Mardi Himal Trek is a recently opened trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering lush landscapes, stunning mountain views, and a less crowded trail. This trek allows you to explore the Annapurna Massif’s spectacles along a quaint path, passing through ethnic villages and experiencing the local people’s unique lifestyle.
How to Reach Mardi Himal:
The Mardi Himal Trek begins in Pokhara, the lakeside city and gateway to the Annapurna region. After a scenic six-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you start your trek from Kande, passing through lush villages, farmlands, and forests to Deurali. The trail diverges from the Annapurna Base Camp route, leading you to Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal. The trek concludes with a descent via Siding and Lumre to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek is accessible to most people and requires no special fitness level. If you can walk 5-6 hours a day on undulating paths for about a week, this trek is perfect. The trek offers well-marked trails and a moderate altitude, making it suitable for trekkers with a can-do attitude.
Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (850m) – 6/7 hours
Day 04: Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali(2100m) – 4 hours
Day 05: Trek to Forest Camp (Kokar 2425m) – 4/5 hours
Day 06: Trek to Low Camp (2995m) – 4 hours
Day 07: Trek to High Camp (3500m) – 5 hours
Day 08: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and return to High Camp – 5 hours
Day 09: Trek to Sidhing (1,900 m) – 6 hours
Day 10: Trek to Lumre 2.5 hours and jeep drive to Pokhara 1.5 hour
Day 11: Drive to Kathmandu – 6/7 hours
Day 12: Farewell
Nepal Intrepid Treks will be your dedicated travel companion until you return to your home country. Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, we will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel. Accommodation for our valued customers includes room and breakfast in a three star hotel in Kathmandu.
Take in the impressions of Nepal as we drive you from the airport to your hotel. We will assist you with the check-in and provide you with further information regarding your trek. You may then have a rest or stroll through the bustling, colorful streets and alleys of Kathmandu.
Prepare for a day of immersion into the Nepalese culture, while visiting the most important landmarks of this fascinating city and its outskirts. Our experienced guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO heritage site which represents the political and historical values of Nepalese civilization.
We then proceed to Swayambhu Nath Temple, also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ thanks to its adorable colony of monkeys that run free. This temple is the symbol of harmony between Buddhists and Hindus. At the top of the stupa you will have a splendid birds-eye view of Kathmandu Valley and its surroundings.
We continue to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a holy place for Hindu devotees. Especially interesting is the holy cremation area where preparations and daily cremation ceremonies take place. From here we return to the hotel.
We start our day early! Enjoy your breakfast and your guide will pick you up at your hotel for the journey ahead. Today, we take a drive along the Trishuli river to Pokhara. We pass a country side landscape all along which is a beautiful experience in itself. After around six hours drive from Kathmandu, we reach the lakeside city – Pokhara. We stop at a hotel in Pokhara. Check in to your room and enjoy rest of the evening wandering around the Phewa lake placed in an appealing location. Spend your night at a hotel in Pokhara! (Breakfast included).
⛰ Max Height:850m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:6/7 Hours
Get set for an exciting day ahead where we actually start our trekking journey. Around one and half hour drive from Pokhara, we reach Kande from where we leave our vehicle and start walking on our foot for our ultimate destination – Mardi Himal Base Camp. We walk through the foothills of Annapurna for around three hours today. We will ascend up to Australian Camp which is very famous place nowadays. After that we pas through the forest and Pothana village with chirping sound of birds. Today, we stop at Deurali for overnight. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:2100m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:4 Hours
Leaving Deurali, we head off to Forest Camp. Today, we will be walking along the forested area that is full of rhododendron trees. At the season of flower blossom, the whole forest looks vibrant with colourful flowers. The path is quite easy and it leads us to Forest Camp which will be our stopping point for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:2425m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:4/5 Hours
From Forest camp, we continue our walk through a forested area. The forest is dominated by the rhododendron forest and is a home to diversity of floras and faunas. As we move through the forest, we can get a glimpse of mountains in Annapurna range through the gaps in between the trees. It is one of the awesome experiences one can ever have. We continue walking through the trail until we reach the low camp. We stay at a guesthouse in Low Camp for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:2995m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:4 Hours
After breakfast, we again head off through a forested area to High Camp. Our walk would be short to adjust ourselves with the rising altitude. We then start ascending up along the ridge to Mardi Himal. The Mardi Himal and Mt. Macchapucchre looks spectacular as we ascend up towards the High Camp. Today, we spend our night at a guesthouse in High Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:3500m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:5 Hours
After breakfast, we again head off through a forested area to High Camp. Our walk would be short to adjust ourselves with the rising altitude. We then start ascending up along the ridge to Mardi Himal. The Mardi Himal and Mt. Macchapucchre looks spectacular as we ascend up towards the High Camp. Today, we spend our night at a guesthouse in High Camp. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:4500m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:5 Hours
Today, we descend down Sidhing through rhododendron and Sal forests. It’s a five to six hours walk down from the High Camp. The walk is accompanied by beautiful views of mountains and scenery all around. We spend our night at a guesthouse in Sidhing for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
⛰ Max Height:1900m|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:6 Hours
We are at the final stage of our trekking journey. We walk down to the village of Lumre and take a drive to Pokhara city. As we reach Pokhara, we can either spend rest of the day, exploring the Pokhara city or take a rest at the hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara (Breakfast and lunch included).
⛰ Max Height:|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:4 Hours
After exploring the glory of Pokhara and Annapurna region of Nepal, we drive back to Kathmandu with the scenery of country side landscape all along which is a beautiful experience in itself.
⛰ Max Height:|| ⏲ Total Travel Distance:6/7 Hours
After this wonderful adventure, it’s finally time to bid you a farewell. We will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport for your journey home! We hope with all our hearts that we served you well and look forward to seeing you or your friends again someday.
The ideal times for trekking Mardi Himal are during the pre-monsoon (spring) season from March to May and the post-monsoon (autumn) season from September to November. During these periods, the weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and surrounding landscapes.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek. While it does not require technical climbing skills, trekkers should be in good physical condition as the trail includes steep ascents, forest paths, and ridge walks. The altitude can reach up to 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), so gradual acclimatization is necessary.
The Mardi Himal Trek typically takes 5 to 7 days to complete, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekkers. This timeframe allows for acclimatization and includes stops at popular points such as Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Base Camp.
Trekkers need two main permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara, or through a trekking agency.
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek can be suitable for beginners with a decent level of fitness and determination. The trek offers manageable daily distances and altitudes. However, beginners should prepare for the trek with physical training and consider going with a guide to enhance safety and ease.
Lodging options include tea houses and guesthouses. These accommodations provide basic facilities, including meals and warm drinks. While amenities may be more limited at higher altitudes, the hospitality and atmosphere of the local teahouses make the experience enjoyable.
Essential gear includes trekking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, a good-quality sleeping bag, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and a backpack. A headlamp, water purification tablets, and energy snacks are also recommended to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
While the trail is well-marked and can be done independently, hiring a guide or porter can enhance the trekking experience. Guides can provide insights into the region and ensure safety, while porters can help carry heavy loads, allowing trekkers to enjoy the journey with less fatigue.
The trek passes through diverse landscapes, including lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain. Wildlife such as langurs, Himalayan monals (Nepal’s national bird), and occasionally mountain goats can be spotted along the trail. The trek also offers panoramic views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and other peaks.
Altitude sickness can be a concern as the highest point reaches up to 4,500 meters. Trekkers should acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and take the trek at a steady pace. Knowing the symptoms of altitude sickness and taking appropriate measures, like descending or resting, is crucial for safety.
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