Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, an adventure that leads to hidden pockets of southern Annapurna Himalaya, is located at 4,500 m high. Mardi Himal is a small peak which is at a height of 5,587 m and 18, 325 feet. Located on the southern flank of Machhapuchare Himal the Fish Tail peak, the adventure to Mardi Himal base camp is an enjoyable walk.

Mardi Himal, in earlier days regarded as one of many high rocky ledges of majestic Machhapuchare Himal. But later earlier explorers found it as a separate individual peak, where the trek to its base camp with few options.

The popular and shortest route walking from the southwest of Pritam Deurali is on the main trekking path. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek with Hiker Himalaya follows a high ridge covered in dense rhododendron, oaks, and pine forest. An adventure that takes you far from main villages and popular trekking trails, where the trek leads on a hidden mountain path.

From the start to the end of the walks facing constant views of Annapurna Himalayan peaks and dramatic scenery. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, with several choices and alternative ways to reach the high destination.

Where all treks begin from lovely Pokhara, a renowned and second-largest tourist city, blessed with natural beauty. Mardi Himal can be seen from Pokhara valley on a clear fine day, closely attached to Machhapuchare Himal. The adventure starts taking a short drive, after an overnight in Pokhara by its serene Phewa Lake to reach the foothills.

Where our walk commences with a climb to a ridgeline, facing a panorama of Annapurna Himalaya's wide range of peaks. The views include Manaslu and Lamjung Himal with Machhapuchare Himal towers and dominate the skyline.

The walk leads through the nice mountain villages of Potana and Deurali, located on a scenic top of a hill. A small settlement with few lodges and shops is also a route to other popular destinations around the southern Annapurna Himalaya range.

From Pritam Deurali, our route diverts heading straight north towards Mardi Himal's south base camp, one leaving the main trail. Trek follows on a forested path, in the early days till the present a summer grazing area for the cattle of the villagers.

The adventure continues spending overnights in a small simple lodge of Forest Camp and Low Camp to reach High Camp. The last temporary settlement with few lodges to accommodate trekkers, as well as the main entrance to the Mardi Himal base camp. Staying extra overnights in High Camp for a day hike to reach our awaited highlights on the foot of Mardi Himal. High Camp is perched on a high ridge, where tree lines give away short alpine bushes and shrubs.

As the hike progresses on a gradual uphill then finally stand beneath a high rocky and snow peak of Mardi Himal. Enjoy the grand superb panorama of the Annapurna Himalaya Mountain range, with great contrast of green rolling high hills. A magnificent spot to experience the highest point of the adventure, at the base of Mardi and Machhapuchare Himal.

After glorious moments retracing the hike back to High Camp for the onward journey to reach Pokhara. Take an alternative route downhill towards the farm villages of Siding and Lawang and then at Pokhara, where our marvelous adventure on the Mardi Himal base camp trek of 11 days completes.  

Best time for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek:

The best season is in springtime starting from March to May, days are longer and sunny till late afternoon times. Best for pleasant walks and views of mountains, cold in the morning and nighttime, around higher hills.

Around spring the hills are alive with wildflowers in bloom. Can expect snowfall and rains sometimes above 2,000 m high. The next best season is autumn from mid-September to November, where days are crystal clear, but shorter days with sunlight due to autumn seasons can be cold in the morning and nighttime.

What is the difference between hiking Mardi Himal?

The Mardi Himal trek is a trek to the Annapurna base camp. It's a little harder, a little more exciting for many but most importantly, much less busy than other hikes in the Annapurna region. The Mardi Gras trek offers you excellent views of the lesser-known aspects of the Annapurna Massif.

The target is Mardi Gras Base Camp, which will take you 4,500 meters (17,763 feet). Initially, there weren't many teahouses on this trek, but since about 2011 there have been teahouses all along the way since the beginning of the Mardi Gras base camp.

Mardi Himal Trek distance:

The distance from Pokhara to Kande is a 28 km driving road north of Pokhara, then to Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Middle Camp (Badaldanda), High Camp, and finally to Mardi Himal Base Camp. It then returns to the lower camp and is distracted by the siding village.

The distance of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is 42 kilometers and 26 miles. As part of the Mardi Himal trek, there are several teahouses to relax along the way. The road is very easy and does not require hard climbing. The journey takes five to six hours a day. Stopping along the way makes the journey more enjoyable.

Mardi Himal or Poon Hill Hiking?

Mardi Himal and Poon Hill are considered to be the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal is great for mountains also sunrise views, and Poon Hill is great for sunrise views. On both trips, you can see beautiful Annapurna Himal, as well as rich Gurung and Magar cultures. Mardi Himal is 5 days away from Pokhara and Poon Hill is 3 days away from Pokhara.

If you have a long holiday you can take both treks and also possibly start one route and continue the trek end to another route at the same period. otherwise, you can choose one popular trek to enjoy with the natural environment and beautiful scenery. If you are interested in taking both treks one time it is  8  to 12 days, depending on your walk speed, your holidays, and how long days you stay to enjoy the neutral mountain views depend.

Equipment & Packing List for Mardi Himal Trek:

This list outlines the required things to bring during the Mardi Himal Trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by our porter. However, you are required to carry a small day-pack with your valuables or anything important. We advise you to pack only what is necessary.

Important Items: Airline tickets; Valid passport; 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopy of your passport; Insurance paper; Dollars, Pounds, or Euros in cash for purchasing a Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying at restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks and to purchase your own drinks and gifts; Credit Card (Visa/ Master Card) for withdrawing cash from cash machines if needs.

For Head: Sun Hat; Bandana or head scarf; Headlamp with extra batteries; Sun Glasses with UV protection.

For Upper Body: Shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves); Lightweight thermal tops; Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater; Wind Cheater jacket; Down Jacket

For Lower Body: 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms; 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers; 1 pair of waterproof shell pants and 1 pair of hiking trousers.

For Hands: 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves and 1 pair of lightweight poly liner gloves.

For Feet: 2 pairs of thin inner socks; 2 pairs of poly or wool socks; 1 pair of Hiking boots (sturdy soles, water-resistant, ankle support); 1 pair of running shoes and/or sandals.

Other Useful Items: 1 sleeping bag (good to -20 degrees C or 28 degrees F); Rucksack and Travel Bags; 1 large duffel bag *; A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables; Small padlocks for duffel- bags; 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional).

Medical: Your daily taking medicine if any; small personal first aid kit; Aspirin, plasters (band-aids); Sunscreen; lip balms; Anti-diarrhea pills; Anti-headache pills; A cough and/or cold medicine; Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetazolamide; Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin.

Digital camera; 2 water bottles (1 liter each); disposable rubbish sacks; Toiletries: 1 medium-sized quick-drying towel; Toothbrush/paste; Multi-purpose soap; Deodorants; Nail clippers; Face and body moisturizer; Tissue /toilet roll; hiking poles, snack food (chocolate/ biscuits); umbrella; reading book or pack of cards (for leisure time during trekking).

Note: If any items are not available in your hometown you can buy them in Trekking Store in Kathmandu before you embark on trekking.