Mardi Himal Climbing

Trip code
Package name Mardi Himal Climbing
Duration 12
Max. elevation 5553 m
Level DIFFICULT
Transportation Pokhara - Kande , Sidding - Pokhara drive by private Jeep. 
Accomodation Hotel & Lodge and Tented twin sharing bed basis during the Trek and Climbing .
Starts at Pokhara
Ends at Pokhara
Trip route Pokhara - Kande - Pothana - Forest Camp - MIddle camp - High camp - Base Camp - Mardi Summit - High camp - Middle Camp - Sidding - Pokhara .
Cost USD 1,680 per person

Highlights

Overview

Mardi Himal is a stunning peak situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Standing at an elevation of 5,587 meters (18,330 feet), it offers a thrilling and rewarding climbing experience for mountaineers seeking adventure and breathtaking views. Mardi Himal peak climbing is a relatively new addition to Nepal's climbing scene and provides a unique opportunity to explore a less crowded and pristine mountain.

The journey to Mardi Himal begins with a scenic drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city and the gateway to the Annapurna region. After making necessary preparations and obtaining permits, climbers start their trek from Kande or Phedi, depending on the chosen route.

The trek to Mardi Himal takes climbers through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. The trail gradually ascends, allowing for proper acclimatization and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, climbers pass through quaint villages like Pothana and Deurali, where they can experience the warm hospitality of the local Gurung community.

As the trek progresses, the landscape changes, and climbers enter alpine zones characterized by rhododendron forests and high-altitude vegetation. The trail leads to Low Camp (3,150 meters/10,334 feet) and then to High Camp (3,550 meters/11,647 feet), where climbers spend the night before attempting the summit.

The ascent to the summit of Mardi Himal is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Climbers embark on a steep and technical climb, navigating through rocky terrain, snow slopes, and potentially icy sections. Proper mountaineering equipment such as crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses are essential for safety and progress.

As climbers ascend towards the summit, they are greeted with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Annapurna massif, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and other surrounding peaks. The feeling of accomplishment and the majestic scenery make reaching the summit a truly unforgettable experience.

After reaching the summit of Mardi Himal, climbers descend back to High Camp and continue their trek back to Pokhara, following the same route or exploring alternative paths. The return journey allows climbers to reflect on their achievements and soak in the beauty of the Annapurna region once again.

Mardi Himal peak climbing is typically conducted during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather conditions are favorable for climbing. Prior trekking experience and a good level of physical fitness are recommended to undertake this challenging adventure.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive from Pokhara to Kande and trek to Pothana (1950 m) – approx 5 hrs walk

Our journey begins with a 45 minutes drive from Pokhara to Kande which is the starting point. The trail is good, first slowly up, then a bit steeper to Australian Camp (2060m – About one hour), then after that slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m). You have to climb up the stone stairs passing through terraced cultivated fields, settlements and forests taking you to Pothana where you will have great mountain views of the Annapurna Range . Overnight at normal tea house or lodge.

Day 2 : Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp ( 2500m ) - 6 hrs walk

On the following day, we walk on the plain way for around one hour then there is a right turn in Deurali sign posted “Forest Camp” the trail is through Pine forest. The Forest is covered with the most unique flower called Rhododendron. At first, we have to walk up undulating on the top of a ridge, there is a section just over half way where the trail drops steeply and then slowly gains height and then back onto the ridge and into Forest Camp.

Day 3 : Trek from Forest Camp to Middle Camp 3110m - 6 hrs

Leaving forest camp, we trek towards Low camp for lunch. Initially, the trail is quite steep leaving Forest Camp but soon gets less steep as we get towards the ridge. We can see the most amazing and clear view of Mt. Fishtail here. After about 6 hours walk, we reach middle camp where we will spend our overnight.

Day 4 : Trek from Middle camp to High Camp (3580m) , Pre climbing training at High Camp - 3 hrs walk

From Middle camp, our trail passes through the hilly ridge ways again. The trees soon start to get smaller and after about one hours trekking broke out of the jungle and onto the open ridge with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to our left. In between the journey of middle camp and High Camp there is a place called View Point where you can see various snow-capped mountains and villages like South Annapurna, Himchuli, Chhomrong Village, Ghandruk Village, Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna region, flora and fauna, beautiful village view, alpine forest, Gurung and Thakali culture, eco friendly villager as well as the least touristy trek. We will be walking around 3 hours through a series of steep, rocky climbs separated by leisurely walk through lush, green, High Mountain before reaching High Camp. 

After 3 hours trek we reach in High camp and make lunch, then we following for pre climbing trainning with our instructor. Our Guide / instructor will teach you some methods/techniques for climb and brief you on details.

Day 5 : Acclimatization Day , Hike to Mardi base camp 4500m - 5 hrs walk

Commencing trek from High camp, we climb up about 5 hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp which offers spectacular views of the entire Annapurna Range. It is also possible to return to high camp in around 5 hours which make it a long day walk. There is also a viewpoint approx half way where imaging view can be seen. 


After reaching at Mardi base Camp, we make luch at Camp(the food is prepared by our staff in Mardi Base Camp). then we back down to high camp for the night. 



Day 6 : Trek to Mardi Himal 4500m - 3/4hrs walk

You ascend steeply towards the col between the East Face of Mardi Himal and the connecting ridge of Machhapuchhre. From camp, you reach a snow color leading to the col with a steep section of perhaps 45 degrees. At the cool further steep snow slopes lead to the summit of Mardi Himal (5587m). After enjoying your hard-earned climb, you then descend by the same route to the Base Camp. 

Day 9 : Summit day - climb from High Camp to Mardi Himal Summit (5,587 meters/18,330 feet), then descend to High Camp or Low Camp.

As instructed by our guide, if the weather is perfect then early about 2/3 AM we wake up and have breakfast then ready to leave to achieve our dream on the top of the summit (5587m). This climb is of little technical difficulty, where route finding and effort are the major problems. Late in the day, this might present avalanche danger under fresh snow conditions. Today the main highlight day, hard day , Long day, ready to achieve the dream. 

Our expert climbing supporter fixing the rope line before the group leaving  base camp.

Day 10 : Contingency day for unfavorable weather or unforeseen circumstances.

This day we most kept for the reserve day for the unforeseen condition as weather problems or weaknesses then you can take this day as your reserve day. 

Day 11 : Trek to middle Camp 3150m - 3 hrs walk

Wake up early in the morning to have the most precious Sunrise view. Have your breakfast at High camp and descend towards Middle camp.

Day 12 : Trek from Siding Village to and drive back to Pokhara. 4 hrs walk / 4 hrs drive

Wake up early in the morning to have the most precious Sunrise view. Have your breakfast at High camp and descend towards Siding village for Lunch. Siding is a simple traditional local village. Walking back straight descend to the same fine forest you can again see the beautiful red Rhododendron forest.  After Luch at  Sidding,  we drive to Pokhara by Jeep for 4 hrs.


Inclusions

What is included?

What isn't included?

Complimentary