The Mardi Himal Trek is a great option for those wanting a shorter, peaceful trekking experience in the quieter parts of Nepal’s Annapurna region.
Just east of the popular Annapurna Base Camp trail, this relatively new route still feels like a hidden gem. The path winds through rhododendron forests before climbing to around 3,300m, where it opens up to stunning views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre (Fish Tail), and Manaslu.
You’ll stay in simple teahouses and homestays along the way. If trekking in winter, check ahead if the lodges are open.
Overview
Mardi Himal trek starts at Kande after 1 hours driving from Pokhara. The trail is good, first slowly up, then a bit steeper to Australian Camp (2060m – About one hour), then after that slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m) then up again to Deurali (2100m). There is a right turn in Deurali signposted “Forest Camp” the trail is through jungle, at first up then undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp (2600m). The trail is initially quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as you again get up on the ridge. The trail leaves Low Camp again in the jungle, but the trees soon start to get smaller and after about one hours trekking broke out of the jungle and onto the open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to my left. It is possible to continue trekking along the ridge for another 4 to 5 hours to View Point and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) and return to High Camp in around 4 hours – This makes a long day but there is also a viewpoint about halfway, the imaging view can be from here. After that, we trek down to Siding via Low Camp. From Siding, we drive back to Pokhara.
Trip Highlights
- The Trail is mostly on the range, you will have a beautiful view from every steps.
- Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Badal Danda, View Point, Mardi Himal Base Camp nice spot for the view.
- The trek is combinations of Jungle walk and Himalayas scenery
- Nice view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna south, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and other Himalayas view.
- The trek is mostly Jungle walk , wild birds & animals, Rhododendron flowers can be seen in February, March and April.
