Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest and best trekking trails of Annapurna Conservation Area. This trip offers amazing views of Annapurna South, Himchuli, Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna II and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The trip to Mardi Himal Trek starts from and ends at Pokhara. While starting the trek we continue from Phedi which is either the trekking starting or the ending point for other short trips that are leading to Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Panorama trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. Though this trekking trail is one of the most spectacular in terms of amazing scenery, it is not as crowded as Annapurna Base Camp and other short trekking trips of Annapurna. The main highlight of this trek is to get the closest view of the holy mountain - Machhapuchhre and other amazing peaks. You can also feel the rural taste of Nepal without getting too far from the city of these small villages that are waiting for civilization during the trip.
A normal physical fitness person can manage Mardi Himal trek and you do not need any special prior hiking experience or training. It is considered a moderate level of difficulty. Starting from Phedi after 45 minutes of driving you will continue your walk through small forests and villages. On the day to Forest camp most of your trail is going through the forests. The higher up you go and Machchhapuchhre is just standing next to you and can see the amazing sunset over.
Trekking in Mardi Himal during spring season can be even more charming because of the blooming rhododendron and this place is popular among the Paragliders as well who approach to the Mardi viewpoint and start their Paragliding to Pokhara. This trek is very good for the trekkers who do not have longer holidays but want to explore Annapurna Himalaya from closer distance. The itinerary for Mardi Himal trek can be customized depending upon the length of your holiday and your interests you want to do during your stay in Nepal however we have made a general trip plan including the major sightseeing spots of Kathmandu and Pokhara that you shouldn’t miss whilst you are in Nepal.
Mardi Himal trek plan can be combined with Annapurna Base Camp or with Annapurna Panorama if you are looking for a longer trekking trip and cover most of the attractions. In case time allows you, taking a trip along Annapurna Base Camp is definitely wise and worth doing it.
Meals and Accommodation in Mardi Himal Trek
You will have accommodation in a basic tea house for most of the part of this trip. The route started to be popular just a few years ago so there are still a lot of places with very basic tea houses compared to other parts of the Annapurna region. You do not have a much bigger variety of meals but a few different dishes are served by the tea houses which you can choose from the menu card and place your order. Badal Danda, Mardi High Camp has the most basic tea house for accommodation during the trip.
Internet and Mobile Phone Network
On the first day of the trek you even have free wifi from the teahouse in Deurali. Mobile phones have good coverage during most of the part of the trip however in few places youmay not get mobile phone network. While choosing the operator to have the local sim card then you may take Nepal Telecom (NTC) sim card for the calls and internet package which has more coverage comparing to another operator called NCELL.