Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days
Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days
Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days
Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

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The Mardi Himal Trek 9 days is a short, scenic, and less-crowded adventure which is perfect for beginners, nature lovers, and travelers with limited time who still want a true Himalayan experience in the Annapurna region. Known for its peaceful off-the-beaten-path trails, the trek leads you through lush rhododendron forests, charming mountain villages, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes. Opened in 2012, the route offers comfortable teahouse accommodation and reaches up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,760 ft), with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the entire Annapurna Range. Along the way, you’ll explore diverse flora, wildlife, and rich cultural traditions of Gurung and Magar communities. This trek is ideal for those seeking natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility in a short holiday.

Trip Facts
Duration: 9 Days
Trip Grade: Easy
Country: Nepal
Maximum Altitude: 4,500m./14,760ft.
Starts: Kathmandu
Ends: Kathmandu
Group Size: 1-12
Activities: Trekking
Best Time: Sep - Dec and Feb - May

Highlights

  • Tour of the naturally endowed Pokhara valley with pristine lakes and mountain views
  • Experience off the beaten trails with dense forests of rhododendrons, magnolia, and oaks
  • Reach High camp of Mardi Himal at an elevation of 4250 meters
  • Trek through the less crowded newly opened trekking areas of Annapurna Region
  • Exhilarating close up views of Mt. Annapurna and Fishtail. 
  • Enjoy high mountain landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
  • Experience the traditional lifestyles of village peoples and witness the mesmerizing sunrise over Machapuchre. 

Short and easy Mardi Himal adventurous trekking of 9 Day take you to the offbeat trail, lush forests, and picturesque mountain villages as well as less touristy wilderness trekking destination in Annapurna. After the opening of the Mardi Himal Trek route in 2012, teahouses have opened along the trekking route reaches the maximum elevation of 4250 meters at High campof or further to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,760 ft), which allows trekkers to trek without carrying camping and food essentials. This trek has seen huge popularity among trekkers in the Annapurna region is unspoiled and lets you enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a gem that offers an equally rewarding journey in the Annapurna Himalayas and some of the most sensational Himalayan mountain views in a matter of a few days. 

Moreover, our Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days lets you experience off-the-beaten trekking, perfect for adventurous souls. The trails ascend through dense forests, where you can see a diverse range of flora and fauna. Likewise, the small settlement areas along the Mardi Himal Trek route let the trekkers have a glimpse of the daily lifestyle of the mountain people. It is perfect for those who are willing to trek in less crowded trekking area in Nepal. This trek offers the perfect option for those who are looking for a short trek, culture, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Mardi Himal Trek is a short and picturesque trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you through lush forests and quaint villages, and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. The trek is suitable for beginners and those with limited time, making it a perfect introduction to trekking in Nepal. This trek is a beautiful trek located east of the Annapurna Base Camp trek in Nepal. It leads you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at the base of Mardi Himal and the iconic Machapuchhre mountain, known as "Fishtail". The trail takes you through enchanting rhododendron forests and rugged high mountain landscapes, offering stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. At High Camp, you can climb to the Mardi Himal Base Camp for spectacular close-up views of the entire Annapurna Range. The route has simple guesthouses and homestays, and during winter, the trek is full of snow and even more exciting. Mardi Himal trek is a paradise for nature and adventure for those who prefer wilderness. The trek is for those who seek natural beauty and tranquility in the himalaya.

It is a moderate level trek with ample time to acclimatize to the rising elevations. No previous experience of high altitudes is necessary, as every precaution will be taken to ensure gradual and thorough acclimatization during the trek to the mountain. Trail follows through the rhododendron and oak density forest with many different wildlife en-routes.  Mardi Himal trek is designed to provide outstanding mountain profile and to venture into the forests and villages that have not felt the impact of tourism.This short and easy trek gives an opportunity to get closer as much as Machhapuchare Himal (Mt. fishtail,6997m) the famous triangular skyline which is seen from Pokhara, Annapurna II (7937m), of course Mardi Himal(5393m) east of Modi Khola, Annapurna IV (7523 m) Mardi Himal is located in the east of the Modi Khola other side of valley from Mt. Hiuchuli. Mardi Himal trek is considered to be an ideal trekking introduction in the high Himalaya, particularly if you have limited time available. Along the trekking route we enjoy the superb Himalayan scenery including the Mt. Dhauglagiri 8167m, Mt. Annapurna 8091m,Annapurna II 7937m, Annapurna III 7555m, Annapurna IV 7525m, Annapurna south 7219m Hiunchuli 6441m, Fish tail (Machhapuchhare 6997m) and many more. 

Pokhara is the gateway city of Mardi Himal Trek. We drive to Kande from Pokhara which is about 1 hour of drive. From Kande, you start hiking upstairs Deurali following Australian Camp and Pothana. After Deurali, you trace the route to Forest Camp then after Low Camp. From Low Camp, you will have probably the best views of Machhapuchhre anywhere in Nepal along with sunrise and sunset views. Above this at 3580 m is a high camp which again offers spectacular views overlooking Annapurna Base Camp. Further along, you can then reach Mardi Himal Basecamp itself with views overlooking all of the Annapurna range. There are no guesthouses in Mardi Himal Base Camp. So, from High Camp after walked to Mardi Himal Base Camp you again back to High Camp or Low Camp for the night. Then you trek down to Siding from where you take a drive to Pokhara.

Cultural Significance of the Mardi Himal Trek

Enroute, we pass various ethnic villages inhabited by people from different ethnic groups. It’s truly an insightful phenomenon to interact with locals and get to know more about their cultures, custom, festivals, lifestyle, and practices. The people are very cheerful, and one can receive the best hospitality from locals on the route. You will feel so happy and homely. One can also notice the unique blend of Buddhism religion on the way. The colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and stupas on the road add a positive and vibrant aura to your journey.

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Price From
US$750
  • No. of travelerPrice per person
  • 1 paxUS$750
  • 2 - 4 paxUS$570
  • 5 - 8 paxUS$540
  • 9 - 12 paxUS$499
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Itinerary Overview and Route Map

Day 1:Drive to Pokhara (827 m /2,713 ft. ) from Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Day 2:Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali (2200m./ 67218ft.), 45 minutes drive & about 3-4 hours trek.
Day 3:Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m./ 8,531ft.), 6-7 hours
Day 4:Trek to High Camp (3,600m./ 11,810ft.), 6-7 hours
Day 5:Hike to Upper view Point or Mardi Himal BC (4,500m./ 14,760ft.) and back to Badal Danda (3,210m./11,528ft.), 5-6 hrs.
Day 6:Trek back to Sidding (1750m. /5800ft,) via Low Camp (3,050m./10,006ft.) , 5-6 hrs.
Day 7:Trek to Lwang Village (1460 m. / 4790 ft. ), 5-6 hrs walk. Overnight in Home-stay
Day 8:Drive back to Pokhara (800m./ 2,624ft.), 2-3 hrs drive.
Day 9:Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m./4,593ft.), 5-6 hrs drive or 30 min flight

Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Drive to Pokhara (827 m /2,713 ft. ) from Kathmandu by Tourist Bus

Drive 200 km to Pokhara and it takes about 6-7 hours from Kathmandu by tourist bus. It is an exciting and romantic drive that we can enjoy beautiful scenic view of terraced rice field, eye catching landscape, Trisuli and Marsyangdi Rivers and spectacular panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal and most of Annapurna Himalayan Range are seen. The tourist coach stops for breakfast and for lunch on the way to Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 827m (2,713ft)
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 200
Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel
Mode of Transportation: Tourist Bus
Day 2

Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali (2200m./ 67218ft.), 45 minutes drive & about 3-4 hours trek.

After breakfast, we drive an hour to Kande and commence our trek for about 1.5 hours. The climb up take us to th beautiful hamlet of Australian Camp at the altitude of 2100m. The trail to Australain camp from Kande is uphill and a pleasant easy walk up to Pothana from there, and it is a gradual walk up to Deurali (2200m) about 2 hours where you stay in a teahouse lodge for the first night. It is an easy start for the first day.

Max Altitude: 1,990m (6,528ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 45 min drive + 3-4 hrs wall
Distance: 6-7 KM
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 3

Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m./ 8,531ft.), 6-7 hours

After early breakfast, we leave main Annapurna Sanctuary trail and take an off the beaten trail to Mardi Himal Base camp to the right side and continue along a quiet trail through a dense forest of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron. Some 4 hours of jungle walk will bring us at the in a clearing of the forest at Forest Camp or also known by the locals as Kokar, here we take a lunch break then we still continue to up to Mid camp or stay overnight in Forest Camp. However as we ascend the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. Along the way you will be walking on a secluded path that mostly passes by forests of oak, rhododendron, hemlock, and maple. 

Max Altitude: 2,600m (8,530ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 12
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 4

Trek to High Camp (3,600m./ 11,810ft.), 6-7 hours

After breakfast, we climb about 1.5 hours through rhododendron forest takes us to Middle camp then to Badal Danda offers stunning view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal itself. 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 view from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Max Altitude: 3,600m (11,811ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 7.5 KM
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 5

Hike to Upper view Point or Mardi Himal BC (4,500m./ 14,760ft.) and back to Badal Danda (3,210m./11,528ft.), 5-6 hrs.

The plan for today is to wake early for a 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 crossbreed) 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 the south face of Annapurna and all of the peaks in the Sanctuary as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Max Altitude: 3,210m (10,531ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 10.2 KM
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 6

Trek back to Sidding (1750m. /5800ft,) via Low Camp (3,050m./10,006ft.) , 5-6 hrs.

Enjoy the breakfast in the morning as well as sunrise view of Annapurna mountain range then head back to Sidding. The trekking trail is heading the same way to Low camp where we stop for lunch. The trail is descends steeply through moss-covered rhododendron forest to the scenic Gurung village of Siding. On the way back we take a different route so completing a circuit, from Low Camp there is a trail that goes down to Siding village rather than going back down Mardi Himal back to Kokar. Siding is a traditional Nepalese village and still very much away from the busier modern tourist treks and it is likely you will stay at a homestay in Siding owned by the person who runs one of the lodges at Low Camp. It is a wonderful cultural experience finding out more about village lifestyles.

Max Altitude: 1,750m (5,741ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 5-6 hrs
Distance: 8.5 KM
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 7

Trek to Lwang Village (1460 m. / 4790 ft. ), 5-6 hrs walk. Overnight in Home-stay

Today is our final day for Mardi Himal Trekking. After breakfast at Siding, we easily walk to Lwang through the beautiful Ghalel Village, farmland, terraced rice field, and tea farm. That day you can observe the real Gurung Culture, lifestyle and household. You will stay at home with a Gurung family. 

Max Altitude: 1,461m (4,793ft)
Meals: B,L,D
Duration: 4-5 hrs
Distance: 10
Accommodation: Local Homestay
Day 8

Drive back to Pokhara (800m./ 2,624ft.), 2-3 hrs drive.

After a late local breakfast with Gurung Family, we will board our vehicle for Pokhara. It takes 2-3 hours to get to Pokhara through a beautiful road. Pokhara is a beautiful city where this trek starts and ends and you can enjoy a shower of good food and relax on this stunning touristic city where you will be spending the night. In the evening, explore the famous Lakeside Market and end the day dining as per your wish.

Max Altitude: 800m (2,624ft)
Meals: B,L
Accommodation: Deluxe Hotel
Day 9

Drive to Kathmandu (1,400m./4,593ft.), 5-6 hrs drive or 30 min flight

We have to leave early in the morning after breakfast from Pokhara hotel and road heading along river valleys, few towns, terraced fields and green hilly scenery to Kathmandu. You will take a rest in Kathmandu hotel or do souvenir shopping.  You can also extend another tour around Pokhara and visit Riepe village or wildlife safari from Pokhara. 

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Cost Details

Includes

  • Two-night deluxe accommodation with bed and breakfast at Lakeside Pokhara
  • Accommodations during the treks twin sharing basis 
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) and tea or coffee while on the treks
  • Experienced English speaking government Licensed trekking guide and 1 porter between 2 trekkers
  • Guide & porter salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper work and applicable permits, ACAP, TIMS, and Local permits
  • Regular tourist bus to and from Kathmandu 
  • Pokhara to Kande, Sidhing to Pokhara private vehicle service.
  • Sleeping bag down jacket if needed (It’s refundable)
  • Trekking Plus Duffel Bag, T-shirt, Trekking map, and Water purifications Drops/Tablets
  • First aid kit with Oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate (Very useful to check Altitude sickness symptoms)
  • A comprehensive medical kit 
  • Farewell Dinner in a fine Restaurant
  • Official expense and government tax and vat.

Excludes

  • Airport pick up and drop-off 
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and all meals 
  • Personal trekking equipment 
  • Transport outside of the tour program
  • Lunch and dinner while you are in pokhara
  • Travel insurance (It is compulsory to have insurance which covers helicopter evacuation.)
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, mineral water, monument entrance fees, postage, laundry, video, camera, phone, etc. 
  • Tipping to guide  (frequently receives some recognition for good service) 
  • Any additional tours and activities that are not included in the above itinerary.

Essential Information

Useful Information

Important to note, please visit our Equipments check list. Altitude Mountain Sickness section for additional details of what you need to bring on trek as well as prevent about AMS. Trekking Plus top priority is the safety and security of our customers and staff during all of our trips.

Our top priority is the Safety and Security of our customers and staffs during all of our trips. Trekking Plus field crews bring normal first aid kits on all of our tours, which is readily available for both customers and staff but we will recommend you to bring first aid kits yourself from your country because Nepalese medicine some time does not work properly. We are constantly in communication with our field office and monitor all aspects of government and weather issues that might affect your trip. Also, we are always available 24 hours emergency contact.

Drinking water

We will get mineral and boiled water along the trekking routes which is also an additional cost. We discourage not to buy Mineral bottle water but use boiled water from the local lodges and put water purify tablets. Plastic bottles are difficult to dispose off and have become an environmental problem in mountains.

What to take

Trekking Plus offers you a Trekking maps as a complementary and Company T-shirt.Trekking Plus would suggest you to pack as lightly as possible when you are on mountain. We provide one porter between two trekkers to carry your trekking gears. You will be carried your valuable things in a day pack by your own and your other bags will be carried by the porter in a duffel bag which we provided. Porter carries about 25 KG from 2 trekkers. You can store you’re your luggage which you are not going to use it on trek can leave in Kathmandu Hotel which is free of cost. Please visit our FAQS for more details. 

Food and Accommodation 

Breakfast, normally the breakfast serve around 7 am in the morning and walk start by 8 am, the walking will begin after the stretching and warm up before we move on every day, Our daily walk is Normally around 3-4 hours approximately but it depends on your level of physical fitness as well. 

Lunch during the trek is usually held between 12-1 pm with 40-minute duration, the fresh and hygienic lunch will be typically taken from the menu which will serve as fast as possible with the cup of tea or coffee.

Dinner and lodge, Soon we arrive at our Mountain Ldoge, we might take some rest before we go to dinner and but our guide and porter will be glad to serve the cup of tea in your room while resting and we alert that for our dinner around 5-7 pm, rest of the time you may like to visit the places around or resting in the room. Basically room are basic on mountain standard. Accommodations during the trek in the mountains, basically you will be staying at basic trekking lodges where you will have a nice and clean room with the warm blankets, pillows, and comfortable matrices. Do not expect everything is the high level of standards in the mountain. 

Health, fitness and experience requirements

Mardi Himal Trek insistence excellent stamina as well as the best health condition.  We suggest you to consult with your doctor before planning this trek. Trekkers are also requested to take advice, medications and permission from their doctor prior to planning their trek. Also, it is highly recommended to take expert guidance before you start your trek. Some days of the trek require about 8 hours of walking. Thus, the trek demands excellent stamina. Therefore, regular exercise and jogging is recommended to build up the required stamina to successfully done this trek.

Though, the trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp required no prior experience. However, prior experience in climbing, camping and hiking will definitely be counted as a plus point. Please submit your medical fitness certificate that includes your present health condition, medical situation, the preceding illness and the medication you are taking prior to booking this package. You are also requested to be honest so that, we can prepare ourselves to take quick action in case of emergencies.