Mardi Himal Trek

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Key Information
  • Destination:Nepal
  • Duration:8 Days
  • Trip Grade: Easy
  • Max. Altitude:4,500 m/14,764 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
  • Starts/Ends:Kathmandu / Kathmandu
  • Trip Style:Private and Open Trip
  • Group Size:1 Pax to 16
  • Best Time:Spring & Autumn

Mardi Himal is one of the moderate trekking routes located east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp trail. This trek is a great option for travelers who are looking for a less crowded journey. The Mardi Himal trek offers jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna Himalayas along with diverse scenery. It is also a short 9-day trek ideal for trekkers bound by time.

The Mardi Himal trek route goes via dense rhododendrons and bamboo forests, crossing hanging bridges. The trail is dotted with small settlement areas where you will spend nights in basic teahouses. Likewise, this trek is also a fantastic alternative to the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna region.

Unlike the major beginner-friendly trekking routes in the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal trail is a bit on the offbeat side. Anyone with decent fitness can do this trek. In recent days, the popularity of Mardi Himal trekking has tremendously increased. We highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a tranquil trip in nature.

What to expect during the Mardi Himal trek 9 days?

This trek is also known as the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. The highest point you will reach is also the Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at 4,500 meters (14,764 ft). The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From here, it takes an hour's drive to reach the starting point of the trail, Kande (1,770 m/5,807 ft).

Following a forested route, you will reach Pothana and continue from here to Pritam Deurali (2,100 m/6,890 ft). As the trail continues to Low Camp (2,900 m/9,514 ft), you will walk uphill via dense forests of oak, rhododendron, maple, and hemlock. On the way, trek past Forest Camp (Kokar). The next day, ascend for one and a half hours to reach Badal Danda.

The mountain views are phenomenal from Badal Danda. Further, trek to High Camp (3,585 m/11,762 ft) and follow a rugged, steep slope to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,764 ft). On the way, you may get to see Danphe- the national bird of Nepal, and dzo- a crossbreed of yak and cow. The sunrise from the base camp of Mardi Himal is exceptionally beautiful.

Throughout the Mardi Himal trek 9 days, you will witness majestic views of mountains like Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Hiunchuli (6,441 m/21,132 ft), Fishtail (6,993 m/22,943 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Gangapurna (7,455 m/24,459 ft), etc. While returning, follow the same trail to Low Camp, and from here, walk to Siding Village (1,800 m/5,905 ft).

This last part of the Mardi Himal trek offers a close look at the village lifestyle of the mountain people. Meet with local communities and get to see their life. From Siding, drive back to Pokhara, the city of lakes. Spend a night here, enjoying the serenity of Phewa Lake and the bustle of Lakeside Market. Drive back to Kathmandu the following day.

Why should you do the Mardi Himal trek?

The Mardi Himal trek was opened in 2012, and since then, this trek route has received a lot of love from travelers from around the world. The Mardi Himal trek allows you to achieve big in comparatively less time and effort. The trail has ample tourist infrastructure, so you do not have to tent or carry unnecessary loads.

Not only that, if you are not satisfied with our Mardi Himal trek itinerary, you can also customize it. We can help you shorten the Mardi Himal trek itinerary to even 7 or 5 days. As the trail mostly goes through forests, you will see a wide species of birds and vegetation.

Likewise, to make the journey more adventurous, you can combine the Mardi Himal trek with the Khopra Danda trek, the Poon Hill trek, or even the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Book our Mardi Himal trek 2024 as per your requirement with us.

Why should you do the Mardi Himal trek with Halesi Treks?

Our team makes the Mardi Himal trek safe and hassle-free for you. We organize the trek, so all the transportation, permits, and other logistics are covered in our Mardi Himal trek cost. Check out our cost include/exclude section for detailed information.

During the trek, you will travel with a native mountain guide and porter. We will assign you an experienced and friendly crew. Our team has numerous years of trekking experience and trained as a trekking guide. You can rely on them and trust their judgments.

Similarly, our Mardi Himal trek price is transparent. There is no hidden cost in our package. You will get what you see. Not only that, our package also includes many complimentary services like:

  • Duffel bag and down jacket for trekking (to be returned at the end of the trek)
  • Two complimentary dinners in Kathmandu
  • Free airport pick-up and drop-off as per the itinerary
  • No hidden charge
  • Safety assurance
  • Fixed Departure
  • 24/7 support
  • 100% guaranteed trip departure

Itinerary

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Meet the team at the airport, waiting for you to welcome and follow them to your hotel in Kathmandu. During the ride, get to see the daily life of the locals. Check-in at your hotel and freshen up. Meet us later for a trek briefing and pack the duffel bags. Do any last-minute shopping and end the day with a delicious welcome dinner.

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will drive to Pokhara. It is the second biggest city in Nepal and also the gateway to the Annapurna region. The ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara is very scenic, as it offers beautiful views of lush hills, terraces, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. The ride will be very comfortable till Pokhara.

Upon reaching Pokhara, settle in your hotel and explore your surroundings. Enjoy a stunning sunset and the tranquility of Phewa Lake. Later, dive into the bustle of Lakeside Market. If you forget anything to buy in Kathmandu, this is your last chance.

  • Max. Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Distance: 204 km/126 miles

We will begin the morning with a delicious breakfast, and after that, leave Pokhara. In a private vehicle, you will leave the city and drive to Kande, where the Mardi Himal trek starts. The trail from here gradually ascends via lush rhododendron forests to Pothana and continues uphill to Pritam Deurali. The trekking route is heavily forested.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,100 m/6,890 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 1-hour drive & 3-4 hours trek

From Pritam Deurali, the trek continues to the Low Camp. Follow a tranquil trail via a lush forest of oak, rhododendron, maple, and hemlock. As you walk further inside the forests, it gets dense and dark. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Forest Camp (Kokar), where you will take a lunch break. From here, you will trek through the forest to reach Low Camp. The vegetation gradually changes to moss, lichen, and ferns.

  • Max. Altitude: 2,900 m/9,514 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 6 hours

You will continue the journey to High Camp on this day. Leaving Low Camp, trek for one and a half via lush rhododendron forest to Badal Danda. This place offers stunning views of Annapurna South, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Gangapurna, and Mardi Himal. You will soon go above the treeline. On the way, you may see the Danphe pheasant. It is the national bird of Nepal. The mountain views from High Camp are also surreal.

  • Max. Altitude: 3,585 m/11,762 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

Today, you will reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest point of this trek. Follow a rugged route and gradually ascend along steep uphill trails. You may come across dzoko on the way. It is the crossbreed of yak and cow. While passing by them, stay on the cliffside for safety.

The trail gradually ascends along the ride of the Mardi Himal and takes you to the base camp. Upon reaching here, you will witness a surreal sunrise and breathtaking mountain panorama. After spending some time here, you will retrace the way back to Low Camp, and from here, use a different route to descend to Siding village.

  • Max. Altitude: 4,500 m/14,764 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • Duration: 8-9 hours

You will drive back from Siding to Pokhara. On the way, get to see the countryside and beautiful mountain views. The guide will drop you at the hotel upon reaching Pokhara. Spend the remaining day in this lovely city relaxing and exploring. Go shopping and do things you may have on your mind.

  • Max. Altitude: 822 m/2,697 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast and lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 3 hours

On this day, you will fly back to Kathmandu. The flight will be short and scenic. In Kathmandu, you will have a full day free. We highly recommend visiting some nearby tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Also, explore the local markets around these monuments and shop for souvenirs. If you want, we can also arrange a guided sightseeing tour at an additional cost. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner.

  • Max. Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

You will fly back to your home or next destination on this day. As the trek ends, it is time to say goodbye, or you can extend your trip to Nepal by doing some other trek or tour with us. Our airport team will drop you at the international terminal gate on time for your flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast only

Trip Cost Details

What's Included
  • Pick-up from Kathmandu International Airport as your arrival date and time
  • Tourist bus ticket to Pokhara from Kathmandu 
  • Private car or jeep to Kande (trek start point) from Pokhara
  • 3 times meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All necessary permits for the trekking Mardi Himal Trek
  • An experienced and qualified English-speaking guide and between 2 clients porter
  • Including his food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
  • JEEP to Pokhara from Siding village (Mardi Himal Trek endpoint)
  • Flight Ticket to Kathmandu from Pokhara 
  • Government VAT and official expenses
  • Airport transfer as your departure date and time 
What's not Included
  • International airfare, visa fees, and Travel insurance 
  • Meals and Accommodation in Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • All drinks include hot, soft, and hard coke, beer, and mineral water during the Mardi Himal Trek
  • Personal trekking equpmet
  • Tips for guides and porters
Dates & Availability
Starts:Dec 23, 2024Ends:Dec 30, 2024
Price fromUS$495
AvailabilityAvailable
Starts:Dec 26, 2024Ends:Jan 02, 2025
Price fromUS$495
AvailabilityAvailable
Starts:Dec 31, 2024Ends:Jan 07, 2025
Price fromUS$495
AvailabilityAvailable

The Above-given cost is per person and the Above-given Mardi Himal Trek fixed departure dates are available for you. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.

Useful Information

Mardi Himal trek difficulty

Mardi Himal trek difficulty is marked moderate. It is an ideal trek for beginner trekkers and involves 6 hours of daily walking on average. The trekking route is rugged and a bit offbeat. It mostly goes through dense forests. Likewise, as the trail ascends and descends constantly, your knees must be in good condition. During the Mardi Himal trek 9 days, you will approximately cover 45-50 kilometers (28-31 miles).

Altitude sickness:

You may get altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal trek, or you may not. Everybody reacts differently to high elevation and you can never be sure. However, there are a few things that you can do to avoid altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal trekking, like drinking lots of water and avoiding alcohol during the trek. Maintain your pace, and do not get more than 500 meters a day. Have carbohydrate-enriched food and get plenty of sleep.

These are some of the symptoms of altitude sickness- difficulty in breathing, vomiting, headache, nausea, insomnia, etc. If you see them, inform your guide and take the required first aid. Trust our guide's judgment because he is trained to provide first-aid during the trek and also has numerous years of expertise.

Tips for beginner trekkers:

If you are trekking for the first time in the Himalayas, then do understand Himalayan trails are not leisure, it doesn't matter where you go. Talking about the Mardi Himal trail, it is adventurous and physically demanding, so make sure you are ready for the journey.

Likewise, do not bring new trekking boots with you. It will only give you blisters and make walking more difficult. Pack all essentials from toilet paper to a small mirror, toothpaste, high SPFs, etc. Also, pack lots of snacks and bars.

Is travel insurance necessary for the Mardi Himal trek?

Yes, travel insurance is necessary for the Mardi Himal trek. It is a remote trek in the Himalayas with no road transportation or health infrastructure. So, travel insurance with emergency helicopter evacuation coverage is needed for adverse situations. It is for your and our peace of mind. We use travel insurance to immediately rescue you from the trail.

The best time to do the Mardi Himal trek

Spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November) are the best times to do the Mardi Himal trek. These months have ideal weather and a moderate climate, which makes trekking excellent. The mountain views are stunning because of the clear sky. Likewise, the daytime is also long with less humidity.

Both spring and autumn are transitional seasons, so you will come across varying temperatures. The daytime is warmer compared to nights and mornings. Likewise, these two seasons also see a high number of trekkers, so the trails are lively. If you prefer tranquil trails, we recommend doing the Mardi Himal trek during off-seasons- summer/monsoon and winter.

Trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp in summer/monsoon (June, July, August) is most challenging because of muddy and slippery trails. As the trekking route is mostly forest, the frequent heavy rainfall ruins the trail. Likewise, the freezing cold and snowfall in the winter season (December, January, February) make the Mardi Himal trek more difficult.

However, the winter landscapes are phenomenal. To do off-season trekking, hit the trail right at the start of the season. It will help you avoid the peak off-season weather challenges.

Accommodation and Meals

The Mardi Himal trek route is dotted with simple teahouses. You will spend the nights in these teahouses. These accommodations are like huts with clean and cozy spaces. The rooms will be twin-shared with common washrooms. There is no room service, and amenities like charging, hot showers, and WiFi will cost you additional money.

Likewise, the menu is almost the same in every teahouse. The higher you will go, the fewer options you will get with a high price. For breakfast, you can expect toast, eggs, oats, muesli, paratha, Tibetan bread, pancakes, etc. For main meals, there are options like fried rice, rice with curries, dal bhat, thukpa, momo, noodles, burgers, etc.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay overnight in tourist-standard hotels. Breakfast is included in the room. Apart from that, we give two complimentary dinners in Kathmandu. You have to take care of other meals. All the accommodations and meals will be provided as per our Mardi Himal trek itinerary.

Price Per PersonUS$495US$800
Group Discount Price
Number of PeoplePrice Per Person
6 - 10 pax
US$495
2 - 5 pax
US$550
1 pax
US$750
1 adults x US$750Total US$750
Check Availability
Mardi Himal Trek Testimonials
What Our Clients Say?
Tripadvisor
  • Amazing Experience in Mardi Himal Trek and Chitwan Safaris

    I went to climb the Mardi Himal trek as my first experience of properly climbing a mountain and it was awesome! The trek offered beautiful views along the way as well as the top. Truly an amazing lifetime experience! And honestly makes me wanna explore more treks.

    I also went for the Chitwan Jeep and river safaris after the climb. We were lucky we got to see many animals in their natural habitat, such as wild rhinos, bears, deer, and crocodiles. It was a great experience too!

    Props to Halesi Treks as our local guide for arranging both trips and assistance during the trip. The team from Halesi are very nice, helpful, and knowledgeable in facing the terrain in the mountain. Looking forward to another trip and thank you!

    M
    Murni Gusti DIndonesia,April 13, 2023
    TripAdvisor
  • Amazing experience of Mardi Himal Trek!

    This was actually my very first experience to climb a mountain.
    Previously I was only go one-day-trekking in Indonesia, but then I was doing mountain trekking for 5 straight days, moreover, it was in Nepal!

    Mardi Himal is really a hidden treasure. It is a less popular trekking route compared to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp) or Annapurna Circuit, but it didn't disappoint at all.
    You can get the views without the crowds. Stunning forests and rhododendrons bloom along the way, and expect magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, including the fishtail of Macchapucchre peak!

    Even more unforgettable were all the wonderful guides that helped make this experience come to life.
    Special shoutout to HALESI TREKS which did very well in guiding us. With Dai (Brother) Man Kumar as the guide and two porters (Dai Jangbu & Yam), we got very enjoyable journey. They were so nice and helpful and always ready to assist us. They waited patiently when we needed to stop to catch the breath, and they were in tune with our needs the entire time.

    Doing the Mardi Himal Trek can be a challenge, but I'm sure everybody can do it as long as you are fit enough. The difficulty level is easy to moderate, so it's a beginner-friendly trek route.
    Even some elderly people went there, so you can do it too!
    3,5 days going up and 1,5 days going down was not difficult compared to the worthy experience and majestic views.
    I truly recommend!

    Ferra Ani F
    Ferra Ani FIndonesia,March 24, 2023
    TripAdvisor
  • Mardi Himal Trek

    Our long-term plan with my wife was to visit the Himalayas. I got a reference to Halesi Treks from my brother’s friends, who had experience with them.

    We started talking with Man Kumar Tamang one year in advance. Man Kumar was very communicative and help us to choose right trek for us based on our expectations. Backward I can confirm, that it was really good choice. We preferred trek, which is not so popular and frequently visit, but still you have a chance to see the biggest mountains (we know, we do not want visit EBC in High season). Our choice was Mardi Himal Trek in Annapurna Conservation Area. Advantage of this trek is that the trail is up on the ridge compare to ABC which leads the valley and at that time is overcrowded.

    After landing in Kathmandu Man Kumar personally invited us together with our Guide Tek Tamang. After two days spent in Kathmandu, we moved to Pokhara and our trek starts. We spent beautiful 10 days in the mountains with sunny weather and breathtaking views.
    Whole time our Guide Tek Tamang took care about us and provided us perfect service. It was really nice holidays with Halesi Treks. We can strongly recommend this company.

    Marek & Marketa
    Czech republic

    M
    Marek & MarketaCzechia,November 18, 2018
    TripAdvisor
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