Mardi Himal Trek
"Discover Nepal's Hidden Himalayan Paradise."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey to Departure
Follow every step of the Mardi Himal Trek — from Pokhara to Departure. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
4,500m
Highest Point
Siding Village
41 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
6
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+3,678m
Elevation Gain
From Pokhara
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal's most beautiful short trekking adventures, offering breathtaking mountain scenery, peaceful trails, and an authentic Himalayan experience in the heart of the Annapurna region. Perfect for trekkers seeking a quieter alternative to the popular Annapurna Base Camp route, this trek combines stunning landscapes, lush forests, and spectacular close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range. Starting from Pokhara, the trail winds through charming Gurung villages, dense rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows, and scenic ridgelines before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). Along the journey, you'll pass picturesque settlements such as Forest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp, each offering unique views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. The highlight of the trek is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Annapurna I (8,091 m). The dramatic mountain scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and less-crowded trails make this trek one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. More than just a trek, the Mardi Himal Trek is a journey through pristine forests, traditional mountain communities, and breathtaking Himalayan landscapes. Whether you're a first-time trekker or an experienced adventurer, this trek offers the perfect balance of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and unforgettable mountain views in a relatively short timeframe.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Explore the beautiful Lakeside area or relax before your trek. Attend a trek briefing and meet your guide.
Altitude
822m
Distance
N/A
Meals
N/A
Accommodation
Hotel
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
- Tourist bus or private transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara (as per package)
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Kande (trek starting point) and from Siding back to Pokhara
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara (before and/or after the trek, depending on the itinerary)
- Tea house accommodation throughout the trek on a twin-sharing basis
- Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Seasonal fresh fruits after dinner during the trek
- Licensed, experienced, English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 20 kg)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Comprehensive first-aid kit carried by the guide
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, and desserts
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and laundry services at tea houses
- Personal expenses such as shopping, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips for trekking guides and porters
- Expenses caused by unforeseen events such as flight delays, natural disasters, strikes, political unrest, or itinerary changes beyond the company's control
- Any services not specifically mentioned under "What's Included."
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Throughout the trek, you'll stay in traditional teahouses (lodges) run by local Gurung families. Rooms are twin-share with a bed, blanket, and pillow. Teahouses are simple and cozy in lower villages like Kande and Forest Camp, but become noticeably more basic at High Camp, where facilities are limited due to the remote, high-altitude setting. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are available at lower stops for a small extra charge, but grow scarce or unavailable above Low Camp.
Meals
All meals during the trek are included. Breakfast typically consists of porridge, eggs, pancakes, and toast. Lunches and dinners feature local dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), noodles, soups, and simple pasta dishes. Vegetarian options are always available. Since Mardi Himal is a shorter, less-developed trail than Annapurna Base Camp, menu variety is a little more limited, especially at High Camp, where supplies must be carried up on foot.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 5–6 hours per day on steep, uneven terrain
- Comfortable hiking up and down steep, narrow ridgeline trails
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- Some prior hiking experience helpful, though not mandatory
- Mental resilience for a cold, early-morning viewpoint hike at High Camp
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 3–4 weeks before the trek
- Include regular hiking with a light backpack
- Practice stair climbing to prepare for the steep ridge trails
- Build up to walking 8–10 km comfortably
- Take at least one steep weekend hike before departure
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (3-4)
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Insulating fleece/down jacket
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Warm socks (4-5 pairs)
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Comfortable camp clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Rhododendron forests in vivid bloom along the Forest Camp to Low Camp stretch
- Clear mountain views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre
- Warmer temperatures at lower elevations
- Longer daylight hours
Cons
- Busy trails and lodges, especially at High Camp
- Afternoon clouds possible near Base Camp
- Advance booking recommended for peak weeks
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are certified by Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular altitude/health checks throughout the trek, especially approaching High Camp and Base Camp
- 1:6 guide-to-trekker ratio (maximum)
Altitude Sickness
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is less common on this route, but mild symptoms can occur above 3,000m, particularly near High Camp
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper acclimatization, hydration, gradual ascent
Emergency Protocol
- 24/7 emergency contact support from Kathmandu office
- Helicopter evacuation available (weather permitting)
- Portable oxygen available at high camps
- Rescue coverage must be included in your insurance
- Nearest medical facilities: basic health post in Pokhara, with full medical care only available in Pokhara or Kathmandu ( no clinics along the trail itself )
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join trekkers from around the world on this life-changing journey.
$1,010
per person
7 days
adventure
4.8
0 reviews
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