Travel Guides

Nepal Trekking Routes

Mardi Himal Trek
5 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
    Mardi Himal Trek Cost
    Amazing view of Mount Machhapuchhre from Mardi Himal Trek.

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 SidingFor 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.

ITINERAY

Day 01: Kathmandu – Pokhara (drive) 200km/6-7hrs.

Pikey Peak Trek
Boudhanath Kathmandu.

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.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Peace pagoda Pokhara.

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.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost
Yaks Grazing on the Mardi Himal Base Camp area.

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

Mardi Himal Altitude
Mardi Himal Altitude

How difficult is Mardi Himal trek?

The Mardi Himal trekking is seen as moderate to strenuous, and it is recommended to have healthy body status and be ready to handle high altitudes. The trek goes up to an altitude of over 4500 meters, use steep inclined and rough surface as well as unpredictable weather conditions. Despite not being very technical, it’s better suited for those with previous experience of trekking at higher altitudes.

Trip Grade for Mardi Himal Trek

  • Fitness Level: Physical fitness is moderate to high as the trip involves moderate trekking for about 5-6 hours with a bag. Pre-cardio training and strength training are suggested.
  • Medical: People with Complicated medical history should seek medical advice before using the product. Please double check to see if you are fit for high altitude trekking and if you are okay with altitude related sicknesses.
  • Health: You should be fit and able to cope with the altitude of the region. Before one can start the trek, it is important to be physically fit and healthy.

Altitude Sickness at Mardi Himal trek

This is another common problem likely to be experienced on the Mardi Himal base camp trek; the pains and discomfort associated with high Mardi Himal trek altitude. Measures that people need to take in acclimatization include correct climbing techniques, taking the right amount of water and awareness of signs of how you will feel, such as headache, nausea and tiredness. It is recommended to seek medical advice and to possess Diamox (acetazolamide) for the prevention and elimination of the condition.

Mardi Himal trek experience

While there is no strict need to have done a trekking before doing this one, it is very advantageous to have an experience in high altitude trekking. In order for the challenges to be assessed, a certain level of experience is required in the following aspects: having some Mardi Himal trek experience in navigating through the rough terrains while using trekking gears and having at least basic knowledge of how to survive in the wild.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost
Trekkers on the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Emergency and Evacuation

Medical and rescue services in this area are limited with few available emergency service providers. This made me realize that any trip would require adequate medical evacuation coverage and one also has to ensure they get a wide travelling insurance cover. It remains important that you should know when there is an emergency or an exit to take.

Kit and Equipment for Mardi Himal trek

General equipment that trekkers should use include strong hiking boots, waterproofed coats, warm clothing, head lamps, walking sticks and not less than a forty-liter pack. You might think of leasing equipment if you have to, depending on the situation. However, some other essentials that a traveler should carry include; a first aid kit; water purification tablets or filter; sun screen lotion; hat, and sunglasses.

Special Training:

It is not necessary to go through a professional physiotherapy session but it is advisable to include elements of high Mardi Himal trek altitude training, cardio exercises and strength training. In such cases, it may be advisable to seek the advice of a fitness professional for an individual fitness training programme.

Mardi Himal trek best season

best time for Mardi Himal Trek
best time for Mardi Himal Trek

It is recommended that one should attempt the Mardi Himal trek in spring (March to May) as well as autumn (September to November) since the sceneries at this period offer the best environment of the great Himalayans.  Following the winter season there is the spring season characterized by the much-cherished beauty of colors of the Rhododendron flowers on the hill slopes.

Mardi Himal trek best season the trails are relatively dry and frequently traveled and thus are quite good for trekking especially towards the later parts of spring and autumn after the thaw has begun to set in and before the onset of the monsoon rains. Autumns and springs are best season for Mardi Himal trek because the weather is cold and dry but it is better for trekking because the rains during these periods are lighter, even during these good months, the climates in the Himalayas change significantly and explorers should expect it with any period of the year.

Mardi Himal Trek Weather Forecast

The weather in Mardi Himal is quite erratic, which is a well-known fact and this comes as an extra spice to the adventure treks. It will be cool in the evening, breezy at times and even some snow occasionally. The fluctuation of these conditions necessitates packing layers of clothing. An absolute must-have is a waterproof jacket because sometimes when it seems that the sun shines and the weather is warm, rain can begin at any moment. Find out the weather predictions before you begin your climb, and be prepared to make changes as you progress.

best Nepal Treks
Yaks on Mardi Himal Base camp.

Mardi Himal Trek Permits:

The Mardi Himal trek requires two primary permits: the TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The TIMS card is a mandatory registration for all trekkers in Nepal, providing essential information about your trek and contributing to the safety and management of trekking routes. The ACAP, on the other hand, is specific to the Annapurna region and allows you to access the trails within this protected area. You can obtain both permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara at designated offices. Remember to carry both permits throughout your trek, as they might be checked at various checkpoints along the way.

Accommodation and Food in Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

There are several choices of lodging in the Mardi Himal trekking depending on what kind of accommodation one is comfortable with or is willing to pay for. Hotels in Mardi Himal trek are mostly small and can be found in many families and although they provide very minimal facilities including beds, blankets and at times hot water they offer a true face of the local people. It is one of the best ways to engage with local stakeholders and get a true taste of the culture and warmth of the region.

Compared to these, lodges are relatively more modern with basic facilities such as hot shower, better bed, and even power outlets for charging devices. They offer a good soft option to those who like more comfortable surfaces. Food during the trek is basic and usually Nepali food and the meals that are offered could include rice, dal bhat, momos and other types of vegetables. The food itself may not be gourmet but it is wholesome and been prepared to give you the energy you need for trekking.

Electricity and Battery Recharge in Mardi Himal Trek

There are charging capability in the tea houses and lodges though they can be expensive and some accommodations may not have charging services or have limited charging services. Some of the small appliances include a phone, digital camera, headlamp among others; hence it is wise to carry a portable power bank or solar charger. Charge the devices which have a more critical importance during disasters, navigation, and communication.

Roads On The Mardi Himal And How To Avoid Them

The way from Kathmandu to Pokhara might be under construction so you might face some bumpy roads on the way to Mardi Base Camp. But once you start trekking you will have no any connection with the roads. Its just the Mardi Himal Trek path.

Alternative Mardi Himal Trekking Routes

The Mardi Himal trek, on its own, is already an exciting journey; however for those who wish to spend more days and see more of the beauty of the Annapurna region, the trek can be linked with other treks. For example, one can opt to take a longer hiking route that takes her to ABC and Mardi Himal trek which provides striking and superb views of the Annapurna massif mountain ranges. In this case, you can consider incorporating poon hill and Mardi Himal trek into the itinerary, which will give breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Himalayas.

With Himalayan Masters

Booking and Airport Pickup

Himalayan Masters give you a hassle free booking and pickup from airport itself. Then you will have a brief session at the office about the Mardi Himal Trek.

Support Team

Having a guide, porter, and cooks contributing to the trekking experience can be very resourceful. Hiking guides are important because they are knowledgeable about the local geography and culture and can lead hikers through the trail.

Starting and Ending Point of Mardi Trek

The Mardi Himal trek usually begins at the beautiful city of Pokhara. The trek finishes at Pokhara makes it a comfortable destination, where the trekkers can rest and explore the sights of the city before going back home.

A Day in the life on the Mardi Himal Trekking

A day on the Mardi Himal trek usually last up to 5-6 hours during which you traverse through various terrains, observe numerous picturesque villages, and at the end be met with stunning views of the Himalayan range. You will take lunch breaks and tea breaks where you get to taste some of the local foods or snacks while on the trail. At evening, you are in a particular and lovely tea house or lodge and get warm welcome. Savor delicious food, spend some time chatting with other people from the group and get some rest before the next day’s activities.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost
Machhapuchhre seen from Mardi Himal.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

Mardi Himal trek cost you $500 per person for the entire trip. The Mardi Himal trek cost can differ from one day to another, depending on the trek length, the number of people in your group, the type of lodges or teahouses you will stay at and whether you go trekking on your own or hire a travel agency.

Breakdown of Mardi Himal trek cost:

  • Permits: The ACAP charges about 30 USD while the TIMS card is comparatively cheaper at 10 USD.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation along the route ranges from $5 to $20 per night based on the facility’s standard.
  • Food: Food on a trek costs about $10 to $20 a day according to individual’s preference.
  • Transportation: Shuttle services to and from the trailhead range from $ 30-$ 50.
  • Guide Fees: The services of the guide are not compulsory but highly advisable and they charge about 25 US dollars per day.

These Mardi Himal trek cost may vary depending on personalities and the way travellers would want to experience the country. For instance, taking a lodge that is costlier or hiring a private guide to help with the tour will cost more. But with little research and a well-planned budget, the Mardi Himal trek can be a very enjoyable and cheap adventure.

Insurance for the trek

Proper travel insurance must be obtained before engaging in any form of trekking and especially in areas where medical facilities are scarce. Your insurance should cover medical risks, evacuation, lost belonging, and cancellation of the trip. This will help you to be prepared for any eventuality while on the trek and protect your financial needs adequately.

Additional Expenses for Mardi Himal Trek

For the main trekking expenses, one should consider other Mardi Himal trek cost that may occur during the tour, such as the visa fee to visit Nepal, international flights, transfers within the country, and miscellaneous purchases and spending money. Also, tips, additional gears can also be your additional costs.

ATMs in Mardi Himal Trek

Cash can easily be accessed in Pokhara and Kathmandu following the presence of ATM machines. However, it is suggested that one should also possess some amount of cash with you before the trek as most of the ATMs are rare in the trail.

FAQs

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?

How long does it take to do Mardi Trek?

Do you need a guide for Mardi Himal Trek?

Do you need a guide for Mardi Himal Trek?

How long does it take to reach Mardi Himal from Pokhara?

What is the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp?

What is the total cost of Mardi Himal Trek?

How hard is the height of Mardi Himal Base?

How many days is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Can you do Mardi Himal without a guide?

Why do people trek to Mardi Himal?

Which is better, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Mardi Himal Trek?

Which season is best for Mardi Himal Trek?

How far is Mardi from Pokhara?

How much does the Mardi Himal trek cost?

Can we climb Mardi Himal?

How do you go to Mardi Himal from Kathmandu?

How much elevation gain is Mardi Himal?

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How far is Mardi from Pokhara?

How much does Mardi Himal Trek cost for Nepali?

UNSURE WHERE TO GO? WE CAN HELP

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.