Mardi Himal Trek
Trek Duration
11 Days
Best time to go
Sep-Nov, Mar-May
Group Size
2-25 people
Max Trekking Altitude
4500m
Accommodation
Teahouse
Trek Grade
moderate
Area
Annapurna Conservative Area
Hours of Walking
4-8 hrs per day
Start point - End point
Kathmandu
Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new and less-crowded trekking route located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Known for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, the trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure for both novice and experienced trekkers. Starting from the scenic town of Kande or Phedi, the trail winds through lush rhododendron forests, charming Gurung and Magar villages, alpine meadows, and ultimately reaches the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of around 4,500 meters. Throughout the journey, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself.
Unlike the more crowded trails of Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, the Mardi Himal route offers a sense of serenity and solitude, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter trekking experience. The trek typically takes about 5 to 7 days to complete, depending on the chosen itinerary and pace. It is considered a moderately difficult trek, suitable for people with basic fitness levels and no prior high-altitude experience. One of the key highlights of this trek is the dramatic change in landscape — from lowland forests to high alpine terrain — all within a relatively short distance.
Accommodation along the trail is mostly in teahouses, which provide basic lodging and warm meals, offering trekkers an authentic taste of local hospitality and culture. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons for this trek, with clear skies and pleasant weather enhancing the experience. Overall, the Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice for those looking to explore the beauty of the Himalayas off the beaten path, with fewer crowds and unforgettable mountain scenery.
The Mardi Himal Trek stands out as one of Nepal’s most rewarding short treks, offering a perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural richness, and peaceful trekking experience. As the journey unfolds from lush green forests and terraced fields to rugged mountain terrain, trekkers are treated to ever-changing landscapes and spectacular views of snow-capped peaks like Machapuchare , Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal. The sense of tranquility and solitude along this less-traveled trail allows for a more personal and reflective adventure, far from the busier trekking routes in the region.
One of the most memorable aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek is the opportunity to engage with the warm-hearted locals of the Gurung and Magar communities. Their hospitality, culture, and traditional lifestyle add a unique and enriching dimension to the trek, making it more than just a physical journey. The well-maintained teahouses along the route provide comfort and a chance to experience authentic Nepali cuisine and customs in a cozy, mountainous setting.
Despite being relatively short and moderately challenging, the trek takes trekkers to impressive altitudes with minimal risk, making it accessible to beginners while still satisfying seasoned trekkers with its dramatic scenery and high-altitude thrills. With proper planning and a spirit of adventure, the Mardi Himal Trek becomes a truly unforgettable experience, ideal for those seeking a quieter alternative to the more popular trekking routes in Nepal.
In a conclusion, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that encapsulates the essence of Nepal’s natural and cultural wonders. It’s an ideal choice for those who wish to explore the beauty of the Annapurna region without the crowds, offering a peaceful yet exhilarating escape into the heart of the mountains.
Itenary
Cost Include
- Airport pick up by private Car/Jeeb/Bus
- One day city tour by private vehicle with tour guide
- Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu
- Accommodations in Kathmandu(3 nights) and Pokhara(2 nights) on Tourist Standard hotel
- Local transport from Pokhara to Phedi/ Lumre to Pokhara
- 3 meals during the trekking(B/L/D)
- Teahouse accommodation (lodge) and guesthouses during the trek
- An English speaking, local government licensed trekking guide
- Required porters for carrying luggage during the trek(1 Porter for 2 Client’s)
- Basic First Aid Kid
- Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket on Rental basis on your require(Need to returned after the treks)
- Duffel bag and Trekking route map
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine for our trekking crew
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- TIM’s card
- All our local and government taxes and service charge
- Final departure to Int’l airport to your onward destinations.
Cost Exclude
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses: phone call, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water & hot shower
- Rescues, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses
- Any additional porters other than specified
- Tips for Guide and Porters
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned in our Price Includes section.
FAQs
The Mardi Himal Trek is a short and scenic trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, known for its breathtaking views, peaceful trails, and rich natural beauty. It’s a relatively new and less crowded trek that takes you close to Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and offers stunning vistas of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. In spring, the trail comes alive with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery, while the weather remains mild and the skies are generally clear, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range and Machapuchare. Autumn is considered the peak trekking season in Nepal, thanks to its stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and pleasant daytime temperatures. Both seasons provide the ideal balance of scenic beauty and comfortable conditions, making your trekking experience enjoyable and memorable. Winter is also possible but can be very cold, and the monsoon season is best avoided due to heavy rain and poor visibility.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on your starting point, pace, and whether you include side trips or extra acclimatization days. Most standard itineraries start from Kande or Phedi, near Pokhara, and pass through villages like Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp, before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. The trek is relatively short but offers a rich mix of forest, ridge-line, and mountain scenery, making it perfect for those who want a rewarding Himalayan experience in under a week.
During the Mardi Himal Trek, you’ll be served simple, hearty meals at local tea houses along the trail. The food is mostly Nepali and Tibetan-inspired, designed to give you the energy needed for trekking in the mountains. The most common meal is dal bhat – a traditional Nepali dish of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles, often with unlimited refills. Other options include noodles, fried rice, momos (dumplings), pasta, soups, and bread or pancakes for breakfast. At lower elevations, you might find more variety, while higher up, menus become simpler due to limited supply access. Hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot lemon, and ginger tea are widely available. The food is clean and filling, but don’t expect luxury—it’s simple mountain fare made with love and local ingredients. It’s also wise to carry some energy snacks, especially for long days on the trail.
Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Mardi Himal Trek. Although it’s not officially required, the trek reaches altitudes of around 4,500 meters and passes through remote, mountainous areas where medical facilities are limited and access to emergency services can be difficult. Having travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation is essential in case of altitude sickness, injury, or other unexpected health issues. It’s also wise to choose a policy that includes trip cancellations, delays, and lost baggage, as mountain weather and flight schedules can be unpredictable. Investing in a good insurance plan provides peace of mind and ensures that you are protected throughout your adventure in the Himalayas.
Price Per Person
$999
