Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days

Mardi Himal Trek: Mardi Himal (5587 meters/18331 feet), lying less than fifteen miles north of Pokhara. The most southerly mountain of the Annapurna range. Among the four trekking peaks in the Annapurna region. Mardi Himal is a five-day slog up to the Mardi Khola to approach the Base of the peak. It is the lowest and perhaps the least climbed or visited of the trekking peaks in Nepal. Taking on this trek we get the sight of beautiful mountain views, sparkling rivers, and lush green terraced fields. The Mardi Himal trek takes us through beautiful forests, interesting villages, and valleys, the cultural diversity being the main attraction of this trek.

Trek Overview:

The attention of western mountaineers was first drawn to Mardi Himal by the photographs of Basil Goodfellow, taken in 1953. However, it was not until 1961 that the mountain received its first ascent. Jimmy Roberts, with two Sherpa’s, first climbed to the summit by a route on its west flank.

Best seen from the south, the mountain terminates the South-West ridge of Machhapuchhre as a distinct and separate mass, at right angles to that ridge. From some viewpoints, it seems little more than an outlier on the southwest flank of Machhapuchhre. On Mardi Himal’s South-West Face, three well-defined ridges rising from rock buttresses and separated by hanging glaciers. Mardi Himal’s East Face is separated from Machhapuchhre ridge by a col (5200m). Our trekking route of ascent reaches this col from a glaciated amphitheater that rises above a hidden plateau; the ‘Other Sanctuary’, so-called by Roberts.

Mardi Himal Trek also known as the ridgeline trek is a fairytale destination. Offering spectacular vistas of the Annapurna Range along with Mount Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and other endless peaks. Be a part of this off-beaten and succeeded trail with the Alpine Club of Himalaya experiencing the raw region of the Annapurna.

Why this Trek is Unique?

Mardi Himal trek takes you across unspoiled lands of the Annapurna Region. Providing spectacular vistas of the mountain ranges and central hills. The trek provides an off beaten experience with lesser crowds and secluded trails. Providing best trekking experience. Be a part of this off beaten ridge trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Mardi Himal Trek:

• ACAP entry permit fee for foreigners: 3,000 NPR (Approx. US $30)
• ACAP entry permit fee for SAARC nationals: 200 NPR

TIMS Permit:

• NRP 1,000 per person for organized treks through an agency
• NRP 2,000 per person for independent trekkers (going without a guide or porter)

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Meals and Drinking Water:

Along the Annapurna Region Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali, and Tibetan ethnic cuisines, and varieties of continental as well as western meals. Local inhabitants run several tea-houses scattered along the trail. These tea-houses offer a range of facilities, from basic and minimal to luxurious. Here, you’ll have the chance to savor various cuisines, a rarity on most Nepali trekking trails.

Annapurna Region is a plastic-free zone and has banned the use of bottled Mineral Water. Along the trekking trail, you’ll find natural water supplies accessible from drinking taps. Be aware, though, that this water is untreated. For safe drinking, it’s best to refill your water bottle with boiled water or cold, filtered water from any of the teahouses you encounter.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops, or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Accommodation:

Tourist-friendly hotels, lodges, and local accommodations are available on trekking trails and, providing with basic accommodations to luxury and grandeur ones. The trail caters to a range of budgets by offering a mix of luxurious hotels and cozy teahouses. These accommodations prioritize your comfort, providing plush beds with pillows, electric blankets for chilly nights, hot and cold showers to refresh you, and even complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected.

Teahouse along the Annapurna region provides you with hot shower, and western attached bathrooms and the rooms mostly include twin sharing beds as well as a single bed, with a hygienic and clean atmosphere, good mattresses, a pillow, and blankets.

Campsites are also available along the trail providing a special opportunity for campers to sleep under the stars.

Transportations:

Upon your request, the Alpine Club of Himalaya will actively manage all of your trip’s transportation needs. This means they’ll take care of booking, scheduling, and coordinating all your travel arrangements, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for you. Transportation is provided on a private as well as sharing basis.

Potter and Guide:

Solo trekkers are provided with a single helper both acting as a Potter and Guide. For trekkers above two or more Potters and Guides are provided according to the size of the groups.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Annapurna Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best time for trekking in this region, as the weather is clear bringing great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures, the nights are clear and is a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, with varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green highlands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season, Annapurna Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. A trustworthy insurance company’s comprehensive plan actively covers you for personal injury, death, hospital bills, repatriation costs, helicopter rescue, and even other illnesses. We strongly recommend acquiring such a plan to ensure you’re financially protected.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 month prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or the immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.