Overview
- Duration 5-8 days
- Max Altitude 4500 m/14764 ft.
- Group Size 2-10
- Best Season March-May, September-November
- Per Day Walk 04-06 hrs
- Accomodation Hotel / Teahouse
- Start/End KTM / KTM
- Difficulty Moderate
- Location Annapurna Region
If you’re looking for a less-visited yet rewarding adventure, the Mardi Himal Trek is definitely for you!
Located in the heart of the Annapurna Massif of Nepal, the trek to Mardi offers a flexible itinerary ranging from 4-8 days, making it an ideal alternative to more crowded routes like the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. The Mardi Himal Route takes you through the scenic Annapurna Sanctuary, offering stunning landscapes and close-up views of iconic peaks like Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and Machapuchhre (6,993m).
The Mardi Himal trekking is catered to both seasoned trekkers and beginners. This trek is known for its panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and remote villages. Along the way, you’ll follow the detailed Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary, covering the essential stops and viewpoints, all while being immersed in the rich culture and history shared by the friendly locals.
Highlights of the Trek
- The trail offers stunning mountain views with every step, ensuring you’re always surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
- Trek through diverse landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to alpine meadows.
- Enjoy the tranquility of a less-crowded route, perfect for those seeking solitude and peace.
- The flexible itinerary allows you to complete the trek in 8 days or shorten it up to 5 days.
- Encounter warm and friendly locals who share their rich culture and traditions.
- Experience panoramic views of the Annapurna Range from Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Suitable for beginners with moderate fitness, offering a less challenging alternative to more strenuous treks.
- Savor a variety of local and international meals available at teahouses along the route.
- Combine Mardi Himal Trek with other nearby treks, like the Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, for an extended adventure.
Start and End of Mardi Himal Trek
The Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande, where the hiking adventure starts. Averaging 5-6 hours of trekking daily, the route leads to Mardi Himal Base Camp, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, including Mardi Himal (5,587m).
On the return, the trail splits at Mardi High Camp, descending through Rhododendron forests toward Siding Village. Overall, the trail descends towards Siding Village through the dense forest of Rhododendron, where you spend a night before reaching Pokhara the other day. Covering around 40-50 kilometers, this trek provides a less-crowded and beginner-friendly alternative to more popular routes.
What to Expect During the Mardi Himal Trek?
Best Time to Trek: Spring (March-April) is ideal for Mardi Himal trekking, offering clear blue skies, lush rhododendron forests, and vibrant bird songs. The post-monsoon season (September-November) is also favorable. However, avoid the rainy monsoon and cold winter months when conditions are less favorable.
Food & Accommodation: Expect traditional Nepalese meals like Dal Bhat and the popular Gurung bread at teahouses. Carry a water bottle and snacks, as tea houses are spaced out. The Mardi Himal trek route has fewer accommodations compared to Annapurna or Everest treks, so plan accordingly.
Preparation & Tips: The trek tests both physical and mental endurance. Bring essentials like a camera, trekking permits, cash, and a power bank, as there’s limited network and electricity at higher altitudes. Watch for altitude sickness symptoms, stay hydrated, and pace yourself. Here’s how to get ready:
- Fitness: Prepare with regular cardio and strength training to handle the 5-6 hours of daily hiking.
- Essential Gear: Pack a camera, trekking permit, cash (no ATMs on the route), and a power bank due to limited electricity at higher altitudes.
- Altitude Precautions: Watch for signs of altitude sickness like dizziness or headaches. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately.
- Hydration & Pacing: Stay hydrated, take breaks, and maintain a steady pace to avoid exhaustion.
- Connectivity: Expect limited network and Wi-Fi at higher elevations, especially near Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Includes
- Airport pickup
- Licensed Local guide
- One Porter for two trekkers (9 kg limit for one trekker)
- Shared Accommodation during trek.
- All meals (B, L, D) while trekking.
- Annapurna conservation area trekking permit
- Trekking Permit TIMS
- First Aid kit with guide
- Transfer from Pokhara to trekking start and endpoint
- Transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara tourist bus ticket.
- Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara BB basis
- Pre-departure Information
- All Nepal Govt taxes
- Farewell Dinner
- Mountain Routes T-Shirt.
Excludes
- Airfare to Nepal
- Visa and Travel Insurance
- Bar bills
- Personal expenses ( Laundry, Phone Call, Snacks, Wifi and Hot shower while trekking)
- Trekking equipment
- Tips for guide and Porter
Mardi Himal Trek Map
- Day 1 :
Arrival at Kathmandu (1350 m / 4600 ft.)
- Day 2 :
Kathmandu to Pokhara (827 m / 2713 ft.)
Distance: 210 km / 130 miles
Time: 06:30 hrs Drive - Day 3 :
Pokhara to Kande to Forest Camp (2520 m)
Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles
Time:07-08 hrs walk - Day 4 :
Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970 m) to High Camp (3540 m)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Time: 07:00 hrs walk - Day 5 :
High Camp to Mardi Base Camp back (4500 m) back to High Camp
Distance: 10 km / 6.23 miles ( Both way)
Time: 07- 08 hrs walk - Day 6 :
High Camp to Siding Village (1700 m) and drive back to Pokhara
Distance: 8.5 km / 130 miles
Time: 06-07 hrs walk - Day 7 :
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Distance: 210 km / 130 miles
Time: 06:30 hrs drive - Day 8 :
Depart from Kathmandu
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1 : Arriving at Kathmandu
On the first day of our trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal, you will be arriving at the beautiful capital city – Kathmandu. Our representatives from Mountains Routes will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. They will explain the trekking schedule and route. You can rest for a while, then head out to explore the city of temples.
Day 2 : Kathmandu to Pokhara
On the second day of our Annapurna region trek, we will be traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can do this either through roadways or via flight. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will explore the beautiful city of lakes. Many places will amaze us, but we will only visit a selected few for an only limited time. At night, we can enjoy the beautiful night at Lakeside, Pokhara.
Day 3 : Pokhara to Kande to Forest Camp (2520 m) Trip Duration: 1 hour drive + 7 hours
We will start the day with an early drive from Pokhara to Kande. We will have breakfast at Kande and then head to Australian Base Camp. As this is a bit stretchy day, we need to keep up our pace to reach Forest Camp at the end of the day. From Kande, it will take us about 1 & hours to reach the Australian Base Camp.
Just ahead lies the beautiful Pothana. We will be having lunch at Pothana. And then start our hike again. The trail then traverses through the beautiful pass of Pitam Deurali. The trail between Pothana and Deurali is relatively new. Thus, there are only one or two tea houses or lodges along the way. Therefore, we advise you to carry snacks and water by yourself. After walking for around 4 hours from Pitam Deurali, we will reach Forest Camp. We will crash here for tonight.
Day 4 : Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970 m) to High Camp (3540 m) Trip Duration: 3 hours + 4 hours
After an early breakfast, we need to get going like this, too will be a long hike day. We will start from Forest Camp and head out to Low Camp, and the trail is a straight steep uphill once you start walking from forest camp which will take about 3 hours. The hike consists of walking through a lush forest with beautiful Rhododendrons. After having lunch at the low camp, we will start walking towards the High camp again. The trek from low camp to high camp consists of passing through Badaldanda, a fantastic place which takes about 4 hrs.
Badal Danda lies amongst the clouds and offers amazing views of Mardi mountain and the beautiful landscapes downwards. After walking along the top ridge of Badal Danda for some time, we will reach High camp, where we will stay the night.
Day 5 : High Camp to Mardi Base Camp back (4500 m) back to High Camp Trip Duration: 7-8 hours
On the fifth day of our Annapurna region trek, we will finally reach our long-awaited destination – Mardi Base Camp. We will head out from High camp with an early breakfast to reach Mardi Base Camp (MBC). It will take us about 4 hours to reach the Mardi Base Camp. The view is impressive all along the way, but the view from the top is extraordinary.
Tall mountains including Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchhre enjoying the spectacular views from the top, we will then head back down to High Camp. Upon reaching High Camp, we will stay the second night there.
Day 6 : High Camp to Siding Village (1700 m) and drive back to Pokhara Trip Duration: 6-7 hours
On the 6th day of trekking in the Annapurna region of Nepal, we will be heading from High Camp to Siding, which will take us about 6-7 hours. The different route we take lets us experience something new even till the end. Siding to Pokhara is a 2 hours jeep drive. We will take an early ride to Pokhara after having lunch. Upon reaching Pokhara, it will be time for dinner.
Day 7 : Pokhara to Kathmandu Trip Duration: 4 hours
On the 7th day of our Annapurna region trekking, we will be heading back to Kathmandu. We leave early to visit some places in Kathmandu upon reaching there. You can do some shopping in Kathmandu and also enjoy the beautiful nightlife of Thamel. A good night’s sleep is now all left for the day.
Day 8 : Departure Trip Duration: 6-7 hours
Day 8 marks the end of our Annapurna region trekking and your stay in Nepal. We will have representatives from Mountain Routes pick you up from your hotel and drop you at the airport. We will share goodbyes and part our ways. You will then board the plane, leaving Nepal with the best memories and a fantastic experience of the Mardi Base Camp trek.
Short Itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek in 5 Days
This 5-day itinerary begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande and ends with a return from Siding Village to Pokhara. It covers the key highlights of the trek, providing a condensed yet rewarding experience.
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, trek to Forest Camp (2,600m).
Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,150m).
Day 3: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m).
Day 4: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and return to High Camp.
Day 5: Descend to Siding Village and drive back to Pokhara.
Trekking Cost for Mardi Himal Trek 8-Day Itinerary
The cost of the 8-day itinerary to Mardi varies based on the number of persons in your group, offering slight discounts for larger groups:
| Number of Persons | Cost Per Person (USD) |
| 1 Person | $765 |
| 2 Persons | $715 |
| 3 Persons | $695 |
| 4-6 Persons | $675 |
| 7-12 Persons | $650 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MARDI HIMAL TREK
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What type of facility is available while trekking on the Mardi route?
If you are looking for a lovely facility during the trail, this Mardi Himal trek might not be your choice. Trek to Mardi Himal is one of the beaten trekking routes. The facility is primary compared with other trails in the Annapurna region or Everest Region. Once you ascend to a higher altitude, you don’t have wifi, a hot shower, or electricity.
Rooms are simple with wooden beds, and a toilet is outside. And there is a very few private rooms, and most of the rooms are shared.
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Is it possible to do the Mardi trek in other months than peak trekking season?
Of course, it is possible to do this trek in months other than the best trekking season, and it has its benefits and disadvantages in season and off-season. In season, trekking routes get crowded, and rooms are limited, so you need to be prepared for a shared room and book in advance.
On the other hand, you don’t have to worry about not getting people in the off-season, and the weather can be unlucky. In winter, in the room, there will be fewer people trekking. Sometimes, high-altitude accommodation might be closed for the off-season due to weather conditions.
Mid-March – Mid-May: Trekking Season
Mid-September – November: Trekking Season
December – February: Winter ( Extreme cold in high altitudes)
June – August: Monsoon Season -
Do I need the high-altitude travel insurance for this Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal trek is considered a high altitude trek, and the maximum altitude of this trek is 4500 m/14764 ft at Mardi base camp. Therefore, we highly recommend you get Insurance for this trek. Please double-check with your insurance company if it covers the high-altitude treks.
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Can I Trek Mardi Himal Base Camp without guide?
Yes, you can trek Mardi Himal without a guide as the trail is well-marked. However, hiring a guide offers valuable local insights, enhances safety, and is recommended for beginners or those unfamiliar with high-altitude trekking.
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Is it possible to combine the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Mardi Himal trek?
Combining the Annapurna Base Camp and Poonhill with the Mardi Himal trek is possible. For example, if you want to combine only the Poonhill trek and the Mardi Himal trek, it takes eight days from Pokhara to Pokhara. On the other hand, combining all these three treks, Poonhill, Annapurna Base Camp, and Mardi Himal trek, takes 14 days from Pokhara to Pokhara.
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What are the ages of trekkers on a fixed departure trip?
Most of our trekkers are from 18 to 35 years, but there is no age limitation until they are fit and active to do multi-day trekking in the Himalayas.
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How difficult is Mardi Base Camp trek?
The Mardi Base Camp Trek is moderately difficult, suitable for trekkers with a good fitness level. It involves daily hikes of 5-6 hours with varying elevations.
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How safe is the Mardi trekking route?
Mardi Trekking route is safe, but there has been some incident with solo trekkers disappearing while trekking alone. These incidents are a pretty low number but should not be neglected. The suggestion is to carry a Mardi Himal Trek Map and follow the trail carefully.
We also arrange a female guide for solo trekkers to avoid potential incidents.
