The Mardi Himal Trek is a short and beautiful journey in Nepal's Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek was started in early 2012 and has become one of the most loved trekking destinations in the history of travel.
During this trek, you'll get up close to beautiful hills and mountains, including famous ones like Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal. The path takes you through magical rhododendron forests on small, winding paths.
This trek offers breathtaking views of green hills, snow-capped mountains, and walks through dense rhododendron and oak forests. You will always have the beautiful Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagirito the west.
Mardi Himal sits below the unclimbed Mt. Machhapuchre, and you'll be treated to amazing views of Mt. Machhapuchre, Mt. Hiunchuli, and vibrant rhododendron forests.
This trek also lets you learn about the cultures and lifestyles of the Magar and Gurung communities. Plus, you'll witness incredible sunrises and sunsets.
If you love trekking alone, the Mardi Himal trek is a great choice. You'll start in Kande, trek to Deurali at 2232m altitude, and enjoy views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley from there. As it's a newer trek, bring your own packed lunches and water. After passing through rhododendron forests, you'll reach the low camp with close-up views of Mt. Fishtail and Mardi Himal. An extra hour's walk leads you to the amazing Badal Bandal (Cloud Hill).
A short walk takes you to the high camp, and from there, you can go to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is more challenging with steep climbs. Then, you'll return to the forest camp, passing through Lwang Ghale village at 1500m altitude, where you can see organic farming. Finally, you'll head back to Pokhara. This trek lets you see beautiful mountain views and the beauty of Mardi Himal in a short time.
The Mardi Himal Trek costs USD 630 per person. This price includes a fantastic journey through Nepal's Annapurna region. You'll stay in cozy tea houses, get to taste delicious local food, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. For this reasonable cost, you can fully experience the natural beauty of the area, explore the cultures of the Magar and Gurung communities, and walk through peaceful rhododendron forests. This price ensures an unforgettable adventure and a chance to get up close to famous Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal. It's a great way to make lasting memories in the heart of the Himalayas.
In addition to the USD 630 cost, it's important to note that this package typically covers essentials like permits, guides, and transportation from Pokhara to the trek's starting point. Trekkers should also budget for personal expenses, such as gear, snacks, and any optional activities or souvenirs along the way. Overall, the Mardi Himal Trek offers excellent value for the incredible experiences it provides, making it an accessible and rewarding adventure for nature enthusiasts and mountain lovers alike.
Expertise and Local Knowledge: Holiday planners and treks possess extensive knowledge about destinations, trekking routes, and local customs. Our expertise provides valuable insights, ensuring a well-informed and culturally enriched journey.
Convenience and time-saving: Planning a trek can be a time-consuming and overwhelming task. Holiday planners and treks reduce this burden by handling logistics such as accommodation, transportation, permits, and guides. This allows travelers to focus on the pure enjoyment of their trekking adventure.
Safety and Security: Trekking in unfamiliar terrain can carry certain risks. Therefore, Holiday planners and treks prioritize safety by offering experienced guides, appropriate equipment, and well-defined emergency protocols. Our commitment ensures a secure and worry-free trekking experience.
Tailored Itineraries: Holiday planners and trekking excel at creating personalized itineraries that align with travelers' preferences, fitness levels, and time constraints. We can recommend optimal routes and activities to maximize the trekking experience according to your needs.
Local Support and Community Engagement: Traveling with these professionals enables travelers to make a positive impact on local economies and communities. Many of these companies maintain partnerships with local guides and lodges, promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit the region.
Peace of Mind: Choosing a reputable trekking company like Holiday Planner offers travelers peace of mind. We have dedicated professional support and assistance at every stage of their journey, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trekking adventure.
Today, upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative from Holiday Planner Treks will receive you take to the hotel. If time permits, we also schedule a meeting at our office for trek briefing followed by an introduction with other team members. Later, we will host you a welcome dinner in one of the most popular local restaurants, where you can enjoy the ethnic dance and cultural music along with authentic Nepali food.
Today, early in the morning after breakfast , we will catch a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus will head towards the west of Kathmandu Valley and continue the journey towards the western part of Nepal following the Prithvi Highway along the Trisuli River. The bus will stop in between for lunch. The evening can be utilized to explore Fewa lake in Pokhara. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Pokhara.
After a good breakfast, we start our adventure by driving to Phedi, where our trek begins. The journey kicks off with an exciting walk on paths made of stone steps, taking us through beautiful terraced fields, charming villages, and magical forests. Along the way, we get the chance to connect with the local culture, meet friendly villagers, and learn about their daily lives. Eventually, we reach Dhampus, a lovely village where we take a break for a well-deserved lunch.
Then, we continue our walk to Deurali, which is a small village beautifully, located on a ridge with good views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare. Overnight in Deurali.
On the fourth day of the Mardi Himal Trek, you'll leave the beautiful village of Deurali, where you enjoyed stunning mountain views. This part of the journey takes you through a lovely forested area on your way to the Forest Camp, which is located at an elevation of 2,520 meters (8,064 feet). As you follow the clearly marked trail, you'll be surrounded by charming rhododendron and oak forests, completely immersed in the peaceful natural beauty of the region. The gradual climb in altitude ensures a safe and pleasant trek, and you'll have opportunities to spot local plants and animals along the way. Your overnight stay at the Forest Camp offers a restful and cozy break, recharging your body for further adventure.
The High Camp is the destination of the day. Leaving the Forest Camp we proceed towards the High Camp. Though the distance is short the climb through the forest of Rhododendron and Juniper forest is quite steep. The settlement is almost empty around this area.
We first pass Manjh Danda to reach the low camp, and then we pass the Nangge Danda to reach the high camp. The top greets you with the most spectacular view of Machhapuchhre, the Annapurna Range, the valley of Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal. The night will be spent in a tented camp at the High Camp.
Today we wake up earlier than usual to enjoy the sunrise view from the High Camp. Today is a challenging day as the day requires walking on a narrow, rocky trail. Leaving the High Camp, we ascend for about 4 hours to reach the base camp of the Mardi Himal.
After enjoying the views from the base camp, we walk back to the High Camp. The night will be spent in a tented camp at the High Camp.
On Day 7 of the Mardi Himal Trek, you'll come down from High Camp with its fantastic mountain views to reach the peaceful Sidhing Village at an altitude of 1,700 meters (5,440 feet). The path takes you through a mix of forests and open areas, and it's mostly downhill. As you walk, you can enjoy the natural beauty around you, like the rolling hills and lush forests. Plus, you'll have the chance to meet and learn from the locals in Sidhing Village, which is quite different from the higher-altitude parts of the trek.
Today, we head back to the lovely city of Pokhara. Starting from Sidhing, we take a downhill hike along the river valley, passing through charming Gurung and Tamang villages, where you can get a glimpse of the local way of life. Our journey eventually brings us to Lumre.
In Lumre, we hop on a vehicle that quickly takes us to Pokhara in just an hour. When we arrive, the evening opens up opportunities to explore the Lakeside area, which is known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful lakeside views. You'll spend the night in a comfortable tourist-standard hotel in Pokhara, ensuring a cozy and relaxing end to your trekking adventure in this enchanting region.
In the morning, we will take a bus ride from Pokhara back to Kathmandu, enjoying the beautiful Nepalese countryside along the way. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, your guide will take you to the hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to relax, explore the nearby areas, and spend the night at the hotel.
Departure for home. Our driver will drop you on a private car to airport on you scheduled time. We wish you a safe journey.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically spans a duration of 6 to 8 days to complete, depending on various factors such as trekker's pace, itinerary variations, and weather conditions.
The Mardi Himal Trek is generally classified as a moderate-level trek. This means that while it does present some challenges, it is still accessible to trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness and no prior high-altitude trekking experience.
The best times to go on the Mardi Himal Trek are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer the most favorable weather and trekking conditions, enhancing the overall trekking experience.
While it's not mandatory, it is recommended for a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Yes, permits such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card are required.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp is located at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
Yes, there are tea houses and basic accommodations available along the trail.
Yes, it is possible to do the Mardi Himal Trek independently, but prior experience and good navigation skills are recommended.
There are no specific age restrictions, but a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Good physical fitness and stamina are necessary, as the trek involves uphill and downhill walking on varied terrain.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on the pace, acclimatization needs, and starting or ending points. It is one of the most scenic short treks in Nepal, offering a close-up view of the Himalayas while traversing less-crowded forest trails and ridgelines.
Most treks begin with a drive from Pokhara to Kande (1770m) or Dhampus, followed by gradual ascents through forested trails and ridges leading up to High Camp (3550m). The ultimate highlight is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4500 meters, offering an incredible panoramic view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal.
After visiting the base camp, trekkers typically descend through Siding Village, where a vehicle picks them up for the return to Pokhara. Alternatively, one may descend via Landruk or Lwang village, offering additional cultural experiences.
Drive from Pokhara to Kande (approx. 1.5 hours)
Trek to Australian Camp or Pothana
Continue through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp
Early morning hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return to High Camp
Trek down via Siding Village or Landruk, then drive back to Pokhara
Kande – 1770 m
Australian Camp – 2050 m
Forest Camp – 2550 m
Low Camp – 2970 m
High Camp – 3550 m
Mardi Himal Base Camp – approx. 4500 m
Siding Village – 1850 m
The trek gains altitude steadily, allowing for gradual acclimatization and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
The best time to trek Mardi Himal is:
Spring (March to May): The trail is decorated with blooming rhododendrons, and skies are generally clear. This is also the time for warm temperatures and vibrant mountain landscapes.
Autumn (September to November): Crisp mountain air, crystal-clear views, and stable weather make this season ideal. It is also the time of major Nepali festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
Winter (December to February): Though colder, the trek is still possible. Trails are quieter, and snow adds magical beauty to the landscape. Proper winter gear is essential.
Monsoon (June to August): Not recommended due to slippery trails, landslides, and limited mountain visibility.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderate. It is suitable for beginners with average physical fitness. Daily trekking hours range from 4 to 6 hours, with a few challenging uphill sections and one longer day when visiting the base camp.
There are no technical sections or high passes, making it a great introduction to Himalayan trekking. However, trekkers should be prepared for rocky trails, stone staircases, and changing weather.
Accommodation is available at locally operated teahouses along the trail. These offer basic but comfortable lodging, usually in twin-sharing rooms. Blankets are provided, but a warm sleeping bag is recommended. Toilets may be shared, and hot showers are available at some lodges for an extra fee.
Meals include a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes, such as:
Dal bhat (rice with lentil soup and vegetables)
Tibetan bread, chapati, and eggs
Noodles, momo (dumplings), fried rice
Pasta, pancakes, soup
Safe drinking water is available in bottles or can be purified using filters or purification tablets.
To trek in the Mardi Himal region, you need the following permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you book with a trekking company, they will arrange all permits for you. Always carry multiple photocopies of your passport and passport-size photos for these permits.
The Mardi Himal trail passes through Gurung and Magar communities, especially in villages like Pothana, Landruk, and Siding. These communities are known for their hospitality, traditional lifestyles, and unique customs.
Staying in teahouses run by local families offers a chance to experience authentic mountain life, learn about their farming practices, and see traditional architecture. During your stay, you might hear local folk music or witness Buddhist or Hindu practices that are part of daily village life.
Although Mardi Himal is not as high as some other treks, altitude sickness can still occur above 3000 meters. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. To stay safe:
Ascend gradually and stay hydrated
Avoid alcohol and caffeine at high altitudes
Rest properly and eat well
Consider carrying Diamox or other altitude medication (consult your doctor before use)
Having a licensed guide adds an extra layer of safety and helps in case of any emergency. Mobile networks are available at some points, but connectivity may be limited at higher altitudes.
Pack light but prepare for all weather conditions. Here’s a suggested list:
Trekking boots (broken-in and waterproof)
Fleece jacket and down jacket for cold mornings
Thermal innerwear (tops and bottoms)
Waterproof jacket and pants
Quick-dry shirts and trekking trousers
Gloves, woolen hat, and buff
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Headlamp with extra batteries
Reusable water bottle and water purification tablets
Personal toiletries and basic first-aid kit
Trekking poles (helpful for descents)
The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for:
First-time trekkers looking for a moderate Himalayan experience
Nature lovers who enjoy peaceful, less-crowded trails
Photographers and bird watchers
Travelers with limited time seeking a high-altitude adventure
Families or groups who want a scenic short trek
Trekkers preparing for more demanding treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp
With stunning views, beautiful forests, and welcoming villages, Mardi Himal is a rewarding short trek that leaves a lasting impression.
The best times to do the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Here's why:
Spring (March to May): Spring is a top choice for the trek. The weather is usually good, and the trail bursts with colorful rhododendron flowers, making the scenery stunning. It's not too hot or cold, so trekking is comfortable. Plus, you get clear views of the mountains.
Autumn (September to November): Another great time for the trek is in the fall. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, giving you fantastic views of the Himalayas. It's pleasantly warm for trekking, and the trails are dry after the monsoon season, so you won't have to deal with muddy paths.
Both seasons let you enjoy the beauty of the Annapurna region, including the breathtaking mountains and lush forests, all while having good weather for trekking. Just remember to avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rain and the risk of landslides, as well as winter (December to February) when it's colder and higher trails might be blocked by snow.
Jeff Teh
16th Dec, 2022
Journeyed safely and comfortably to Mardi Himal and Annapurna Basecamp thanks to Holiday Planner Treks. Eaklal and his energetic porters were friendly and comforting to help with almost anything while trekking the beautiful Annapurna mountains. From great choice of guest houses, to the little things like fruits for dinner and planning ahead, this company has taken care of me so that I can focus on the beauty around me. Very Experienced and knowledgeable of the landscapes and places. Highly recommended to hire them!
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
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