Overview

  • Duration 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 are looking for a less-visited yet rewarding trek, then Mardi Himal Trekking is definitely for you!

Mardi Himal Trekking takes place in the Annapurna Massif of Nepal. Mardi Himal Trek is becoming increasingly popular and an alternative to Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Trekking.

This trekking route that passes through the Annapurna Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of the Himalayas while staying close to nature. On the way to Mardi Himal base camp, you get to get up close with stunning views of Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhachuli (6501m), Machapuchhre (6993m).

The increasingly popular trek offers a panoramic view of snowcapped mountains, lush valleys, and remote villages. During the trek, meet friendly locals who warmly welcome you and share stories of their culture and history as well.

Start and End of Mardi Himal Trek:

Trek to Mardi Himal starts with a drive in a private vehicle from Pokhara to Kande.

The entire hiking to Mardi Himal is an average daily hike of 5-6 hours per day. Reaching Mardi Basecamp gives you breathtaking views of several mountain ranges.

The return path to Pokhara splits from High Camp, providing you with beautiful views of Rhododendron forests. The trail descends towards Siding Village through the dense forest of Rhododendron, where you spend a night before reaching Pokhara the other day.

What to expect during the Mardi Himal trek:

Mardi Himal trekking in the Spring season is an excellent choice for the best view. You will be delighted with clear blue skies, lush green rhododendron forests, and the birds’ sounds. The nature around you makes you feel comfortable and pumped.

March and April are peak seasons for Mardi Himal Trekking. Hence, expect some tourists. You can trek to Mardi Himal during post monsoon season (September to November). Nevertheless, it is best to avoid the rainy season(Monsoon) and during the winter (late December to early February) as it gets cold and wet. The views are not impressive and exquisite during the monsoon. You might as well get stuck at teahouses until the rain subsides.

Food during the trek is a regular Nepalese item such as Dal, Rice, veggies, and pulses. Alternatively, bread is also available for trekkers. Gurung Bread is famous among trekkers. Carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. Refrain drinking water from the sources and carry some snacks as the teahouses are not at a short distance.

Comparative to other Annapurna Trekking or Everest trekking routes, fewer tea houses and guesthouses are on the way.

Preparation for Mardi Himal Trek:

The trek to Mardi Himal tests your physical fitness and mental endurance. The mountain hikes welcome to embrace the utmost scenic beauty of terraced fields, green forests, and the magnificent Mardi Himal in the Annapurna Range.

Carry a camera to capture memories of a lifetime as you walk past natural beauty and the excellent views of mountains, Mardi Khola, and the friendly local people. At higher altitudes, it may be difficult to get mobile network coverage, wifi, and electricity. So there will be disruption in mobile network service for two days when you’re at higher altitudes. We recommend you bring your power banks for backup.

Things you should not forget are the Trekking Permit, Cash in Hand, and daily dose of medicines. Since there are no ATMs on the trekking path, cash in hand is required to pay for the services.

 

During the uphill climb towards Mardi Himal Basecamp, if you get dizzy, headache, diarrhea, nausea, or shortness of breath, stop where you are as those can be the symptoms of Altitude sickness. If the situation worsens, our trekking guide will take you to a lower altitude and help you ease the situation.

We suggest drinking plenty of water, taking shortstops, and walking at your regular pace without rushing.

 

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

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.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS MARDI HIMAL TREK

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What if I couldn’t walk for 6-7 hrs daily during the trek?

    If you are trekking alone and get sick, the guide will wait for you to get recovered for the next day. But if you are in a group, the guide cannot wait for you so that they will arrange/hire a porter for you, but you need to pay extra.

    In case of altitude sickness, our guide will briefly explain what to do at that moment. In case of an emergency, we can arrange the rescue for the evacuation on your account.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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