The booming Mardi Himal Trek offers stunning Himalayan views through lush forests and peaceful hamlets. This less crowded route, ascending to 4500 m, provides a serene, adventurous experience. Expect breathtaking panoramas of Annapurna peaks, a true gem for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility.
Mardi Himal Trek - 7 Days Walk
Duration
9 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Maximum Altitude
4500m
Group Size
Min 2 Person
Activities
Trekking
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Pokhara
Best Time
Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov
The Enchanting Embrace of Mardi Himal: A Trekker's Odyssey
The Mardi Himal Trek, situated surrounded by bustling nature in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offers a compelling alternative to the more crowded trails, providing a unique blend of solitude, breathtaking mountain vistas, and authentic cultural immersion. This relatively short trek, typically completed in 5-7 days, delivers an outsized reward: a close encounter with the majestic Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Unlike the well-trodden paths of the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp, the Mardi Himal trail has retained a sense of pristine wilderness. It's a journey into the heart of the Himalayas, where rhododendron forests give way to alpine meadows, and the silence is broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds.
The Journey Begins: Pokhara to Kande/Phedi
The adventure commences in Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. From Pokhara, a short drive takes you to either Kande or Phedi, the starting points for the trek. Kande offers a slightly longer initial ascent, while Phedi provides a more gradual climb. Regardless of the chosen starting point, the first day involves a steady ascent through terraced fields and local villages, providing a glimpse into the rural Nepali lifestyle.
The trail winds through lush forests, where the air is thick with the scent of pine and rhododendron. In spring, the forests explode with vibrant colors, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere. The initial ascent is a test of endurance, but the promise of panoramic mountain views keeps trekkers motivated.
Forest Camp to Low Camp: Stepping into the Wilderness
The first major stop is Forest Camp, locally known as Kokar. The hike to Low Camp (2,970 meters), a collection of teahouses offering basic accommodation and meals. As you ascend, the landscape begins to transform. The dense forests gradually thin, revealing glimpses of the snow-capped peaks. The air becomes crisper, and the views become increasingly dramatic.
Low Camp provides a serene setting to rest and acclimatize. The evenings are particularly magical, with the stars shining brightly against the backdrop of the dark mountains. The camaraderie among trekkers, sharing stories and experiences, adds to the charm of the trek.
Middle Camp: Towards the Alpine Zone
From Low Camp, the trail continues upwards to Middle Camp (3,550 meters). This section of the trek involves a steeper climb, but the rewards are well worth the effort. As you ascend, the vegetation becomes sparser, and the landscape takes on a more alpine character. The views of Machhapuchhre, with its distinctive fishtail peak, become more prominent.
Middle Camp offers a closer encounter with the mountains. The feeling of being surrounded by these giants is both humbling and exhilarating. The sunsets and sunrises at Middle Camp are particularly spectacular, painting the mountains in hues of gold and pink.
High Camp: The Gateway to the Base Camp
The next day's trek to High Camp (3,900 meters) is a challenging but rewarding experience. The trail becomes steeper and more exposed, requiring careful footing. The landscape is now dominated by rocky terrain and alpine meadows. The air is thin, and the temperature drops significantly.
High Camp is the last stop before the Mardi Himal Base Camp. It offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The teahouses at High Camp are basic but comfortable, providing a warm refuge from the cold.
Mardi Himal Base Camp: A Pinnacle of Achievement
The highlight of the trek is the ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters). This section of the trail is a steep and challenging climb, but the views from the base camp are simply breathtaking. The panorama encompasses Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
The base camp itself is a rocky outcrop, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. The feeling of standing at the foot of these giants is an unforgettable experience. The sense of accomplishment is profound, knowing that you have reached one of the most remote and beautiful places in the Himalayas.
The descent from High Camp to Sidhing or Kalimati is a long one, but the views remain spectacular. Sidhing is a traditional Gurung village, offering a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. Lwang, a slightly longer route, is famous for its homestays and organic tea plantations.
Cultural Immersion and Local Encounters
The Mardi Himal Trek is not just about the mountains; it's also about the people. The trail passes through several Gurung villages, offering opportunities to interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions. The Gurung people are known for their hospitality and warmth, making trekkers feel welcome and at home.
The teahouses along the trail are run by local families, providing a vital source of income for the community. Staying in these teahouses not only supports the local economy but also provides a chance to experience authentic Nepali hospitality. Sharing meals with the locals, listening to their stories, and learning about their customs adds a rich cultural dimension to the trek.
Flora and Fauna: A Natural Wonderland
The Mardi Himal region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The forests are dominated by rhododendron, oak, and bamboo trees. In spring, the rhododendron forests burst into a riot of colors, creating a surreal and enchanting landscape.
The region is also home to a variety of wildlife, including Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and snow leopards. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the diverse avian population, which includes pheasants, eagles, and vultures.
Other major highlights of Mardi Himal Trekking:
- All-inclusive package including full board meals
- Hiking through a pristine trail in the Annapurna foothills and dense forest.
- Magnificence of mountain views and bird-eye landscape
- Enjoy a relatively easy trek with gradual uphill increases
- Explore a diverse landscape ranging from lush rhododendron forests to alpine terrain
Preparation and Planning
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. However, it is essential to be well prepared. Here are some key considerations:
Best Time to Trek: The best time to trek to Mardi Himal is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) seasons. These seasons offer clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
The Enduring Appeal of Mardi Himal
The Mardi Himal Trek is more than just a physical challenge; it's a transformative journey that leaves a lasting impression. The combination of stunning mountain views, pristine wilderness, and authentic cultural immersion makes it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The trek offers a sense of mountain environment and tranquility, allowing trekkers to connect with nature and themselves. The feeling of standing at the base of the majestic Mardi Himal, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Annapurna range, is a moment of pure awe and wonder.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a testament to the enduring beauty of the Himalayas and the resilience of the Nepali people. It's a journey that will stay with you long after you have returned home, a reminder of the power and majesty of the mountains. It's an invitation to find peace within the heights and to experience a simpler, more connected way of life, if even for a short time.
Itinerary
Expand allThe first day of our trip to Mardi Himal, we will take a tourist coach to Pokhara as per our standard and itinerary and package. 205 KM west from Kathmandu, the Pokhara city is known as the City of Paradise. A complete destination bounded by full nature of Himalaya, and with a lake in the middle of the city, some waterfalls, gorges, etc. Pokhara is also the gateway to many popular trekking routes, like Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill Trek and some village hikes. Ideally, regardless if you are beyond the limit of high altitude trek Kathmandu Pokhara tour highly recommended., there are a few options to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu:
The tourist buses leave at 7:00AM from Kathmandu. Kathmandu to Pokhara distance is 200km drive that that takes 8+- hours depending on traffic on the way. Alternatively; we can arrange a flight ticket if you would like to take a scenic flight that cost USD 118 per person per flight in Buddha air. Also private car can be arranged on your request. Overnight in Pokhara in hotel Splendid View.
After buffet breakfast in our hotel we leave for our trek. First, we drive from Pokhara to Kande by private car or van as per group size. We drive through small villages and houses; soon you will start our trek at Kande at the elevation of 177om. We ascend and enter the bushes and forests of rhododendron and red sandalwood with beautiful southern views. You will reach Australian Camp, a very beautiful little village. From there you can see the Annapurna mountain range, and a little of Manaslu and the Dhaulagiri range including Fishtail Mount and Pokhara valley in the south. There are good campsites and four nice lodges. It would be nice to sleep here, but for a first day the trek to Pathana (1890m) is also nice. Australian Camp is famous around Pokhara for a picnic spot with easy access and a beautiful mountain scene. This place is surrounded by red sandalwood and rhododendron forest. The trail begins through a beautiful and pleasant short descent in the red sandalwood forest, and then let’s says, “Nepali flat “to Pathana. Sometimes you will get to see few red/white NATT-signs. There is an ACAP permit check point + tourist information center as well.
Pathana to Pitam Deurali is a wonderful hike in the red sandalwood and rhododendron forest and with some little open land between, known as buffalo pasture. After some minutes on the flat there is a slow, gentle climb up and then a bit more uphill until the flat resting place at Pitam Deurali. In between you can see some ACAP signposts and our NATT- logo in red/white. If those signs are taken away, you have to follow the straight direction; do not turn either left or right. Now is the official start of the Mardi Himal Trek. Leaving behind the Trekkers Inn Lodge, there is an ACAP signpost saying Mardi Route (Forest Camp). We did paint on the pole of ACAP signpost and at the corner wall of this lodge; you also clearly see the steps on the wall between the signpost and the lodge’s, behind the side wall. When you go up the steps, you immediately turn to the right and go straight, entering the scrubby forest. Then you can follow the blue/white sign. Most of the time we painted on the tree barks as there were only a few opportunities to mark on rocks. You climb gently and in 15 – 20 minutes, you reach a little area of open land, which is buffalo pasture (you might not recognize it as a pasture for animals) where we made a larger mark on the rock in blue/white color. Coming to this pasture you might get a little confused but if you look carefully, there should be no problem finding it. After the pasture you enter a dense forest and you will gradually climb up (for 2 to 3 hrs). Then most of the time you hike on Nepali forest” flat “(a little up and down). Finally, after a short, gentle descent you reach the flat at Forest Camp. From some places between Pitam Deurali and Forest Camp, you will have the chance to see vistas of Dhaulagiri and the Manaslu range. If the weather is good , I suggest you to take a packed lunch or something to eat and plenty to drink as there are no lodges, restaurants, villages or water- only dense and very quiet forest. Between Pitam Deurali and Forest Camp there are more than two signposts showing directions to Lwang village on the other side. Do not turn left or right, just go straight, following the directions of the blue/white colored signs. This little village is surrounded by beautiful green forest. They have nice campsites as well. From here there is also a trail going down via Sidding, Lwang and Pokhara. On the western side you can see Ghandruk and surrounding villages and Modi valley. Stay overnight at Lodge.
The trail goes through the courtyard of Hotel Forest Camp and Restaurant. At the corner wall of toilet we painted and put a little arrow. You follow the blue/white mark on the tree bark. The hike is an easy uphill start from right behind the Hotel Forest Camp. After 7 to 10 minutes, you will turn right and walk straight, going gently up and down. Finally you will climb up and you will reach Rest Camp. The trail starts from the end of the right corner of the tea house and soon you can see the blue/white marks on the tree bark. Most of the time it is a gradient ascent, after just a few meters , turn right and continue straight; there is some uphill and “Nepali flat” then later there are mostly gradual trails, ascending into the dense rhododendron forest. Before 15 – 20 minutes; you reach a flat trail; finally you’re at Low Camp. There are now four lodges with restaurants and similar menus to Forest Camp. This is a very beautiful place with a beautiful campsite as well. It is surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron forest, a very quiet and peaceful environment, with a view of Machhapuchre and Mardi Himal, when the weather is clear. Stay overnight at Lodge.
You still follow the blue/white sign, entering the scrubby rhododendron forest by a gentle ascent of 10 – 20 minutes, and then start going up the trail in the dense forest till reaching the lower viewpoint (3289m). This will take 1 ½ – 2.00 hrs. Now begins a grassy slope. From here you can also see many wonderful mountain views, especially at sunrise and sunset. Now, you continue further up to High Camp, hiking mostly on the grassy slope, up steep and some narrow paths and into some little rhododendron forests. Sometimes you may find difficulty in seeing our signs, because it was very difficult for us to find good rocks at the right distances. Sometimes we also had to use small rocks to paint on so when the grass grows higher those signs may be hidden. If the weather is good, this hike is also one of the nicest, because you have the chance to walk along the yak beaten trail on an open ridge with great mountain views: the Annapurna range , Machhapuchre,and the southern green landscape; below, can be seen the very deep Modi river valley, including Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Sinuwa and Dovan . This place itself is a natural viewpoint tower! In all directions you can see breathtaking views, including Machhapuchre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Baraha Shikhar, Himchuli and the southern slope including Pokhara valley! This place is also very suitable for yak and sheep-you can see many yaks around. Oh, Madhav Gautam, the yak herder, gave us fresh milk! Fantastic Himalayan milk!! There are a couple of yak shelters as well. Stay overnight at Lodge.
Today you should start earlier, but do not start in the dark if you don’t know the trail. You still see blue/white signals till Upper View point. After you have hiked 20 to 30 minutes, further on to the trekker’s paradise of High Camp, there is a trail junction at the bottom of a high hill. Though it seems the real trail goes directly up through the dangerous steep hill, (and yes, some crazy trekkers and local people would take it because of the shortcut), I would never recommend you to do so, for then you would put your life at risk! Immediately from this junction you can turn to the right and you should look for the blue/white marks on the rocks. I hope they will last, even though we were not able to find the most suitable and best rocks. When you have just turned right, as I said above, you will see a flat, wide place, looking like a little dried up pond and you should walk through it. Further along you can see more marks and then continue straight for 15 – 20 minutes. After that, turn left, going steeply upwards. In another 15 – 20 minutes, you will reach a little pasture, then turn towards the left hand side and trek continually and gradually up the grassy slopes. In 15 – 20 minutes, you will join the trail junction coming up through the dangerous path. Then you follow the blue/white marks, before reaching the Upper View Point; for some hundred meters the path is very narrow. When it is covered by snow, it will be especially difficult and slippery, because both sides are very steep and you hike just along the ridge. But if the weather is good, you get a great chance to view the Annapurna I 8091m, Annapurna south 7219m, Himchuli 6441m, Baraha Shikhar (Fang) 7647m, Tent peak 5695m, Singachuli 6501m, Gangapurna 7454m, Gandarvachuli 6248m, little summit of Annapurna III 7555m, both peaks of Machhapuchre (Mt. fishtail) 6993m – 9997m and Mardi Himal 5553m, MBC (Machhapuchre Base Camp), Deurali, Dovan, Sinuwa, Chhomrong, Ghandruk and the southern slope, including Pokhara valley and MHBCW (Mardi Himal Base Camp W) 4500m, to go from the upper view point Mardi Himal Base Camp will take about 30 minutes only. Coming down to High Camp Hotel would take some 4 hours maximum. Except for some hundred meters of narrow path, it is not that difficult, as long as there is no snow on the way. This day trip is quite adventurous, beautiful, joyful and definitely worth it. Stay overnight at Lodge.
6 Hours of walk takes us to Siding. On the return trek we take a different route so completing a circuit, from Low Camp there is a trail that goes down to Siding village rather than going back down Mardi Himal back to Kokar. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busier tourist treks and it is likely you will stay at a homestay in Siding owned by the person who runs one of the lodges at Low Camp. It is a wonderful cultural experience finding out more about village life and you will probably eat dhal baht in the evening with the family in their kitchen. Overnight at Homestay or Teahouse or Lodge.
From Kalimati you walk out to the road head at Lumre via beautiful rural village of Ghalel, At Lumre you will meet your car organized by us in advance to drive you back to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.
Your trip comes to the end with Wilderness Excursion. You have choices to extend your stay in Pokhara to relax here or drive to Chitwan National park for awesome jungle safari, from Pokhara you can also go to Lumbini – the birth place of Sakyamuni Buddha. The tourist bus ticket is included if you are coming back to Kathmandu.
Wilderness Excursion (WE) aims to keep to the day-by-day itinerary of the Mardi Himal trek detail as follows, even though there might be some flexibility because of local situations or other issues beyond our control. If this is the case, the trek leader will do everything possible to work out the changes to the itinerary in order to minimize your inconvenience.
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Cost Details
Includes
- 2 nights sharing a twin/double deluxe room in a 2-star hotel in Pokhara.
- A registered local Mardi Himal Trekking guide.
- 1 sharing porter for 2 trekkers to carry your luggage.
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners during the trek.
- Tea, coffee, cookies, and fresh fruits are served during the trek.
- Sharing twin/double bed rooms in teahouse lodges during trek.
- Accommodation, food, salary, equipment for your guide and porters.
- Kathmandu-Pokhara by A/C tourist coach.
- Transfers by car/cab or jeep depending on group size to/from trekking.
- Necessary insurance for your guide and porters.
- Mardi Himal trekking permits.
Excludes
- Transfers, accommodation, and meals in Kathmandu.
- Meals in Pokhara except breakfast in the hotel.
- Guided and sightseeing and monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, and mineral water
- Personal insurance, laundry service, and trekking gear.
- Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
- Tips for your guide and porter.
Dates & Availability
Select Departure Dates
Mar 2025
Apr 2025
May 2025
Check our published date! If it doesn’t match, we are happy to customize your tour perfectly to suit your interests and needs, creating a unique travel experience for you
Essential Information
Essential trekking permits for the Mardi Himal Trek: Trekkers need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS)
Accommodations and food Mardi Himal Trek: Teahouses along the trail provide basic accommodation and meals. The food is typically simple but nutritious, consisting of dal bhat (lentil soup and rice), noodles, and eggs.
Acclimatization: Acclimatization is crucial for avoiding altitude sickness. Ascend gradually and take rest days as needed.
Guide and Porter: While it is possible to trek independently, hiring a guide and porter can enhance the experience and support the local economy.
Mardi Himal Trek - 7 Days Walk FAQs
Mardi Himal is located to the north of Pokhara city. It is a famous one week trekking destination in Annapurna region in Gandaki Province. Mardi Himal Base Camp that is situated at the elevation of 4500 meters below Mardi Himal (5,587m). From Annapurna Base Camp, it is to the east and literally it is below fabulous Mount Machhapuchhre (6993m) that is also known as Mount Fishtail.
Like the other areas in Nepal, Mardi Himal Trek faces four seasons namely, autumn, spring, summer and winter. All these seasons fall under different months and have various weather and climatic variations. Usually Mardi Himal trek is doable between September - June. Mid September to May are dry months in Nepal. Let us discuss the best time of the year for Mardi Himal Trek.
Mid September – November: This is the peak trekking season in Nepal. September to November belong to fall season. It has mid temperature, low lands are green and blue sky in the.
December – February: It is winter and Mardi Himal is doable in this time. There is chance of heavy snow fall if the weather is bad; it is cold in higher places but it in not unbearable. Sufficient warm clothing is high suggested if you are trekking in winter.
March - May: Which is spring season, the second best time to trek in Nepal and Mardi too. It is time of rhododendron bloom. There is rare chances of rain and thunder storm sometimes and also chances of snowfall in March as well.
June – August: It is summer or monsoon time in Nepal. Mardi Himal trek can be very wet and views can be cloudy most of the times. Rare chances of blue sky and stunning view sometimes. Leeches are so active on the Mardi Himal route, mostly on the trail between Dhampus – Low Camp. However it is best time to trek for botanical researchers and alpine flower lovers. It is quiet and peace as there are less trekkers.
Guide hire cost USD 25 a day + 13% vat
Trekking Permits USD 40 per head
Tranfers USD 25 per head based on 2 people group size
Meals: USD 3-5 per meals, tea / coffee USD 0.7 to USD 1
Accommodation USD 5-6 per night / room
Our inclusive package cost is 523 per person based on double occupancy basis including 2 nights deluxe room with breakfasts in best deluxe budget hotel in Pokhara, all meals and accommodation in trek, guide, porters, trekking permits and transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
In term of difficulty it doesn’t require any technical and ice picks needed but it goes up to 4500 meter in short time (3-4 days) and the highest elevation you sleep is at 3700 meter. The trail is mountain and it not well paved, goes through dense forest, tree roots, rocky sections and mountain terrain. The exact level of difficulty depends on every individual’s walking habit and stamina. Though we label this trek as Moderate or easy for regular trekkers and it can be hard for beginners or inexperienced trekkers. It is a moderate trek for young and fit trekkers. But you will gain altitude as you walk.
I think Nepal is the only country where distance is measured in hours and days. Normally we walk 9-14 Kilometer a day so this should be some 70km (43 miles). Also the distance varied by trek starting and ending points as this trek can be done in 5 days minimum and max. 7 days for relaxing trek to ensure safe and pleasant trekking holiday considering AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness)
September and October are best months to trek to Mardi and the second best months are March, April and May. If you are trekking in April, it is best time to see Rhododendron blooming season. Autumn is peak seasons and post-monsoon period due to which the surrounding of Annapurna region becomes clear because of the summer rainfall. People still trek in winter (Dec to Feb) as well and it will be cold in higher places. Trekking in monsoon (mid - June to August) is wet and view is affected by monsoon rain. Leeches is so active in this area during wet season.
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