Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal Trekking takes you to the hidden pockets of the southern Annapurna Himalayas, which were isolated and forgotten for years. The early pioneers and explorers visited this amazing picturesque high country and named it the Other Sanctuary. Due to its close location to the actual and original Annapurna Sanctuary, which is a mere distance west. Separated apart by a deep rocky cliff gorge of Modi River after decades of isolation. In the last few years Mardi Himal has become one of the most desired destinations for all trekkers. 

The reason for gaining popularity in Mardi Himal is its easy accessibility from the road head. One can enjoy the adventure in a week or less, and as well for its spectacular viewpoints. The walk reaches the highest point at about 4,500 m, without the problem of getting altitude sickness. 

Which mostly happens around the high-altitude adventure destinations in the Himalayas. This is why Mardi Himal, is regarded as one of the most sought adventure areas for blissful and scenic walks. Mardi Himal is a lesser mountain at 5,587 m or 18,330 feet high, listed as one of the trekking peaks. 

Located right beneath the southwest flank of towering Machhapuchare Himal, the famous Fish-Tail peak, within the Annapurna Himalayan region.

The adventure to Mardi Himal trekking includes a short, exciting drive both ways in the beginning and at the end. The walk follows through an enchanting forested path amidst tall rhododendrons and pine trees as the trek progresses. 

Then reaching, high above the tree lines at Mardi Himal Viewpoint, the final goal and highlights. Stand beneath the staggering and prominent Machhapuchare Himal that dominates the Himalayan blue sky. 

Enjoy the fabulous panorama of Annapurna Himalayan groups of snow peaks with Mardi Himal, including views of dramatic rolling green hills.

The return journey is on an alternative route from the last camp of High Camp and Badal Danda. Then, the walks lead downhill to the lower farm village at Siding to end the walks and then drive back to scenic Pokhara. 

After a most exciting experience and adventures on Mardi Himal Trekking, with the excellent services of Woman Adventures.

Highlight and Major Attractions:

• Adventure around enchanting forest of tall rhododendrons and pine trees.
• On off the beaten tracks away, hidden from main trekking routes and villages.
• Following the high scenic ridges overlooking views of dramatic lovely landscapes.
• Stand in front of majestic Machhapuchare Himal the famous Fish-Tail peak.
• Panoramic scenery of the Annapurna’s from Mardi Himal scenic Viewpoints.

Short Trek Summary:

Mode of Trekking: In the best available Tea-House and Lodges.
Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous with touch of altitude.
Highest point: On top Mardi Viewpoint Hill at 4,500 m/14,850 feet.
Areas of Trekking: Nepal Mid-West, Gandaki Zone, Annapurna Himalayas.
Start and Ending Point: Dhampus to Siding village with drive to Pokhara.
Total trekking mileage: Approx. 68 km/ 42.5 miles of walking distance covered.
Trekking Duration: 05 Nights and 06 Days with drives Pokhara to Pokhara.             
Total Trip in Nepal: 10 Nights and 11 Days from arrival to final departures.

Best Seasons For Mardi Himal Trekking:

The best time and seasons for Mardi Himal Trekking, or other adventures in Nepal Himalayas. Spring and Autumn / Fall seasons. 

The spring begins in March and ends in May, a lively time for pleasant walks and scenic views. Most days are fine and clear with enough sunshine hours till late afternoon from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

It can get overcast in the afternoon sometimes, with chances of light rains and snowfalls. Days are much longer with sunlight hours, but cold morning and late afternoon till nighttime. Depending upon altitude and overnight stops en route to Mardi Himal View Point, on the highest point of the adventures.

Spring is the best time for nature lovers, when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom, especially the rhododendrons of various species. 

The next best season is autumn/fall, where most days are bright, with sunny days for clear views. The autumn/fall starts from September to November, one of the high seasons in Nepal for trekking. Days are fine with crystal clear blue sky, but it gets dark soon due to limited sunshine hours. The morning and late afternoon until the nighttime is cold, and chances of light snowfall above 2,500 m high. 

The sunlight hours from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Can expect snowfall sometimes during the walks to Mardi Himal View Point and above 2,500 m high.  

The Routes And Trails To Mardi Himal:

Trekkers joining for Mardi Himal Trek or other adventures around Nepal Himalayas must be aware. Nepal is a country of high land of mid-hill to higher mountainous landscapes and terrains. The walk leads up and downhill with a few gradual sections to enjoy. The only flatland is the low sub-tropical Terai belt around southern Nepal. En route to Mardi Himal start with steep ups for some hours and a short downhill. From the Deurali onwards to Badal and High Camp with a steep up for some hours. As well as with a few short and gradual paths on the winding trail to reach designated overnight stops. 

 But once on top of Mardi Himal Viewpoint, on the highest spot of the adventure, on achieving the goal and highlights. The return journey with much downhill to Siding village and then on a pleasant winding downhill. As the walk end on reaching the road-head. At the end of the walk, an exciting drive to Pokhara. 

The walk is mostly on forested paths, with some stone steps near a few settlements. After leaving the village of Potana, and Deurali climbs with some gradual section, but more or less enjoyable walk along with surrounding glorious scenery.

Culture And Religion En Route To Mardi Himal:

Nepal is a country of great diversity of landscape and people with their age-old religions, cultures, and heritage. The mid-hill people around the Annapurna Himalayas and Mid-West Nepal are the Magar and the Gurung hill tribes. 

The Gurung are the main inhabitants around the southern hills of the Annapurna Himalayas. The main Gurung villages on this treks are Dhampus, Potana, and Siding villages, inhabited by the Gurung ethnic tribal. 

The Gurung are predominantly farmers and cattle herders with livestock. The Gurung menfolk are also famous as Gorkha Soldiers in the Indian, Nepal, and British Army Regiments. Follow both Hindu and Buddhist religions and cultures and celebrate their tribal festivals and events. The Gurung also practices ancient Bon sect of pre-Buddhism, worship of nature and mountain spirits.

Foods, Accommodation And Lodges Facilities:

Food and accommodation are important, besides the best seasons for trekking to Mardi Himal. After staying in a nice tourist standard hotel in Pokhara, the food and lodge accommodations around villages are simple. En route to designated overnight stops, the lodge accommodation is nice and small and provides a basic food menu to enjoy. In Nepal and favorite and most common meal is Nepali Dal Bhat, boiled or steamed rice. It is served with mild seasonal vegetable curry, including Dal, a lentil bean soup with homemade pickles, and hot sauce as options. The food menu lists from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to snack items. Breakfast from oats porridge, including cereals to cornflakes with toast/ chapattis and pancake, with choice of egg variation. Lunch and Dinner with Nepali and Tibetan main course with a choice of soups.

 The most common food for snacks and main course is the Nepali Dal, Bhat with vegetables. Including meat curry where available, mostly buffalo dry meats and fresh chicken are rare sometimes. The most available food besides Dal, Bhat is noodles, fried with vegetables or eggs or noodle soups. Tibetan Bread made from wheat, millet, or barley flour, and sometimes vegetable dumplings available, and fried or boiled potatoes. Fresh bakery bread is rare around most lodges around remote areas of Mardi Himal, but one can order pancakes or chapattis’. 

It goes well with fresh country honey, jams, and pickles or butter to add along with refreshing hot drinks. Like Nepali Tea, coffee, and drinking chocolate where available. All lodges have large dining rooms with a fireplace to heat the rooms while you enjoy the meals. Attached Bathrooms and Toilets are not available in most places with facilities with the common toilets and bathrooms. All lodges have electricity for the dining room powered by local hydro or solar power. Trekkers can charge electronic items at an extra cost per hour and for each gadget. Internet and Wi-Fi are available but slow and disturbing in some places due to weather and conditions of landscape terrains.  

Physical Fitness And Insurance Requirement:

Physical fitness should be average, as this is a short and moderate adventure to Mardi Himal. All age groups can enjoy this trek without a problem with the HAS (High Altitude Sickness). The elevation rises slowly and gradually, staying overnight at certain heights supports acclimatization.  

After Mardi Himal Viewpoint, walking downhill with few short ups, but losing altitude every hour of walks. This trek, to be enjoyed, by all average people and the elderly person up to 70 years of age. 

But all should be fit and in sound medical health to cope with a few long hours of steep climbs. Includes a long stretch of downhill after completing the climb to High Camp and Mardi Viewpoint, besides fitness level. Medical insurance is a must and important to purchase from your home country to make it easier for some refund if required. Medical Insurance is in case of unfortunate accidents and illness, which needs immediate evacuation by the quickest means of transportation. Likewise, Helicopter Service to reach the nearest good hospitals, where all the extra expenses should be bear by clients. To be claimed for reimbursement from your Medical Insurance Company and Travel Insurance. 

In case of broken trails or roads with landslides, heavy rains, or deep snow above 2,000 m high. Treks can be delayed or lead to cancellation, with the possibility of being re-routed to another safe destination. In this situation beyond the company's control, a refund is not entertained and should be done through your Travel Insurance.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour and trek preparations.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara and drive to Dhampus village 1,580 m, trek to Deurali 2,040m-06 hours. 
Day 04: Trek to Forest camp 2,520 m-05 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Badal Camp 3,345 m via Low Camp 2,970 m - 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to High Camp 3,700 m-03 hrs.
Day 07: Hike to Mardi Himal View Point 4,500 m and trek to Badal Camp.
Day 08: Trek to Siding village 1,750 m, and drive to Pokhara-07 hrs. 
Day 09: Fly to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. 
Day 10: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities with options for tours.
Day 11: International departure for homeward bound.

Please note: Woman Adventures (P) Ltd, encourages women as fulltime guide, porters and staff. In all our treks and tours, a new step and concept in Nepal, to uplift the women empowerment.