The Mardi Himal Trek is a short, high-altitude trekking route in the Annapurna region that reaches up to 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, offering close-range views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Starting from the hills above Pokhara, the trail climbs rapidly from forested terrain into exposed alpine ridges, making it one of the most scenic treks in Nepal relative to its duration.
What makes this trek distinct is how directly it approaches the mountains. Unlike loop treks or valley-based routes, Mardi Himal follows a narrow ridgeline for much of the upper section, with continuous views on both sides and minimal village traffic beyond Low Camp.
Once above the tree line, villages thin out, the landscape opens, and the mountains remain in constant view—this is where the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek truly separates itself from more commercial routes.
If you book this trek with Sublime Trails, you are booking a route we operate ourselves—not a copied itinerary or a resold package. We run this trek on the ground every season, managing the pace, route, accommodation, and safety directly through our own team. What you see on this page is the exact trekking product we offer and operate.
Our guides know the Mardi Himal trail intimately, especially the critical upper sections beyond Low Camp where the terrain becomes steep, narrow, and weather-exposed. The ascent from High Camp toward Base Camp involves sustained uphill walking and rapid altitude gain, and our guides manage this section carefully to maintain safety and proper acclimatization.
Highlights of the Mardi Base Camp Trek
- Immerse in unique mountain cultures and traditions. Walk past charming, off-the-beaten-path villages and embrace cultural diversity by interacting with locals of the Gurung, Magar, and Thakali communities.
- Enjoy the magnificent view of dizzying peaks, gushing rivers, and sweeping meadows. Watch the freshening view of Mt Fishtail, Annapurna I, and Mardi Himal.
- Discover the natural marvels and wilderness of Low Camp. Stroll its quiet trail to enjoy glimpses of varied wildlife amidst the unspoiled charm of Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Push higher to High Camp for awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and rolling alpine meadows.
- Witness the sunrise over the Annapurna and Machapuchare ranges, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson.
- Spot rare Himalayan birds, colorful wildflowers, and diverse plant life along the trail. Trek through the serene forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine, offering a tranquil escape from crowded paths. Capture postcard-perfect scenery, from misty valleys to panoramic summits and serene rivers.
Some Key Facts About Trekking to Mardi Himal
Region: Annapurna Region, Nepal
Maximum Sleeping Altitude: 3,580 m (High Camp)
Maximum Trip Altitude: 4250m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Total Trek Distance: ~40–45 km
Daily Walking Time: 4–7 hours
Best Seasons: March–May, September–November
Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
Meals: Local and continental
Major Mountains Seen: Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal
Trail Type: Forest paths, ridgelines, alpine terrain
Permits Required: ACAP, TIMS
Suitable For: Fit beginners and regular hikers
Crowd Level: Low to moderate
Mobile Network: Limited after Low Camp
Why Book the Trek with Sublime Trails
- Expert local guides: Our guides are from the region and have extensive experience on the Mardi Himal trail, ensuring safe navigation, accurate weather judgment, and insightful cultural and mountain knowledge throughout the trek.
- Well-paced itineraries: Our itinerary is designed to balance daily walking hours and altitude gain, allowing proper acclimatization, reduced fatigue, and more time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing between camps.
- Carefully selected lodges: We choose reliable teahouses known for cleanliness, warm dining areas, and consistent food quality, which directly impacts comfort and recovery at higher altitudes.
- Transparent pricing: All costs, inclusions, and exclusions are clearly explained upfront, ensuring no surprises during or after the trek.
- Personalized service: We operate with small groups and provide attentive, flexible support, allowing adjustments based on group pace, weather conditions, and individual comfort levels.
Who Is This Trek For?
- 1. Fit Beginners Looking for a Himalayan Experience
This trek is perfect for newcomers to Himalayan trekking who are in decent physical condition. The trails are well-marked, and teahouses are available along the route, making it easier for beginners to navigate and rest. With proper pacing and preparation, even first-time trekkers can enjoy breathtaking mountain views without technical climbing challenges.
- 2. Experienced Trekkers Seeking Moderate Challenges
For trekkers who have done shorter or less demanding hikes, Mardi Himal offers a moderate challenge. The combination of steep ascents, long walking hours, and gradual altitude gain provides a satisfying test of endurance while still being achievable for those familiar with trekking in the mountains.
- 3. Adventure Enthusiasts Who Enjoy Long Uphill Walks
The trek appeals to those who love uphill climbs, forest trails, and high-altitude trekking. With multiple consecutive days of ascending trails and varying terrain, adventure seekers will find the physical challenge rewarding, especially with the dramatic vistas and remote wilderness along the way.
- 4. Nature and Photography Lovers
Mardi Himal is a haven for travelers who want to immerse themselves in nature, rhododendron forests, and panoramic Himalayan landscapes. The trek offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, sunrise photography at High Camp and the viewpoint, and uninterrupted views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- 5. Individuals Willing to Prepare for Altitude and Multi-Day Hiking
This trek requires preparation for both altitude and multi-day walking. People who commit to acclimatization, maintain a reasonable fitness routine beforehand, and understand the demands of several days of trekking will find the journey more enjoyable. Those willing to respect their limits and pace themselves can safely complete the trek and fully appreciate its rewards.
How Difficult is Trekking to Mardi?
The Mardi Himal Trek is moderately difficult overall, with some genuinely difficult days, especially for trekkers who are not accustomed to long uphill climbs, sustained altitude gain, or extended descents on stone steps.
The short Mardi Trek is a 61.3km stretch through a scenic wilderness of the Annapurna region. The off-beaten trail drives from Kande and weaves its way through Deurali and Low Camp, journeying a distance of 13.5km. While the trail never requires technical climbing skills, the combination of steep terrain, altitude gain, long walking hours, and thinning oxygen adds to the challenge.
Day 1 feels deceptively tough for a short day. The trek begins immediately with a steep staircase climb from Kande, often under direct sunlight. Although the altitude gain is modest, the heat, stairs, and lack of shade can make this day surprisingly exhausting if you start late. Fitness matters more than altitude here.
Day 2 is one of the hardest days of the trek. The trail is mostly uphill, and the final push from Forest Camp to Low Camp is a continuous ascent after already walking for several hours. Fatigue accumulates quickly, and sudden weather changes dramatically increase the difficulty.
Meanwhile, Day 3 is comparatively moderate, despite reaching a higher altitude. The walking time is shorter, and the climbs are broken into manageable sections. However, the reduced oxygen (66%) begins to affect breathing and energy levels. Lightheadedness and slower pace are common, and this is the first day when altitude awareness becomes important. The terrain alternates between gradual paths and steep staircases, but remains enjoyable if taken slowly.
Day 4 is the most demanding day of your trek to Mardi Himal, both physically and mentally. The pre-dawn start, cold temperatures, and steep ascent to over 4,200–4,500 meters make this day challenging even for experienced trekkers. The altitude (only 59% oxygen at Base Camp) is the biggest obstacle, not the trail itself.
The climb to the viewpoint is steep and relentless, and snow can significantly increase difficulty, sometimes making Base Camp unsafe. Descending is technically easy but extremely long, with over 1,500 meters of downhill, which is hard on knees and joints.
Day 5 is easy in terms of fitness but hard on the body, especially the knees. The steep downhill to Sidhing puts heavy impact stress on joints, and we highly recommend trekking poles or knee supports. While altitude is no longer an issue, fatigue from previous days will linger.
Trek Distance | Trekking Hours | Elevation | |
|---|---|---|---|
Kande - Deurali | 5.5km | 5 hrs | 2,100m |
Deurali - Low Camp | 13.5km | 6 hrs | 2,600m |
Low Camp - High Camp | 13km | 10-11 hrs | 4,500m |
High Camp - Pothana | 23km | 12 hrs | 1,890m |
Pothana - Phedi | 6.3km | 3 hrs | 1,130m |
Why a 5-day itinerary for a trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
Surely, you can trek Mardi in as little as 3 days or a week, depending on how far you plan to go and the route you choose. However, we advise you to do a 5-day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek as it integrates the trek distance, elevation, and route to perfection.
The short 5-day Mardi Trek makes a great adventure for trekkers of all skills and is one of the popular 5-day trekking journeys in Nepal. While the slow-paced hike below high camp amuses beginners, the alpine terrain brings a thrill to adventurers. Much less the many amazing views of pristine rivers and shimmering peaks that enliven the journey.
The trek is certain to awe-struck hikers with its ecological diversity, equally challenged by cross-culturalism. Trekkers can delve into Nepalese cultures and traditions through the rich heritage and diversity of the Magar and Gurung communities.
The 5-day trekking itinerary to Mardi is short but not too short, like the 3-day alternative, where you will have to rush between destinations. You can explore all the major places on a run. For those who have all the time in the world, we can work on the itinerary and incorporate it with other treks, including the Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek or the Poon Hill Trek.
