Mardi Himal Trek

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Trip Overview
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Trip Start and End: Pokhara - Pokhara
  • Trip Area: Mardi Base Camp
  • Trip Style: Active/ Adventure
  • Age Group: 10+
  • Trip Type: Private and Group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant booking
  • Max. Altitude: 4250m
  • Best Season: Mar-May/ Sep-Dec
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

Mardi Himal Trek is a newly discovered easy-to-moderate trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal that melds classic trekking spirit in a laid-back style. The 25-mile trek is a high-altitude retreat where nature meets culture in its truest form. The trek takes you from the cultural enclaves of Annapurna to the rugged mountains with epic views. Not only does it offer breathtaking alpine scenery but Mardi provides you with an up-close view of Annapurna I and Machhapuchare which is otherwise observed only from Annapurna Base Camp.

Highlights of Mardi High Trek in Nepal

  • 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.
  • Immerse in unique mountain cultures and traditions. 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, while walking past remote hamlets. Watch the freshening view of Mt Fishtail, Annapurna I, and Mardi Himal.

On this short Mardi Himal Trek, you’ll walk a lesser-known route of Annapurna to get a taste of Nepal’s dramatic mountain scenery without too many physical challenges. The route will take you through pristine alpine and sub-alpine forests and past the antique Gurung villages, which possess a timeless charm.

You’ll start the trip with an hour's drive from Pokhara to Kande, following the serene Seti River. From the trailhead at Kande, you’ll trek through lowland pastures and rural mountain villages to Deurali. You will catch a break at Pothana on your way up for lunch.

On Day 2 of the trip, hike through an enchanting rhododendron forest to Low Camp and then to High Camp on Day 3. Enjoy the pleasant respite, while gazing at the breathtaking mountain view. The next day involves trekking from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which features an impressive view of Annapurna I, Machhapuchare, Gangapurna, and Tent Peak (Tharpu Chuli).

The views on the trek are equally awe-inspiring and majestic as on the ridge. Catch glimpses of majestic river valleys, Mardi Khola on the left and Seti River on the right. After the exploration, detour to the high camp and stay overnight in a teahouse at Badal Danda.

On Day 5, trek to Siding from Badal Danda following the forested terrains full of rhododendrons, birch, and oak. Be awe-struck by the charming Himalayan landscapes, pastoral villages, and lofty hills. Finally, you will drive back to Pokhara to conclude the 5-Day Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Mardi Himal Viewpoint snapshot as seen on Google Earth

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 Trekking 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 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 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.

How Much Does Trekking to Mardi Himal Cost from Pokhara?

The average Mardi Himal Trek cost per person is around USD 450. This covers all the costs detailed within the itinerary, including the entrance fee and permits. The accommodation is arranged in a teahouse where the cost varies according to the group size.

Your Mardi Himal Trek expenses include breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all your days on the trail. Other variables that add to the Mardi Himal Trekking cost are the wages and salaries for porters and guides.

Remember that the cost isn’t fixed and varies depending on the length of the trek. For instance, the 7-day Mardi Himal Trek is costlier than the ones with a short duration. The customized itinerary for a private trek to Mardi is also higher than par but if you want to trek on a budget then it's better to join a group. In either case, we’ll provide you with the best price for Mardi Himal Trekking.

In the meantime, we also recommend carrying a budget of USD 20 to 30 per day for personal expenses, extra drinks, souvenir shopping, tipping, and more. Remember to carry the Nepalese currency equivalent in cash.

Nepal Mardi Himal Trek Distance, Altitude, and Difficulty

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.

Furthermore, it covers a distance of 13 km to wind up at Base Camp and travels 18.2 miles to finish at Phedi. There are plenty of other options for the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal, but the best call you can make is to take a trip from Pokhara and start the actual trek from Kande.

At a peak apex of 4,500m, Mardi Himal Trek altitude gives shivers down the spine to trekkers. Its speedily rising trail with 2,400m of ascent takes you on a rollercoaster ride from valleys low to mountains high.

 
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 

For a high-altitude trek, Mardi Himal isn’t as demanding as many others. The trek is fairly easy and recommended to anyone with a good fitness level. The hike to Deurali and further up to Forest Camp is fairly short and easier to meet.

The trail itself is clear and connected to a string of villages, giving you access to more remote destinations. However, to close the gap, you’ll have to ascend 500 meters a day at minimum in a few miles. So, be wary of the vertical gain or it might take a toll on your body.

The greatest Mardi Himal trek difficulty is probably the hike to Pothana from High Camp where you’ll descend 2,610 meters below to Mardi River Valley. The hike out of the mountainous terrain is easy.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1:Drive from Pokhara to Kande, Trek to DeuraliAltitude: 3,200 m (10,498 feet)
  • Day 2:Trek from Deurali to Low CampAltitude: 3,035 m
  • Day 3:Trek from Low Camp to High CampAltitude: 3,580 m
  • Day 4:High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descent to Badal DandaAltitude: 3210 m
  • Day 5:Descent from Badal Danda to Siding, Drive to PokharaAltitude: 820 m

Day 1:Drive from Pokhara to Kande, Trek to Deurali

  • Max Altitude3,200 m (10,498 feet)
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsLunch and Dinner

You’ll drive to Kande from Pokhara this morning along the Mid-Hill highway for about an hour. The driving route from Pokhara to Kande passes through Hemja, Phedi, and Naudanda.

You’ll kick off the trek at Phedi through dense woods embellished with rhododendrons and into the terraced fields. After lunch at Pothana, you’ll make a final ascent to Deurali.

Day 2:Trek from Deurali to Low Camp

  • Max Altitude3,035 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

After breakfast, you’ll start your hike to Forest Camp. First, you’ll trek along the rhododendron forest, then ascend the steep slopes into the alpine region. Further along, you’ll cross the streams and head towards Low Camp, which offers a stunning view of Mardi. The trek from Deurali to Low Camp takes 6 to 7 hours.

Keep an eye out on the way to spot varied wildlife in the region including Himalayan Thar and Musk Deer.

Day 3:Trek from Low Camp to High Camp

  • Max Altitude3,580 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You’ll wake up to see the marvelous views of Machhapuchare and Annapurna in Low Camp. Then, you’ll follow the steep slopes through the dense wood adorned with oak and maple trees. After lunch at Badal Danda, you’ll trek along the ridge to High Camp. The entire journey between the two camps takes 7 hours.

Day 4:High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descent to Badal Danda

  • Max Altitude3210 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will now aim for Mardi Himal Base Camp after breakfast at 7 and be rewarded with an up-close view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna, and Mt. Fishtail. The trek from Mardi High Camp to the Base Camp takes 7 hours.

After the exploration, you’ll return to High Camp and descend further to Badal Danda which takes another 2 hours. At 3210 m, Badal Danda is arguably the best vantage point in the Mardi Himal Trek.

Day 5:Descent from Badal Danda to Siding, Drive to Pokhara

  • Max Altitude820 m
  • MealsBreakfast and Lunch

On the final day,  you’ll trek down 5 hours to Siding at an altitude of 1,750 m. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Machhapuchare on the way. Finally, you’ll take a jeep from Siding and descend through the rough roads to eventually reach Pokhara.

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Trip Map

Mardi Himal Trek Map

Cost Details

Included

  • 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners during the trek
  • Tea house accommodation for 4 nights
  • private transport from Pokhara to Kande and return for Siding
  • Expert Trekking guide and porter (1 porter between 2 people)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area permit fee
  • TIMS Card fee
  • Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and the Tax department
  • Salary and food for guide porters
  • First Aid service in case of minor injuries

Excluded

  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for guide and porter

Trip Essential Information

When is the best time for Mardi Himal Trek?

Spring and Autumn are generally the best times to go Mardi Himal Trek. During these seasons, you can enjoy temperate weather with marvelous color blooms and festive treats.

September through October is generally when the temperature starts to heat up. The fall foliage starts to loom by the time, putting up an idyllic setup and picturesque view. Spring too keeps the crowd busy with a stunning display of rhododendron and oak.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a minimal crowd, it’s best to avoid trekking in these seasons. You’d better take the chance in winter when the trekkers have descended the trail. This way, you won’t have to beat the crowd to explore the marvels of the Annapurna region.

Summer is another great time when you can enjoy a thin crowd but mind it trekking in this season is slightly tougher. Summers in Mardi are hot with temperatures edging closer to 23 Degrees Celsius.

You’ll experience intense heat and downpours, which can resist the exploration but doesn’t keep you off the trail. With proper planning and preparation, you can easily pull off this trek. But do make sure to bring a waterproof jacket or you might get drenched.

Communication, Meals & Accommodation for Mardi Himal Trekking

A variety of accommodation options are available during the 5-day Mardi Himal Trek. You can stay in popular hotels and resorts at Phedi and Deurali for as long as you go private and not on a budget. However, when trekking in a group, you’ll have to go by with a locally run teahouse.

They are often small and can accommodate only a few trekkers at a time. The facilities offered are basic, with twin-shared bedrooms and a common toilet. Despite this, the hospitality and ambiance of these teahouses are unmatched and elemental to make the trek special.

It’s expected that your breakfast and dinner are offered where you stay whereas lunch is arranged on the trek. These meals are warm and hearty to indulge your tastebuds. The breakfast menu at Deurali and Low Camp has bread, egg, butter, French toast, oatmeal, cornflakes, and Tsampa porridge.

Farther up at High Camp, the options are limited but we’ll still provide you with plenty of nutritious meals to keep you up until lunch. Speaking of which, you get a full option for lunch as well with Thukpa, pasta, sandwiches, dumplings, and Spaghetti, regular on the menu.

The Nepalese staple dish, Dal-Bhat and Tarkari is still the favorite of trekkers. They are satisfying and sufficiently well to provide you with much-needed energy. The items at the dinner are quite similar to lunch.

The teahouses in Mardi even provide a wi-fi service for a minimal fee. You can use them to connect with your family and let them know your whereabouts. If not, put your cell phone to test as the network coverage on the trail is strong, especially at Low Camp and below.

Why Mardi Himal Trek 5 days with Sublime Trails?

Sublime Trails offers a logistically planned 5-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary, set up by a team of experts and guides. They planned it comprehensively using all sources of information to make the trek as viable as possible.

Our small guided group trek to Mardi is led by experts who have profound knowledge of the trek routes and communities. They will be with you throughout the entire trip, helping you interact with locals and broaden your horizons in Nepalese culture.

The short Mardi Trek is for all and it’s not hard to understand why as the entire trek is 38 miles. With an accumulated elevation of just 2,400m, the trek can be ventured by both women and seniors (over 55 years) but remember you must be fit for the endeavor.

The trek is highly recommended by Sublime Trail as it enjoys an easier route with a shorter duration. It offers you an experience of high-altitude trekking without all the strenuous climbs. Also every ascend will bring you closer to Annapurna massif and Mardi Himal.

Packing List for the 5-Day Mardi Trekking

Equipment can make or break your trek in Mardi so, be careful of what you bring along the trek. Make sure to carry the right gear that’s apt for the weather instead of picking random stuff in-store.

To determine the essential best fit, think of the trek duration and the weather at the time. Suit up for the conditions, especially in winter when the weather is shifty. It’s advisable to abandon non-essential items, particularly the ones you’ll carry with you. Here are some of the packing lists for Mardi Himal Trek.

  • Lightweight fleece/ softshell jacket
  • Breathable waterproof jacket
  • T-shirts with underlayer
  • Long sleeve shirt
  • Trekking pants
  • Waterproof pants
  • Trekking shorts
  • Thick trekking socks
  • Trekking boots
  • Slippers/ sandals
  • Daypack
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterbottle
  • General Toiletries
  • Personal Medication
  • Travel adapter, phone, and charger

FAQs

  • The trek to Mardi Himal is a short 5-day trek through the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes along the swift streams and into the rhododendron forests. The 61.3 km trek makes its way past the quiet villages and friendly mountain teahouse, where you’ll receive warm hospitality.

  • The trek to Mardi is quite safe and easy. Its trails are relatively less demanding with no risk of landslides in high altitudes. Still, careful planning with sufficient gear is essential for a safe journey. You’ll need to be aware of the steep and slippery terrains.

  • The risk of altitude sickness at Mardi Himal Base Camp is slime but not zero. Trekking anywhere above the 3000m can make you dizzy due to low oxygen. Other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness are also evident in altitude sickness.

  • Trekking solo on Mardi Himal is no longer allowed due to new restrictions enforced by the government. Given the safety concerns, you’ll have to be accompanied by a licensed trek guide all along.

  • In Nepal, it’s customary to tip your crew after the adventure. Trekkers are expected to tip porters and guides as a reward for an exceptional service. While there’s no fixed amount to give, we suggest you tip a minimum of 10 percent of the total cost. Feel free to tip more if the service is exceptional.

  • Mardi is a short-distance moderate trek so it doesn’t need extra planning and preparation as most others. There’s no need to indulge in intense training and exercise but we advise that you try to stay fit and eat healthy.

  • Although the highest point on the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,500 meters, there’s still a risk of altitude sickness so it’s wise to get travel insurance. It’ll mitigate the financial loss and compensate for expenses like emergency evacuation, medical treatment, and other contingencies.

  • An ACAP permit is a must to trek to Mardi Himal for foreign trekkers and it costs NPR 3000. Besides this, you’ll also have to obtain TIMS, which costs NPR 2000.

  • Our trekking crew members and guides are trained to deal with trivial medical issues. They'll guide you to a lower altitude if you don’t feel good on the trek. In case of a medical emergency, helicopter evacuation is available, the cost of which will be covered by your insurance.

  • You can get a visa on arrival at the entry and exit point of Tribhuvan International Airport. Travelers can also do it online up to 15 days in advance.

  • Yes, you can shower during the trekking journey to Mardi Himal. You can shower in the tea houses you will be staying in during the trek. However, it is uncomfortable to shower with cold water at high altitudes and you will have to pay additional fees to the teahouses for hot water.

  • Yes, you can have a cell phone and internet access during the trek. The network coverage might be weak at some places but it works most of the time during the trek. For the internet, you can use mobile data provided by Nepal Telecom or Ncell. The tea houses let you charge your gadgets for an additional fee, and it's always wise to carry a power bank with you.

Price Per PersonUS$4505Days
See Group Price
No. of PersonPrice Per Person
1 personUS$550
2 - 5 personsUS$450
6 - 10 personsUS$400
10 - 20 personsUS$380
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Mardi Himal Trek Reviews

5.0based on 6 reviews
  • R
    Regina PDecember 05, 2022
    TripAdvisor

    Exquise Mardi Himal experience with best guide Ajit

    I wanted a short but beautiful trek and found Mardi Himal Trek as best. I completed it in 4 days with my fantastic guide Mr. Ajit. I enjoyed the drive from Pokhara to Kande and hiked to Mardi High Camp. Although there was no snow at this time, I enjoyed the clear viewing of landscapes. The experience was amazing.

    I have to express my gratitude to Mr. Ram from Sublime Trails. He was a very persuasive guy with the best communication skills. He arranged everything for this trek to ensure that I get the ultimate experience, and I get it too. Thanks, Ram. Looking forward to doing further trips with you

  • E
    Eren MorelJuly 15, 2022
    TripAdvisor

    Mardi Himal trek on Monsoon, greenery and fresh landscape

    Monsoon in Nepal in July is not the best time for trekking but I completed the Mardi Himal trek successfully with Sublime Trails. Rain was disturbing our hike but the greenery was best. Every hill and valley was spectacularly green. Also, Mardi Himal was looking sharp with clear weather. Mr. Ram from Sublime Trails also arranged Pokahra tour for us as complementary of this trekking. He is a professional yet humble tour operator. Also, thanks to guide Ajit for taking our care throughout. Sublime Trails, best. Everything were best. Good luck.

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