The Mardi Himal Trek, also referred to as the Annapurna Hidden Treasure Trek, provides a relatively new route. It serves as an excellent option for those seeking to avoid crowds, presenting an alternative to the well-known Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
This trek Takes you to the highest point of the walk, the Mardi Himal Base Camp, at an elevation of 4500meters through a beautiful rhododendron and oak forest, as well as charming villages. As you make your ascent toward the base camp of Mardi Himal, the scenery undergoes a gradual transformation, evolving into rugged high mountains, eventually unveiling a truly awe-inspiring panorama. This majestic panorama prominently features the iconic Machhapuchhre Himal (6,993 m), affectionately known as Fishtail, alongside a host of other snow-capped peaks. Among these towering giants are Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Him Chuli (6,441 m), Mardi Himal (5,553 m), Annapurna III (7,555 m), Gangapurna (7,454 m), Dhaulagiri Himal (8,167 m), and many more.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek commences with a drive to Pokhara, a vibrant city nestled in natural beauty. The following day, a few hours’ drive leads us to Phedi, marking the initiation of our trekking adventure. The path ahead weaves through a series of ascents and descents, accompanied by the mesmerizing allure of the surrounding landscapes. Our trail guides us through captivating villages, including Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Himal itself. Each step offers a new perspective, a visual tapestry of breathtaking vistas that unfold around us. The trail then retraces its path, guiding us back via the same route that we ventured on. This trek offers an all-inclusive experience; amazing mountain vistas, a splendid showcase of flora and fauna, and a tapestry of Nepali culture.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later in the evening, we will have a pre-departure meeting regarding the details of your trip.
In the morning, we’ll collect you from your hotel and start our journey towards the picturesque city of Pokhara. We’ll head west on the Prithvi Highway, enjoying the scenic route alongside the Trisuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. As we pass through quaint villages, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the majestic Mt. Manaslu and Annapurna Mountain ranges in the distance. Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, will greet us with its tranquil beauty and lively atmosphere. This city serves as a gateway to various treks in the Annapurna region, making it a favored spot for both trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Upon arrival at your hotel, you can freshen up and leave your belongings. The remainder of the day can be spent exploring Pokhara’s delightful lakeside area. This bustling hub is brimming with eateries, shops, and cafés, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Phewa Lake. Whether you opt for a leisurely lakeside stroll, admire the breathtaking views, or simply unwind in the serene surroundings, the choice is yours.
Our trek commences with a picturesque journey, embarking on a scenic drive to Phedi that spans approximately one hour. Upon reaching Phedi, our trek unfolds with the ascent of a staircase, guiding us to the charming village of Dhampus, renowned for its splendid vistas of the Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu, Dhampus. We then ascend through the embrace of rhododendron and pine forests to the quaint village of Pothana, nestled amidst the verdant surroundings and graced with magnificent views of the majestic mountains.
Leaving Pothana behind, our trek unfolds with a gentle and gradual ascent toward Deurali. As we reach Deurali, a pivotal decision awaits – we deviate from the main Annapurna Base Camp trail, opting for the less-traveled path leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp. This detour takes us on a steep uphill climb through a lush and vibrant forest adorned with Rhododendron, oak, birch, and hemlock trees. Enveloped in this verdant canopy, we are treated to captivating glimpses of the majestic Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, a visual feast that accompanies us on our ascent. Our quest leads us to Forest Camp, affectionately known as Kokar by the locals.
Today’s hike to High Camp is very steep, but it rewards us with beautiful views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Ranges. The vegetation begins to change as we trek along a spectacular ridge, with more rhododendron and trees covered in moss, lichen, and tree ferns. You’ll have great views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Tare Kang, and Khangsar on the way up.
We will wake up before dawn to witness a truly spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas, an experience that will etch the mighty Himalayas in our memories. To reach Mardi Himal view point, we ascend along a well-established trail through grassy terrain. While there are a few steeper sections, the overall journey is not overly challenging. Similar to the Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal viewpoint at 4200m provides amazing views. Mountains such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, Machhapuchhre, and Gandarva Chuli will be visible up close. Having soaked in the majestic views from the Mardi Himal view Point, we retrace our way back to the Low Camp.
Today’s trail guides us toward the Mardi Khola, descending we retrace our footsteps through the captivating dense forests. Emerging from the forest, we step onto terraced fields that gradually carry us to Ghalel, a village that exudes a picturesque charm. The landscape we traverse today stands in stark contrast to the days that came before. Here, lush vegetation intermingles with fertile farmland. The once-demanding gradients ease into a gentle and undulating rhythm, allowing us to enjoy an unhurried stroll through welcoming villages and serene farmlands. Continuing on this tranquil path, we encounter the renowned tea plantations of Lwang. As we weave through the intricate pathways, we finally arrive at the village.
As we embark on the final day of our trek, the trail leads us past the village’s tea factory, where we can stop and purchase the freshly grown tea that we’ve savored throughout our stay. Exiting the village, we descend down a stone staircase, an ancient path that guides us onto well-trodden path leading to Anante Thati. We end our Mardi Himal Trek here and take a drive back to Pokhara, the city that welcomed us at the beginning of our journey. The landscapes we traverse may change, but the memories we’ve etched on this trail remain a cherished part of our experience.
