Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is best known for a short and scenic Himalayan adventure hiking in the Annapurna region north of Pokhara in central Nepal. Trekking is also considered the best alternative to the 7-day Annapurna Base Trek, offering tremendous mountain views in a short period of time. From Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna hike, which offers several renowned routes, the Mardi Himal trek is notable for its spectacular close-up views of Annapurna South, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal, without the heavy crowds of Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill.
In this short description, we try to provide you with a detailed guide and insight about the Mardi Himal Trek regarding the best time to do this trek, difficulties and challenges, its key attractions, etc. The journey begins from Kande or Phedi, taking you through lush rhododendron forests, charming villages, seasonal alpine pastures, and high ridges leading up to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek is not only limited to its natural beauty but also the ethnic groups of Nepal, like Gurungs, which completes the whole trek—popular among beginner trekkers, who want a short but yet rewarding adventure trek at an affordable cost.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost and Inclusions:
For the years 2026 and 2027, the Wilderness Excursion has updated its highly-rated Mardi Himal Trek packages cost and offer, starting from US$549 per person with the 7-day complete tour itinerary starting and ending at Kathmandu, based on a group of up to 15 Pax, and the following explanation clarifies the inclusion in the price featured.
Transportation: Wilderness Excursion crafted with a fly-in and drive-out Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, includes a Kathmandu-to-Pokhara flight, all ground transportation with airport shuttles, and an air-conditioned tourist coach back from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
Permits: All essential trekking permits and paperwork, including the conservation entrance (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card.
Guide and Porter: The package cost includes a licensed, English-speaking guide to navigate and manage teahouse reservations, plus porters to carry your main (1 porter shared between trekkers). The package also covers all their salaries, meals, and accommodation.
Meals: Standard full-board meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) while on the trail, along with tea or coffee (3 cups a day).
Accommodation: Teahouse accommodations along the route on a twin-bed shared basis, no ensuite bathroom available in this trek.
Support staff insurance: Within the trip price, Wilderness Excursion covers guide and porter’s insurance up to 1.5 million and rescue in case of emergency with medical treatment.
Is this trek right for you?
Among its peers, the Mardi Himal Trek is considered a gem for both beginners and seasoned trekkers who want to experience a quieter side of the Annapurna. When it comes to panoramic views, Mardi is even more popular than Poon Hill and ABC. The trek starts from lush hills near Pokhara, with trails leading through the vibrant, colorful forest of rhododendron blossoms and high ridges that gradually reveal a stunning, close view of the Himalayas. Unlike the crowded treks in the Annapurna Region, Mardi offers solitude and discovery with panoramas of Machhapuchre, the Annapurna Range, and Hiunchuli so close you feel like you can reach out and touch them at every turn. This trek unfolds for every trekker seeking a hidden gem with a blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and unforgettable memories.
This trek is a go-to place for those who seek an unparalleled view of the Himalayan Range with a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The trails are mostly uphill but still suitable for all age groups and trekkers. If you have a heart and spirit to travel the high Himalayas of Nepal as closely as possible, then this trek is made for you.
Best time (month and season) to do Mardi Trek
Mardi Trek is known for its visually stunning panoramic scenery of the Himalayan Range with a colorful forest of rhododendron blossoms. Experiencing the full potential of the journey can be quite challenging, as Nepal has two peak trekking seasons each year. Seasonal months start from March to May and September to November, as Nepal experiences stable weather, which is suitable for adventure trekking and traveling. Trekkers prefer these months due to their slight difference in experience.
Spring Season (March – May) / Pre-Monsoon
- Warm days make trekking pleasant.
- Less haze makes mountains visible.
- Colorful forest of rhododendron blossoms.
- Dry and safe trails.
Autumn Season (September – November) / Post-Monsoon
- Stable weather, perfect for trekking.
- Clear and crisp sky makes the mountains fully visible.
- Ideal time for trekking and other adventure activities.
- Golden and reddish forest.
- Coincides with major festivals: Dashain and Tihar.
Both seasons are suitable for trekking and traveling in Nepal, as Nepal experiences stable weather and offers memorable experiences. Choosing the season depends on what you want to get out of the trek, from panoramic views of mountains with vibrant, colorful forests and cultural depths.
Mardi Himal Trek – Difficulty
Nepal offers various trekking routes, from high Himalayan passes to lush hills and colorful forests of seasonal flower blossoms. Nepal is a haven for those who seek adventure and hardship with a rewarding journey. From green hills to high alpine lands and passes, trekking difficulty varies depending on the route and region.
When considering all the factors, Mardi Trek is perfect for both starters and veteran trekkers despite the possible difficulty of the trip. The trail passes from nearby villages and takes you through the reddish forest of rhododendron blossoms and high alpine passes in just a few days, but the trek can be extended with acclimatization days. Despite such a geographical structure, the routes follow a standard pattern to make it easier for trekkers to walk uphill. The whole trip covers a maximum altitude of 4500M above sea level, which is higher than ABC. Due to the flexibility of the trek, it can be modified in accordance with the traveler's needs, making it an age-fit trek.
(If you want a shorter and challenging trip, then you can check out our Mardi Himal trek–4-day itinerary as well.)
Facilities in the Mardi Himal Trek
Accommodation and food in the trekking region depend on the popularity and the remoteness. For instance, Everest is a remote trekking region yet offers the best and most globally known luxury facilities, from cafes to restaurants and well-developed lodges. The same can’t be said for Mardi Trek, despite its popularity; camps in the Annapurna Region after a certain altitude follow a similar design in housing, i.e., teahouses and lodges. The rooms have basic equipment with a bed and a drawer in most places; attached bathroom rooms are limited, and some lodges have a common shared toilet. At high camp, lodges are fewer and book up fast; trekkers often sit around the dining hall heater sharing stories.
Despite these limitations in rooms, a hot shower or bucket baths are arranged at extra cost in high altitudes, if needed. But when it comes to food and drinks, every lodge provides a variety of drinks for lunch and dinner, including breakfast. The quality of the food may not match 5-star restaurants, but it is still satisfactory. Let’s highlight some points on what you may experience in camps: -
- Lodges accommodate shared rooms, 2 people per room.
- Basic equipment in the room.
- Limited attached bathrooms, possibly shared toilets.
- Food varieties for drinks, lunch, dinner, and breakfast/
- Limited Wi-Fi connection requires an extra cost.
- Mobile charging requires an extra payment in lodges.
The facilities in Mardi Trek are quite limited, but the beauty of Mardi brings untroubled tranquility, peace, and a calm state to one's mind as you take a tea break across a giant snow-capped mountain surrounded by a forest full of seasonal flowers.
Mardi Trek Highlights
The Mardi trek is known for its exceptional view of the Annapurna Range and Fishtail, including Mardi Himal. Unlike the cramped feeling of Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill, the Mardi Himal trek offers a secluded path through green hills and alpine grasslands. In spring, the forest is full of different rhododendron species from the very beginning of the trek, making it a pleasant and calm experience. The shift in vegetation after the low camp from green hills to alpine and dry grasslands to rocky trails showcases the perfect blend of vegetation. The Mardi trek is known for its short yet scenic views of the Himalayan Range, with a touch of Gurung culture giving it a meaningful experience.
The Gurung people are one of the main ethnic groups living in the Annapurna Region, also called Tamu. Gurung villages in lower Annapurna, like Ghandruk, Landruk, Dhampus, and Kalimati, along the trekking trails, give travelers a chance to experience their traditional and unique lifestyle with warm hospitality. Indigenous groups like the Gurung reside in hilly areas, following a traditional lifestyle, which can be seen in Ghandruk village. From the stone architecture to the humble farm life of the Gurungs, the Mardi trek is not only about its undeniable natural beauty but also the serenity of the local people as well, which truly completes this trek.
Let’s highlight some of the points on what the trek is known for:
- Stunning close view of the Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Mardi Himal.
- Colorful forest full of different Rhododendron species.
- Cultural and architectural richness of Gurungs.
- Possible festivals like Tamu Lhosar, Maghe Sankranti, and Buddha Jayanti.
- Traditional Gurung dances like Ghatu and Sarathi.
The Mardi trek showcases one of the beautiful natural and cultural riches of Nepal. As you walk through the human legacy in villages to the abundant forest of rhododendron and transcend to the high Himalayas, reaching out to the sacredness of the mountains, the journey leaves you with pleasant memories of the people and nature.
