3-Day Mardi Himal Trek: Your Quick Guide

Nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek offers a dreamlike experience that many adventure enthusiasts yearn for. With its breathtaking scenery, quiet paths, and relatively uncharted areas, this trek provides a unique experience away from the crowds. But can you enjoy all these features in just three days? Absolutely! This guide will show you how to plan and complete your Mardi Himal trek within 72 hours while maximizing your enjoyment.

Why Choose Mardi Himal?

While many trekkers are familiar with famous trails like Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, Mardi Himal remains a hidden gem. This lesser-known status offers several advantages:

1. Peaceful trails with fewer crowds

2. Diverse scenery ranging from lush forests to barren high-altitude landscapes

3. Stunning views of iconic peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South

Though challenging, completing this trek in three days is feasible with proper preparation. Let's dive into the day-by-day itinerary.

Day 1: Pokhara to Forest Camp

 

Preparation and Departure

Our journey began on December 3rd in the beautiful city of Pokhara. After purchasing the necessary supplies, we took a local bus from Harichowk to Kande, departing at 1:00 PM.

The Trek Begins

The initial path consisted mainly of stone stairways, a common feature in Nepal's hilly regions. As we trekked through lush forests and small villages, the beauty of rural life became apparent:

- No vehicle sounds or urban noise

- Absence of air pollution

- Clean surroundings free from litter

- Peaceful atmosphere with only natural sounds

Race Against Time

As daylight faded, we found ourselves in a deep forest with no human habitation nearby. Using our phone flashlights, we pressed on. Around 7:30 PM, we spotted lights in the distance – Forest Camp! Tired and cold, we eagerly entered a teahouse.

Evening at Forest Camp

The cozy dining room with its fireplace provided a welcome respite. We shared stories with other trekkers, including a group from Germany. Dinner consisted of typical Nepali dishes: rice, lentils, and vegetables. Despite the thin lentils, the meal was satisfying after our long day.

Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp

Morning at Forest Camp

Dawn revealed a cluster of lodges catering to trekkers. After a breakfast of pancakes and tea, we began our ascent.

Forest Camp to Low Camp

The trek continued uphill through dense forest. We fashioned makeshift trekking poles from fallen branches to aid our climb. After about three hours, we reached Low Camp, where the first stunning views of Machhapuchhre greeted us.

Low Camp to High Camp

Continuing through the forest, we emerged at Badal Danda (Mid-Camp) after an hour. The panoramic mountain views from here justified Mardi Himal's reputation as one of Nepal's best treks. We walked along a grassy ridge with surreal views of clouds blanketing the valley below.

We reached High Camp around 5 PM and secured lodging. The evening offered spectacular views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South before we retired for the night.

 

Day 3: High Camp to Pokhara

Early Morning Summit Push

We began our final ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 5:00 AM. This steep climb proved to be the most challenging part of our trek, but the incredible mountain views kept us motivated. After three hours, we reached the Base Camp, savoring our closest encounter with the majestic peaks.

The Descent

Retracing our steps to High Camp, we had a quick meal before changing our route towards Sidhing. The extremely steep descent through the forest took about five hours. At Sidhing, we caught a jeep for a 2.5-hour ride back to Pokhara on dusty roads.

Conclusion

Reflecting on this trek, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. As my first trekking expedition, the Mardi Himal trek set a high bar for future adventures. Its beauty and challenges make it one of the most rewarding trekking experiences in Nepal.

For those considering the 3-day Mardi Himal trek, it's entirely feasible with proper planning. While our December trek offered stunning mountain views despite the cold, spring months like March and April provide milder weather and the possibility of light snowfall, adding to the trek's charm.

Important Note on Trek Difficulty

It's crucial to understand that this 3-day Mardi Himal trek is suitable for expert trekkers who are accustomed to walking 7-8 hours daily in mountainous terrain. The condensed itinerary means that daily elevation gains are higher than in longer treks, which can be physically demanding and increase the risk of altitude sickness.

If you're not an experienced trekker but still want to explore the beauty of Mardi Himal, consider the 5-day itinerary instead. This longer option allows for a more gradual ascent, giving your body more time to acclimatize and reducing the physical strain. It also provides more opportunities to enjoy the stunning landscapes and local culture along the way.

Remember, the most important aspect of any trek is to enjoy it safely. Choose the itinerary that best matches your fitness level and trekking experience to ensure a memorable and comfortable adventure in the Annapurna region.