Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Off the Beaten Path Trek

Mardi Himal path walks through many ethnic villages where trekkers get to see and live their culture, custom, ritual and life though for a short period. After finishing village walk you will enter in the jungle area where you can see various species of wild Orchids and chance to observe wildlife along the dense rhododendron forest. The path leads you to your destination- up to brown pasture land via top ridge of the hill, looking down to other snaky trekking trails such as Annapurna Sanctuary, Ghandruk Trail, Annapurna Panoramic trail, Machhapuchhare trek, and Pokhara valley. The spectacular view of whole Annapurna range Annapurna I to IV, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Gandarwa Chuli, Singu Chuli, Fishtail (Holy Mountain), Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu & Dhaulagiri is the other attractive features of this trail.

Mardi trail is one of the richest trails in natural bio-diversity and cultural colourfulness that characterized Nepal’s natural and cultural heritage. The trek starts from tropical zone walking upwards to alpine region at Mardi Base Camp. Due to this climatic diversity the area hosts quite an interesting mixture of flora and fauna. More than 200 species of trees, 100 species of wild flowers, 7 species of Rhododendron have been recorded in the area, so far. Among wild animals Yellow throated marten, Jungle Cat, Leopard, Antelopes, common Ghoral, mainland Serow, Himalayan Thar, Nepali Grey Langur live in the forest. Yak is tended among the domestic animal for dairy products and to carry loads of grains. The trek can be blessing for the birders, for the rare birds are the major attraction of the forest trail. Among rare species of birds four kinds of pheasants, Eagles, Vultures, snow pigeon and Himalayan Monal have been recorded in this trail. Above all the cultural programme by local mother’s group is something one should never miss in this trek.

Summary of the Itinerary

Duration: 8 – 11days

Max. Elevation – 4500 m (acclimatized) 3750mtr (overnight)

Trek Level: Moderate

Trek Style: Tea-House Lodge and Camping

Trek Itinerary: Pokhara to Pokhara

View: The spectacular view of whole Annapurna range Annapurna I to IV, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Tent Peak, Gandarwa Chuli, Singu Chuli, Fishtail (Holy Mountain), Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu & Dhaulagiri

Itinerary:

Day 1. Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana: After 40 minutes of drive in private car or van we reach at Phedi (bottom of the hill) and then it is 3 hrs gentle hike to Dhampus, a first major village in the route. We can go further to Pothana village if we leave Pokhara early. The first day offers a spectacular mountain view from Dhampus and from Pothana.

Day 2 Trek to Forest-Camp (2450m): The trail walks through the natural forest rich with birds, wild animals and wild flowers in which most of them are categorized in medicinal plants. Kokar is located at the elevation of 2450m above the sea level. It is surrounded by natural forest including flowering plants. And an overnight stay can be interesting with the sounds of the barking deer and morning wake up calls by the birds quite early.

Day3 Trek to Badal-Danda (3300m):
Low camp is situated in the middle of the rhododendron forest at the elevation of 3000 metre above the sea level. You can see Fishtail, Mardi himal, Annapurna-III , Annapurna south and Hiunchuli. During the monsoon campsite is covered with the yellow coloured orchids.

Day4 High camp (3750m) is the last overnight stay destination in Mardi Himal Trek. This place is located at the top (ridges of the brown pasture open land & you can got some type Rhododendron tree little down from the campsite. High Camp is situated in 3750 meters above the sea level.

Day5 Trek to Mardi base Camp and back to Highcmp: The walk through open brown pastures leads you to the highest viewpoint of the trek. You can view Annapurna South, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I to IV, Gangapurna, Singu Chuhi, Tent Peak, Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manslu and Dhaulagiri. Pack Lunch and sufficient drinking water also need to carry. The trail walks up as high as 4500 meter.

Day6: Trek to Low Camp– 4 hrs:
It is a typical village of the Lwang Ghalel V.D.C. The village is located in 1700 m above the sea level, and it is far from maddening crowds. The people live on traditional agricultural practice, also called, subsistence farming, and foreign employment such a Gurkha soldiers and some involved in tourism business. The village is populated with Tamang, Gurung, Khas and Brahmins. There are around 140 households in the village. Most of the settlement are scattered all over the hills and the houses are stone paved roof in traditional architect. The area is famous for honey hunting, angling (fishing) at Mardi River, you can experience the home stay hospitality from local host.

Day 7: Hike to Kalimati Tea-house

Day 8: Hike to Iwang (Home Stay): the trail walks through the village of mix ethnic community and terraced field across the trail. It is gentle hike down to Iwang village.

Day9: Hike to Milan Chowk and drive to Pokhara

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