Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek: The Best Short Trek in Nepal

The Mardi Himal Trek is a beginner friendly moderate grade 5-day trek located near Pokhara in central Nepal Himalayas.

The trek route lies east of the iconic Annapurna Base Camp, high on the Mardi Ridge overlooking the Machapuchrae Base Camp on the left, and the Pokhara valley on the right offerring awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the majestic Machapuchare.

The route is also less crowded offering a tranquil and peaceful ambiance, setting it apart from the more crowded and popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek route.

A Perfect 5-Day Itinerary for Beginners

The 5-day Itinerary balances steady acclimatization with manageable daily hiking hours, making it the best itinerary for beginners trekking from Pokhara.

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s best-short trek for beginners. It’s a less crowded route in the Annapurna region that still delivers breathtaking Himalayan views. Often called the “backyard of Machapuchare” (the sacred Fishtail Mountain), this trek offers front-row views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare without the crowds of the more famous Annapurna Base Camp trek.

For beginners, this is an excellent choice. It’s moderate and beginner-friendly, with a manageable 5-day itinerary and a highest altitude of 4500 meters at Base Camp.

While it’s not a walk in the park, thousands of first-time trekkers complete it successfully each year with proper preparation.

The Physical Challenge

You’ll be walking for 5 to 7 hours per day over multiple days, which is the main physical demand.

Forget long, flat paths. The trail is a constant mix of steep ascents and descents, often on thousands of uneven stone steps. Trekking up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp will test your leg muscles, and the descent will be tough on your knees.

You don’t need to be an athlete. However, being able to walk uphill for a few hours comfortably and having a solid base of cardio fitness will make a huge difference. A few weeks of preparation, like stair climbing and walking with a light pack, is highly recommended.

The Altitude Factor (The Real Test)

The biggest challenge on this trek is reaching the Mardi Himal base camp (4500 m), a high point of this trek, where the oxygen level is 40% less than at sea level.

A key difficulty for beginners is the speed of the climb. You can gain nearly 1,000 meters in a single morning when pushing to Base Camp, which gives your body very little time to acclimatize.

Tips for Beginners

The Mardi Himal Trek is a true adventure that is well within reach for a well-prepared beginner. Focus on your stamina, respect the altitude, and embrace the challenge.

Views of the Annapurna Mountains

The view of the imposing edifice of the mighty Annapurna Massif, surrounded by a range of equally imposing peaks, is what makes the Mardi Himal Trek unique. A super thrilling moment will be to sight the Annapurna Massif & it’s range from two unique locations, the View Point and the Base Camp.

After all, this is what makes this trek in Nepal so unique and thrilling that there is always an element of surprise at every corner.

How long is this trek?

Renowned as one of the finest short treks in Nepal, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range, it is 40–50 kilometers long with an average of 10 km of trekking per day, and typically lasts four to five days, depending on hikers’ capabilities.

A trek to Mardi Base Camp

The culmination of the Mardi Himal Trek is the ascent towards Base Camp, which stands at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet) above sea level. This iconic destination serves as the highlight of the trek, offering trekkers a vantage point to behold the breathtaking vistas that define this trek. The trek to the Base Camp is not just a physical endeavor; it is a spiritual odyssey that beckons adventurers to push their limits and embrace the profound beauty of the Nepal Himalayas.

Highlights of the Trek

One of the primary attractions of the Mardi Himal Trek is that it is gentle on your legs, and provides breathtaking close up views of some of the most iconic peaks in the Annapurna range, particularly from key vantage points, such as the view Point and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4550 m).

A short uphill hike from high camp to the view point early in the morning, followed by a trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp during sunrise, promises an unforgettable experience. The stunning landscape with the Annapurna Range as its backdrop offers some of the most captivating scenery in this part of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Getting there and away

Kande, a small town on the highway to Jomsom just 30 minutes drive from Pokhara, is the starting point, and Sidding is the ending point of this trek. From Sidding, it is a two-hour drive to Pokhara in a private vehicle. Bus service is not available from here; only private vehicles are available for hire.

Best Time 

The ideal time for anthophiles to embark on the Mardi Himal Trek is from March to May, when the lush forests are adorned with vibrant rhododendron and Magnolia flowers, creating a picturesque setting with hillsides dotted with wild flower blooms.

Alternatively, the second-best season is between September and December. During this time, clear horizons offer uninterrupted views of majestic mountains throughout the day. This period follows three months of monsoon rain, which results in a refreshing and crisp environment perfect for trekking.

Accommodation and Food

The Mardi Himal Trek is a tea house trek located near Pokhara in central Nepal. There are lodges and tea houses at regular intervals, offering basic amenities to hikers.

Each lodge is equipped with a spacious dining area with a central hearth, and twin share rooms with common bathroom. These lodges and tea houses along the trekking trail serve traditional Nepali vegetarian dishes such as Dal, Bhat (rice), and Curry as standard options. Additionally, some lodges are also able to provide extra menu items upon request to cater to diverse preferences.

Mobile Connectivity and Power

Mobile connectivity is available on the entire Mardi Hime Trek Route and can make and receive calls. Electricity is also available in all the lodges until High Camp. Therefore, charging your mobile phones and camera batteries is not an issue.

TRIP FACTS

• Trek Grade: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 6 Days
• Maximum Sleeping Altitude: 3700m (High Camp).
• Maximum Hiking Altitude: 4500m (Mardi Base Camp).
• Best Season : January-May & October-December
• Trek Availability: Private treks only.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Pokhara. Overnight Hotel in Pokhara (B/B only).

Day 2: Drive to Kande (1750 m/1.30 hour drive). Trek starts. Trek to Pothana (1980 m/4 km/3 hours). Overnight Lodge.

After a scenic 1-hour morning drive from Pokhara to Kande (1,770m), the trekking begins. The trail ascends steadily on stone staircases through terraced fields and forests to Australian Camp. From here, you get your first clear views of the Annapurna massif and Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After a lunch break, the short downhill path continues to Pothana where we stop for the night, or can also continue a short gradual climb to Pitam Deurali, a serene ridge-top settlement for the night.

• Kande to Australian Camp (2160 m/2 hour Trek)
• Australian Camp to Pothana (1980 m/30 minutes Trek)

Day 2: Trek Pothana to Low Camp. Overnight Lodge.

After Pothana its  short one climb to Pitam Deaurali, from here you leave the main Annapurna Sanctuary trail behind and head north into deep, dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron. Because of the thick tree canopy, this section is beautifully shaded and cool. You will pass through Forest Camp (Kokar) around midday, an excellent spot to rest and watch for local birdlife like the Danphe. After Forest Camp, it’s a steeper, moss-covered ascent bringing you to Low Camp just as the temperatures begin to drop.

• Pothana to Pitham Deaurali (2125 m/1 hour)
• Pitham Deaurali to Surya danda (1900 m/2 hour)
• Surya danda to Forest Camp (2560 m/2 hour)
• Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m/2 Km/1 hour)

Day 4: Trek Low Camp to High Camp (3585 m/6 km/3 hrs). Overnight Lodge.

The trek from Low Camp to High Camp is short, allowing for acclimatization. After Low Camp, the trail exits the subtropical forest entirely and enters an alpine zone of dwarf trees, shrubs, and open ridge. As you climb further on the Mardi Ridge, the panoramic views of Annapurna South and the entire ridge open up passing through Badal Danda (Cloud Hill) and reach High Camp. Expect cold temperatures and incredible starry skies tonight.

• Low Camp to High Camp (3585 m/2.5 Km/2 hours)

Day 5: Trek High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m/9 km) and descend back to Badal Danda (8-hour round trek).

The most rewarding and also the most strenuous part of the trek is the climb to Mardi Base Camp. The day starts before dawn, navigating a steep, narrow rocky ridge for 2 to 3 hours to reach the Upper Viewpoint. From here its an easy trek to Mardi Base Camp (4550 m) along the ridge with constant views of the Annapurna range. Arriving at sunrise, you are placed in a glacial amphitheater directly beneath the towering face of Machhapuchhre, with Annapurna South looming nearby. After celebrating and taking photos, you will begin the long, knee-heavy descent back past High Camp, eventually settling at Badal Danda for a well-earned rest.

• High Camp to Mardi View Point ( 4200 m/2 hours)
• Mardi View Point to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m/1 hour)

Day 6: Trek to Sidding (1750 m/2 hours). Drive back to Pokhara (3 hours of driving). Overnight Hotel (B/B only). End of the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.

Instead of retracing your steps entirely, the trail diverges sharply downward toward the traditional Gurung village of Siding. This route is a steep descent through lush forests and terraced farming communities, offering a quieter exit from the region. From Siding (1,200m), you will catch a local jeep for a bumpy but scenic 2-hour drive back to the lakeside comforts, hot showers, and cafes of Pokhara.

How much does it cost?

• Mardi Himal Trek Cost: US$550 per Person.
• Indian Nationals, kindly Inquire within for quotes in Indian Rupee

What is included and excluded in the cost?

Mardi Himal Trek Cost Includes

• Twin-share hotel accommodation in Pokhara includes breakfast.
• Basic accommodation at local lodges is on a twin-sharing basis.
• All meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner) are included for the duration of the trek.
• Services of an experienced English-speaking local trekking guide.
• Porters to carry luggage while on trek (1 porter for 2 persons).
• Insurance for trekking staff, guides, porters, etc.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fees/National Park entrance fees &
• TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) registration fees.

Excludes

• Transport by Tourist Bus ( Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu).
• Departure Tax, where applicable (domestic/international flights).
• Domestic Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu airfare (if requested by clients).
• Travel/Trekking/Medical insurance.
• Rescue operations by helicopter.
• Excess baggage charges.
• Tips
• Personal expenses.
• Nepal visa fees.
• Any services in Kathmandu (hotels, transport, etc.).
• Lunches & dinners during hotel stays in Pokhara.

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NEPAL TOURIST VISA

• Nepal visa are readily available on arrival at the International Airport
  in Kathmandu and all other entry points to Nepal.
• Two passport photos will be required.
• Single entry visa: US$ 30 per visa (valid for 60 days).
• Multiple entry visa: US$ 80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
• visa is not required for Indian Nationals to Travel inside Nepal
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Note: The above-given trek itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors, such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants, etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort, and general well-being.

(All relevant terms & conditions apply.)