In the beautiful Annapurna region of Nepal, there’s a special place called Badal Danda. It’s a fantastic viewpoint on the Mardi Himal trek, perfect for people looking for peace away from busy trails. The name “Badal Danda” means “Cloud Hill,” and it truly feels like you’re walking above the clouds, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Himalayas. This spot is one of the highest points on the Mardi Himal trek and offers breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (also known as Fishtail Mountain), and the Annapurna range.
The Mardi Himal trek is loved for its quiet paths, making it a great choice for anyone wanting a more relaxed trekking experience in the Himalayas. Along the way, you walk through green rhododendron forests and open meadows, leading you to the amazing viewpoint at Badal Danda Mardi Himal. But how high is Badal Danda? And what can you expect on this journey? This guide will help answer these questions.
In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about trekking to Badal Danda. We’ll include a map of the Mardi Himal route, talk about how hard the trek is, and give you tips to enjoy your adventure. Whether this is your first time in the Himalayas or you’re looking for a new challenge, this guide will give you helpful information about the magical Badal Danda.
Stay tuned as we discover how high Badal Danda is, the challenges you might face on the trek, and much more in this ultimate guide to one of Nepal’s hidden treasures.
What is Badal Danda?
Badal Danda is a high ridge along the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal. The name “Cloud Hill” fits it well because it’s high above the clouds, giving trekkers a magical experience with amazing views of the nearby Himalayan mountains. Badal Danda is known for its calm atmosphere and stunning scenery, making it a perfect spot for those who want some quiet in the mountains.
Unlike busier trekking places in Nepal, Badal Danda feels more untouched and special. When you reach Badal Danda, you’ll see incredible views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna range, all looking very close as the clouds swirl below. The ridge is covered in beautiful alpine plants and has cozy teahouses where trekkers can take a break.
Geographical Location
Badal Danda is in the Mardi Himal area, which is part of the bigger Annapurna Conservation Area in northwestern Nepal. You can reach it from the villages of Kande or Phedi, walking through ridges and forests. Badal Danda is about 3,250 meters (10,660 feet) high and is a nice stopping point between Low Camp and High Camp. Its location offers great views of the mountains without needing to climb to the more difficult parts of the trek.
In short, Badal Danda is a must-see for anyone trekking the Mardi Himal route. It combines high altitude, amazing views, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else in the Himalayas.
Mardi Himal: An Overview
The Mardi Himal trek lies in the shadows of the grand Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges. It’s one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets for trekking. Mardi Himal itself is a lesser-known peak, standing at 5,587 meters (18,330 feet), but it’s an easier trek that lets you enjoy beautiful sights without the crowds of other popular trails like the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Significance
What makes the Mardi Himal trek special is its quiet and untouched path. You’ll walk through thick rhododendron forests, steep ridges, and finally reach the high camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek usually starts in Pokhara, which is known for adventure, and takes about 4 to 7 days, depending on how fast you walk. Along the way, you can see stunning views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, making this trek a visual delight.
Although it’s not as famous as other treks in Nepal, Mardi Himal is becoming more popular because it’s moderately difficult and has gorgeous landscapes. It’s perfect for both experienced trekkers and those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas without too much difficulty.
The Mardi Himal region is mostly unspoiled, keeping its charm with traditional villages, ancient forests, and a pure environment far from modern life. This trek also offers a glimpse into the rich culture of the Gurung and Magar communities, whose friendly hospitality makes the journey even more enjoyable.
Badal Danda: An Amazing Viewpoint on the Mardi Himal Trek
Badal Danda is one of the most special spots on the Mardi Himal trek. It feels like you’re standing on top of the world! While it’s not the highest point of the trek, it is very important. At 3,250 meters (10,660 feet), Badal Danda is known for its incredible views and peaceful atmosphere. Sometimes, the clouds settle below you, making it look like the mountains are floating!
As you climb to Badal Danda, you leave behind the green forests and enter a rocky, grassy area called the alpine zone. The air is cooler, the sky often seems extra blue, and you can see amazing views of Machhapuchhre (also called Fishtail Mountain), Mardi Himal, and Annapurna South. These mountains seem super close and breathtaking.
Badal Danda is a great resting spot before reaching higher places like High Camp (3,580 meters / 11,745 feet) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters / 14,764 feet). While some trekkers might think the higher camps are more exciting, many believe Badal Danda is the best place to enjoy the beauty of the mountains without the tough challenges of climbing higher.
How High is Badal Danda?
Badal Danda is 3,250 meters (10,660 feet) above sea level. This is pretty high, so the air is thinner, but most trekkers can handle it with some effort. It’s the perfect balance—high enough to give you amazing views, but not so high that you need to worry too much about altitude sickness. Many trekkers like to stay the night at Badal Danda’s teahouses to enjoy the stunning scenery and rest before continuing.
Badal Danda Trek Difficulty and Challenges
The trek to Badal Danda on the Mardi Himal route is considered moderately difficult. This means it’s not the easiest trek, but it’s not the hardest either. Both beginners and experienced trekkers can enjoy it, but it’s important to be prepared because it combines steep climbs and changing terrain.
How Difficult is the Badal Danda Trek?
The trek is labeled as moderate. You start at about 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) in the village of Kande and climb up to 3,250 meters (10,660 feet) at Badal Danda. Some trekkers continue to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is even higher at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Although it’s not as high as Everest or Annapurna treks, the fast climb can still be tough.
The trail changes a lot. You’ll walk through thick forests at the beginning, and later you’ll hike along open ridges and rocky paths as you get closer to Badal Danda. The steep parts, especially near Forest Camp and High Camp, can be tiring. But the trail is well-marked, and the trek usually takes 4 to 5 days, so it’s doable if you’re prepared.
One of the trickier parts is getting used to the higher altitude. Even though the trek doesn’t go as high as some others, the quick climb from Low Camp (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet) to Badal Danda can make some people feel a bit sick. It’s important to take your time, drink lots of water, and walk at a steady pace to avoid feeling sick from the altitude.
Challenges of the Badal Danda Trek
Here are some of the challenges you might face on the trek:
Altitude Sickness: As you climb above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), you could get altitude sickness. This can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. You might feel this after leaving Forest Camp and heading toward Badal Danda. While the trek isn’t as high as some others, altitude can still be a problem for some people.
Weather: The weather on the trek can change quickly, especially at higher points like Badal Danda. The ridge can get windy, and you might even get rain or snow, depending on the season. Be sure to pack warm clothes, waterproof boots, and a good jacket to stay comfortable.
Physical Effort: Even though there’s no technical climbing, the steep sections can be tiring. The climb from Forest Camp to High Camp is especially challenging, as it’s a big uphill hike in a short distance. Make sure you’re in good shape before the trek to make it easier.
Simple Facilities: As you get higher, especially around Badal Danda and High Camp, the teahouses and facilities become more basic. You won’t find as many food and water options, so be prepared to carry some essentials with you. Also, the remote location means that if something goes wrong, help might take a while to arrive.
In short, while the Badal Danda trek isn’t extremely difficult, it does require some preparation. You’ll need to watch out for altitude sickness, steep climbs, and changing weather, but with a little planning, it’s a very rewarding adventure!
Badal Danda Mardi Himal: Easy Trekking Route and Map
Badal Danda is part of the famous Mardi Himal trek, where you can enjoy amazing views and learn about Nepali culture. The trek usually starts in small villages like Kande or Phedi, which are near Pokhara. The trail takes you through beautiful places like forests and open meadows, with views of the Himalayas along the way.
What’s the Trekking Route to Badal Danda?
Here’s a simple guide to the route:
Pokhara to Kande (1,500 meters / 4,920 feet): The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi. From Kande, you’ll start walking toward Australian Camp, where you can see the Himalayan mountains for the first time.
Kande to Forest Camp (2,500 meters / 8,200 feet): The trail goes uphill through peaceful forests of rhododendron trees, a lovely place to rest. You’ll pass villages like Deurali and Pothana.
Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet): As you climb higher, the trees start to thin, and you’ll get clearer views of Machhapuchhre (also called Fishtail Mountain). Low Camp has some teahouses where you can stop and rest.
Low Camp to Badal Danda (3,250 meters / 10,660 feet): This part is a bit tougher because you leave the forest and start walking on a ridge. But it’s worth it—the views of the Annapurna mountains and feeling like you’re above the clouds are unforgettable. That’s why it’s called “Cloud Hill.”
Badal Danda to High Camp (3,580 meters / 11,745 feet): From Badal Danda, you keep going uphill to High Camp. The views of the mountains get even better, though the trail can be steep.
Optional: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters / 14,764 feet): If you want to go further, an early morning hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp offers incredible mountain views. But this trail is steeper and more challenging.
After reaching High Camp, many trekkers either return to Low Camp or continue to Siding Village to finish the trek.
Map of the Badal Danda Mardi Himal Trek
You can find maps of the trek easily online or use digital apps like Maps.me or AllTrails. These maps show important places like Kande, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, and Base Camp. It’s a good idea to carry a map or download one to your phone before starting the trek.
In Conclusion
The Badal Danda Mardi Himal trek is a great adventure in the Himalayas. You’ll see beautiful forests, mountains, and ridges, and experience the calmness of nature. Badal Danda, at 3,250 meters (10,660 feet), is one of the best spots to admire the Himalayas. Even though the trek isn’t too difficult, you should still be prepared for challenges like altitude sickness and changing weather. Along the route, you’ll pass through quiet places like Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp, and enjoy both nature and Nepali culture.
Should You Go to Badal Danda?
Yes! With amazing views and a moderate level of difficulty, the Badal Danda Mardi Himal trek is perfect for adventure seekers. Whether you want the challenge of high-altitude trekking or just want to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas, this trek will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Article By: Birendra Duwadi
Birendra Duwadi by profession a trekking and tourist guide and an enterpreur whose passion is trekking in the himalayas start Mission Himalaya Treks in 2015 with a new vision to introduce Nepal Himlayas to the world. his vision is explore and documentation new trekking routes . Birendra leads Mission Himalaya, a small company that change the qualities of trekking in Nepal.