USD 500 Per Person
- TRIP DURATION
- 7 Days
- MAX. ALTITUDE
- 4500m
- TRIP GRADE
- Easy
- LODGING
- Tea House
- BEST SEASON
- All season
- MEALS
- Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
- COMMUNICATION
- Wi-Fi/ Local Sim
- PER DAY WALK
- 6/7 hours
Mardi Himal Trek
Nepal, being a country of Mount Everest is rich in natural beauty, especially in the high altitude Himalayas including the 8 mountains among the 14 eight-thousanders in the world. Hundreds of adventure lovers long to climb the mountains every year, while thousands of others around the world wish to gain trekking experience by walking on the number of trails and witnessing the breath-catching mountain views and stunning landscapes. Among many trekking routes in Nepal’s Himalayas, the Mardi Himal trek is one of the shortest treks with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna massif.
Despite being one of the shortest routes, this trail significantly gains altitude with 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp which is higher than the Poon hill and the Annapurna base camp.
Thus, it is comparatively more challenging for trekkers who suffer from altitude sickness. However, a little attention and precaution keep you fresh and help you for the successful completion of the trek.
Top Highlights Of Mardi Himal Trek:
- Close views of Fishtail and Mardi Himal
- Serene walk through rhododendron and oak forest
- Easy Trekking trail in Annapurna region.
Altitude Information of Major Stations For Mardi Himal Trek:
- Phedi 800mt.
- Forest camp 2600mt.
- Low camp 3200 mt.
- High camp 3800mt.
- Mardi Himal base camp 4500mt
Various Route Options For Mardi Himal Trek
- Depending on your schedule and the season of your trip, you can choose the different route options for doing this trek. The most common and standard route begins from Kande and ends in Siding. The trail in this route passes through Australian Camp, Landruk, and then to Forest Camp. Simply, if you are not extending your trek to other routes, it is a great idea to end the trek at Siding and take a jeep to Pokhara.
- The second option for the Mardi Himal trekking is to start from Ghandruk or Kyumi and finish at Siding. For the trekkers wishing to do the Mardi Himal trek after finishing Poon hill or Annapurna base camp trek, this is excellent.
- If you have a really short time, you can choose the shortest route starting from Landruk and finishing at Siding. The novice trekkers are highly recommended to spend an acclimatization day before hiking over 3000 meters just to save themselves from getting altitude sickness.
Mardi Himal Trek For Hike Lover
The hike lovers having plenty of time to spend in the Himalayas are recommended to start their trek from Ghandruk and end at Kande. This is the longest route for Mardi Himal trek itinerary. Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest Himalayan hikes in the Annapurna region offering you amazing mountain vistas, beauteous and exotic landscape over rhododendron, pine, and oak forest, wonderful cultural and traditional life of the locals, and many more.
There are various routes to do the Mardi himal trekking. Depending on your interest and the number of days you want to spend exploring the Himalayas, please have a proper consultation with the experts of Himalayan Masters, who will be preparing an excellent itinerary and help you manage all kinds of requirements to make your trip a memorable experience of your life.
Since the world has been affected by the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) for months, we have been aware to maintain enough precautions to assure you a safe and well-organized trip during your Nepal stay. Himalayan Masters will leave no stone unturned to make your trip safe, entertaining, and successful during and after the pandemic of Covid-19.
ITINERAY
Day 01: Kathmandu – Pokhara (drive) 200km/6-7hrs.
There are two options to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The first option is to take a 25 minutes flight and the second is to travel by bus which normally takes 6 hours. Depending on your interest, you have many choices for means of roadways. The luxury tourist bus, normal tourist bus, private car, Jeep, or the local bus are the possible options. The price varies on the basis of the facilities and degree of comfort during the travel. know more about how to get kathmandu to pokhara.
If you take a morning flight to Pokhara, you can drive to Phedi and begin your trek the same day and have a pleasing overnight at one of the best teahouses in a beautiful village called Pothana. However, the trekkers travelling by bus will have overnight at a hotel in Pokhara and begin the trip the next day after having breakfast at the hotel,
or if you travel to pokhara by bus you will reach pokhara around 3 pm and you still have some time to explore in pokhara like boating and sightseeing around pokhara i wrote an article about best things to do in pokhara might be this article will help you.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel
Walking / Driving : 6-7hrs.
Day 02: Pokhara (1400 m) – Phedi (drive) – trek to Pothana (1900 m)
The second day of your trip begins with an amazing breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara. A private car or a jeep receives you from the hotel, and about an hour’s drive takes you to Phedi, from where your Mardi Himal trek officially starts. Upon arriving at Phedi, you have to be ready for about 5 hours hike to reach Pothana.
The trail from Phedi to Pothana is almost ascent that passes through rhododendron and pines woodland up to Dhampus from where the wonderful vistas of Annapurna massif, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu are so overwhelming. Enjoy a pleasing overnight at a teahouse with a wonderful view of Machhapuchhre, popularly known as Fishtail.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea house
Day 03: Pothana – Low Camp (3035 m)
Enjoy the wonderful breakfast and start the trek for Lower Camp, passing through the rhododendron forest and capturing the scenic views of snow-capped mountains along the trail in your camera. After the hike of about 4 hours, you will reach the day’s destination, the Lower Camp, which offers you the mesmerizing view of Mount Fishtail, popularly known as Mount Machhapuchhre.
The hospitality and the familial love and respect of the teahouse staff make you forget you are away from home. Enjoy a delicious dinner and have a sound sleep in a cozy bed.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea house
Day 04: Lower Camp – High Camp (3538 m)
The fourth day’s trek begins after breaking nearly 12 hours of fasting with the scrumptious food at about 7 o’clock in the morning. The trail for today is comparatively shorter and passes through cloud forests with mosses and lichen, ferns, etc. A nearly 1.5-hour hike takes you to the Middle Camp, probably the first stop of today’s trek. After an hour’s walk, you will pass Badal Danda, from where you can enjoy the close views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
The marvellous views of Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Mardi Himal really make you feel that you are in heaven. The trail after Badal Danda is significantly different than the lower trail. As you walk to the higher elevation, you won’t find the dense forest anymore. Instead, the trail is open and spacious, with very few rhododendron trees and probably a snowy path.
The colourful bird, Daphne (Lophophorus), is very common in this area and is also the national bird of Nepal. The unique species of other birds chirping from the twigs of rhododendron trees makes you dance, giving the impression that they are singing for you.
Finally, you will reach the high Camp where (probably) the palatable lunch is waiting for you. Chow down your lunch as you witness the pleasing views of towering mountains! Then, spend the rest of the day acclimatizing with the breath-catching sightseeing around by.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Day 05: High Camp – Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) – Siding (1710 m)
Today is the most exciting as well as the most challenging day of your trek. It is an exciting day in the sense that you are exploring the major destination of the trip and a challenging day as you have to ascend for about 4 hours to reach the base camp and then descend down steep and slippery downhill nearly for another 4 hours to reach the overnight station, Siding.
You will have to wake up early morning to enjoy the sunrise views from the Mardi Himal base camp at an elevation of 4500 meters. If you are lucky enough to have a favorable climate, you can reach the altitude of 5000 meters from where you can behold the amazing ice fields and blue glaciers of the Annapurna Sanctuary all below.
The picturesque views of Annapurna I (8091 m), Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, Baraha Shikhar, Fishtail, and many more fascinating peaks will be lifelong memories.
The trail from High Camp to the Base Camp is so astonishing that passes through a majestic pasture where you find herds of yak and flock of sheep grazing that are brought up to feed especially during summer. Besides, the pleasing movements of colorful birds, Daphne flying over the grass and perching on the rhododendron twig is no less than paradise.
Furthermore, if you spend a few minutes hearing the stories of the shepherds, you might remember the popular early seventeenth-century lyrics of Christopher Marlowe’s songs “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” and “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” by Sir Walter Raleigh.
Shepherd:
- Come live with me and be my love
- And we will all the pleasures prove
- That valleys, groves, hills, and fields
- Woods or steepy mountains yields
Nymph’s Reply:
- If all the world and love were young,
- And truth in every shepherd’s tongue,
- These pretty pleasures might be move
- To live with thee and be thy love.
After gaining the incredible experience at the highest point of the trip, it was time to descend back to Siding, which took about 4 hours. The trail goes steep down, usually slippery, so the hiking poles are the best to use. Such a grating trail leads you to the beautiful traditional village of Siding, where you will behold the wonderful cultural experience of the locals and stay overnight in one of the finest teahouses.
Also Read:- Packing list for Mardi Himal trek
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Day 06: Drive Siding to Pokhara
Early in the morning, we drive from Sidhing to Pokhara in a Jeep.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel
Day 07: Pokhara – Kathmandu (drive)
This is the day to say farewell to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu. As we have already mentioned in Day 1 there are two options to travel this 200 km distance either by plane or by bus. You can choose either of the options at your convenience. If you choose the roadway, we recommend the comfortable tourist luxury bus in which you can enjoy the travel with nice views of mountains, Trisuli River, and terraced farmland along the way.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Hotel
include / exclude
Trip Cost Includes
- Airport pick up & drop off service in a private vehicle
- 3-star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 3-star accommodation in pokhara with breakfast
- kathmandu to pokhara and pokhara to kathmandu by bus
- pokhara to phedi by car
- lumre to pokhara by jeep
- Best available clean and comfortable Tea house accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek
- Staff insurance and necessary ground transport for support staff
- Guide for 9 days
- Trekking permits – Annapurna conservation permit and TIMS Card.
- All Local and Government taxes, administrative charges
Trip Cost Excludes
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival or late departure
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Nepal Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance
- International flights
- Excess baggage fee
- Personal expenses (phone call, internet, laundry, bar bills, snacks, battery recharge, bottled or boiled water, souvenirs, hot showers, extra porter etc.)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porter and driver (tipping is expected)
useful info
Mardi Himal Altitude Chart
Required Permits:
The Mardi Himal trek is in the Annapurna region. If you are planning to trek in Mardi Himal Trek, you need two types of permits. One is Annapurna Conservation Area permits (ACAP) the one is the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Know more about Mardi himal and poon hill trek permits.
Is Mardi Trek for beginners?
Yes, this seven-day itinerary for Mardi Himal is perfect for beginners. This short and easy trek with comfortable accommodation is your best choice if you want to begin your Himalayan travelling journey.
Which month is best for Mardi Trek?
Mardi Himal can be done throughout the year, but the best months can only be September, October, and November. Since the sky is clear and the mountains are beautiful, Autumn is the best time for trekking. You can also trek in spring for greenery and colourful flowers, but the mountains appear a bit dull at night.
Which is the most difficult trek in the Himalayas?
The most difficult treks in the Himalayas include peak trekking and long base camp treks such as Kanchenjunga and Dhaulagiri. These mountain treks are very time-consuming and difficult and take a lot of your budget. Thankfully, there are shorter and easier treks in Nepal, such as the Mardi Himal Trek, where you can witness the stunning views of the Himalayas without having to spend thousands of dollars and months of your time.
How long does it take to do Mardi Trek?
If you start the journey from Kathmandu and plan to trick Mardi Himal comfortably in about seven days, You can get a private ride from Siding to Pokhara and complete the journey in six days. If you start from Pokhara, this trek could also be completed in 3 to 4 days, but you need to walk very quickly.
Do you need a guide for Mardi Himal Trek?
Until last year, you could have done mountain trekking in Nepal without a guide. However, the government of Nepal has now made it compulsory to hire a guide for trekking in the National Park and Himalayas of Nepal. This means you most hire a guide for Mardi Himal Trek. Hiring a guide can add about $25 each day to your trip, but it will make it easier for you to find the route and accommodation.
How long does it take to reach Mardi Himal from Pokhara?
The aerial distance of Mardi Himal from Pokhara is only 29 km. However, we hike for about 20 km from Pothana to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp. From Pokhara, Mardi Himal Trek takes three days to 4 days as per your itinerary.
What is the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp?
The height of Mardi Himal is 4500 m above sea level. The summit of Mardi is 5,587m above sea level, and you need a climbing permit to climb to the top and also some training. Trekking is allowed up to 4500 meters only.
What is the total cost of Mardi Himal Trek?
Also known as the cheapest base camp trek in Nepal, Mardi Himal can cost about $500 for this seven-day journey from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you can complete that trek in four days at $400 or less. If you travel without a porter and hire a guide in larger groups (and travel on a shared jeep), then you might be able to complete this trek for as little as $250.
How hard is the height of Mardi Himal Base?
The height of Mardi Base Camp is about 4500 meters, which is quite high. The risks of altitude sickness and shortness of breath are high at this altitude if you are not careful. Our expert guide from Himalayan Masters suggests many tips to overcome such lines.
How many days is the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek lasts from 3 to 7 days, depending upon your itinerary and number of resting days. We suggest that trekkers take seven days for the Mardi Himal Trek if they want to relax and explore the mountains at the same time.
Can you do Mardi Himal without a guide?
No. Legally, you are required to hire a licensed guide for all treks through the Himalayas. This rule has been implemented since 2023, and you must also hire a guide for Mardi Himal Trek.
Why do people trek to Mardi Himal?
Mardi Himal is the shortest base camp trek in the Annapurna region, which takes you to the beautiful side of the Annapurna Himalaya range. This four-day trek route along the forest passes through a stunning landscape of Alpine meadows and offers views of different mountains. This is also a cheap trek with great accommodation facilities and good food to throughout the journey.
Which is better, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?
Both of these treks lie in the same Himalayan range, that is, the Annapurna Himalayan range. The Mardi Himal Trek is a bit shorter, easier, and cheaper than the Annapurna base camp trek. The views from Annapaurna are more extensive than those from Mardi. It’s for you to decide the best one.
Which season is best for Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek can be done throughout the year, but trekking in the winter months is quite challenging. We recommend you travel in Autumn and Spring when Mardi really experience snowfall, and you can trek in calm weather. The views of the mountains are better in Autumn, but the surroundings look colourful and vibrant in spring.
How far is Mardi from Pokhara?
Pokhara to Mardi Himal base camp is about 60 km in total. The trek route is about 25 km, and you drive for about 40 km. Mardi base camp trek can be completed in three days from Pokhara.
How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost?
Well, many people ask me a question: how much does it cost for a Mardi Himal trek, we are a local adventure company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We organised a private and joining trip to Mardi himal, and its cost is about USD 600 to USD 900 depending on what type of service you want and even wrote an article about Mardi himal-trek cost. I mentioned everything in this article.
Can we climb Mardi Himal?
The height of the Mardi Himal peak is only 5,587 m, which is less than many trekking peaks of Nepal, such as Lobuche Peak and Mero Peak. However, the landscape of Mardi makes it difficult to trek or climb to the peak. That is why the government has issued climbing, for which you need a travel agency, guides, and short training sessions before you head to the Himals. However, you can climb up to Mardi base camp at 4500 m without any permission or climbing skills.
How do you go to Mardi Himal from Kathmandu?
Mardi Himal is accessible from Pokhara, a beautiful lake city the is about 200 km/8 hours of drive from Kathmandu. From Pokhara, you drive north for about one hour and then start the trek from Pothana. Then, there is a well-marked trekking trial that you can follow up to the high camp and then to the Mardi Base Camp. Then, you can return on the same way back to Sidhing and drive to Pokhara for about two hours.
How much elevation gain is Mardi Himal?
The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal, which is 4500 meters, and Pokhara, the starting point for the journey, is 800 meters. This means you will gain about 3700m on this trek, which is a very rapid altitude gain. That is why we request you to be very conscious of altitude sickness while you are on The Mardi Himal Trek.
What are the highlights of Mardi Himal Trek?
Being the shortest, easiest, and cheapest base camp trek is the main feature of Mardi Himal Trek. Nowhere else in Nepal can you reach the base of a mountain so quickly as in Mardi Himal. Also, the awesome view of Annapurna, Macchapuchre, and Dhauligiri ranges during the trek makes it very interesting. Although not the best trek for the culture and diversity of Nepal, it’s a great insight into the Himalayas at a low budget.
How far is Mardi from Pokhara?
Mardi Himal is almost 57 km away from Pokhara. You can cover half of the distance while driving to Pothana and the other half while walking up to the Mardi Himal base camp in 3 days.
How much does Mardi Himal Trek cost for Nepali?
For Nepalese, the Mardi Himal Trek cost is very cheap. From Kathmandu, you need about Rs.1000 to travel to Pokhara. The hotels in Pokhara can be expensive or cheap, depending on your choice. Once you move to the trek, it costs about 5000 from Pokhara to Mardi Base Camp and back. In total, the Mardi Himal Trek costs between Rs 10,000 to 12,000 per person.
Know more about mardi himal trek cost.
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Based on your preferences, location, timeframe, and budget, our team can design your dream trek based on our extensive knowledge and experience of the Himalayas. Get in touch with us for detailed information and assistance planning your dream trek. With our 97% success rate on trekking and climbing trips in 2022 and 2023 spring season, we will answer any questions you may have and guide you for an unforgettable experience.
