Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking
Main attractions:
- Stunning view of Machhapuchhre (Fish Tail mountain), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna I and Mardi Himal.
- It is a gradual uphill trek. Anyone longing for the peaceful natural environment and amazing views could do this trek.
- This trek can be done any time of the year. Nature won’t cease to amaze you, no matter when. But the best time to visit is from March to May and September to November.
Difficulty Level: Moderate | Days: 7 | Max. Altitude: 4,450 meters (View Point).
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek opened recently in 2012 and is a pristine trail in the Annapurna Conservation Area. It used to be a summer pasture for local sheepherders before it gained popularity among trekkers (both foreigners and Nepalese) as a “hidden gem” of the Annapurna Region. You will understand what “hidden gem” refers to once you embark on this trip. There is a gradual increase in altitude (that provides a particular niche for varying flora and fauna) which will make you feel comfortable for the short duration (7 days) of the trip. The highest altitude we reach is 4,450 meters from sea level, and the views from the Mardi base camp are stunning.
During the first two days of the trek, you will be walking through beautiful ancient forests comprising mainly of birch, oak, rhododendron, maple, and hemlock. The occasional sighting of snow-capped mountains through the forest cover is mesmerizing on its own. Once you pass the tree line (Low Camp), you will have an uninterrupted view of mountains. Also, you can see the trail to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) way below on your left along the Modi River as you are walking along the ridge of Machhapuchhre. It is the same ridge that separates Modi Khola (originates from ABC and MBC) and Mardi Khola (originates from South face of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal). There is nothing to compare to the view from the ridge top.
You will return back with content heart and a beaming smile, to cherish the moments you spent up there in the Himalayas. This is certainly something to take back home.
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Challenges while trekking Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Few Steep uphill during trek from Highcamp to Basecamp
- Leeches on the trail during monsoon
Mardi Himal Trekking Itinerary (Trek Starts from Pokhara)
Day | Activities | Altitude (meters.) | Duration (hrs.) |
1 | Drive to Kande,
Hike to Pothana. |
1950 | 4 |
2 | Trek to Forest Camp. | 2500 | 5 |
3 | Trek to High Camp. | 3210 | 5 |
4 | Trek to Basecamp and hike down to Lowcamp. | 4450 | 4 + 2 |
5 | Trek to Dhampus, drive back to Pokhara. | 827 | 7 |
6 | Leisure day in Pokhara. | 827 | – |
7 | Back to Kathmandu. | 1300 | 5 |
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Included:
Expert pre-trip advice and detailed information
Motivated staffs and translators
All airport transfers
Twin-sharing accommodations in Kathmandu/Pokhara (3-Star or similar) on bed-and-breakfast basis
3 meals a day. Total price would be negotiated if you want to pay for your meals on your own.
Not Included:
Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge
Private transportation apart from those in itinerary
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early/late arrival/departure, or due to early return from the trek
International flights
Travel and Rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, extra porters, bottled/boiled water, shower)
FAQs for Mardi Himal Base Camp (MHBC) Trek
- How long is Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?
- The duration of the trek depends on where you start and end your trek. If you want to start/end in Pokhara and if you are an average hiker, the recommended days would be 6-7 days. Some FITs (Free Individual Trekkers) finish the whole trek in 4 days.
- How difficult is MHBC trek?
- It is categorized as an average trek which is less strenuous compared to other treks. If you have been to Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, MHBC is only little harder than that. It is mainly gentle uphill, most of the time while going up and downhill while descending.
- Are there chances of altitude sickness?
- Very less. Only a few people who do not take precautions have a slight headache, fatigue, and nausea. Those precautions include drinking enough water/rehydration, maintaining the slow and steady pace, taking small stops/rest in between, avoiding smoking and alcoholic beverages and avoid climbing more than 1,000 m. at above 2,500 masl.
- From where to start/end Mardi Himal Trek?
- First, you have to fly/drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. Then, drive to Phedi and start hiking, else one can go to Kande and start hiking via Australian Camp. While returning, you can either return the same trail or return via Siding. Siding can be reached from Low Camp as well as Forest Camp. One can take the vehicle from Sidding to Pokhara which lasts for about 3 hours.
- Do they have electricity and facility to charge cell phone and camera batteries?
- At the moment, only few Tea houses have a small bulb for lighting the rooms. As for charging cell phones and camera batteries, one has to pay from 100 to 200 NPR for the full charge.
- Is there phone coverage on this trek?
- Yes, there is phone coverage all along the trail except at some points when you are in deep forest cover.
- What are other trekking trails near Mardi Base Camp trek?
- Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is the adjoining trek to Mardi Himal. One can even join Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek after finishing ABC. Some trekkers even join Mardi trek after finishing Ghorepani-Poon Hill trek via Ghandruk and Landrung.
Tour Reviews
Hands down the most amazing experience of my life!
I visited Nepal in August/september 2017 and was so lucky to be recommended this trekking company who had a relatively new route that fit my schedule perfectly. This was my first trekking experience, and because of the monsoon season just ending I wasn’t sure what to expect. But we were so lucky and had the most amazing view of the mountains from day one. I highly recommend this trekking route, especially if you don’t have that many days to spare (5-7 days), and if scenery is what’s highest on your list of criterias for the trek! I also have to mention my guide who made this trip such a good experience! The organization of the trip, transport and good company on the trip really made it the best experience I could’ve had. So thank you so much, Beyultreks, for this unforgettable experience. I’ll see you again soon!
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