Mardi Himal is a stunning peal that rests at an altitude of 5,587 m in the popular Annapurna range, which is inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area. This is one of the best treks if you are opting for a short trip, but it is full of one-on-one interaction with the locals of Nepal and knowing the Nepalese culture and ethnicity from the roots. The trek leads you through some of the world’s most gorgeous valleys, including Pitamber, Deurali, and Badal Danda ridges, as well as enchanting Rhododendron forests. The trek between Pokhara and Mardi Himal is 31.0 kilometers (19 miles).
The trail provides a majestic view of the three mountains that soar above 8,000 meters, which are Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Manaslu (8,163m).
The trail towards Mardi provides a significant hike through rhododendron jungle in an eco-friendly environment in the Annapurna region. It is an enchanting experience as you travel narrow pathways through the lush forest at an elevation of approximately 3,300 meters. Mardi Himal Trek is one of the hidden gems, tucked away between the famous Annapurna routes.
Therefore, the Mardi Himal Trail is an excellent introduction to the Himalaya for people who have not been there before and for 'old-timers' who also want to visit a new area. The trail meanders through the foothills of the Annapurna region before entering lichen-laden dense jungles, which lead to the alpine meadows above (a habitat for undisturbed wildlife) with stupendous views of the high Himalayan peaks beyond. Numerous quaint stone-built villages, cultivated fields, streams, and waterfalls are encountered in this natural habitat along the way.
Much of the trail passes through virgin forests consisting of birch, rhododendron, magnolia, pines, and bamboo, with glimpses through the foliage to the high peaks beyond and the Mardi Khola River winding its way through the valley thousands of feet below, until it reaches the high undulating ridge that descends from Machhapuchhre—the fluted “Fishtail Peak,” a mountain renowned for its splendor. (Machhapuchhre has been dubbed the “Matterhorn of the Himalaya” because of its steep sides and needle-sharp summit that pierces the sky.)
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BOOK NOW Book NowThe best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal are spring (mid-February to May) and autumn (September to mid-December). Spring offers moderate temperatures (11–20 °C at lower altitudes), clear skies for excellent mountain views, blooming rhododendrons, and less crowding compared to popular treks. Autumn brings stable weather (8–15 °C), minimal rainfall, and stunning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, though with more crowds. The summer season (with rainfall and leeches) is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking lush greenery, wildflowers, and an adventurous experience in relative isolation.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek in Nepal's Annapurna region is not technically difficult, with a well-established trail without exposure or scrambling sections. However, it demands a good level of fitness and stamina due to the significant daily elevation gains and losses, often around 1000 meters of ascent per day on a steep trail. While the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3580 meters at High Camp, below Mardi Himal's 5587-meter summit, the descent from High Camp to Sidhing, with a nearly 1700-meter drop in a single day, is considered the most challenging part of the trek.
To trek the Mardi Himal Base Camp in Nepal, trekkers need to obtain two permits: the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit, which costs NRS 2000 (around $17 USD) per person, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, costing NRS 3000 (approximately $25 USD) per person for single entry. These permits are mandatory for trekking in the Annapurna region, with the ACAP permit contributing to conservation efforts in the area. HOLY HIMALAYA ECO TREK WILL OBTAIN ALL THE REQUIRED PERMITS AND PASSES FOR YOU!