Short Mardi Himal Trekking

Few visitors to Nepal have even head of the Mardi Himal Trek, let alone ventured onto its path. Let its reputation of hardly being known pull you closer and not push you away. It is the least visited trail in the Annapurna region. Because of this, you will get to more closely interact with the locals and have a more meaningful experience.

The short Mardi Himal Trek has it all: mountain views, charming local villages, and lush vegetation (including Nepal’s famous rhododendrons!). The short and sweet loop trail lies in the eastern part of the Annapurna region. At its highest point, 4500 meters / 14,764 feet, spectacular views of Mardi Himal (5587 meters / 18,330 feet) and a myriad of other peaks surrounding you.
After a short drive from Pokhara, the journey begins. The fresh air as we pass through the dense forests gives us energy. It is a special kind of energy that we feel during the foothill excursion. During the springtime, the sheer brilliance of the rhododendron flowers (native to Nepal’s Himalayas), will put you in awe. Between 1,400 and 3,600 meters, you can find entire forests of them!
As we make our getaway further up, the landscape changes dramatically. From the dense sub-tropical jungles, we breakout onto a ridge above the rolling plains. Now, it is just open air between us and the mountains. At Upper Viewpoint, we are overcome with a feeling of amazement. We can see Mardi Himal, Macchapucchre (6993 meters), Hiunchuli (6441 meters), Baraha Shikhar (7647 meters), Singu Chuli (6501 meters) Annapurna I (8090 meters), and Annapurna South (7219 meters). 
Climb even higher through the alpine meadows to Mardi Himal Base Camp for even more astonishing views. An entire panorama of the Annapurna range fills our view. Soak in the views and shoot some photos before we begin the descent. On the way down, we take a new route, so the scene is always fresh. Upon arrival in Lumre, we drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

Best Time to Trek Mardi Himal

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer.  During the monsoon season, though, there are fewer tourists. Each season has its perks. The Mardi Himal Trek requires adequate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness.