Mardi Himal Trek

8 Days
Moderate

Max. Altitude

4,500 m

Best Season

Oct -Dec & March-May

Activity

Trekking

Start / End Point

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Overview of Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is the name of the long rising ridge and its summit (5,588m), which forms the southwesterly slope of Mt. Machhapuchhre, immediately below its vertical south face. The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened route and a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region, taking you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek is one of the short and striking treks, completed within 8 days, and is suitable for beginners to moderate trekkers, including families with minors.

This trek is the best destination to avoid the crowds. The marvelous Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region offers an amazing view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu ranges. Mardi Himal base camp, Landscapes, and Gurung villages are the major attractions of this trek. Likewise, the trek to Mardi takes you through some of the interesting villages and offers opportunities to experience how people live in the remote areas of Nepal.

The Mardi Himal Trek is an alternative to the well-renowned Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering magnificent views of snowy peaks amidst small Nepali villages. During the trek, green forests, authentic villages, Himalayan birds, wild and domesticated animals, Yak herders’ traditional huts, distant views of the horizon, and smiling local people are always around you. Additionally, the Mardi Base viewpoint (4,200m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) are the major highlights of the trek.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

You can experience the scenic and quieter route through the less-traveled path of the Annapurna region through the Mardi Himal Trek.
You’ll get a close-up view of Machapuchhre ridge and Mardi Himal along with a distant view of Mount Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other nearby peaks.
Watch the golden sunrise over the snow-covered peaks from High Camp and Mardi Himal Viewpoint.
You’ll get the stargazing opportunity in the clear skies of high altitude.
Experience the lifestyle, customs, and hospitality of the mountain’s Gurung and Magar communities.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

day 01 Welcome to Kathmandu International airport

Today, you will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Look for the placard with Life Himalaya Trekking, as our representative will be waiting for you outside the arrival gate to welcome you. After welcoming you, our representatives will escort you in a private vehicle to your hotel. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in, freshen up, and be ready to meet our guide in the evening for a trip debrief. You will stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude

1,320 m.

Trek Duration

15 min Drive

Accomodations

3 Star Hotel

day 02 Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Dhampus through Pokhara

Today, we’ll leave Kathmandu after a delicious morning meal at the hotel. Leaving Kathmandu, we’ll drive through the banks of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, with scenic views of the lush green hills. Likewise, we will see the traditional Nepali village as we drive. Within 7 hours of driving from Kathmandu, we will reach the tourist paradise of Pokhara.

As we get to Pokhara, we can take a rest for a while, and after some time, we will take the drive to Dhampus. The distance from Pokhara to Dhampus is approximately 18.6 km and takes around 1 hour. Yet, the road condition is generally good with narrow, bumping, and winding sections. As you get to Dhampus, check into your lodge and stay overnight.

Driving through the bank of Trishuli and Marsyangi, with scenic views of the landscapes of green hills and traditional villages with analyzing the typical Nepali culture we will reach to the touristic paradise Pokhara in 7 hours. It takes 1 hour to reach our first destination.

Overnight in Lodge

Maximum Altitude

1,320 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

8 hours Drive

Accomodations

Lodge

day 03 Trek from Dhampus to Forest Camp

Today marks the start of our trek. We start our day’s trek from Dhampus to the forest camp. The journey begins with a pass through a beautiful, bird-rich forest. Along the way, you’ll pass through the village of Pothana, where you can take a short break and enjoy the view of Mount Machhapuchhre. From Pothana, the route continues uphill towards Deurali, another popular stop point offering a view of Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges.

A 6-7 hour walk from Dhampus takes you to Forest Camp (2600m), covering a distance of 12 km. The Forest Camp is also known as Kokar Forest, located within dense forests of rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock, making the location stunning with the blossoming flowers in the Spring season. There are a few basic tea houses run by local families, providing trekkers with an accommodation point along the way to Mardi Himal. Your day’s overnight in the lodge at Forest Camp.

Maximum Altitude

2,600 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6-7 hours Walk

Accomodations

Lodge

day 04 Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp

After an early breakfast, we will continue our Mardi Trek. The High Camp is our destination for the fourth day. The route to High Camp from Forest Camp offers beautiful views of green landscapes and snow-capped mountains. We pass the rhododendron forest and the lovely traditional villages along the way. Our lunch will be at the Badal Danda. After lunch, we resume our trek to High Camp (3,550 m).

A 6-hour trek from Forest Camp takes you to High Camp, covering a distance of 8.5km. From here, you can enjoy the view of Machhapuhhare, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna range. We will stay overnight at High Camp’s lodge on the day.

Maximum Altitude

4,200 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

6 hours Walk

Accomodations

Lodge

day 05 High Camp to View Point then back to Low Camp

Today, we will trek to the Mardi Himal viewpoint or Base Camp, depending on your preferences, as our ultimate destination. The day’s trek starts early, around 4 am, with a climb along the narrow ridge towards the viewpoint. It takes approximately 2 hours to walk from High Camp to the Mardi Himal upper viewpoint (4,200m), passing through a rocky section and a narrow path. As you reach the viewpoint, every step will be worthy and rewarding, offering a 360-degree view of the mountain peaks and a mesmerizing sunrise.

Witnessing the rays of the rising sun that are lighting the snow-capped peaks in different shades will genuinely appeal to your eye and leave a sight that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Mount Machapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Singu Chuli (6,501m), and Baraha Shikhar (7,647m) are stunning from the Mardi viewpoint.

If you prefer to trek up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), it takes an additional 1 to 1.5 hours from the upper viewpoint, but the panorama of the mountains is quite similar, but closer from the base camp. After spending your life in one of the most unforgettable moments, you’ll descend to Low Camp for an overnight stay.

Maximum Altitude

3,210 m.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Walk

Accomodations

Lodge

day 06 Trek From Low Camp to Pokhara

After exploring the Majestic place of Mardi, we will start our return journey on the sixth day. Leaving High Camp after breakfast, we will begin our descent, passing through the villages that carry the traditions and culture of the Gurung and Magar communities.

After 4-5 hours of trekking and passing through Forest Camp, we will reach Siding. There you can rest and have your lunch. After lunch, we will take a jeep ride to Pokhara. It takes approximately 2-3 hours to travel from Siding to Pokhara, covering a distance of 42 km. After the drive, we’ll settle into Pokhara for an overnight stay.

Maximum Altitude

3,210 m.

Meals

Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner

Trek Duration

5 hours Walk

Accomodations

Hotel

day 07 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. (options available).

On the seventh day, we’ll return to Kathmandu. As we finish our morning meal, we’ll get ready for the drive to Kathmandu. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the long driving hours, you can take a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, which takes only 25 minutes. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can spend your remaining time shopping or experiencing the Thamel lifestyle. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude

1,320 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Trek Duration

35 min

Accomodations

Hotel

day 08 Departure

Farewell !! The representative of Life Himalaya Trekking will drop you at the airport at your scheduled departure time. We hope you enjoyed the trek and are returning with lots of memories that will bring you back to us for future trips in Nepal. It has been a pleasure to have you with us. Have a safe flight.

Maximum Altitude

1,320 m.

Meals

Breakfast

Trek Duration

15 min

What's Included

Arrival and Departure Arrangement
Accommodation in Kathmandu and in Pokhara as per the itinerary on a twin-sharing room
Accommodation in a local tea house during trekking
Every morning, breakfast in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
All the foods, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during trekking
Private transportation to and from the trekking starting/ending point
Private transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Trekking permit and TIMS card
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 people), and their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and accidental insurance for all staff
Food, Accommodation, Insurance, equipment, and the salary of the guide and porter
Emergency evacuation management
Government taxes and official services
Mardi Himal map.

What's Excluded

Meals not quantified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa charge.
All beverage and other personal expenses.
Snacks and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek.

Mardi Himal Trek - Essential Information

What's so popular about the Mardi Himal Trek?

Mountain Views

The views of the mountain peaks are the foremost aspect that makes the Mardi Himal Trek popular. Even without trekking for a long duration at higher altitudes, you can glimpse some of the popular mountains of the Annapurna region, making the trek popular among time-bound and beginner travelers. The trek offers a view of Mount Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi, Annapurna Fang, and Annapurna III, which accompany trekkers throughout the Mardi Trek, making the trip famous.

Easy Accessibility

Another reason why the Mardi Himal Trek is popular is its accessibility. The starting point of the Mardi Himal, Dhampus, lies just 1 hour away from Pokhara, and within 3 days, the route takes you to the ultimate destination. Similarly, the well-maintained trekking routes and accommodation facilities make the trip easily accessible, contributing to the trek’s popularity.

Short Duration

The Mardi Trek is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek can be completed within 3 days from Dhampus (the trek’s starting point). Thus, it is suitable for trekkers with a tight schedule. Similarly, the trek is popular among adventure seekers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Annapurna region within a limited time.

Reasonable Cost

The reasonable cost of the trip is another reason why the trek to Mardi Himal is popular. Compared to other longer and technical treks, the trip is affordable due to its easy accessibility and short duration. As the short duration means lesser use of accommodation facilities, it directly helps in minimizing the overall cost. Therefore, the combination of spectacular views and manageable difficulty, along with reasonable costs, makes the trek an excellent value for money, worth every penny.

Year-round accessibility

The year-round accessibility of the Mardi Trek is another reason for the trek’s popularity. As the trek is accessible throughout the year, it offers flexibility among trekkers to plan their trip according to their schedule and time availability. The reason why the trip is accessible year-round is due to its moderate difficulty and moderate altitude. Moreover, the flexibility allows trekkers to trek during clear skies and blooming rhododendrons in the spring, the monsoon season of summer, the stable weather of autumn, or less crowded routes in winter, whenever trekkers prefer.

Is Mardi Himal Trek for Beginners?

Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is for beginners. The short duration, which can be completed within 4 to 8 days, makes it one of the beginner-friendly treks in the Annapurna region. Similarly, the easy-to-follow trekking sections with teahouses and human settlements along the way make it easier for beginners to find the trek route. Likewise, the trek doesn’t involve strenuous sections, making it moderately challenging so that anyone with a general fitness level can tackle it.

However, the Mardi trek isn’t without challenges, especially for a first-time trekker. Altitude is one of the primary factors along the trek that makes the journey quite challenging. The trek takes you up to an elevation of 4,500m above sea level, so the risk of altitude-related issues is a concern, making the trek difficult for beginners. Similarly, the trek requires a general fitness level due to the quite challenging sections, so trekkers who lack a reasonable level of fitness and stamina are less likely to complete the trek. All in all, the Mardi Base Camp trek is for beginners, but proper preparation is crucial.

How Much Does the Mardi Himal Trek Cost?

The Mardi Himal Trek cost is generally USD 1020 per person. The cost covers all services required for the trek, including accommodation, three meals a day, transportation, trek permits, all government taxes, and the services of a guide and porters. However, the cost of the trip varies on various factors, including the preferred level of luxury, chosen accommodation option, customization of the trip, trekking season, and especially the group size. Thus, here is a brief of the factors that affect the cost of the Mardi Himal Trek:

Preferred level of luxury:

While the trip cost covers standard options for each service, trekkers who prefer more luxurious options can opt for them, but at an additional cost, which affects the overall trip cost. You can opt for luxury transportation, including a private car and a flight. Likewise, luxury accommodation options, ranging from 4 to 5 stars, are also available in cities before and after the trek.

Customization of the trip:

Another factor that affects the cost of the Mardi Himal Trek is the customization of the trip. The trip takes 8 days in a round trip, but every trekker prefers to tailor-make the journey to fit their preferences and holiday schedule. Thus, we offer a customization option that allows trekkers to design their own itinerary tailored to their schedule. Therefore, trekkers can shorten or extend the trek. Yet, the service cost affects the overall price depending on whether they choose to reduce the days or make it longer.

Trekking season:

The season you choose to trek to Mardi Himal also determines your cost and can lead to fluctuations in expenses. If you prefer to trek during peak seasons, such as spring and Autumn, the price will be relatively higher due to increased accommodation and transportation costs resulting from higher demand. In contrast, if you trek in the off-season, like summer and winter, you can get lower prices, although some services may be limited.

Group size:

It is one of the significant aspects that affect the cost of the Mardi trek. Many trekking agencies offer group discounts, meaning the more people are in a group, the greater the discount, thereby minimizing the overall cost.

Is Mardi Himal a family-friendly Trek?

Yes, Mardi Himal is generally considered a family-friendly trek in Nepal. Particularly, the trek is ideal for those families who enjoy walking in nature and have a reasonable fitness level. One of the significant factors that makes the trek suitable for families is its short duration and the relatively low level of challenges involved. The relatively manageable elevation, which reaches up to 4,500m, is another reason why the trek is family-friendly.

Additionally, the trekking routes along the trek have a availability of comfortable teahouses that let families rest, eat, and spend overnight. Likewise, the trekking sections offer numerous opportunities for breaks, allowing families to adjust to the pace of the trek and enjoy the scenery. Yet, we suggest that families consult with a doctor before starting the trek with children and older people. Additionally, we recommend walking slowly and taking rest breaks from time to time to adjust to the changing temperature while trekking with your family.

Distance, Duration, and Elevation Gain at Mardi Himal Trek

The 8-day Mardi Himal Trek covers a 48km distance in a round trip, making it one of the shortest treks in Nepal’s Himalayas. However, the distance, duration, and elevation gain on the trek depend on the chosen itinerary. Still, here is a brief of the Mardi Himal trek’s distance, duration, and elevation gain as per our 8-day itinerary:

Trekking Section	Distance	Duration	Elevation Gain
Dhampus to Forest Camp	12km	6-7 hours	850m
Forest Camp to High Camp	8.5km	6 hours	1,150m
High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp	3.73km	3-4 hours	920m

Mardi Himal Trek - FAQs

Where is Mardi Himal located?

Mardi Himal is situated in the Annapurna region of Nepal, within the Gandaki Province, in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Himal peak lies in the Kaski district, about 25 kilometers north of Pokhara. Additionally, the mountain stands at an elevation of 5,587 m (18,330 ft) above sea level.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal trek is moderately difficult. Elevation is the primary factor that adds to the difficulty of the trek due to the risk of altitude sickness. Likewise, the steep sections and unpredictable weather are additional factors that contribute to the difficulty of the trek.

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

Choosing between the Mardi Himal and the Annapurna Base Camp trek depends on the trekker’s personal preferences and what they want to experience. The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for you if you prefer a shorter, less crowded, and more peaceful trekking experience. In contrast, if you prefer a culturally rich trek that is closer to the mountain, the ABC trek is best suited for you.

Is altitude sickness a concern during the Mardi Himal Trek?

Yes, altitude sickness is a potential risk during the Mardi Himal Trek, as the journey reaches an elevation of up to 4,200 or 4,500m. Therefore, the trek requires proper acclimatization and precautions to minimize the associated risks. Staying hydrated and walking while allowing the body to acclimate to changed temperatures are ways to reduce the risk.

How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal trek typically lasts between 4 and 8 days. However, the specific duration of the trek depends on the chosen itinerary, as the trip can be customized to last anywhere from 5 days to as much time as you have. Additionally, the itinerary is customizable to suit your preferences.

Which month is best for Mardi Trek?

March to May and September to November are best for the Mardi Trek. The trekking conditions during these months are ideal, with clear skies and stable weather. Likewise, the months that fall during the peak season are when you can expect to interact with fellow trekkers.

What are the necessary permits for the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is the only permit required for the Mardi Himal trek. The permit is necessary for the trek because the trekking route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Additionally, the cost of ACAP is 3,000 NPR for foreigners and 1,000 NPR for SAARC nationals.

Which is more beginner-friendly, Mardi and Poon Hill?

While the Mardi Himal trek is also beginner-friendly, Ghorepani Poon Hill is considered even more beginner-friendly. While both treks are shorter and offer stunning glimpses of the Annapurna region, the Poon Hill Trek takes you to a lower elevation than Mardi, making it more beginner-friendly.

Are there medical facilities available on the Mardi Himal trek?

While there are medical facilities in the lower regions of the trek, such as Phedi or Dhampus, the higher locations lack medical facilities. Due to the remote location and lack of road facilities, you’ll not get medical assistance along the trek. Thus, helicopter rescue is the primary means of providing medical aid in emergencies.

What is the shortest duration of the Mardi Himal Trek?

The shortest duration for the Mardi Himal Trek is 3 days. The itinerary begins with a drive from Pokhara to Dhampus and a trek to Forest Camp on the first day. The second day takes you to High Camp, and on the third day, you’ll get to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m).