Mardi Himal Trek

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Recommended by 99% of travelers

Quick facts about Mardi Himal Trek

Duration

8 Days

Trip Grade

Difficult

Maximum Altitude

5587m

Group Size

2 to 25 People

Starts

Kathmandu

Ends

Kathmandu

Accomodation

Teahouse/ Hotel

Best Time

Autumn, Spring

Trip Overview

Mardi Himal, at 5587 meters above sea level, lies in the Annapurna region within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The Mardi Himal Trek’s growing popularity can be attributed to its shorter distance and stunning scenes. This Mardi Himal Trek is a preferable choice for those adventurers who are short of enough time to get to Annapurna Base Camp, Manaslu Circuit Trek or other trekking destinations of Nepal. This is also a preferable trekking destination for those who would like to interact with the locals. Mardi Himal’s high camp is located at an elevation of 3850 meters. This is the highest resting place on the hike. From the viewpoint of this trek, Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna South seem very close, close enough that it feels like you can extend your hand and touch it. Situated in the Annapurna Himalaya area of Nepal, directly east of the famed Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek is an amazing mountain walking vacation experience.

For those who love hiking in the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal journey is a memorable experience. A few years ago, not many trekkers traveled to the Mardi Himal, but the route quickly became well-known because it offers an exceptional one-week trekking vacation to the foot of the Mardi Himal Peak. The track follows narrow, spiraling trails through magical rhododendron woods, ending at an altitude of about 3,300 meters where you may walk out of the jungle. Quite abruptly, the environment shifts into a rough, towering summit with breathtaking views of Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal. It takes around about three to four hours to hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which provides amazing up-close views of the whole Annapurna Himalayan range.

Throughout the whole trail leading to the Mardi Himal walk, there are basic mountain trekking lodges and guest houses to accommodate hundreds of hikers each day during the busiest times of the year. To take you on such an amazing journey to the Himalayas, we have come up with a very affordable Mardi Himal Trek package that is sure to be an unforgetable experience for you. Let’s learn all about this package as we

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No. of Persons

Price per Person

1 - 2 people
US$ 850
3 - 8 people
US$ 800
9 + people 9999
US$ 750

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Trip Highlights

Hike through woods of blossoming rhododendrons during springtime
A comparatively simple hike that is beginner-friendly.
Experience Nepali culture firsthand by staying in a traditional house in the highlands.
One of the most exquisite and intimate views of Mount Fishtail.
Come across real Pun and Gurung tribal communities.
Astonishing views of the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International airport then transfer to Hotel

Once you have completed the customs procedures, following landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you must look for our representative. Generally, he’s pretty good at finding our clients but sometimes he might miss. The rep will be waiting for you at the terminal with a board in his hand. Our staff will welcome you and arrange for a transfer to your accommodation. After that, check into the hotel, shower, and relax. You are presented to your traveling companions, including the porters and guide, in the afternoon or at midday.

While you are staying at the hotel, we will also talk about our journey up ahead. After our little chat, it is time for the welcome dinner. We will be serving you with traditional Nepalese cuisine made by experienced chefs. We are sure you will ask for seconds. After dinner, we will take you to see a cultural show. This show includes performances, such as dancing and singing.

While you are staying in cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara), you will be provided with breakfast while the other meals are at your own expense (welcome dinner is an exception). However, we will be covering all your accommodation expenses from day 1 to day 8.

Activity: 30 Min to Hotel

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Welcome Dinner

Max Altitude: 1,340m/4,396ft. (Kathmandu)

Day 02: From Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight and drives to Kande then trek to Pitam Deurali

After your first night of the trip, we will fly to Pokhara after having a hearty breakfast at the hotel you are staying at. Before you leave please make sure that you have not left anything behind. Our driver will pick you from your hotel and driver you to the regional airport in Kathmandu where our representative will help you board the flight to Pokhara. Kathmandu to Pokhara is just 200 km far but the road conditions, the infinite turns, winding highway, and other factors turn it into a 6 to 7 hours bus ride.

Now, there is nothing wrong with bus ride, in fact, you will get to travel a scenic trip as the highway follows Trishuli river for the most part and winds through numerous hills. However, time is of the essence and we do not want you to spend the better part of the day traveling on the bus. A flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is just 25 minutes long. After you reach Pokhara, you will meet the trek guide and the porters.

One of our reps will arrange transport for you since you have to get to the starting point of the trek. After an hour of riding, you will reach a little town called Kande. Tiny hillside towns and terraced fields will be seen during the trek from Kande to Pitam Deurali. Pitam-Deurali is a town perched on a ridge that offers breathtaking views of Mardi Himal and Annapurna South. We will not to trek for long as Pitam Deurali is only 4 hours of trek away from Kande. Since, it is the first day of trekking, this is a perfect warmup trek.

Pitam Deurali, sometimes called Bhichok Deurali or just Deurali, is a charming tea/lunch location on the ridge top with simple seating. It additionally serves as the first location from which Dhaulagiri is seen. It is the little white peak that can be seen peaking above the northeastern slopes, while the well-known peaks of Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South can be seen to the north.

Activity: 30 Min flight then Drive

Accommodation: Lodge / Tea House

Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Max Altitude: 2,100m/6,890ft. (Pitam Deurali )

Day 03: Trek from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp

After eating breakfast early in the morning, we will go on to Low Camp, which is located at a height of 3150 meters. You will pass through a stunning highland forest as you follow the trail. Next, we’ll climb through the greenery by following the rhododendron woodland covered in spongy green moss. With reports of 488 bird species, including Nepal’s national bird, the beautiful Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge, and Satyr Tragopan, this particular section of the journey is a birdwatcher’s heaven.

Here, you may also see several kinds of vultures, owls, and eagles. You can enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Machhapuchhare and other breathtaking peaks as you arrive at Low Camp. We will spend the night in Low Camp at one of the lodges and have dinner there. Today, we will have covered a considerable distance as we will trek for about 5 to 6 hours.

Activity: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge

Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Max Altitude: 2,970m/9,744ft. (Low Camp )

Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp

We’re going to start the day’s journey by getting to Badal Danda. Following the extended path, our journey will take us along the Mardi Himal ridge, mostly on grass with sparse rhododendron trees spread throughout. From Badal Danda, we will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Annapurna Himalayas. We travel over 3200 meters, crossing the tree line, therefore there are no trees beyond Badal Danda. Little bushes on the path leading to the High Camp are all that remain.

There’s a fantastic sunset viewpoint on the route from Badal Danda to High Camp if the weather holds. We can view the scenery on both sides of the ridge because the route is wide and not particularly steep. We arrive at High Camp in the later hours of the day. This route has a few difficult climbs, but the amazing views of the Himalayas make the effort rewarding. You will start to feel the effects of altitude as you get closer to High Camp. You’ll need to make your way across a lot of tight ridges, so you better be prepare for it.

Activity: 4-5 Hours Trekking

Accommodation: Tea House

Meal: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Max Altitude: 3,550m/11,647ft. (High Camp )

Day 05: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp

We’ll get up early (about 4 a.m.) and use a headlamp to ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Since the majority of the trail leads uphill to Mardi Himal Base Camp, we’ll go slowly but steadily. You will reach the viewpoint of Mardi Himal High Camp after trekking for almost two hours, just in time to see the glorious dawn sky. Here, we’ll take a break to watch the sunrise over the Annapurna Mountain range. We can take in the view while sipping warm tea or coffee from the modest tea shop that is close to the viewpoint.

After there, we’ll carry on hiking to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Traveling a further 1.5 hours will get you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which provides even more stunning views of the Himalayas and a fantastic distant perspective of Annapurna Base Camp.

The following mountains can be seen end route to Mardi Himal Base Camp: Annapurna Fang (7647m), Singha Chuli (6501m), Mardi Himal (5587m), Fishtail (6993m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and more. After lunch and bag packing, we return to High Camp. It would take us 1.5 hours of trekking to reach Badal Danda on our hike. The walk today is 9 kilometers in total, and it takes around 7 to 8 hours to complete.

Activity: 5 Hours Trekking

Accommodation: Tea House

Meal: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Max Altitude: 4,500m/14,764ft. (Mardi Himal Base Camp )

Day 06: High Camp trek back to Badal Danda then Pokhara

You begin your hike down to Siding Crossing, a low camp, after taking in the morning vista from Badal Danda. The trail is not too complicated; we just keep going downhill till we get to Badal Danda. After there, our track takes a sharp turn in the direction of Sidhing, leading us through thick forests curled down at the base of Mount Fishtail.

The route gets fairly slick as the fall gets steeper and a bit difficult. After trekking for almost five hours, we eventually reached Sidhing, where we got into a vehicle to return to Pokhara. From Sidhing, it will take 3 to 4 hours to reach Pokhara.

Activity: 7-8 Hours Trekking/ Drive

Accommodation: Tea House

Meal: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Max Altitude: 820m/2,690ft. (Pokhara )

Day 07: Pokhara back to Kathmandu or join onward activities in Pokhara

After the last day of trekking, you will travel back to Kathmandu via tourist bus. This will be a scenic drive as you pass through hills, following rivers. This bus ride will last about 7 hours and we will have our lunch at one of the stops we make along the way.

Activity: 8 Hours Drive

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner

Max Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu )

Day 08: Departure from Kathmandu

After a wonderful trip to the highlands of Nepal, it is time to get back home and cherish all the memories you made along the trip. Our representative will make sure that you get to the airport on time to catch your flight. If you want to stay a little longer in Nepal, we will gladly assist you in planning your next trip.

Activity: 30 Min drive

Meal: 30 Min drive

Max Altitude: 1,401m/4,596ft. (Kathmandu )

If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.

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Trip Information of Mardi Himal Trek

How Our Trek Starts?

Our trip starts in Pokhara, since Kathmandu is more like a gateway to Nepal rather than a starting point. From Kathmandu, you will travel to Pokhara via a 25-min flight instead of a 6 hours bus ride which most other travel agencies provide. After you land at Pokhara airport, our staff will pick you up from the airport and escort you to Kande, the starting point of your trek. We will travel from Kande to Pitam Deurali which will be our first stop of the trek. From there the trail will take us to Low Camp, High Camp, and finally to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the ultimate destination of our trek. Our trek starts slow and steady and throughout the trek, we will make sure that we keep a safe trekking pace.

Difficulty

Comparing the Mardi Trek to other nearby hiking sites, it is quite straightforward. This walk is ideal for both novice and expert hikers because of its max elevation of 4500 meters, plenty of accommodation, and easy path. Having said that, the trek gets tiring after passing Low Camp. Once you pass through Low Camp, the rocky trails become steep and narrow. From there, the route to High Camp is rough and requires cautious navigation. Additionally, the 4500-meter ascent from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp is an area that is susceptible to altitude sickness. This portion gets a lot of snow in the winter, which makes it challenging to navigate.

Best Seasons

If you’ve always wanted to take this journey, the ideal time to go is in September, right after the monsoon ends. The monsoon clears the air, and the weather is still gorgeous, with lowlands covered with greenery and stunning blue mountains, and it’s not too chilly. The second-best month is April when the route’s rhododendrons are in full flower. Trekking is most enjoyable in the fall, when Nepal reaches its highest point. The second-best trekking season of the year is from March to May.

Altitude Sickness

The maximum altitude during this trek is 4500 meters at the base camp of Mardi Himal. Altitude sickness at this level of elevation is common but we are not staying there for a extended period of time. This will help us avoid an altitude related issues. In case you get altitude sick, our guide will escort you down to a safe height and give you some pills to reverse the effects. You will continue the trek after you feel good enough.

Accommodation, Food & Drink

Since the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most popular trekking destination in Nepal, it has developed in recent year and houses adequate number of lodges to accommodate hundreds on travelers during the peak season. You will be staying in lodges that provide all the basic facilities and more. Trekkers can choose from a wide variety of food selections served at local lodges and tea houses. Meals served on the Mardi Himal Trek include the well-known Nepalese delicacy “Dal Bhat” in addition to a variety of other cuisines.

Most hikers like the full-course lunch called Dal Bhat. Rice, lentils, soup, vegetable curry, and pickles are among the foods that provide enough nutrition and energy for days of hiking. As a second option, you might opt to enjoy different foods such as dumplings called Momo, pasta, different potato-based dishes, desserts, and noodles. Along the walk, there are tea rooms that provide a variety of drinks, including fruit juices, authentic coffee, milk, and others. If you let us know in advance about any unique food preferences, we can make arrangements. Three meals are included in our journey packages: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our package also covers all your accommodations but you have to pay yourself for any kind of drink you get, including water.

Transportation

Your transportation for this trek includes, picking up from the airport and dropping off later on, travel to the starting point of the trek, flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, travel from the ending point of the trek to Pokhara, and finally a tourist bus ride from Pokhara to Kathmandu. All of these transportation costs will be covered by our trek package.

Permit

For Mardi Himal Trekking, in addition to the ACAP permission, a TIMS card is required. Trekkers Information Management System is referred to as TIMS. To find the trekkers while they are traveling, this card is essential. Related authorities will obtain details about your identification and whereabouts via TIMS cards. You may get these permissions in Pokhara or Kathmandu. You may secure these permits with the assistance of our trek guide. The ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) costs $30 while the TIMS card is provide at $20. This trek package covers all your permit expenses.

Trip Preparation & Fitness

This trip is not among the difficult ones but you should still prepare for it as you will be ascending and trekking for hours everyday. If you are not physically fit enough to walk hours everyday, this trek will not be very enjoyable for you. So, we recommend you hit the gym for 2 to 3 weeks before the start of this trek and make sure that you do cardio exercises more than lifting weights. If you are more than fit enough for this trek, you can focus on the scenes rather than trying to make it to the destination.

Gadgets Charging & Internet

Charging gadgets and internet are available at most lodges during this trek. Since it is one of the most developed trekking trails of Nepal, you can expect to have modern amenities all the way. However, charging gadgets can cost you a couple of dollars extra and so does the internet. If you do not want to pay extra for the internet, you can instead get a sim card and use your smartphone to access cellular internet connection.

Your Extra expenses

Your extra expenses include your visa fees upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport, extra accommodations (in case the trip delays), travel insurance, medical insurance, any kind of drinks, hot shower, internet, and device charging fees at lodges, emergency services, and anything that is not mentioned to be a part of the package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone may accomplish this journey, even beginners of any age, as long as they are physically capable of walking long distances on unbeaten paths and have the ability to acclimate to the cold mountain climate.

The roughly 45-kilometer track is suitable for novice hikers as well as seasoned hikers. The journey begins and concludes in Pokhara, a well-known entry point for other treks in the Annapurna area.

You must get travel insurance even if the ultimate trekking height is 4500 m and there is a reduced chance of altitude sickness. It’s for your personal security. It is not your typical everyday activity to go for walks in the hills and to the foothills of the mountains. Accidents and emergency scenarios could happen to anyone.

Yes, emergency services are available throughout the trek. In case you are not able to continue the trek because of altitude sickness or any other issues, you will be resuced via helicopter. This expense is not covered by the package but rather your travel insurance provider.

No, this is a rather easy trek compared to most trekking destinations in Nepal. On a scale of 1 to 10, we would rate if 4. However, there are some parts the require extra effort.