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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
1 to 10 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 recently opened path that offers minimal effort, can be finished quickly, and lets you discover the amazing Annapurna region while encountering fewer travelers is the Mardi Himal Trek. In 2012, the Mardi Himal Trek was “officially” made accessible to trekkers, opening up an area that was previously off-limits. The unique Mardi Himal Trek sits directly east of Nepal’s legendary trekking destination, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trekking route has earned a reputation as a hidden treasure within the Annapurna region.
Mardi Himal Trek is highly suggested for adventurers who crave an ‘off the beaten path’ journey in the more remote aspects of the Annapurna region. Additionally, it’s highlighted as an alternative for escaping the crowded Annapurna treks and enjoying spectacular scenery.This route allows travelers to take in spectacular vistas of Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Mardi Himal base camp, Jhinu Hot Spring, and Ghandruk village stand out as some of the most appealing highlights of this trip.
It is also recognized as an eco-friendly route that winds through thick woodlands bursting with rhododendrons alongside various plant life. The adventure leads you away from the usual trails, offering a spirit of true discovery and thrill. What really sets the trek apart are the pristine sights of snow-capped peaks, magnificent valleys, vibrant local culture, and rolling pastures.
As you climb higher through rustic villages and unspoiled oak forests to an elevated campsite, you can look down on sweeping rice paddies and the blue-hued glaciers that fortify the Annapurna sanctuary. On the return, the path follows a green valley and scenic settlements lining the Mardi river, which provides an alternate way down.
Best time for Mardi Himal Trek
If you’re planning to embark on the Mardi Himal trek, the rainy monsoon months are not ideal. Autumn (September, October, November) and spring (March, April, and May) are by far the most suitable seasons to go. The weather remains clear and comfortable, delivering breathtaking sights.
If you hope to avoid the busy season and soak in the tranquility of nature, winter is an excellent option for your trek. Winter is considered one of the finest times for this adventure. Generally, the months from March to November are regarded as the best period of the year to visit.
The trail to Mardi Himal is not always clearly marked, which is why it’s recommended to have an experienced guide with you during the journey. It also calls for knowledge of the paths and mountaineering skills, as some parts present hazards.
Mardi Hmal Trek views short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leT2lagN8Hw
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 - Welcome to Nepal
- Altitude: 1,350m
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel
Nepal Royal Tourism will welcome you upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, and you will subsequently be accompanied to your hotel by a luxurious private car. Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal, stands as a dynamic mix of age-old temples, bustling streets, and diverse Himalayan culture that is deeply rooted here. After checking in, you may either take a rest to recover from your trip or go for a walk in the nearby area’s markets and historic places. Shortly after the evening meal, we perform a Mardi Himal Trek briefing in which the route details, safety measures, and preparation tips are discussed.
Day 2
Take a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Luxurious Tourist Bus
- Altitude: 822 m
- Drive distance: 200 km
- Drive Hour: 6-7 hrs
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Three Star Standard Hotel
After breakfast, we hit the road towards Pokhara in a scenic drive, a city that is known for its beautiful lakes and is one of the most attractive places in Nepal. The trip will see you alongside a winding road, rivers, terraced hillsides, and villages, the scene is truly picturesque from time to time. You will have a great view of the Trishuli river and other natural sceneries during the whole trip. Once in Pokhara, check-in your hotel by the Phewa Lake area. The night is yours to spend walking along Lakeside or just resting with the mountains mirror the water.
Day 3
Drive from Pokhara to Kande and Trek to Pitam Deurali
- Altitude: 2,100m
- Drive distance: 30 km
- Drive Duration: 1 Hour
- Trek Distance: 5.5Km
- Trek Hour: 4-5 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
After a long wait today is the day you finally embark on your Mardi Himal trekking adventure. We start the day with breakfast and then it’s over to a Kande drive by car from Pokhara, the place where the Mardi Himal trekking will commence. From Kande, the trek is initiated with a slow uphill gradient through the rhododendron forest, stone steps, and the local area where the community lives. You pass the Australian Camp, and you get the early views of the peaks Annapurna South and Hiunchuli as well. The forest path is a lovely one, and here the journey ends at Pitam Deurali that is a detached mountain ridge with an amazing view of the surrounding countryside.
Day 4
Trek from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp
- Altitude: 2,600m
- Trek Distance: 6.8 km
- Trek Hour: 5-6 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, the trekking is resumed with a deeper exploration of the Mardi Himal region. Moving on from villages, the trail leads into an area where dense rhododendron and oak woods define the environment, thus creating an unspoiled atmosphere. With the height of the forest canopy, the air gets fresher and the view more attractive with the surroundings becoming more alpine. At dumb intervals, you will find that the forest offers you direct views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. After a gradual climb, you are at Low Camp which is situated on a forested ridge, thus giving you a great surrounding of the mountains.
Day 5
Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
- Altitude: 3,550m
- Trek Distance: 8.5 m
- Trek Hour: 5-6 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
The trek part of the Mardi Himal Trek, which is the highlight of today’s itinerary, is the very first thing that is done here. The Low Camp is left behind as one keeps on with the trail that slowly but surely goes up to higher and higher points of the mountain, as it eventually reaches above the tree line, and the views that open is that of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, which are very impressive. The route is changed from a forest path into a very tough rocky track that is pointed at the top of the mountain, and the beautiful views of the Himalayas will accompany you all along the ridge. You are finally at High Camp, which is situated above valleys with fantastic views in virtually every direction.
Day 6
Early Morning Hike Up to the Viewpoint (4200 m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp(4,500 m), Return to High Camp, and Trek Down to Low Camp
- Altitude: 2,600 m
- Trek Distance: 14 Km
- Trek Hour: 6-7 Hours
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tea House
We set off very early in the morning to reach the viewpoint first and then head towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the highest altitude of the entire trek. The snow-capped mountains are bathed in warm orange light as the sun comes up, and the view of Machhapuchhre is simply amazing, along with Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
After Mardi Himal Base Camp and the viewpoint, we continue our journey back to High Camp for a break and food.
In the late afternoon, we are heading back to Low Camp through the same beautiful route.
Day 7
Trek from Low Camp to Siding (1,700m) and Drive to Pokhara
- Altitude: 822 m
- Trek Distance: 4 Km
- Trek Hour: 3 Hours
- Drive distance: 30 km
- Drive Duration: 1.5 Hour
- Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
- Accommodation: Standard Three Star Hotel
The road after breakfast goes down sharply through the thick green woods to the old village of Siding. This path reveals another side of the local area, it goes past waterfalls, terraced farmland, and rural settlements. We will pick up the car and go back to Pokhara from Siding. After the mountain days, the comfort of Pokhara feels so good. You have the whole evening free for resting, lakeside dining, or celebrating the completion of your Mardi Himal Trek.
Day 8
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,350 m
- Drive distance: 200 km
- Drive Hour: 6-7 hrs
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Three Star Standard Hotel
After having breakfast, we take a vehicle to go back to Kathmandu from Pokhara while we are still enjoying beautiful views of the Nepali countryside on the way. When you get to Kathmandu, your hotel transfer will be ready to take you there straight away. The day is yours after the trek to buy souvenirs, just having a look around, or take a rest.
Day 9
Final Departure
That decision depends on the itinerary, you may have some leisure time after breakfast to explore Kathmandu a bit more. One of our team members will escort you to the airport from Hotel about a couple of hours prior to your flight time along with the beautiful memories. As your reliable travel partner, Nepal Royal Tourism Holiday, we thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us. See you next time. Have a safe trip!
Mardi Himal Trek – (Unlocked Route) Fixed Departures Dates
Trip Cost Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers in private, comfortable vehicle
- 2 night's Standard three star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 night's Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis, including daily breakfast
- Ground transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara to Kathmandu in a comfortable luxurious tourist bus
- Private SUV transfers between the trek starting/ending points (Pokhara to Kande and Siding to Pokhara ) or equivalent
- Mountain teahouse accommodation throughout the trekking days in the Annapurna region
- All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) served at local teahouses along the trail
- An experienced, government-licensed trekking guide with strong knowledge of the route, altitude, and local culture
- Porters as required based on group size, ensuring a comfortable trekking experience
- All required trekking permits, including Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Use of a trekking duffel bag and sleeping bag for the duration of the trek (to be returned after completion)
- A complimentary company T-shirt as a trekking souvenir
- Trekking completion Certificate upon successful completion of the itinerary
- All applicable government taxes and service charges
Cost Excludes
- Personal expenses of any kind, including hot or cold drinks, bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, and toiletries
- Lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and medical insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage
- Any expenses not clearly mentioned in the Cost Includes section
- Additional costs caused by circumstances beyond control, such as weather delays, road conditions, or itinerary changes for safety reasons
- Tips for trekking guide and porter (not mandatory, but customary and appreciated)
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.
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