Overview And Highlights
TRIP FACTS

Mardi Himal Trekking is an off-the-beaten-path adventure located just east of the Annapurna Base Camp trail. If you’re looking for a less-crowded route with spectacular mountain vistas and authentic cultural experiences, Mardi Himal should be at the top of your list.
Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
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Serenity & Fewer Crowds
Unlike more popular routes in Nepal, Mardi trek paths are quieter, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the bustle of other trekkers. -
Diverse Landscapes
Traverse through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, charming villages, and deep valleys—all while enjoying panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Hiunchuli. -
Stunning Vantage Points
From the High Camp (3540m), you can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over iconic Himalayan peaks.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking
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Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
- Reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp for up-close views of the Annapurna region’s snow-capped mountains.
- A small circuit route lets you avoid retracing your steps, keeping the trek fresh and exciting.
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Rhododendron Forests in Bloom
- In spring (March to May), the forests come alive with bright rhododendrons and wildflowers, offering postcard-perfect scenery.
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Local Culture & Remote Villages
- Experience the warm hospitality of local communities and learn about their rich cultural heritage as you pass through villages like Pothana.
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Photogenic Landscapes
- Capture jaw-dropping views of Himalchuli (7893m), Annapurna South (7219m), Mardi Himal (5587m), and Machhapuchare (6993m).
Best Seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek
Spring (March to May)
- Pleasant Weather: Mild temperatures at lower altitudes.
- Vibrant Flora: Rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom in abundance.
- Clear Skies: Enjoy panoramic mountain views.
Autumn (September to November)
- Stable Conditions: Ideal trekking weather with little rain.
- Golden Landscapes: Post-monsoon clarity and golden foliage create superb photography opportunities.
- Crisp Visibility: Clear air offers fantastic vistas of the Himalayas.
Winter (December to February)
- Snowy & Quiet: Higher altitudes may see snowfall, adding a magical wintry charm.
- Cool Temperatures: Days can be clear but cold, with shorter daylight hours.
Monsoon (June to August)
- Lush Greenery: Heavy rainfall nourishes the region’s vegetation.
- Slippery Trails: Be cautious of muddy paths and possible landslides.
- Limited Visibility: Clouds and haze may obscure mountain views.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Many people start the Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu by traveling to Pokhara, then begin hiking through forested paths to Low Camp, then to High Camp. Your Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary may include:
- Drive or Fly to Pokhara
- Trek from Phedi/Kande to Pothana (first overnight stay)
- Ascend to Forest Camp, then Low Camp
- Climb to High Camp (3540m)
- Day Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Descend to Siding Village or back through a small circuit
Tip: Since there are limited teahouses at places like the Forest Camp, confirm availability before heading out—especially in winter.
Essential Packing List for Mardi Trek Nepal
Carrying the right gear can make your Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal safe and comfortable:
- Layered Clothing:
- Wool jacket or pullover, windproof shell jacket, long-sleeve t-shirts, and waterproof trousers
- Woolen socks, half-gloves, and a warm hat
- Trekking Footwear:
- Waterproof boots
- A pair of sandals for evenings or lower altitudes
- Accessories:
- Backpack with rain cover
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp or torch
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat
- Other Essentials:
- Water bottle
- Sleeping bag
- Basic First Aid kit and personal medication
- Chapstick
- Camera with extra batteries
- Power adapter and chargers
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries
Accommodation & Facilities
Teahouses and homestays on the Mardi Himal Trek are more basic compared to other popular treks in Nepal. Improvements are ongoing, but:
- Forest Camp: Only three teahouses are currently available.
- High Camp: Limited but adequate teahouses exist.
- Plan Ahead: Always check for availability before traveling, especially in winter.
Why Choose Us for the Mardi Himal Trek?
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Expert Local Guides
Our guides are seasoned professionals from the region. They know the Mardi Himal trails intimately, ensuring a safe, informative, and immersive experience. From local folklore to hidden viewpoints, they’ll enrich every step of your trek. -
Tailor-Made Itineraries
We understand that each traveler’s preferences and fitness levels differ. That’s why we offer flexible Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary options, letting you customize the journey according to your schedule and interests. -
Personalized Service & Small Groups
We believe in creating meaningful connections and providing individual attention. By operating in small groups, we ensure a warm, friendly environment—allowing you to fully absorb the beauty of the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal without feeling lost in the crowd. -
Focus on Responsible Tourism
Our team is dedicated to practicing eco-friendly trekking methods. We respect local customs, support community-based projects, and minimize our environmental impact—so you can trek with peace of mind. -
Comprehensive Support & Safety
From arranging permits and transportation (including Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu) to managing accommodation on the trail, we’ve got you covered. Our thorough safety protocols, coupled with experienced staff, ensure a worry-free Mardi trek adventure.
Choose us for your Mardi Himal Trekking journey, and let us guide you through this hidden gem in Nepal’s Annapurna region with expertise, care, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Final Thoughts on Your Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal
Mardi Himal Trekking is a fantastic choice for adventurers seeking tranquility and a more authentic trekking experience. By choosing this less-frequented path, you’ll enjoy stunning Himalayan views, immerse yourself in local culture, and make unforgettable memories in the heart of the Annapurna region.
Embark on your Mardi Himal Trek with confidence by planning ahead, packing wisely, and timing your journey for optimal weather. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, Mardi Himal promises a rewarding experience that showcases the best of Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Ready to explore the serenity of Mardi Himal?
Start planning your Mardi Himal Trek from Kathmandu or Pokhara, and immerse yourself in one of Nepal’s hidden trekking gems.
Mardi Himal Trek – Group Pricing (Per Person in USD)
Group Size | Budget Package | Standard Package | Premium Package |
---|---|---|---|
1 Person (Solo) | $480 | $950 | $1,350 |
2 People | $420 | $850 | $1,200 |
3–7 People | $380 | $780 | $1,050 |
8–12 People | $350 | $730 | $980 |
13–20 People | $330 | $680 | $920 |
✅ Budget = permits + guide + local bus + basic tea houses, no meals.
✅ Standard = meals, porter, 3★ hotels, tourist bus + private transfers.
✅ Premium = flights, 5★ hotels, best lodges, extra perks.
Itinerary Expand All Close All
After breakfast, we drive along the bank of Trishuli and Marsyandi River to reach Pokhara. Today we get opportunity to capture the first glimpse of countryside life, terraced fields and emerald rolling hills. Pokhara is dream come true destination for backpackers with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites.
Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will be transferred to the hotel at lakeside. After short refreshment, stroll around the lakeside and make necessary preparation for the next day’s trip.
Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
950
After early morning breakfast, we start our journey with a drive to Phedi, the starting point of the trek. We walk on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests before reaching Dhampus where we have lunch. 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.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
2100
Today's trail is less steep and goes through rhododendron forests with occasional views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains. You will gain about 1,000m in altitude as you make your way to Low Camp. The trek takes about 4-5 hours.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
3150
The trail today is a steady climb and offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys below. You will also pass through some alpine meadows before reaching High Camp. You will gain about 550m in altitude as you make your way to High Camp, and the trek takes about 3-4 hours.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
3700
Today is the highlight of the trek as you will hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail is steep and rocky, but the views are breathtaking. You will see the Annapurna range and the surrounding valleys in all their glory. You will gain about 800m in altitude as you make your way to the base camp, which is the highest point of the trek. After spending some time at the base camp, you will hike back to High Camp, which takes about 2-3 hours.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
3540
Today is a long downhill trek through forests and small villages. You will lose about 1,950m in altitude as you make your way to Siding Village. From there, you will drive back to Pokhara. The trek takes about 5-6 hours and the drive takes about 2-3 hours.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
950
After breakfast, you will take a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, which takes about 6-7 hours. You will have the rest of the day to rest or explore the city.In the evening, we enjoy farewell dinner hosted by Annapurna encounter to celebrate the successful completion of our Mardi Himal Trip.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tea house lodges
Elevation
1350
Services Included on Price
Cost Includes
- Accommodation
- Tea house/lodge stays on twin-sharing basis during trek
- Transport
- Local bus Kathmandu → Pokhara (one way)
- Local bus Pokhara → trek start & return
- Airport pick-up in Kathmandu
- Meals
- Not included – trekkers pay directly at lodges
- Guide & Porter
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- No porter service (available at extra cost)
- Permits & Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
- Extras
- Pre-trek briefing
- Basic first aid kit with guide
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu, Pokhara & during trek
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Porter service (optional)
- Personal trekking gear (jackets, poles, sleeping bag, etc.)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- International airfare & Nepal visa fees
- Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
- Tips for guide, porter, driver
- Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Standard Package Service Includes
- Accommodation
- 2 nights in 3★ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 nights in 3★ hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Twin-sharing tea house stays during trek
- Transport
- Tourist bus Kathmandu → Pokhara & return
- Private vehicle Pokhara → trek start & return
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu
- Meals
- Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
- Guide & Porter
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, 15–20 kg)
- Permits & Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
- Extras
- Pre-trek briefing
- First aid kit with oximeter
Standard Package Service Excludes
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Personal trekking equipment (rentable in Kathmandu)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging in lodges (paid locally)
- Travel insurance
- International airfare & Nepal visa fees
- Alcohol, bottled water, snacks
- Tips for guide, porter, driver
- Extra costs due to delays/weather
Luxury Package Service Includes
- Accommodation
- 2 nights in 4–5★ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 nights in 4–5★ hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Best available lodges during trek (attached bathroom where possible)
- Transport
- Flight Kathmandu → Pokhara & return
- Private vehicle Pokhara → trek start & return
- Luxury private transfers in Kathmandu
- Welcome & farewell dinners in Kathmandu
- Meals
- All meals during trek with wide menu choices
- Breakfast in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Welcome & farewell cultural dinners
- Guide & Porter
- Senior trekking guide
- Porter service (20–25 kg allowance per porter)
- Staff insurance included
- Permits & Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS card
- Extras
- Loaner trekking gear (sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles)
- Emergency evacuation coordination (insurance required)
- Daily health monitoring with oximeter
- Cultural sightseeing assistance in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Luxury Package Service Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)
- Alcohol, bottled water, soft drinks
- Tips for guide, porter, driver
- Optional upgrades (helicopter, single supplement)
- Costs due to delays/weather/natural disasters
Mardi Himal Trek Altitude Profile
FAQs
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for people with a good level of fitness. The highest point of the trek is the Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500 meters, which can be challenging for some, but the trek itself is not very strenuous.
The Mardi Himal Trek can be completed in 5 to 7 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. However, some trekkers choose to extend the trek to include other areas such as Poon Hill or the Annapurna Base Camp.
The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is clear, and the views are spectacular.
You will need two permits for the Mardi Himal Trek: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Accommodation on the Mardi Himal Trek is basic, with tea houses and lodges along the route. The facilities are clean and comfortable, but do not expect luxury. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag and a warm jacket as it can get chilly at night.