For those who are looking for a less travelled route and want to enjoy the rawness of nature, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem. Mardi Himal offers a short trek in the Annapurna region to appreciate the excellent hill and mountain landscapes. It is the lowest and perhaps the least visited of the trekking peaks in Nepal. Whilst trekking up to Mardi Himal base camp and finally the high camp, appreciate the solitary trails complete with verdant forests, interesting villages, valleys, terraced farms and dazzling rivers. Staying in tea houses you can acquaint yourself with local culture and tradition.
Drive to Hemja Phedi. Hike to Hemjakot Village.
Leaving the beautiful city of Pokhara, Hemja Phedi is about an hours’ drive from Pokhara
situated at an elevation of 1130 meters. Hemjakot village, mostly inhabited by the Gurung community, is popular for its homestay program.
Thirteen households from the Gurung and Dali communities belong to the Hemjakot Community Homestay network. Staying at this homestay gives visitors the chance to experience the rural lifestyles of these mountain-dwelling people, not to mention the
serenely beautiful nature including panoramic views.
Trek from Hemjakot to Pritam Deurali.
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Pitam Deurali, or simply Deurali, is a small ridge-top tea/lunch spot with basic accommodation. It is also the first place from which you will get to see Dhaulagiri, as a small white peak, peeking over the hills to the north-east. To the north are the familiar outlines of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. This is also the place where the trail separates and continues up along the ridge whilst we will now start our steep descent to the Modi watershed. Make sure to take it slowly for the sake of your knees. |
Trek from Pitam Delurali to Rest Camp.
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Today’s route is largely uphill, but with a lot to offer scenically. Green lush vegetation and unique ethnic settlements are the major attractions. The trails are a little confusing up to the forest camp so keep together as a group. The views of the mountains are clear as we climb and at Rest Camp (2620m). Accommodations and the local food and drinks are simple, but offered with genuine warmth. |
Trek from Rest Camp to High Camp.
Continuing slowly uphill the trees grow thinner and we eventually leave them behind.
Moving up toward the High Camp the surroundings change and you feel closer to the mountains and the sky, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna become more visible and closer.
The trails are not very hard but watch out for the last steep climb up to the High Camp
Hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Trek to Low Camp.
Wake early for a sunrise view of the mountains, then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall, not too challenging. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m. This is where the panoramic view is of the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We come back to High camp for lunch and head back to Low camp.
Trek from Low Camp to Sidhing. Drive to Pokhara by Jeep.
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From Low Camp head towards Sidhing (1700m). Tucked away from the main trail Sidhing does not attract too many trekkers and so allows you to appreciate the environment in comparative peace. At Sidhing our vehicle is waiting to take you to Pokhara (2 hours). There is time for boating on Lake Fewa and later go to visit Davis falls and Gupteshwor cave. |
