Mardi Himal Trek: Best Short Hike in Nepal
Are you looking for an adventurous trek that can be completed within a few days? Mardi Himal Trek might be the perfect fit for you. This short trek offers breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri massif. You will also get to experience the flora and fauna of the Annapurna Region and witness delightful sunrise and sunset views. In this blog post, we will guide you through how to plan your Mardi Himal Trek.
Experience
Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent trek that takes you to the base of the towering Mardi Himal. You will get some of the most impressive views of various mountains, including Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, and Himchuli. The trek will take you through wonderful rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) region.
Highlights
The Mardi Himal Trek by Mount Mania starts after a scenic 6-7 hours bus drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From there, you will trek to Pothana, where you will get the permit to Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). You will trek through various teahouses along the way to low camp, high camp, and eventually, to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Along the way, you can also see an abrupt change in the landscape as the trail is well-defined.
How to Plan Your Trek
Planning a trek to Mardi Himal is not difficult, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your Mardi Himal Trek:
Step 1: Choose the Right Time
The best time to trek to Mardi Himal is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is perfect, and the views are clear. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to August) as the trails can be slippery, and the views may be obscured by clouds.
Step 2: Book Your Trek
Book your trek with a reliable trekking company such as Mount Mania. They offer various trekking packages, including the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. You can book the tour at Get Your Guide.
Step 3: Prepare for the Trek
Physical preparation is essential for any trek. You should do some physical exercises and cardio at least a month before the trek. It would help if you were mentally prepared for the trek as well. Make sure to bring warm clothes, trekking shoes, a backpack, and a camera.
Step 4: Arrive in Pokhara
From Kathmandu, take a scenic 6-7 hours bus drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is the starting point of the trek.
Step 5: Trekking Itinerary
| Day | Route | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Pokhara to Pothana | 1,890m |
| Day 2 | Pothana to Low Camp | 3,150m |
| Day 3 | Low Camp to High Camp | 3,700m |
| Day 4 | High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to High Camp | 4,500m |
| Day 5 | High Camp to Siding | 1,750m |
| Day 6 | Siding to Pokhara | 915m |
Step 6: Permits
To trek to Mardi Himal, you will need several permits. The permits that you will need are:
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
You can get these permits at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or at the ACAP office in Pokhara.
Step 7: Accommodation and Food
There are various teahouses along the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp. These teahouses offer basic accommodation and food. You can try some local Nepali dishes such as Dal Bhat, which is the staple food of Nepal.
Step 8: Guide and Porter
You can hire a guide and a porter for your trek. A guide will help you navigate the trails and provide you with information about the trek. A porter will carry your backpack, which means you will only need to carry a small daypack.
Conclusion
Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice for those looking for a short, adventurous trek. The trek offers incredible views of the mountains, the experience of trekking through the Annapurna Region, and an opportunity to witness delightful sunrise and sunset views. Follow our guide above on how to plan your Mardi Himal Trek, and book your tour here at Get Your Guide.
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