History of Mardi Himal Trek - First Ascent 1961 and How the Trail Opened
Mardi Himal is a small mountain peak that stands alongside the prominent Machapuchare Mountain (Mt. Fishtail). In fact, it looks more like a part of Fishtail Mountain but still holds great significance. The height of Mardi Himal is 5,587 m / 18,330 feet and looks pretty small alongside the majestic Machapuchare (6,993 m / 22,943 feet).
The Mardi Himal, as a trekking peak, was recognized only very recently. However, the stunning trek to the base of Mardi Himal was opened only in 2012. Before that, the area was restricted for trekking purposes and was opened only for mountaineering expeditions.
The history of Mardi Himal dates back to 1961, when Lt. Col Jimmy Roberts (J. O. M. Roberts) got special permission to explore far and wide in Nepal. The first recorded ascent of Mardi Himal was made in 1961 by a team of British mountaineers.
The team was led by Lt. Col. Jimmy Roberts, including Colonel Basil Goodfellow, British Chief Commander, and two Sherpa climbers, Ang Nyima and Kusang Sherpa. They climbed the peak via the southeast ridge, which is still the most popular route to the summit.
Over the years, eventually, the government of Nepal opened Mardi Himal and its route for trekking in 2012. Surprisingly, the Mardi Himal route didn't take long to get popular, it quickly gained popularity among trekkers. It delivered a less crowded and more off-the-beaten-path experience in the Annapurna region.
The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters) takes about a week and offers stunning views of the Machhapuchhre and Annapurna mountain ranges. Now, it is considered one of the most spectacular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region, offering pristine mountain views.
Despite being a newly opened trekking destination, Mardi Himal today attracts thousands of trekkers each year. The trek is known for its diverse landscapes, including lush forests and high-altitude meadows, as well as magical views of mountains and the surrounding landscapes.
Machapuchare (Mt. Fishtail) and Its Connection to Mardi Himal Trek
There is a beautiful history of how Mardi Himal came into existence. It dates back to 1957 when the British team led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Roberts tried to climb Machapuchare Mountain. Machapuchare Peak, which is 6,993 m / 22,943 feet, is now very popularly known as MT. FISHTAIL. The shapely spire of Machapuchare is one of Nepal's most striking sights.
A small expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Roberts and Wilfred Noyce had attempted to climb from its north ridge in 1957. However, the expedition had to be abandoned within 50m of its summit, either out of respect for the locals or due to the Sherpas' refusal to carry on. After this attempt, the government prohibited further climbing on the mountain, so technically it remains unclimbed to date.
However, over time, climbers on their quest to Machapuchae Peak discovered an anonymous peak, which is now Mardi Himal. Mardi Himal was first climbed in 1961 by Colonel Basil Goodfellow, the Chief Commander of the British troops.
