Mardi Himal Trek Route
The Mardi Himal trip begins in Pokhara, which is located east of the Annapurna Base Camp hike.
There are many different routes to take you to Mardi Himal Trek. You can do the regular trek to Mardi Himal or combine it with other routes. Such as Annapurna Base Camp and Khopra Ridge Trek. Depending on the time you have, starting point, the ending point, and your level of physical fitness, the duration of the trek can be from 5 to 13 days.
Mardi Himal, combined with the Annapurna Base Camp trek, offers a close view of the mountains above 8,000m, glorious sceneries, and the warm hospitality of the Gurung people. Also, the trek can be combined with Khopra Ridge Camp, the picturesque and unspoiled trek in the Annapurna region that presents not only the snowy peaks but also the Khayer Lake, which holds mythological importance.
Mardi Himal Trek, also called the Eco-Tourism, is one of the well-known and the beaten path trek in the Annapurna Region and is situated east of Modi Khola across the valley from Hiunchuli. This trek takes you through the breathtaking glacial valleys, dense rhododendron forest, warm hospitality of the local groups, and stunning views of the majestic mountains such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Fishtail (6,993m), and many other peaks.
The experience is overwhelming and a lifetime opportunity to witness sunset and sunrise amidst the mountains, explore green hills and snowy peaks and walk through the dense forest.
Significant Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
1. Amazing views of the mountains:
Mardi Himal Trek offers you a close view of the peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Fishtail (6,993m), and many other peaks. The less crowded trail lets you experience the natural wilderness and get mesmerizing views of the Annapurna region. This experience with amazing landscapes and majestic mountains on the backdrop will make your trek like a dream come true.
2. Overwhelming destination:
Opened for trekkers in 2012, Mardi Himal Trek has instantly become the dream destination for trekkers. The trails take you around the Annapurna Sanctuary and give you a gorgeous view of the mountains. Not to forget, you pass through the unique beauty of dense forests and settlements.
3. Exotic natural beauty:
The trek starts from Kathmandu( depending on your itinerary) and takes you to Pokhara and other places until you reach Mardi Himal’s base. Along the way, you will explore the incomparable beauty of Pokhara. Also, walk through the dense rhododendron forest and villages, and enjoy the beautiful sunset/sunrise from the viewpoints.
4. Forest Camp:
The trek takes you through the trails of forest camp and along the rhododendron, oak, and maple forest. The forest camp is at an elevation of 2,600m, making it a fantastic destination. Here, you wander, explore the wilderness, and watch the beautiful peaks in front of you.
5. Warm hospitality:
Enjoy the warm hospitality of the ethnic communities as you move forward on the trails. This trek offers you a cultural homestay as you move forward in the Annapurna region. Similarly, It lets you experience the typical rural lifestyle of the people. The trail passes through the villages of Brahmins, Gurung, and Tamang, reflecting their cultural uniqueness. You can stroll around the settlements and pass through the suspension bridges. Indeed, this place is a paradise even with limited facilities.
6. Low and High Base camp:
The lower base camp offers you a great variety of shrubs, dark forests, and amazing views of the peaks leading to Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. So, You can climb up to 16,000ft walls of ice fields and blue glaciers.
Upper Base camp (3,580m) has short steep climbs, and the views of the Annapurna range are breathtaking to get the perfect view from the top of the Mardi Himal trek.