, and a headlamp for light at night. Finally, take sufficient cash as there are no banking facilities on the trekking tour.
Safety and Enjoyable Tips during Mardi Himal Trek
Generally, for safe trekking during this Short Mardi Himal Trek, one needs to plan by getting fit physically.
Luggage should include only good hiking boots, warm clothing, and a sleeping bag.
You should take as much water as possible and be slow when trekking, especially in the highlands.
Because of the absence of well-laid-out trails, one who is not familiar with the locality should, therefore, hire a guide for them; they also show respect to the native people.
Be prepared for any weather change with coats, umbrellas, or any item that keeps you dry.
Why Mardi Himal is perfect for a quick Get Away from Pokhara?
Many travelers like the Short Mardi Himal Trek because it is short, taking
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