Mardi Himal Trek

7 Days
  • 4,500 m/14,764 ft.
  • Moderate
  • Tea House
  • 7 Days
  • 1-15
  • Autumn & Spring
  • Tourist Bus
  • ACAP & TIMS
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Pokhara to Pokhara
  • Moderate

Trip Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is on what you could say is “the road less traveled." The recently opened Mardi Himal Trek route, not long after its debut, attracts fewer visitors than some of the other famous treks in the  Annapurna Region. Yet, it boasts all the spectacular views and stunning landscapes of its cousins. This is a more demanding trek, and a normal level of fitness is required. As you may expect, the standard of accommodation is also more "rugged" than on the more frequented trails. This is a trek for those who wish to be in the Annapurna region but want something a little different, or who have already trekked the more popular routes. So bring your sense of adventure!

Mardi himal trek

We pass along steep-sided valleys, raging rivers, rhododendron and bamboo forests, and ridges with the mountains of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Manaslu ranges on view. The Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated at an elevation of 4,500m and can be accessed by following a strenuous and rocky trail. Look out for Nepal’s National Bird, the Lophophorus, as you go!

The trek falls within the Annapurna region. It can be either 7 days or 14 days. According to the time of year, the Mardi Himal trek can be enjoyed with a view of nature as well as cultural aspects. Nowadays, this trek is gaining popularity, and an increasing number of people are coming to Nepal for it. We provide a complete package of Mardi Himal. Additionally, the trek can be customized according to the clients' wishes.

Trip Highlights

  • Trek on paths less traveled
  • Feel close to nature, free from the usual hustle and bustle of trail life
  • Enjoy the stunning mountain views in solitude
  • Sunrise and sunset view
  • Stunning view from High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp
  • Rhododendron forests, as well as the terrace field
  • Tea garden, local homestay
  • Hospitable inhabitants with a warm welcome

Trek Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822) by Tourist Bus.

    We will be driving from Kathmandu to Pokhara early in the morning by tourist bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Watching the lush green forest and passing through beautiful villages like Damauli and Dumre, we will reach Pokhara. Additionally, the sight of the Trishuli River en route is truly amazing. After arriving in Pokhara, you will be transferred to the hotel in Lakeside. Following some relaxation, you will visit the area around Fewa Lake.

    8 hour
    Hotel

    Hotel Lake Star or Similar Category

  • Day
    2

    Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1,710m) then trek to Deurali (2,100m).

    Today, we will drive to Kande for about 1 hour and hike up to Deurali for 4 to 5 hours. From Kande to Pothana, the trail is an uphill climb. On the way, we will see the views of the Fishtail Mountain, the Annapurna range, and the Manaslu range. Most of the people in this area are Gurung, who are engaged in farming. From Australian Camp, we will hike to Pothana for 3 hours. The path is gradual until we walk through the forest, and after that, it becomes uphill, but it's an easy hike. During the trek, we will see many small rivers and brooks.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    3

    Trek from Deurali to Low Camp (2,970m).

    After having breakfast, we start our trek to Low Camp from Deurali. When we crossed the Deurali, we walked through the forest with a panoramic view of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Lamjung Himal, and the Annapurna range. The trail passes through the beautiful rhododendron forest with a view of the Annapurna mountains. There are a few hotels in Low Camp, where we will stay overnight.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    4

    Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,600m).

    It takes 6 to 7 hours to reach High Camp from Low Camp. Our maximum time will be spent trekking in the forest, crossing suspension bridges along the way. We will then head towards Badal Danda, which is a 2-hour walk from Low Camp. Badal Danda is a Paradise from where the view of majestic Himchuli, Annapurna ranges, Fishtail, and Mardi Himal can be seen. Likewise, we will walk for about 2 hours to High Camp. The view from High Camp is similar to that of Badal Danda, but it is a bit closer. The hike becomes more difficult as the altitude rises.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    5

    Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) & back to Siding (1,700m).

    We will walk up to Mardi Base Camp early in the morning for the sunrise view, a 3-hour walk from High Camp. From there, we can see the Annapurna ranges, including Machapuchhre (also known as Fishtail), Gangapurna, and the beautiful Pokhara Valley. The trail to Mardi Base Camp is uphill, so one needs to be careful while walking. After seeing the view, we will trek back to High Camp and have breakfast, then return to Siding Village, a 4-hour walk away.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    6

    Drive from Siding to Pokhara (822m).

    After breakfast, we will drive from Siding to Pokhara, which takes 3 to 4 hours. The way is rocky up to Lumre. We will be passing through Mardi River and local villages with a paddy farm on our return. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch
    Hotel

    Hotel Lake Star or Similar Category

  • Day
    7

    Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m) by Tourist Bus.

    Today is the final day of our 7-day Mardi Himal Trek program. We will take a tourist bus at 7:30 AM from Pokhara, which takes around 7 to 8 hours to arrive in Kathmandu. Driving through the Prithivi Highway, with memories of the Mardi Himal Trek, we will reach Kathmandu and be transferred to the Hotel. A discussion meeting will be held in the late afternoon to discuss the feedback on NEST’s performance, and any suggestions will be highly appreciated.

    8 hour
    Breakfast
    Hotel

    You can book the hotel or hostel in Kathmandu yourself. This is not included in our package.

The Cost Includes

  • International airport pickup and drop-off services.
  • 2 nights hotel in Pokhara with breakfast (Hotel Lake Star or Similar).
  • An English-speaking professional trekking guide for 05 days (including his salary, food, accommodation, transportation, and insurance).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Sofa Tourist Bus.
  • Pokhara-Kande by private car or taxi.
  • Siding-Pokhara by sharing jeep.
  • Hotel-Bus Station-Hotel transport by private car or taxi.
  • Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
  • 04 nights accommodation in mountain tea house lodge (twin-sharing basis).
  • Seasonal fruits after the dinner during the trek.
  • NEST branded water bottles with purification tablets.
  • NEST branded duffle bags for the trek.
  • NEST branded sleeping bags (-20/-25 degrees) during the trek (if required).
  • A pulse oximeter to provide a daily report (SpO2 and bpm).
  • NEST branded Mardi Himal Trek maps.
  • NEST branded warm hats.
  • Trekking poles (if required).
  • All government tax and service fees.
  • First aid kit box.

The Cost Excludes

  • Nepal Visa Fees (15 Days- USD 30, 30 Days- USD 50, and 90 Days- USD 125).
  • Travel Insurance (must include coverage for medical expenses and emergency evacuation).
  • Food and accommodation in Kathmandu.
  • Food in Pokhara (except breakfast).
  • Any kind of drinks or bar items during the trek.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, bar bills, battery charge, boiled water, laundry, hot shower, snacks, and Wi-Fi in the mountain).
  • Additional costs due to changes in the itinerary.
  • Porter for the trek (A porter for 05 days costs USD 125).
  • Private transportation from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
  • Tips for guide and porters (Expected).
  • Any additional services not listed in the included section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?

The best times to trek Mardi Himal are autumn (September-November) and Spring (March-May).

How hard is Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal is not as hard as people say it is. With proper itinerary, equipment, and guide, it can be easily done. Slow down your pace, drink plenty of water, and rest; that's how you will reach Mardi Himal easily.

Do we need the physical training for Mardi Himal Trek?

A person with normal fitness can also trek to Mardi Himal, as many people have successfully trekked to Mardi Himal for the first time with normal fitness and have returned with positive reviews.

What would be the food and accommodation during Mardi Himal Trek?

Regarding food and accommodation, you shouldn’t expect anything like the city area, but every tea house will have a menu for food, and the accommodation will be clean and comfortable.  They don’t provide you with enough blankets, so you should carry a sleeping bag with you.

What are the permit requirements for Mardi Himal Trek?

As Mardi Himal lies in the Annapurna region, we require both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit. 

Is there a toilet available while I am hiking? Is it squat or western toilet?

There are no public toilets along the way. If you are near the village, you can visit the tea house; otherwise, you will need to go to a nearby location.

Can I trek Solo to Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, you can, but it is better to go with a professional guide. Additionally, the government of Nepal has established a rule requiring trekkers to hire a guide for most trekking regions.

What kinds of equipment are needed to trek Mardi Himal?

Basic hiking gear is enough for the Mardi Himal Trek. You can read the equipment checklist on our website.

Is there internet available in the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, there is. You can even access 3G services at Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Is there Electricity in Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, there is electricity in the Mardi Himal Trek. You can charge your gadgets there and enjoy the trek. However, you will be charged some money for it.