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Duration
9 Days
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Difficulty
Easy
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Max Elevation
4,500m
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Group Size
2 to 8 Person
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Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge
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Start/End
Kathmandu Airport / Kathmandu Airport
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Destination
Annapurna Region
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Best Season
Mar - May and Sep - Nov
The freshly unlocked route with the least exertion which can be completed in a short span of time and can experience the remarkable journey in Annapurna region with the least number of tourist is Mardi Himal Trek.
In 2012, Mardi Himal Trek is “officially” unbarred which was forbidden to trek before. Grotesque Mardi Himal Trek is based just east of the most mythical trekking harbor of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek. This trek is known as the hidden paragon in the Annapurna region.
Mardi Himal Trek is an optimal recommend for those who are seeking for an ‘off the beaten path’ trekking practice in the sheer parts of the Annapurna region. Also, point out as another way to break out from the congested treks of Annapurna with eye-catching views.
This trek grants portray the view of Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Mardi Himal base camp, Jhinu Hot Spring, and Ghandruk village are the dominant temptation of this trek.
This route is also known as an eco-tourism track that goes through dense forests brimming with Rhododendrons and other vegetation. The journey takes you off the crushed track, which has the essence of exploration and adventure. The charm of the trek is spotless mountains glimpse, stunning valleys, and united local culture and graze hills.
As we ascend through traditional villages and pristine oak to a high-altitude campground, the great rice fields and the indigo glaciers of the Annapurna sanctuary bulwarks remain further down the trajectory. But the descent is through a lush valley and picturesque villages on the bank of the river Mardi, which is a separate route.
Best time for Mardi Himal Trek
If you are edging Mardi Himal trekking, then monsoon season would be imperfect. The autumn (September, October, November) and spring (March, April, and May) is assuredly best season to visit. The climate is bright and pleasant with exceptional views.
If you want to bypass crowds and have fun alone with the beauty of nature then take this journey during the winter season. Winter is deliberate as the good season for this trek. In general March to November is the perfect month of the year to visit.
The trek to Mardi Himal is not well noticeable and reconciliation due to which well-known adviser required along the way. This trip needs knowledge of the tracks and mountain experience as certain sections are risky.
Related blog: Why Mardi Himal Trek must be your Bucket List
Trip Highlights
- Suitable for trekkers looking for a moderate challenge with rewarding views.
- Stunning panoramas of the Annapurna Range, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).
- Trek through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes.
- Encounter local villages and experience the unique culture of Gurung and Magar communities.
- Enjoy the quieter trails compared to other more popular treks in the region.
- Chance to spot diverse Himalayan flora and fauna, including various bird species.
- Ample chances to capture breath-taking pictures of Himalayan vistas at sunrise and sunset.
- Crossing high mountain passes and enjoying the solitude of the Himalayan wilderness.
- Different experiences depending on the season, from blooming rhododendrons in spring to snowy landscapes in winter.
Mardi Himal Trek – (Unlocked Route) ~ Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Upon arrival at the airport, a team member will greet you and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. Thamel, situated in the heart of Kathmandu, is a lively area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops selling unique Nepalese products and trekking gear. You’ll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant area. You’ll also meet our guide on the same day, who will address any questions or concerns you may have about your Mardi Himal Base Camp trek.
- Max altitude : 1,400m (4,600ft)
Day 2
Take a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus/privet jeep/flight .
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara which takes about 7 hours by tourist’s bus. You can take the beautiful views of mountains and the local areas from the bus. and if you want take flight just 30m. and stay overnight at Pokhara.
Day 3
Drive to Kande and trek to Pitam Deurali (2,125m).
After hot breakfast we drive half an hour to Kande and commence our trek to deurali at the elevation of 2125m. The trail is steep until Austrian camp and pleasant easy walk up to Pothana, after 1 more hours hike to deurali where you stay in a teahouse lodge for the first night.
Day 4
Trek to Low Camp (3,150m): 5 hrs trek.
The trail continues from deurali via Forest Camp to Low Camp through the forest however as we ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. At Low Camp there are two basic lodges one with a dining room with open fire. The view from Low Camp is superb with Mount Machhapuchhre visible up the valley.
Day 5
Trek to High Camp (2,700m): 6 hrs trek.
An hour or so above Low Camp the trail breaks out above tree line and towards the west there is a good view to Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge mainly on grass with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The lodge at High Camp is larger than lodges at Low Camp and Forest Camp, this one has eight rooms and a separate dining room with heater. The view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Day 6
High camp to Mardi Himal base camp (back to badal danda)
The plan for today is to wake early for sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours you should reach Base Camp at the elevation of 4500m this is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary and the panorama view is spectacular looking at south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We stay overnight at Badaldada
Day 7
badal danda to sedding and drive to pokhara
From Badaldada you walk out to the road head at Lumre, on the way from Siding you will pass the villages of Kalimati and Ghalel. Kalimati is mainly a Brahmin village with Ghalel and Siding mixed Brahmin and Gurung. At Lumre you will meet jeep organised by Wilderness Excursion in advance to drive you back to Pokhara.
Day 8
Drive / flight back to Kathmandu.
After breakfast set ours journey back to Kathmandu you can travel by tourist bus/ private transport or by flight. then stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 9
Final Departure
Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some leisure time to further explore Kathmandu after breakfast. One of our team members will then accompany you to the airport a few hours before your departure time, carrying with you unforgettable memories from your Mardi Himal Base Camp trek. As your reliable travel partner, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday (www.nepalroyaltreks.com), we’re thankful for the opportunity to have shared this extraordinary journey with you. Until we meet again, travel safely!
Mardi Himal Trek – (Unlocked Route) Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off by private car
- Standard Three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (includes bed and breakfast).
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by Tourist bus.
- Pokhara - Siwai - Pokhara private SUV.
- Three times meal Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner throughout the trip.
- Accommodation (Mountain Tea house Lodge)
- Annapurna Conservation Area TIMS and entry Permit (ACAP).
- Experienced trekking Guide and Porter according to your group size.
- Lodging and food, salary, insurance, transportation and equipment for Guide and Porters.
- Nepal Royal Tourism printed hiking T-Shirt
- Trekking Duffel bag & sleeping bag.
- Certificate of trekking completion.
- All the government taxes.
Cost Excludes
- Any other expenses (including hot and cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, and any other personal expenses).
- Lunch and Dinner Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for guide and porter (optional but expected).
Trip Photo/Video Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal itself.
The best times are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is generally stable and the skies are clear, offering the best views.
Yes, you need both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These will be arranged by us before the trip.
It is considered a moderate trek. While not as demanding as some longer treks in the region, there are steep sections and altitude gains.
Mardi Himal Base Camp is located at around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag suitable for cold weather, a daypack, and trekking poles.
Altitude sickness can be a concern, so it’s essential to acclimatise properly and recognise symptoms. Adequate physical fitness preparation is also recommended.
Yes, travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes is strongly recommended.
Yes, some itineraries combine the Mardi Himal Trek with the Annapurna Base Camp or other trails in the Annapurna region. And we can accommodate according to your preferences.
Weather can vary, but generally, expect cool to cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
