The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in Nepal’s Annapurna region, offering an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Reasons to Trek Mardi Himal Highlights
- Exceptional Mountain Views: Witness breathtaking perspectives of Annapurna, the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail), and neighboring peaks.
- Immersive Cultural Encounters: Pass through authentic villages and connect with resident communities.
- Adaptable Scheduling: Accessible during most of the year, each season offering its own unique character.
Mardi Himal Trek - The Annapurna Sanctuary's Best-Kept Secret Overview
Tucked away in the eastern folds of Nepal’s famed Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal Trek offers an unspoiled adventure away from the more crowded trails. This route guides you through verdant woodlands, along exposed ridgelines, and to spectacular lookout points that frame the mighty Himalayas. Spanning 5 to 7 days, it is a perfect choice for those seeking dramatic mountain vistas within a condensed timeframe.
Mardi Himal Trek Outline Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Introduce/Preparation Tip
Drive to Pokhara
Drive to Phedi and walk to Deurali
Mardi Himal Trek Essential Information
Landscapes & Local Life
The pathway meanders through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, eventually revealing expansive high-altitude pastures and rugged mountain terrain. Hikers are greeted with magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, the sacred Machapuchare (Fishtail), and the trek’s namesake, Mardi Himal. En route, the settlements of Gurung and Magar communities provide a glimpse into traditional mountain life, where visitors can experience local dishes and genuine hospitality. Spring transforms the hillsides with a riot of floral color, while autumn gifts trekkers with crystalline skies and sharp mountain profiles.
What Makes Mardi Himal Special?
This trek masterfully blends spectacular natural scenery, authentic cultural interaction, and an achievable level of challenge. It stands as an ideal Himalayan excursion for those in search of serenity and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas.
Ideal Seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek provides stunning landscapes and a peaceful walking experience, but selecting the proper time of year significantly enhances your journey. The most favorable periods are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Autumn-September to November
Autumn represents the peak trekking period. During these months, predictable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures prevail. This combination ensures exceptional visibility of the snow-covered peaks, creating perfect conditions for photography and absorbing the expansive mountain vistas. Although this season draws more visitors, the paths remain uncongested, and the surrounding beauty is truly memorable.
Spring-March to May
Spring presents another excellent window for this trek. The environment bursts to life with flowering rhododendrons and a tapestry of wild blossoms. The weather remains pleasant, and the skies are largely unobstructed, delivering spectacular perspectives of the Annapurna massif. With slightly fewer travelers than autumn, spring is ideally suited for those desiring a quiet and colorful adventure.
Other Seasons
Monsoon : June to August
Significant rainfall can create slick, challenging trail conditions; however, trekking remains feasible for the determined.
Winter : December to February
Snow-covered pathways and frigid temperatures can present difficulties, especially as elevation increases.
Note: Year-to-year weather fluctuations mean it’s always prudent to check current forecasts and contact Adventure Fourteen Summit for the most recent trail information.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Summary
Duration: 5 to 7 days, accounting for necessary acclimatization and walking time.
Distance: Roughly 40 to 50 kilometers (25–31 miles), contingent upon the specific itinerary and optional detours.
Daily Walking: Averaging 4 to 6 hours, influenced by the terrain, altitude gains, and individual pace.
Difficulty Level
Moderate. Accessible to trekkers possessing solid fitness and some background in hiking. The itinerary involves noticeable climbs and descents yet is generally less demanding than high-profile treks such as Everest Base Camp. The route’s relative quietude adds to its appeal. Conscious acclimatization remains vital to prevent altitude-related issues.
Standard ServiceWhats Included?
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Transportation: Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu; Ground transportation (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu)
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Accommodation: 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Kathmandu; 1 night in Pokhara (Bed & Breakfast plan); All tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek
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Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
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Documentation/Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
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Equipment/Accessories: First aid kit and emergency communication; Adventure Fourteen Summit–branded T-shirt, cap, and duffel bag
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Human Resource: Experienced English-speaking licensed trekking guide; Porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers = 1 porter, max 20–25kg)
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Tax/Service Charge: Staff insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation
Whats Excluded
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee (USD 50 for 30 days, on arrival)
- Personal trekking gear and sleeping bag
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except breakfast)
- Travel insurance (compulsory, with emergency rescue)
- Tips for guides, porters, and staff
- Extra hotel nights due to early return or delays
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging, etc.)
Premium Service
Accommodation includes a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu for 2 nights and Pokhara for 2 nights, and premium standard hotels during the trek for 4 nights including upgraded amenities and attached bathrooms. Each meal includes a cup of tea or coffee, fresh seasonal fruit every day, and a hot shower.
Mardi Himal Trek Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu
Airport representatives will welcome you outside the terminal hall. transferred to the hotel, briefed you about tomorrow’s activities, and collected any documents required by our office.
Accommodation : 3 Star hotel Meals : B/B
Introduce/Preparation Tip
Introduce your trekking guide and receive a briefing about the Mardi Himal trek with Pokhara City Tours’ each-day program. Trek leaders will check our trekking equipment to make sure that it is in good condition for our coming journey.
Accommodation : 3 Star hotel Meals : B/B
Drive to Pokhara: 6-7 hrs of driving
On our way to Pokhara, we passed by little shops by the side of the road and the wild Trishuli River. The Himalayas, including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Machhapuchhre, the five peaks of Annapurna, are visible from the city. Pokhara is also a tourist hotspot, so we go out in the evening and have fun.
Accommodation : 3 Star hotel Meals : B/B
Drive to Phedi and walk to Deurali : 30 minutes of drive time and 4-5 hours of walking
After an early breakfast, we begin our trip by driving to Phedi and then trekking from there. We walk over stone steps, past terraced farms, towns, and forests until arriving at Potana deurali.
Accommodation : Lodge Meals : BLD
Trekt to Forest Camp: 6-7 hours of walking
Today’s trek will take us from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp. The trails are steep, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain), the Annapurna Range, the Annapurna Base Camp valley, and the Mardi Himal. Our path goes through a beautiful forest peppered with red rhododendrons. The blooms are widespread in the Nepalese highlands, so it’s no surprise that they’re the country’s national flower. Our path is rather peaceful until we arrive at a meadow near the forest camp. We may take a break and explore the region, also known as Kokar in Forest Camp.
Accommodation : Lodge Meals : BLD
Hike to High Camp: 3-4 hours of walking
We climb a ridge toward Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. The tree lines begin to thin, and the region is primarily made up of bushes, with solitary rhododendron plants along the route. If we’re lucky, we could even see a Daphne pheasant (a Nepalese native bird) on our approach to camp. We make our way up to the high camp, our final target for the day. The views of the mountains from here are spectacular.
Accommodation : Lodge Meals : BLD
Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and to Low Camp: 6-7 hours of walking
We wake up early at High Camp to appreciate the most spectacular sunrise views of the mighty Himalayas. Then we will climb along the narrow ridge to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters. On our way to the highest viewpoint, we rise and descend, sometimes on a steep and narrow route. Our path takes us through fields and up a small hill before arriving at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. We observe the Mardi Himal (5587 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m), and others.
After spending some time in the Mardi Himal Base Camp, we return to High Camp for lunch before heading on to Low Camp, where we will spend the night.
Accommodation : Lodge Meals : BLD
Trek to Siding Village: 6-7 hours of walking and driving to Pokhara
We take a different route from low camp that takes us to Siddhing. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Finally reaching the road from where we begin our drive to Pokhara.
Accommodation : 3 Star hotel Meals : B/B
Fly to Kathmandu : 25minutes of flying
We catch an early morning flight to Kathmandu after our long mountain journey. After reaching Kathmandu, we can take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. If we want to explore any other areas of Kathmandu, our guides can help with both souvenir shopping and sightseeing.
Accommodation : 3 Star hotel Meals : B/B
Final departure
Generally, you need 3 hours before your flight time to get to the Kathmandu airport in Nepal. So you transfer to the Kathmandu airport for your flight to your destination.