Why Mardi Himal Should Be On Your Trekking Bucket List?

With only over a decade since its opening to trekkers and thrill seekers, the Mardi Himal trek has emerged from an untouched area to one of the best treks in the Annapurna region. It is said that the photographer Basil Goodfellow was the first person to get a glimpse of the Mardi Himal through this route back in the 1990s.

Today, it has taken a boom, and trekkers can hike through the dense forests, lush, valleys, and mountain ridges to collect a unique experience. Additionally, it is not all about the mountain vistas, wildlife, and rich biodiversity but also about the culture and traditions of the locals. And the best part is you can experience and enjoy this journey without having to deal with a large crowd.

Unlike other treks, the journey to Mardi Himal does not require experience and high stamina. In fact, travelers of all age ranges and experience levels can join the trek with a moderate level of fitness.

Mardi Himal Trek As A Bucket List

Compared with its counterpart trekking trails, the Mardi Himal track is a relatively new path with off-the-beaten tracks. Still, there are multiple reasons why this particular path must be on your bucket list.

While yes, this journey is one of the quick getaways to the foothills of the Himalayas. However, apart from this, the Mardi Himal trekking has a rich biodiversity; it is home to rare species of flora and fauna. Not to mention, this track is the perfect paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Indeed, with all these highlights, it may be one of the best destinations, but is it accessible? The good news is that the Mardi Himal trek can be easily scaled by all age groups with moderate levels of fitness if conquered during the peak seasons.

Mesmerizing Views Of The Snow-capped Giants Up Close

Right from the starting point of the trek in Kande to Deurali, you will see the magnificent beauties in the backdrop. Initially, you will only see the top part peaking in the background; however, as soon as you start ascending, you will be surrounded by the views.

The hike from the Low Camp to the High Camp takes you up steep mountain ridges, which later moves you to the Base Camp. During this route, Bada Danda (the midpoint of the Low Camp and High Camp) offers the best panoramic views of the Annapurna massif.

However, the final point is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which provides stunning views all across. Especially during the sunrise and sunset, the mountain peaks glow golden as soon as the sun’s rays hit them.

Some of the peaks that you can see during the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek are as follows.

• Annapurna I (8,091 meters)
• Annapurna II (7,937 meters)
• Annapurna III (7,855 meters)
• Annapurna IV (7,525 meters)
• Annapurna South (7,819 meters)
• Himchuli (6,441 meters)
• Dhaulagiri I (8,163 meters)
• Dhaulagiri II (7,751 meters)
• Machhapuchhare (6,991 meters)
• Mardi Himal (5,588 meters)
• Nilgiri (6,940 meters)
• Varaha Shikhar (7,847 meters)
• Thapa Peak (6,015 meters)
• Tukuche Peak (6,920 meters)
• Singu Chuli (6,500 meters)
• Tharpu Chuli (5,663 meters)
• Gangapurna (7,483 meters)
• Lamjung Himal (6,931 meters)

Various Species Of Floras

The Mardi Himal trek is rich in nature, with numerous kinds of flora. Moving on, the trails get much greener and prettier during the peak season of Spring due to the blooming floras.

During Spring (March, April, and May), the forests are vibrant with blossoming rhododendron forests in different hues of color ranging from deep crimson to light pink and white. The higher you trek, the more you will be covered with dense forest, creating a surreal experience.

Additionally, the Mardi Himal trek will not leave you disappointed nature-wise. Apart from the rhododendron bloom, the trail also has numerous orchids. During the trek, you will see the track filled with delicate blooms of various shapes and colors.

Furthermore, it is not only the trees that are colorful but also the forest grounds. Often, in this season, the tracks are filled with the carpet of dainty wildflowers called primroses. They are generally in the shades of pink, purple, and yellow.

Lastly, the Mardi Himal trek is covered with lush green forests of juniper and oak trees. In addition, the track is all spread with mosses and ferns that sit on the forest floor, rocks, and trees. All these blooming flowers and trees give an aromatic smell during the trek.

Witness The Faunas

Moving on, if you are lucky enough to get an opportunity, the Mardi Himal trek has various species of wildlife.

Some of the wildlife you can see during the trek in March are as follows.

• Musk Deer
• Red Panda
• Himalayan Tahr
• Snow Leopard
• Spotted Deer
• Langur Monkeys
• Barking Deer

In addition to it, this particular trek is also known as the paradise for bird watchers. The deeper you trek into this region, the more birds you will get to observe. From various species of pheasants to vultures, you will see it all!

Some of the other significant birds in the area are listed below.

• Stripe Throated Yuniha
• Mountain Hawk Eagle
• Yellow-billed Blue Magpie
• Darjeeling Woodpecker
• Scaly-bellied Woodpecker
• Crimson Horned Pheasant
• Magpie
• Yellow-billed Cough
• Cuckoo
• Snow Partridge
• Blood Pheasant
• Himalayan Vulture
• Warblers
• TIts
• Finches
• Minivets

Explore Traditional Villages

During the Mardi Himal trekking journey, you will come across various traditional villages. As you explore these villages, you will also come closer to the local culture and the warm hospitality of the people.

Some of the villages you will come across during the journey are as follows.

• Landruk Villages: To reach this village, you will have to take a short detour. It is located on a hillside and offers a glimpse of the Gurung tradition and lifestyle. Well, Landruk is surrounded by terraced fields and lush greenery.
• Sidhing Village: The trails to the Sidhing Village are covered with rhododendron forests. Similar to Landruk, Sidhing is filled with terraced landscapes, agricultural farms, and several streams.
• Ghandruk Village: With a short trip extension or detour, the Ghandruk Village takes you to the local lifestyle of the Gurung community. It is one of the most popular communities in the foothills of the Annapurna massif.

Short And Affordable

The best part of the Mardi Himal trek is that everyone with a moderate level of fitness can enjoy it. Not to mention, you can embark on this journey as a short vacation at an affordable price. It lasts for 4 to 5 days but can be extended as per one’s preference.

While the prices may vary depending on the trekking season, it is quite an affordable journey. Generally, the food and accommodation cost around USD 25 to 30 per day, USD 30 for a guide per day, and USD 25 for a porter per day. Often, the prices are much higher during the peak seasons.

Explore The City Of Lakes, Pokhara

Pokhara is the starting point of the Mardi Himal trek and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Additionally, it is also one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal.

Well, there are tons of activities to do in Nepal. From peaceful vacations to an adventure-filled journey, Pokhara offers it all. Some of the most famous activities to do while in this city are as follows.

• Admire the picturesque of the Phewa Lake while boating.
• Enjoy the sunrise and sunset in the central tourist hub.
• Experience the adrenaline rush with various adventurous activities such as white water rafting, paragliding, and bungee jumping.
• Get a relaxing time with a yoga session or body massages near the lake.
• Hike up to the World Peace Pagoda, Shree Bindhyabasini Temple, and Tal Barahi Temple.
• Explore cave systems such as those of Gupteshwor Mahadev.

In A Nutshell

The varied terrain, rich biodiversity, authentic local community, and excessive fun are what you can expect. Well, the beauty of the Mardi Himal trek is that anyone can enjoy it. Furthermore, you can also extend the trip to other various famous routes such as Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Ghandruk Trek, and many more.