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Surrounding Mardi Himal

The Annapurna and Mardi Himal regions are part of the greater Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) in central Nepal — a spectacular, diverse, and culturally rich Himalayan zone. Here’s a breakdown of the geography, treks, peaks, villages, and ecosystems surrounding Mardi Himal and the Annapurna Massif to help you visualize the area:

 

Major Peaks often visible during the Mardi Himal Trek

Mountain Name Height (m) Notes
Annapurna I 8,091 10th highest in the world

 
Annapurna South

 

 7,219

 

 Dominates views from ABC & Mardi Himal

 
Machapuchare (Fishtail)

 

 6,993

 

 Sacred, unclimbed, iconic silhouette

 
Hiunchuli

 

 6441

 

 Between ABC and Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal

 

 5,587

 

 Prominent ridge off Machapuchare

 

 Geographic Layout surrounding Mardi Himal

Center: Annapurna Massif

A horseshoe of high peaks surrounding the Annapurna Sanctuary (home of ABC).

Mardi Himal lies to the east of this massif, on a ridge descending from Machapuchare.

 

 East of Mardi Himal:

Pokhara Valley (gateway city)

Seti River gorge

Terraced hills, Gurung villages (e.g., Dhampus, Siding)

 

 South of Mardi Himal:

Australian Camp, Pothana, Forest Camp

Rhododendron forests, subtropical hills

Leads into Phedi/Kande and highway to Pokhara

 

West of Mardi Himal:

Landruk, Jhinu Danda, Chhomrong — common stopovers en route to Annapurna Base Camp

Hot springs near Jhinu

 

North of Mardi Himal:

High alpine terrain, leading to the foot of Machapuchare and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)

 

Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Kande From Pokhara then trek to Deurali via Australian Camp 4/5 hours walk, 2005m. Stay overnight at the tea house.

Day 02: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp 6/7 hours walk, 2985m. Stay overnight at the tea house.

Day 03: Low Camp to High Camp 4/5 hours walk, 3550m. Stay overnight at the tea house.

Day 04: Hike to Mardi Upper View point (Mardi Himal Base Camp 4500m.) And back to High Camp 6/7 hours walk, Stay overnight at the tea house.

Day 05: Trek to siding 4/5 hours walk, and then drive to Pokhara for about 3 hours. And then goodbye to your guide and porter in Pokhara after you get Pokhara.

 

Alternatives Treks Routes Near by Mardi Himal

  1. Ghorepani–Poon Hill Trek (4-days) – epic sunrise views
  2. Annapurna Base Camp short Trek (ABC) (7- days) – classic route into the heart of the Himalayas
  3. Annapurna Base Camp private Trek ( 10- Days ) Via Ghorepani Poon Hill.
  4. Khopra Ridge Trek (10-days) – remote and panoramic

 

Key Villages and Settlements (Main Route Highlights)

  1. Pokhara (Start/End Point: – Beautiful lakeside town; gateway to Annapurna treks.
  2. Kande or Phedi: – Typical starting point for the trek (~1-hour drive from Pokhara).
  3. Australian Camp / Dhampus: – First views of the Himalayas; lush hills and terraces.
  4. Forest Camp (2,500m):- Deep rhododendron forests and peaceful trails.
  5. Low Camp (3,000m):- Start of alpine views; Machapuchare becomes more prominent.
  6. High Camp (3,580m):- Panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna range.
  7. Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m):- Final viewpoint; often reached on a sunrise hike from High Camp.

 

Landscapes

  • Lush subtropical forests
  • Alpine meadows and yak pastures
  • Steep ridgelines with sweeping views
  • Seasonal rhododendron blooms (March–April)

 

Cultural and Local Experience (Local Villages)

  • Siding, Lwang, Landruk (if you exit via a longer route)
  • Traditional Gurung and Magar communities
  • Teahouses and homestays with local food and hospitality

Cultural Insights

  • Buddhist and Hindu influences
  • Prayer flags and small shrines along the route

 

Ecosystems & Conservation

  • Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA) – Nepal’s largest protected area
  • Encompasses tropical forests to alpine meadows
  • Rich in biodiversity: red pandas, Himalayan monals, langurs
  • Cultural diversity: Gurung, Magar, Thakali, and Tibetan Buddhist communities
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