Mardi Himal Trek

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Recommended by 99% of travelers
At a Glance
10 Days
Duration
Moderate
Trip Grade
Nepal
Country
4,200m
Maximum Altitude
2 - 4
Group Size
Kande
Starts
Sept - Nov and Mar - May
Best Time
Overview

Mardi Himal Trek opened in 2012 and soon won the hearts of travelers from all around the world. The off-beaten trail through picturesque villages and dense forests makes the journey adventurous. Mardi Himal Trekking leads to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at 4,500 meters. Today, Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is known as one of the best alternatives for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. If you are someone who is trekking for the first time in the Himalayas, then this trek is the best option to introduce yourself to the Himalayan trail.

Mardi Himal is located opposite the south face of Mt. Annapurna and east of Modi Khola, across the valley from Mt. Hiunchuli. The trail is relatively less crowded than ABC Trek, however, the experience is fairly rewarding. The trek offers breath-taking landscapes and stunning views of the western Himalayan mountains like Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Tukuche (6,920 m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), LamjungHimal (6,972 m), and many others. Trekking through beautiful forests of rhododendrons and crossing many villages, you will reach the base camp of Mardi Himal.

From the top of the base camp, which is also called the Upper Viewpoint, you will see a sumptuous sunrise. Mardi Himal Trek, Nepal, is a moderate trek with a few difficult sections. Anyone can do this trek with our professionally designed Mardi Himal Trek itinerary and support on the route. There will be several ascends and descends along the way, so you have to be in good health and physical fitness to join this trek. Check out our Mardi Himal Trek map to learn more about the trail. You can contact us any time for your queries or to learn in detail about the Mardi Himal Trek's cost.

Best Season for the Mardi Himal Trek

Spring and autumn are the perfect seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek. The weather is stable, and the views of the mountains are brilliant during these two seasons. March to April, which is spring in Nepal, welcomes hundreds of species of flowers and vegetation that decorate the entire trail, making the journey extremely pleasant. Likewise, from October to November, autumn has its charm of festiveness in the air.

The temperature ranges around 17 °C in spring and 20 °C in autumn, with a minimum night temperature of around 5 °C. The nights and mornings are cold but not free. Monsoon and winter are the offseason. The views are not clear in the monsoon, and the slippery trail is not ideal for trekking. Whereas, the extreme cold in winter can make the journey strenuous. The temperature falls below -5 °C in winter. If you want to do the Mardi Himal Trek in December or any other off-season, then do let us know. We will provide you with the best advice.

What Kind of Accommodation Can Be Expected on the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a teahouse trek. You can also see guesthouses along the way. The Mardi Himal Trek Route follows a very remote part of the Annapurna region, where the infrastructure is underdeveloped. Therefore, the available accommodations are also basic and offer limited services. The rooms are usually small, with shared or private washrooms.

Most twin-sharing rooms are available, but if you want a single room, then do let us know beforehand so that we can manage to get one for you. We can't promise that, though. As the elevation increases, the options will get smaller. And especially in the peak trekking season when the rooms are booked in advance.

Budget for the Mardi Himal Trek

The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek may vary due to the services available in the package. The mode of transportation, accommodations, and meals do play a big role in the fluctuation of the package cost. We offer comprehensive Mardi Himal Trek costs with strong on-field support. The size of the group is also important. If you are trekking in a large group of, let's say, 12 or 15 people, then the price will be comparatively lower. You can contact us at any time for detailed information regarding the cost of the Mardi Himal Trek package.

*Note: Personal expenses like drinks, meals out of itinerary, shopping, extra nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara, etc. are not included in the package cost.

Mardi Himal Trek Distance

Mardi Himal Trek covers around 49 kilometers. The highest point of the trek is the High Viewpoint, situated at 4,200 meters. During the trek, you have to walk 5 to 6 hours daily.

Some  Important Tips for Mardi Himal Trek 

  • Double-check your trekking gear and make sure everything is there before the beginning of the trek. Do carry a few warm clothes, as it can get cold in the mornings and nights.
  • If you are thinking of trekking alone, then do hire a professional guide at least. Even though it is a short trek, the Mardi Himal Trek route falls under the category of off-beaten treks in the Himalayas. The company of an experienced guide will keep you safe.
  • Reusable water bottles and water purification tablets, no doubt, will help you save a lot of money on the trail and preserve the surroundings as well.
  • In peak trekking season, the trail gets crowded, and pre-booking is necessary unless you want to spend the night under the sky.
  • Don't take the Mardi Himal Trek for 10 days easy. The trail low-key demands good physical fitness and stamina. You have to walk many hours a day on rugged and steep terrain.
  • We highly advise you to visit your doctor before embarking on the journey and to learn about altitude sickness, its symptoms, and what will work for your body.
  • Keep yourself hydrated on the trek to avoid altitude sickness. At least drink two liters of water every day. Do not consume alcoholic drinks or smoke, as it will dehydrate your body.
  • Carrying insect repellents will help you deal with mosquitoes. You usually need it during the monsoon season for the leech.
  • The Mardi Himal Trekking Trail is a relatively new trek. The trail does not have an ATM, so do carry enough cash with you.
Day-to-day

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

Upon arrival at international airport, our waiting support team will meet and greet you at the airport assist and transfer to the Hotel. Trekking preparation and permit organize day. Please, check your insurance details and have a copy of your travel medical insurance policy with you.

Day Highlights

Our trekking guide will come to the hotel in the morning at six o’clock to pick you with private transport. We’ll drive to Pokhara (200 km) which will take us about 6 to 7 hours on a very scenic route. Along the journey you will witness some stunning scenery of snow capped mountains, green hills, rivers in rafting, and villages. Pokhara is a beautiful valley with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (shape of fish tail), Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu. The town of Pokhara is set on the banks of the Phewa Lake. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu providing the perfect starting point for our trek. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Day Highlights

After a one to one and half hour drive by private vehicle, get in Kande (1706m) via Naudanda, the trails steeply climb through forests alive with birds, ferns, and orchids into denser forests and get in Australian Camp (1,999m), a breathtaking view point whole range of Annapurna. In the distance the Pokhara valley can be seen. The houses here are picturesque with their traditional architecture. The sunsets and sunrises are some of the best from here. You are rewarded with great views of the mountain and Nepali culture. You will get in beautiful place Pothana (1,990m) and heading to Pritam Deurali (2,142m), from where the trail leaving main tourists route and even villagers behind. The trail leads us to the an enchanted forest of rhododendron, mountain oak, maple, hemlock, and daphnia in a small clearing far from the beaten trail. The place where we set our camp is tranquil and offers breathtaking view. We’ll stay overnight at tea House.

Day Highlights

After breakfast, we climb through the dense forest, where birds are chirping, and some others wildlife can encounter. The flora has turned to classic cloud forest with mosses and lichen, tree ferns and orchids hosted by the hardier trees. The trail follows the natural windows in the woods that look out on to thrilling panoramas towards Hiunchuli. We can see fascinating scenery of Fishtail and the knife-sharp traverse towards Annapurna South. Far below to the left we can see the Modi Khola valley leading up into the Annapurna sanctuary. We set up our camp after a 5 hour walk in an area surrounded by forest and spectacular views of the Fishtail Mountain. Low camp (3,050m) is very small places with only couple of tea houses, where they provide basic meals and accommodation for you.

Day Highlights

This is one of the more enjoyable trails which will take us through the forest on a short and steep climb. A ridge, now grassy and sometimes under snow, takes us up to the high camp where we shall reach at lunch time. This is also where a second consecutive afternoon is spent enthralled by the views of Annapurna panorama. Annapurna south seems near enough to touch of us! The trail goes through grasslands of high Himalaya with occasional rhododendron and pine trees. Spotting the beautiful bird called Himalayan Monal; the national bird of Nepal also called Danphe. The view today is unforgettable. Stay overnight in the tea house at High Camp (3,600m).

Day Highlights

After having hot breakfast, we hike up to over 4000 m elevation with several ups and down through pasture land on the ridge. After passes pastureland and hike the narrow ridge, we get in High View point (4,200m). The view point is only the crest of Mardi Himal itself separates from the south face of Machhapuchae and the great blue glaciers of the Sanctuary Wall lie below. The Mt. Annapurna I, the highest of all, sits in an arc from horizon to horizon, from Dhaulagiri to the Mustang, is a dozen or more glistening snow giants. The Mardi Himal (5587m) is can see just above us and Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Baraha Shikhar (Mt. Annapurna Fang) (7,647m), Tent Peak (5,695m), Singhachuli (6,501m), Machapuchhre (6,993m) and others many mountas can see from view point. Standing on the spot at 4,200m elevation is the primary aim of our today journey. This place is has a view that is almost impossible to equal anywhere else in short walking from city. This is moderate walk, not too easy and not too challenging as well. During the summer season this area is full of yaks and sheep along with several yak herders’ huts. You will back to tea house for overnight stay.

Day Highlights

Due to yesterday’s long walk, our tired bodies make an unhurried descent through the shade of the forest and out onto terraced fields. Down 1,600m we take a different route down to the upper Mardi Khola. The violent flow that has once been the ice and snow of the Mardi Himal rushes past us. Although it is remote and still away from the much used tea house trekking routes, our expedition now again takes on the mood of the warm valleys and the friendly villages. Here, we make our way along the banks of the Mardi Khola from the hillside villages, down through lovely fields, past the simple farms, and over bridges to Siding (1,690m). There is no doubt this is indeed the idyllic Nepali countryside experience. We are staying at tea House at Siding.

Day Highlights

There are other option walks more days from Siding as well. But we are drive back to Pokhara by local jeep or bus; it takes about 3 to 4 hours. This last afternoon is spent showering and relaxing. Some might have enough energy for rowing on the lake, others only for lounging in pie shops. Rest of the day hang around the beautiful city Pokhara or boating on the Fewa Lake. You may visit touristic attraction places; World peace Stupa, Patale Chhaga, Tibetain Village, Gupteswar Mahadev Cave, International Mountaineering Museum, Sarangkot for adventures activities ( Paragliding, Bunge Jumping, Jeep flyer). Stay overnight at Hotel.

Day Highlights

We should be ready by 6:00 in morning in hotel lobby in order to have breakfast or seek advice from your trekking guide. We will drive back to Kathmandu through on the main road passing terraces, streams, rivers, local settlements, and high hills. It takes about 7 hours (conditional) to reach your hotel in Kathmandu. If you are interested to fly from Pokhara to Katmandu (bear in mind the extra cost of the plane tickets) please request Nepal Mother House Trekking to book your flight ticket in advance. It takes about 30 minutes flying time with spectacular views of the Himalayas, high hills, terraces, local settlements, and forests. This can indeed make it worth flying.

Day Highlights

In this pleasant day you may have full day at leisure either relax at hotel or explore the around Thamel. Today is day of ending your journey, so we would like offer you farewell dinner in Nepali typical Restaurant and hand over you Trip Certificate, Trekking Permit and TIMS Card for memory of Nepal trip. Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until departure flight/drive. Our assist will be transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Day Highlights
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Included

Mardi Himal Trek Cost Details

Includes

  • Free Airport picks up and drops off all transportation (airport to hotel to airport).
  • Star level 2+2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara twin bed sharing basic.
  • ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project), TIMS (Trekkers Information System) Cards.
  • Pokhara to trekking starting point (Phedi) & trekking ending point to Pokhara by private/public bus/taxi/car/van/bus.
  • Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by comfort tourist bus.
  • Trekking equipment (worm-down jackets, sleeping bags, & duffle bags) during the trekking if needed.
  • Nepal Mother House T-shirt/Cap and Appreciation Card of Trip (after the trip ends).
  • 3 times meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek.
  • Soft & comfortable private accommodation entire mountain twin bed sharing with a shared toilet.
  • Government license holder English-speaking experienced local guide with their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • One Sherpa (assistance guide) if the group size is more than 10 people. Plus their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and equipment.
  • A Trekking Map of Annapurna Trip for a Group.
  • Supplementary snacks (cookies, fresh fruits) on the trek.
  • First Aid medical kit during the trip, including an oximeter to measure oxygen and pulse at high altitude.
  • Welcome and farewell program.
  • Tourist service charge, VAT, government tax, and official expenses if necessary.

Excludes

  • All kinds of cold and hot drinks, including drinking water, tea, coffee, chocolate, cookies, dessert, phone calls, laundry, and hot showers during the trek.
  • Clients' travel insurance and evacuation (compulsory).
  • If the flight is canceled, a charter helicopter or plane.
  • If you need a porter (between every 2-person basic), he carries a max. 20-25 kg, including his own 4 to 5 kg gear, plus their food, accommodation, wage, insurance, and all transportation.
  • Tipping for the guide and porter, your meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara.
  • Personal expenses like shopping, souvenir gifts, and personal mountaineering gear.
  • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended.
  • International airfare, airport departure tax, and Visa fee.
  • Things that weren't mentioned above are in our services (Trip CoIncludeddes).
  • Visa fee, you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu.
Availability

Departure Dates

Except for the fixed departure date, we have every day departure according to your requirements.

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Add-Ons

Add-Ons & Options

[Available at Checkout]

  • Hire a porter at USD 23 per day, carry up to 25 kg, & share a porter with your friends.
  • A private car from Kathmandu to Pokhara for USD 125 is more flexible and comfortable.
  • A flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara with airport transport is USD 125 per person.
  • Embark on a Thrilling 2-night, 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for Only $280 per Person

You may share a porter (2:1 Porter) cost with a fellow. Who carry up to 25 kg, inclusive of their gear weighing 4 to 5 kg, wages, transport, & insurance.

To avoid the long drive to Pokhara and Kathmandu back. 30-minute pleasant flight.

Make your drive more flexible & comfortable for 2 to 3 people. The cost can be shared with your fellow.

Witness endangered wildlife and immerse yourself in Tharu culture. Book now for a 2-night, 3-day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for just $280 per person, inclusive of round-trip tourist bus transport.