Alternate trekking trail for Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek can be started from several points.
From Siding Village: 3 hours drive from Pokhara, the way to Siding village is filled with many beautiful waterfalls and traditional Gurung houses. The road is mostly off-road so a bumpy ride is expected. Since the trekking route is new, the trials are not finished yet. However, this path is used mostly to supply logistics and supplement Low camp using mules and donkeys. The trail joins up with the traditional trail at Low camp.
From Dhampus: Just 45 minutes drive from Pokhara, there lies a beautiful traditional Gurung village of Dhampus. Dhampus offers amazing panoramic mountain views of the Annapurna range. The trail from Dhampus is relatively easy compared to the trail from Siding. The trail was mostly used by trekkers to reach the Australian camp until Mardi Himal Trail was discovered. The Dhampus trail meets up with the traditional trail at Pothana.
From Ghandruk: If you have 3 more extra days, you can start your trek from Nayapul up to Ghandruk. Ghandruk is one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Ghandruk reflects the cultures and traditions of the Gurung people and is famous for its film shooting. From Ghandruk, you can see the beautiful views of mountains in the Annapurna range. Ghandruk provides not only scenic views but a beautiful culture of highlanders. From Ghandruk, you will trek down to Landruk and the trail meets up with the traditional trekking route at Pitam Deurali.
Permits required to do Mardi Himal Trek: Since Mardi Himal Trek lies in the Annapurna region, an Annapurna Conservation Area permit is required. Permits can be obtained from the tourism office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The required documents required to obtain permits are a copy of a valid passport with an expiry date of more than 6 months, and two passport-sized photos. Another permit required is the Tourists Information Management System.
The Best time to trek Mardi Himal: This trek can be done during any season, but we recommend our clients to do this trek during the autumn season(mid-September to mid-November). Apart from autumn, this trek can be done during spring but prepare yourself for a little warm temperature. The best thing about doing this trek in spring is weather is stable with deep blue skies and greenery all around along with dense blooming rhododendron forests up to the base camp.
Difficulty Level: This trail is considered easy for a beginner. Like all the treks in the Himalayas, this trek also requires you to walk up and down mostly. The difference is you will do this at a high altitude which requires normal physical fitness.
Equipment and packaging lists for Mardi Himal:
Clothing: Trekking boots, Short-sleeved Trekking shirts, Trekking pants and jackets, Thermals underwear, Long-sleeved Trekking shirts, Insulating down jackets, Woollen cap, Trekking Gloves, Raincoats, Crampons
First Aid: Diamox (Acetazolamide tablets for preventing High Altitude Sickness), Sanitary pads / Tampons, Anti-nausea Medicines, Band-aids, Mosquito and insect repellents
Toiletries: Soap, Toilet Paper, Shampoo, Sunscreen, Hand sanitizer
Accessories: Sunglasses, Sleeping bag, Camera Batteries, Water Bottle, Solar Charger, Hot water Thermos
Important Documents: Passport, Travel Permits
Transportation: Transportation is mainly by luxury tourist bus up to Pokhara. But if you want a private vehicle, we can provide you with a little extra cost. There is also an option to take a flight to Pokhara upon request. It will take 30 minutes to reach Pokhara via plane. From Pokhara, we will take public vehicles (private vehicles upon request) up to Kande from where our trek will commence. It will take 1 hour to reach Kande from Pokhara by private vehicle.
Meals and Accommodation: Accommodation is better compared to treks like Everest base camp, and Manaslu Base camp. Though you will stay overnight at local lodges and tea-houses, they are facilitated with better beds, better toilets, and all-time electric power. Most of the accommodation is facilitated with electricity. Some of the teahouses also provide internet. You will find a variety of dishes, from traditional Nepalese to continental, Italian, etc. But everything turns basic as we go higher.
Why choose Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?
There are many reasons to choose Mardi Himal Trek. This is the shortest trek in the Annapurna region that takes you close to Mount Machhapuchhre. The trek completes in 1 week so this trek is ideal for those who have less time but want to experience the amazing up-close view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurnas, Mardi, Gangapurna, Gandarbha mountains, etc. In April, the whole trekking trail is covered with blooming rhododendron forests adding natural beauty to the trip. Being a relatively new trekking route, the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively less crowded so you can do this trek in a calm and quiet environment. Since it is considered a beginners trek, any people including old and children can do this trek without any difficulty. The trek also offers a unique wildlife experience. After reaching over 3000 m, you might see bharal ( blue sheep ), spotted deer, and yaks.
So, if you have less time but want to experience the natural beauty filled with mountains, dense forests, and rhododendron flowers with ease, then Mardi Himal Trek is the best option.
Guides and Porters:
The team of Adventure Altitude Treks and Expedition co. is one of the most experienced, reliable, hospitable, and respected in Nepal. The agency and team members are all affiliated with Trekking Agency's Association of Nepal (TAAN), Nepal Mountaineering Association(NMA), Nepal Tourism Board, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Sustainable Tourism Network, and Himalayan Rescue Association. We will provide a professional and experienced English-speaking guide with sound knowledge of place and trek. With an experience of more than 10 years in this field, we can guarantee your satisfaction. If you need a porter, we will provide you with 1 porter/2 guests. The porter will be carrying 25 kg maximum(12 -13 kg per person). You will need to carry your day pack yourselves to keep your personal belongings like wallet, mobile and accessories, cameras and accessories, water bottle, dry snacks, torch/headlights, and other personal belongings. For us, the safety of our clients and members comes first. And it is our collective responsibility to ensure safety and security for porters, guides, and guests. You can help to bring safety to our team members by taking only those things which are necessary. We will always be thankful for your acknowledgment.
