Nepal holds prime importance while listing countries offering best-trekking destinations. It is famous for dozens of popular trekking routes across the country. Some of them lead you straight to the base of the highest mountains on earth. Throughout the year, there are minimal to thousands of trekkers flow all around Nepal. Mardi Himal trekking route is one of the least crowded and unexplored ones.
This trek route awaits recognition and exploration it deserves. Yet, the popularity of this recently opened trail (2012 A.D) is increasing day by day in a considerable manner.
Trekkers can find vast fluctuation of altitude on this trek. Starting from 1350m in Kathmandu to 3350m in Mardi Himal Base camp, this journey has got way more to offer. You can find the detailed Mardi Base Camp trekking map in Nepal in this article.
Maps are very important to know about the geographical structure of the region. Although being a sheet of paper, maps can come handy while travelling to an unknown destination. It can be used as a backup plan to retrieve yourself to the trail or your destinations. And if by chance, if you lose your track while traveling, maps can be a life savior.
Mardi Himal Trekking Map depicts the topography of the region such as mountains, hills, forests, rivers, lakes and settlements as well. The number of days required for a comfortable trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp can be configured through this Mardi Himal trekking map. You will be able to scale distances on this map. You can plan your travel itinerary and also track the progress made on your trek on a regular basis with reference to this map. The route on the Mardi Himal trekking map is 5 days walk on the trail and four days for arrival, bus travel, recreation, rest and departure.
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Highlights of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
- Affordable and contrasting trek into the unexplored wilderness of the Annapurna Region.
- Suitable for all beginners to experienced trekkers with a moderate level of physical endurance.
- Perceiving the culture, norms, and values of the ethnic groups like Brahmins, Gurungs, and Magars closely.
- Escape from the hustle of the city and experience the presence of serenity and peace of nature in a short period of time.
- Trek along with Scenic view of the Annapurnas and Machhapuchhare really makes it an abundantly diverse trek.
- Remarkably serene and diverse terrains, jungles and highland pastures along the way.
- Observing the day to day uninfluenced lifestyle of the people living in the remote area closely.
- Tranquil trails through the dense forests covered with a dense forest of pine, oak, magnolia, hemlock, and rhododendrons.
- Challenging off the beaten path at some points in the high rocky terrains makes it fairly adventurous.
- Closest possible view of the Annapurnas, Hiuchuli, and Machhapuchare due to the favorable geographical location of the Mardi Himal Base camp.
- Straight to the lap of the mountains in just a matter of days.
- Recreational activities, street walking and boating and sightseeing in Pokhara to eradicate the trekking exhaustion.
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Tell us about your trip and we will help you design comfortable itinerary to meet your needs.Route on Mardi Himal trekking map
There are plenty of distinguished trekking routes to Mardi Himal Base camp starting from different trailheads. Among them, Phedi and Kande are popular trailheads. Two of the most popular trek routes often used by trekkers are presented below.
Pokhara – Kande – Australian Base Camp – Pothana – Deurali – Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp – Upper View Point – Mardi Himal Base Camp – High Camp – Low Camp – Sidhing Village – Pokhara
Pokhara – Hemja/Phedi – Dhampus – Australian Base Camp – Pothana – Deurali – Forest Camp – Low Camp – High Camp – Upper View Point – Mardi Himal Base Camp – High Camp – Low Camp – Sidhing Village – Pokhara
The first route on the Mardi Himal trekking map is a bit tougher than the second one as it consists of steep upward acclimatization from Kande on the very first day of the trek. The second one offers slight acclimatization passing through the beautiful village of Dhampus to Pothana Deurali on the first day of the trek. Both routes can be accomplished in 5-6 days. However, we are taking the second route mentioned above to describe the full itinerary of the trek.
Arrival and Overnight at Kathmandu (Altitude: 1300m)
You will arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is the capital city set in the valley surrounded by mystical hills on the first day of your trip. From there you can head towards your respective hotel and take a rest there. Freshened up, you can wander in the streets of Kathmandu for sight-seeing the traditionally built houses, and into the maze-like alleys. You can enjoy local food at Thamel. You will be staying overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu preparing for the trek on the following day.
Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu (Altitude: 827m)
On the second day, you will be traveling to the city of the lakes – Pokhara. It will take 6 – 7 hours for 201km of drive on the bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of high hills and fast-flowing Trishuli river on the way. Malekhu and Mugling maybe the possible stops for lunch. You can taste the local fish harvested from the nearby Trishuli River in Malekhu. You can also find adventurous souls rafting, kayaking on the river.
If you are willing to fly to Pokhara by air, it will take almost 30 mins. You can have a wonderful view of Kathmandu city. Diverse landscapes, rivers, and mountains on the way can be seen from the airplane. You will be landing at Pokhara Airport and you can get to your respective hotel from there.
In the evening you will be having a fabulous walk in the popular tourist hub – Lakeside at Pokhara. You can spend quality time in local restaurants and pubs. Backpack and prepare yourself for the trek for tomorrow after arriving at the hotel.
Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Australian Camp (Altitude: 2165m)
You will leave your hotel early in the morning to head towards Phedi. It will take around 45 minutes to get there or even less in a private vehicle. Buses leaving for Phedi can be found from Baglung Bus Park or Old Bus Park.
After reaching Phedi, your formal trek starts and you will climb gently following the stone-paved trail. You will pass through the beautiful village of Lower Dhampus. This small village is gradually turning into a tourist destination. On the way to Pothana, you can trek viewing spectacular Mountain Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. You will be getting into the rhododendron and oak forests until reaching Pothana. You can just take a rest enjoying the surrounding view. After lunch, you will soon be climbing up stone staircases until reaching the Australian Base Camp. The evening view of the several Mountain looks great from here. You will be trekking for almost 6 hours on this day.
Trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp (Altitude: 2600m)
In the morning you can have a fantastic view of Annapurna ranges from the Australian camp if the weather is permitting. Slow and steady uphill climb on the stoned paved staircases, into the dense rhododendron and the oak forest, is what you will be expecting on this day. You have to carry your own food supplies and sufficient water as there are no tea houses or lodges on the way. You will reach Forest camp after walking on the quiet trail through the dense forest. After walking for almost four hours, you will get to the Forest Camp. It is situated in the middle of the forest also known as Kokar. The total trekking duration will be approximately 6 hours on this day too.
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (Altitude: 3,550 m)
From forest camp, the trek comprises uphill ascend through steep forest-covered hills. As you hike for just a bit more than an hour, the forest part of this area comes to an end. You will begin to notice the diversity on terrain as you arrive in the shrubby alpine zone leaving behind the densely populated forest. You can have a mind-blowing view of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchare, and valleys down below from Badal Danda (3250m), which is one of the best viewpoints on the trail.
From Badal Danda, you can reach High Camp after one and a half-hour of a gentle walk. Your exhaustion throughout the trek will all be vanished as you find yourself walking on the trails made on mountain ridge viewing charming snowy mountains. High camp is a small settlement with tea houses and lodges offering great food and local brandy (Kodo raksi). This is also the last sleeping point on the trail. There are around 13 hotels here providing food and accommodation services to the trekkers. You can see big pastures with Yaks and sheeps grazing around. Temperature is cold as it is closer to the mountains here. The total duration of trekking on this day is about four to five hours.
Hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Return back to Low Camp (Altitude: 2970m)
Today, the trek will be more challenging. Wake up early in the morning and begin hiking uphill and downhill simultaneously. You will leave behind the High camp you rested in the previous night. You have to pass through quite tricky passes and the trail gets a bit tougher at some points. We will walk along the ridge for almost 2 hours to get to the Upper View Point (4200m). You will have an amazing close-up view of the Annapurnas, Hiuchuli and Mardi Himal backed by prominent Machhapuchhare. This point is covered with snow throughout the year. Because of its altitude and difficult terrain, there is only a small teahouse run by locals here.
Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m) is two hours of challenging walk from Upper View Point. Once you reach your final destination on the trail, the base camp, you will get an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Annapurnas, Hiuchuli, Mardi Himal and Mt. Machhapuchare. Be ready to get your heart dance with joy as you explore around in the laps of the majestic mountains, you will never feel like leaving. Once you are done exploring and getting enough of the beautiful mountains in your heart and memories, you will be descending slowly. Returning back to the Low Camp is a couple of hours of a gentle walk. You will take a rest as soon as you get to the Low Camp. Enjoy the scenic view of Machhapuchare and breath-taking sunset view from here.
Trek from Low Camp to Pokhara via Kande (Altitude: 2970m)
On the seventh day, you will descend from Lowcamp to Pokhara via Kande. This is the last day walking on the trail, through the densely populated forest trail. A beautiful valley of Pokhara can be seen on the route and serenity of its own kind blows your mind away. Birds chirping and topographical diversity, as well as the cultural diversity of the region, really makes you wonder.
By lunchtime, you will be in Pokhara. You can boat in Phewa lake and if you wish to have a refreshing massage, you can have it in Lakeside of Pokhara. Enjoy the last night here in Pokhara as Lakeside comes to life at night time. You will be spending the last night in your hotel in Pokhara. Prepare to head towards Kathmandu, next morning.
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
From Pokhara, you will be leaving for Kathmandu early in the morning. It will take 6-7 hours to drive on the bus. If you wish to travel by air, the flight will take about 25 minutes. This is your last day, here in Nepal.
You can go for a walk and sight-seeing in the evening in Kathmandu. City strolling, trying exotic dishes in popular restaurants can also be done. Buying a souvenir from local shops around Thamel which are pretty good. You would like to take it home for your beloved ones. You will be spending your night in Kathmandu.
Departure to Airport
And now, it’s time to say goodbye to Nepal and move to your homeland with lots of amazing experiences and stories to share with. You will be flying back home from Tribhuwan International Airport. Your flight will be scheduled beforehand, yet, it is better if you enter the airport premises two hours before your departure time.
You will be home soon with unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Or maybe, you will soon be planning for the next wonderful trek to the mountains. Beautiful country Nepal is always welcoming.
Where is Mardi Base Camp located in Nepal?
Mardi Base Camp is located at the foot of the Mardi Himal 5587m lying beneath the enormously beautiful Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail ) 6,993m in Kaski district. Amidst the other popular short and long trek routes scattered in the North-central Annapurna Region of Nepal, Mardi Himal Base CampTrekking is still not so crowded and least-travelled.
It is located to the east of Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m). From the base camp, you will get the closest view of the most iconic and mesmerizing Annapurna South (7219 m), Annapurna III (8091 m), Machapuchare (6993 m) along with several other peaks above 6000m. Arched with irrevocable snow-capped mountains to its west, you can view Machhapuchare with its twin peak shaped like a fishtail to the north. To the south-east of the base camp, green hills covered with forest forms beautiful landscape and the village of Lwang Ghalel can also be seen.
What is the best time for Mardi Base Camp Trekking?
Mardi Himal Trek can be done all around the year. However, to get the most out of the trek, the Autumn season is generally accepted as the best. The most preferable time for trekking in Nepal starts from mid-September and ends roughly in early December. The autumn season is best regarded as a trekking season because of clear blue sky, unobstructed views, and warm temperature. Weather is excellent this season as monsoon has just come to the end yet you can still expect rain-showers till early September.
Day and night time temperature gradually decreases and leaves will be changing their green color to yellow. Trek routes won’t be slippery and scenery of the topographical landscapes all around become clear. If you travel to Nepal this season, you will spectate the cities and villages across the country celebrating two of its major festivals, Dashain and Tihar. Nepal, being an agricultural country, people in villages and suburbs are busy harvesting the crops at this time of the year.
Spring is another appropriate season for trekking in Nepal. The month from March to May is considered as Spring in Nepal. As the hemisphere of the earth is relatively closer and tilted towards the sun, days are long and the temperature gradually transitions from winter cold to summer heat. Morning and nights during the Spring season are cooler.
Days are warmer with the average temperature hitting 22-degree Celcius. Snow-covered mountainous regions are cold and may get to below freezing point while lower elevation areas are mild warm. Spring season is also regarded as Pre-Monsoon season in Nepal. Many parts of the country can experience a change in weather and slight rainfall in the evenings. Spring season offers magnificent views while high-altitude trekking. Blooming floras and natural green vegetation make trekking in this season of the year quite interesting.
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