A Complete Travel Guide to Mardi Himal Trekking

‘an adventure around hidden ridges of massif Annapurna Himalayan range’

The Complete Travel Guide to Mardi Himal Trekking, allows interested travelers to know the location and landscapes of the areas.

Mardi Himal is situated in Nepal North Mid-West around the massive Annapurna Himalayan Mountain range. Close beneath the towering Machhapuchare Himal is the famous Fish Tail peak which is 6,993 m high.

Mardi Himal is listed as a trekking peak at a height of above 5,587 m / 18,330 feet high. From the distance, it appears as the broken ridges of Machhapuchare Himal. But early pioneers and explorers discovered a separate individual peak, close to Machhapuchare Himal.

The area around the high ridges of Mardi Himal is also known as the “Other Sanctuary”. Due to its close location to the actual Annapurna Sanctuary which is west of Mardi Himal. Separated by a Modi River and its deep gorge, at a mere distance of a few hundred meters apart. 

On the trek to Mardi Himal, two main options are taking the southeast route through Kumai and Khorchon villages. Which is hardly used trail due to its narrow steep path, the main and popular route is from Pritam Deurali.

From Deurali onwards where trekkers can find overnight accommodation in a simple mountain tea-house, which serves as a lodge and guest house. 

On the other hidden route, there are no facilities for lodges on leaving the main villages for some days. Where trekkers have to carry camping gear and food that is why the west route is more popular. 

The Main Highlights

• Away from the main trail on the least ventured route, but slowly gaining popularity.
• Enchanting forest of rhododendron of various species from tall trees to a bush.
• The forest is also lined with magnolia, oaks, pines, hemlocks, and fir trees.
• Walking away from main villages into a forested trail and grazing meadows.
• On a high ridge facing impressive views of dramatic landscapes and snow peaks.
• Change of terrain, vegetation, and climate in just a few days of treks to Mardi Himal.
• Exceptional View Points facing an awesome panorama of a high snow mountain range.
• Includes views of the Annapurna range of peaks with Dhaulagiri Himal and Manaslu.
• A short and exciting adventurous walk reaching 4,500 m / 14,850 feet high.
• The final point of the trekking to Mardi Himal scenic View-Point high ridge.
• Mardi Himal with an alternative route from the start to the end of trekking.
• Starting from the main trail of Deurali and then downhill on different trails.
• Mardi Himal Trekking close to towering Machhapuchare Himal, the Fish Tail peak.
• In spring the hills are alive with wildflowers in bloom, especially rhododendron. 

How to Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp?

There are two main options on the least ventured route from Kumai and Khorchon village close to Lwang village. The main popular and the widely used route is from Pritam Deurali Hill, a small place with few tea houses. 

Where one can drive to Dhampus village and then walk towards Potana and Deurali on the main trail. From Deurali leaving the main route, heading north to Mardi Himal base camp. The other options drive to Kande village, located on the roadside of Pokhara and Baglung Highway. From Kande farm village climb to Australian Camp or Thulo-Kharka. Then down on the main trail of Dhampus to Potana and then uphill to Deurali Hilltop.

Trekkers don’t be fooled by the itinerary days that most local trekking companies mention at Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is quite misleading, actually reaches High View-Point at 4,500 m, from the last lodge at High Camp.

From the View Point with the last tea-house, the base camp of Mardi Himal is a further 2 hours walk. The walk leads on narrow high ridges with big drops, in snow conditions, it is not possible, a reach challenges.

The Best Season For Mardi Himal Trekking 

The main best seasons are spring and autumn/fall. Spring begins from March to May, one of the lively seasons of time with wildflowers in full bloom.

Especially the rhododendron of various species and colors from tall trees to dwarf rhododendron called azalea. Days are much warmer with longer sunlight hours, however, mornings and nights are cold above 1500 m high.

Chances of rain and snow sometimes, especially during late afternoon time. The next best time is autumn/fall starts from September to November month.

One of the finest seasons for trekking around the Himalayas and Mardi Himal, days are fine with crystal clear blue sky. However, days are short due to sunlight hours much colder morning and late afternoon till night time. Possible snowfall sometimes on the highest altitude above 2,500 m high but still the best time of the year.

Food & Accommodation 

Mardi Himal is not as busy as other popular main trekking trails of the Annapurna region. From Dhampus, Australian Camp, and Potana onwards the lodge accommodation is simple and basic.

But with neat clean tidy small rooms with common toilets and bathrooms. Where one needs to pay for using a hot shower to bathe on route to Mardi Himal. The foods are simple with limited choices from breakfast, lunch to dinner. But clean and hygienic meals are served from a few continentals dishes, and Indian, Chinese and Nepali foods are available.

Served in a nice large dining room with a fireplace to keep the dining warm and cozy from the cold.

Mardi Himal Trekking Grade

The grade of Mardi Himal Trekking starts with a moderate climb uphill for short hours and then gets adventurous. Due to the gain in Altitude from Deurali onwards, so the grade is from Moderate to Adventurous walks.

Trekking Permits & Conservation Fees

Trekking around Annapurna Himalayas and Mardi Himal requires a permit called TIMS (Trekking Information Management Systems). 

Includes ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Projects) entry fees, the checking point is from the village of Potana. After walking from Dhampus or Australian Camp on route Deurali, the turning point to Mardi Himal.

The TIMS permits are issued by TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal). The local trekking companies will obtain the applicable permits. On booking the trip to Mardi Himal beforehand or on arrival at Kathmandu.

Solo/FIT (Free Individual Trekkers) Possible in Mardi Himal Trek

It is possible to trek as an individual or solo on Mardi Himal Trekking. But needs to obtain the applicable required permits. 

But it is always safe and best to trek in groups with a reliable companion or guides and porters. As this trek leads to pure mountain wilderness misfortunate things can happen or accidents. If one gets sick, there will be no one to take care of you.

This is why always best and safe to trek with a guide and good companion. Some trails in the forest can be misleading also. Can take the wrong way instead of walking on the right path.

Electricity & Internet Facilities on Mardi Himal Trek

After Dhampus, Australian Camp, and Potana villages, there is no hydropower for electricity. Most lodges on route Mardi Himal after Pritam Deurali do have their solar power to facilitate the trekkers. Where one can charge their electronic items and gadget, paying a fee for each item per hour. 

As for the Internet, there are no lines for Wifi one can buy a local SIM card with full data-based. The Wifi and internet connection does not exist in the main villages of Dhampus and Potana. Until you reach Siding or Lwang village down below on the way to Pokhara.

Trekking With Guide & Porter

Guides and porters are the backbones of trekking around Nepal Himalayas, most important to have a guide and porter. For an enjoyable adventure, a holiday is hiring a trekking guide and a porter. Not only for one benefit but also contributing to the local economy by providing jobs for hundreds of guides and porters. 

Booking with local trekking agents which is included the service of a guide and porters, depending upon trip cost. The licensing guide is approved by Tourism Department, where porters need to carry limited weight. 

For Solo trekkers good to have a guide and porter, or just a guide cum porter to save the budget. The guide and porters need to be paid daily wages, accommodation, and meals and also must be medically insured. 

How Are The Drinking Water & Hot Shower as well as Toilet Facilities?

Mineral water in a plastic bottle is available throughout the trek in every lodge restaurant and shop. The price differs as you reach higher, the cheapest way is to buy boiled filtered clean drinking water. Available in every overnight lodge and on lunch stops, best as being a responsible trekker and for eco-trekking.

As bottled water creates more garbage, if it is not recycled, the best is to carry a good water bottle. Where you can refill in every lodge that you stay on paying some fees for the clean safe drinking water.

Pre-Trekking Preparation

One of the most important parts of the trekking adventure around Nepal Himalayas, as well for Mardi Himal Trekking.

Depending upon as ex Kathmandu / Pokhara or booking from overseas, for pre-trekking preparation. The first step is booking the trip as per your holiday duration in Nepal and as well obtaining enough information. 

Around the Southern hills of Annapurna Himalaya at Mardi Himal base camp.

Next step health certificate against Covid-19 or any other virus where your local company will update you regarding the matter. 

The rest carry personal clothing and trekking gear as per the list provided by the local trekking agencies. Includes Travel and Medical Insurance which is important on trekking around Nepal Himalayas.  

Standard Itinerary

The standard itinerary is a guideline for day-to-day details of the treks while you are in Nepal. The standard itinerary should fit with time and holidays in Nepal and for the Mardi Himal Trekking.

The standard Itinerary should mention as follows, can differ from one company to another. But as an example of a standard Itinerary.

Short Trip Profile

Outline Itinerary

Do you need more detail please visit the Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

Insurance For Mardi Himal

Travel & Medical Insurance is obligatory when traveling around remote high-altitude Himalayan destinations like Mardi Himal Trekking. 

The Travel Insurance in case of bad unfavorable weather conditions, where trekking route might be diverted to other safe destinations. As well as if the trek is disturbed by political strikes and road conditions. 

Which can happen in any part of the world, with a sudden change of government rules. In this type of situation, the local companies will be beyond their control and have to accept, whatever circumstance arises. These types of situations if happen can claim through your travel insurance for reimbursement.

Similarly for Medical Insurance in cases of sudden illness like altitude sickness or personal illness. Where one might need immediate evacuation or rescue to the nearest hospital like in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Using the fastest means of transportation like Helicopter Service. This is when your Medical Insurance comes in, to cover your extra expenses incurred.   

Guided Treks vs An Independent Trekkers

Guided trekking is the best and safe way of traveling around the Himalayas, especially on off from the beaten trails. Like in Mardi Himal trekking or remote isolated pocket of Nepal Himalayas. The guide can be the best companion for many good reasons, including safety purposes as well to gain knowledge and information. As well as being sick or getting into sudden accidents, where a guide will be you’re only help and support.

Traveling as an independent trekker can be good to save one budget and trekking best low expenses. But you will be missing many good things knowing the local culture and custom, as well flora and fauna. 

Some trail directions can be misleading, and you can be on the wrong trails. Instead of walking on the right path to designated overnight stops.

 As well stopping at the right place for lunch and overnight halts, with a guide, will be much easier. The guide knows the best of the area as well as lodges on route trekking.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The trip cost for Mardi Himal Trek will be pre-informed upon booking the trip. As per the duration of trekking days, depending upon group size and using a standard of hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. 

The cost of the trip package entirely depends on what’s included and excluded from transportation by overland to Pokhara or by air.

Normally trip package for treks of a maximum of 8 days on Mardi Himal comes around approx. US$ 650 per person. Includes local transport to and from Pokhara, trekking and conservation fees, wages, and insurance for guides and porters.

As well as meals and transportation allowance from Pokhara to Pokhara 

The above trek costs package on minimum 2-3 people. The trip cost can get lower according to a group size of more than 4-6 people or higher.

The trip cost does not include fare from Kathmandu or hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and at Pokhara. Depends upon the options of hotel standards from budget to standard or deluxe star hotels.

Mardi Hamal Trek Packing List

Personal Trekking Gear

Important and necessary to carry a small medical kit for your personal use, as recommended and prescribed by your doctors. As well as mentioning your medical history.

Equipment & Clothing 

Comfortable boots and trainers /sports shoes, clothing for strong hot sun on lower foothills. As well for freezing temperatures at night around higher areas, Shorts, skirts, or lightweight trousers (for ladies). Includes T-shirt, long-sleeved cotton shirts, and sun hat. 

During the evening and the higher altitudes, warm clothing will be needed.  

Fiber Pile Jackets: Shorts or Skirts (for ladies): 

Light Cotton Trousers: for men and ladies. 

Breeches / Track Suit / Ultra Fleece Trousers: for both females and males.

Duvet / Down Jackets: (Down feathers or synthetic (required in autumn/winter 

and early springtime) 

Wool Balaclava, Wool Mitts: (required in autumn/winter and early springtime) Water-Proofs: Jacket and trousers

Sun Hats                   

Scarf: Silk/Nylon, useful for keeping the sun off the back of your neck.

Sunglasses / Goggles: Essential to get a pair that cuts out 100% UV rays

Sunscreen Cream: High protection factor 20 or high altitude glacier cream due 

to thin air, the U/V is stronger in the sun.

Lip Slave/ Labisan: Protection for the lips with a sunscreen

Water Bottle: A liter metal bottle to keep warm while at night time.

Toilet Items

Head Torches: Pretzel (recommended) -spare batteries and bulbs.

Small Knife: Swiss army style – has many uses

Note Book / Diary/ Pens

Small Padlock: Useful for locking your kit/duffel bag

Money Belts:

OPTIONAL 

Camera Gear and Walking Sticks / Poles: Useful for crossing rivers and in snow and ice areas.

Most of these items can be bought or hired in Kathmandu on daily basis at a reasonable price. Which can save from weight limits on international and domestic flights.

How to Choose a Reliable Trekking Operator For Mardi Himal Trek?

After surfing through several websites, and choosing the perfect trekking operator with excellent background. As well the company should be established for more than decades and running successful trips.

The local operator with expert veteran guides and strong healthy porters and staff. Lastly, the trip price should be reasonable as well as providing the services.

Trekking Operator, who can provide enough information and details of the trek chosen.  

The company with long decades of experience running successful trips. 

As well should be approved and Regisrated by the Government of Nepal Tourism Department. Associated member of TAAN, NMA, and any other none or Semi-Government Organization, related to Responsible Tourism and Eco-Trekking.  

AMS(Acute Mountain Sickness) on Mardi Himal Trek?

On Mardi Himal Trek, trekkers hardly catch the symptoms of AMS or Altitude Sickness. As this trek reaches a maximum height of 4,500 m, where altitude gains at a slow pace. Trekkers get acclimatized during daily walks and stay overnights at certain heights. It is different from other high-altitude trekking adventures.

On Mardi Himal Trek, walking slowly and gradually will be best for acclimatization very few trekkers get a slight headache. But not with a serious problem, in case of altitude sickness, one can head downhill to a safe height easily.