Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Duration: 9 Days
Trip Grade: Moderate
Group Size: 12
Meals: All Meals Included (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Best Season: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
Start Point: Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Ending Point: Kathmandu
Max Altitude: 4500 m
Transportation: Bus, Jeep
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most significant short treks in Nepal that provides genuine Himalayan views, tranquility in nature, and the fewer number of crowds as opposed to the most commercialized Annapurna trekking routes. This is an ideal 9-day trek that will provide good trekking experience exploring some of the most beautiful basins and diversity with the comfort of staying in cozy teahouses and the cultural wealth of Gurung villages and tribal animals.
Your adventure for Mardi Himal trek will start as you arrive into Kathmandu and take a lovely drive to Pokhara, the point of entry into the Annapurna region. Your outward travel will start by vehicle rides in Pokhara to Phedi or Kande, and you will then start your trek via the beautiful forest trails, Pothana, Deurali, and Forest Camp. And every step provides a deeper sense of nature- rhododendron forest, moss-covered trails, and the chatter of the bird species of the Himalayas.
During your journey to the High Camp, the scenery drastically changes creating a snow-capped Alpine topography that provides captivating sight of Mt. Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the higher Mardi Himal itself. The sunrise at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) is out of this world as the golden rays fall on the entire Annapurna range and gives the trekkers a calm but dramatic experience in high Himalayas during Mardi Himal Trek.
In comparison to the busy trails leading to the base camp of Annapurna or Ghorepani, the trail in Mardi Himal Trek is fairly secluded enabling a better and more personal trekking experience. Passing down the traditional village of Sidhing you will see the way locals live, which is undisturbed by mass tourism. Returning to Pokhara you are allowed the opportunity to have some leisure time either sitting on the lake side or walking around the rich lakeside culture to prepare your journey back to Kathmandu.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an option that can accommodate more novice as well as established trekkers. It combines natural landscape, cultural exchange and peace. Attractive in relation to its relatively cheap and short itinerary, moderate difficulty, and appealing mountain views, the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best bargain-vacation activities in Nepal.
Whether you're seeking mountain solitude or a scenic journey through Nepal’s hidden gems, this trek delivers an unforgettable Himalayan experience in just 9 days.
Highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the lively tourist hub of Thamel. After check-in, you can relax after your journey or explore the vibrant streets filled with restaurants, cafés, trekking shops, and local markets. In the evening, you'll receive a short briefing about your upcoming Mardi Himal Trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After an early breakfast, travel to Pokhara by comfortable tourist bus. The scenic drive follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, passing charming villages, green hills, and terraced farmlands. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your 3-star hotel and enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. You may spend the evening strolling around Phewa Lake or relaxing at one of the nearby cafés.
After breakfast, enjoy a one-hour private drive to Fedi, the starting point of your trek. From here, begin hiking through stone staircases, traditional villages, and beautiful rhododendron forests. The trail gradually ascends to Pritam Deurali, offering your first spectacular mountain views and a peaceful forest setting.
Today's trail enters the dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes quieter and the surrounding mountain scenery becomes even more impressive. Keep an eye out for Himalayan birds and wildlife along the way before reaching the peaceful settlement of Low Camp.
Leaving the forest behind, the trail climbs above the tree line into open alpine landscapes. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli as you make your way to High Camp. The dramatic scenery and fresh mountain air make this one of the most rewarding days of the trek.
Wake up early for the highlight of the trek. Follow the ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you'll be rewarded with magnificent close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After spending time enjoying the incredible scenery and taking photographs, descend via High Camp and continue to Badal Danda for an overnight stay.
Descend through peaceful forests and traditional villages to Sidhing, a beautiful Gurung village. From Sidhing, enjoy a two-hour drive back to Pokhara by private vehicle. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax after completing your unforgettable Himalayan adventure.
After breakfast, return to Kathmandu by tourist bus while enjoying the beautiful countryside and river valleys one last time. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs or exploring Thamel at your leisure.
Your unforgettable Mardi Himal Trek comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another Himalayan adventure in the future.
Elevation Profile
Altitude Variation Chart
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return
- All ground transportation (private vehicle to/from trailheads)
- Accommodation in teahouses during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Necessary permits (TIMS card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- First aid kit and oxygen cylinder
- All government and local taxes
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and evacuation
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, hot showers, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Tips for guide and porter (customary but not included)
- Bottled water and soft drinks
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek
- Any additional accommodation or meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- Optional activities (e.g. extra hikes, sightseeing tours)
Frequently Asked Questions
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