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Mardi Himal Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

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Trip Duration

7 Days
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Max. Altitude

4,500m. / 14,764ft.
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Nature of Trip

Tea House Trek
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Trip Difficulty

Moderate
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Group Size

1-20
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Best Seasons

Feb-May/Sep-Nov
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Activity

Trekking
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Start/End

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Mardi Himal Trek

16 Reviews on Tripadvisor

The Mardi Himal Trek is a short and sweet trekking route located in the beloved Annapurna region of Nepal. It features stunning mountain views, homely cultural experiences and diverse landscapes all wrapped up in one week-long trek. Trekking to Mardi Himal is accessible for all levels of travellers because of its short length and moderate terrain. It starts and ends in Pokhara which is the second largest city in Nepal and a sought-after destination for many tourists.

Starting at a lower elevation, the Mardi Himal trekking route winds its way through rhododendron forests, rural fields and small villages. The trek climbs upwards, where things open up to reveal impressive mountain views of the Annapurna mountain range. The highest elevation on this short Nepali trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at 4500 m above sea level. If you hike up in the early morning, you can watch the rising sun paint the sky and the up-close mountain peaks with an array of color and light.

Mardi Himal (Himal means ‘mountain’ in Nepali) stands at 5587 m and is surrounded by other peaks of the Annapurna range including the famous Machhapuchhre (6997 m). Machhapuchhre translates to ‘fishtail’ and is so named for its unique shape that resembles the tail of a fish. It is truly a star of the Mardi Himal Trek and can be seen for the majority of the hike.

Mardi Himal Trek is a comfortable trek with tea houses (quaint local lodges) dotted all along the route. This means your trek can be adjusted based on your needs and preferences. Additionally, your trek can start and end in Kathmandu or be adjusted to only include Pokhara. It usually takes 5-7 days to complete the Mardi Himal route and is the best short trekking option for those who have limited time to visit Nepal. The Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent add-on to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek if you would like to extend your time in the mountains.

Please consider booking your trek with Himalayan Peace Treks, a small trekking company committed to offering ethical tourist experiences in Nepal. We would love to hear from you.

Mardi Himal Trekking Highlights

  • A short, accessible trek in the Nepali Himalayas
  • Stunning, up-close mountain views including Mardi Himal (5587 m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Annapurna South (7219 m) and Hiunchuli (6441 m)
  • Dense rhododendron forests turn to alpine meadows, then turn to rocky tundra as you gain more elevation every day
  • Witness the traditional customs, practices and way of life of the local Gurung and Magar ethnic groups
  • Hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp and reach 4500 m of elevation
  • Rich wildlife and birdlife surround you in the forested areas
  • Opportunity for authentic cultural experiences with the local people
  • Visit Pokhara at the beginning and end of your trek, or start your trek in Pokhara if you’re already there

 

Hiking to Mardi Himal

Why Trek With Himalayan Peace Treks?

We are a trusted, ethical trekking and tour company that facilitates incredible experiences in the Himalayas. You can feel good about choosing our company to guide you because of our genuinely excellent service and commitment to giving back to our communities and the environment.

Our ethical trekking approach means appropriate wages and working conditions for our wonderful team, community empowerment and support, and environmental consciousness. We are honest and thoughtful with our guests and everyone we do business with. We promise you transparency and enjoyment from start to finish and would be happy to customize your trip for you.

Our main community projects include donating directly to local schools and orphanages to support children in need. Sustainable trekking is in our hearts and is also in the hands of those heading into the mountains themselves, so we will brief you on how you can trek more sustainably with us.

With decades of experience among the team, we would love the opportunity to share with you what we love about the Himalayas in the most peaceful way.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Summary

Pre-Trek Day 00: Arrival in Kathmandu (1345 m)
Pre-Trek Day 0: Final Day in Kathmandu and Trekking Preparations
Trek Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m)  200 km, 7-8 hrs
Trek Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1740 m), Then Trek to Forest Camp (2550 m) 6-7 hrs, 14 km
Trek Day 3: Trek Forest Camp to Low Camp (2970 m), 10 km, 4-5 hours
Trek Day 4: Trek Low Camp to High Camp (3550 m) 9 km, 3-4  hrs
Trek Day 5: Hike High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m), Then to Low Camp (2970 m) 6-7 hrs
Trek Day 6: Trek Low Camp to Siding (1710 m) 4 km, 3 hrs, Then Drive to Pokhara (822 m), 2 hrs
Trek Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu (1345 m) 200 km, 7-8 hrs

Photo/Video Gallery

Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek

We are happy to work with you to adjust this itinerary to create a personalized experience for you.
*Times are estimated based on average hiking pace and do not include breaks.

Feel free to arrive today, or earlier, to enjoy Kathmandu Valley, rest, and prepare for your trek. You will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and provided with transportation to your pre-booked hotel in Thamel, the tourist hub of Kathmandu. Please let us know your flight itinerary so we can arrange your pick-up.

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Distance: 7 km - Airport to Thamel

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Overnight Altitude: 1345m./4,413ft. (Kathmandu)

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Meal: n/a

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Accommodation: None (we can arrange if needed)

Includes/Excludes

What is included?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
  • One night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast included
      • Standard itinerary includes one night pre-trek
      • We can arrange for additional nights upon request
  • Two nights accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast included
      • Standard itinerary includes one night pre-trek and one night post-trek
      • We can arrange for additional nights upon request
  • Luggage storage at you hotel in Kathmandu
  • All necessary trekking permits
      • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS Card
  • Round trip tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
      • Flight or private alternative available upon request
  • Round trip bus, taxi or jeep transportation from Pokhara to the trek and back
  • All accommodation while trekking
  • Three meals a day (unless otherwise listed), with a tea or coffee at each meal
  • Daily fresh fruit whenever available
  • Trekking map
  • First-aid kit carried by guide
  • One experienced and professional local guide who speaks English
      • Guide fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food and accommodation
      • Assistant guides might be added with larger groups
  • If needed, our team will arrange an emergency rescue with your insurance company
  • Company fees, administration fees, and government tax (VAT)
  • Minimum 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal
  • A tree planted in your name

What is not included?

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Tourist visa to enter Nepal (can obtain on arrival at the airport)
      • US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days
  • Any personal sightseeing costs and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
      • Temples, monastery entrance fees, souvenirs, lunches, etc.
  • Any extra costs while trekking
      • Snacks, fancy coffees, hot showers, laundry, battery charging, wifi at some tea houses, monastery fees, donations, etc.
  • Local porters to carry the items for your trek
      • Porter fees include their insurance, livable wages, transportation, food, accommodation and an optional duffle bag to carry your items
      • The number of porters depends on the number of trekkers: one porter carries the items for two people (maximum 20 kg)
  • Drinking water
      • You need to have a water filtration system or plan to buy boiled water
  • Sleeping bag and puffy jacket rentals are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara if needed
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
      • You need medical travel insurance that covers trekking to over 5000 m elevation, then send the information to us please
  • Staff tips
      • Many trekking guides and porters in Nepal rely on tips to supplement a lower wage. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to travel knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience
Price starts

US$ 513

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 1 person
    US$ 750
  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 617
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 572
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 537
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 522
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 513

Total Cost:

US$ 750

Trip Information

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

The Mardi Himal Trek is considered easy in the grand scheme of Nepali trekking. The trails are well maintained, the elevation gain is manageable, the days are not too long and the tea houses are fairly comfortable. That being said, the trek still involves several days of hiking 4-7 hours a day and reaches an elevation of 4500 m. It is recommended that trekkers spend time before the trek preparing for long days of movement and walk slowly along the route to help their bodies adjust to the changing elevation.

There are many options within the Mardi Himal trek that can make it easier including: shortening the distance hiked each day (by adding more days), stopping at a lower viewpoint instead of hiking to Mardi Himal Base Camp, and taking a jeep back to Pokhara instead of descending the entire way back down. Overall, with proper preparation and guidance from experienced guides, the Mardi Himal trek is quite accessible to lots of people including beginners, families, and large groups.

Respecting Culture and Religion on the Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is rich in various local cultural traditions and ethnic groups such as the Magar, Gurung, and Bramin people who have roots within the Annapurna region. Prayer flags, monuments and mani walls add spiritual significance during your adventure. Be mindful of the local norms in which modesty is the standard. Openly changing in front of people and urinating in public spaces is not common.

Please consider the culture when selecting what clothing to bring and keep public displays of affection to a modest minimum. Only enter homes and kitchens when invited, and ask for permission to take photos of local people and their homes (a good practice anywhere!). The right hand is considered sacred, so pass religious structures with your right side facing them (walking clockwise). Only use your right hand for eating, and handing items, such as currency, to someone.

Major Elevation Points on The Mardi Himal Trek

  • Mardi Himal Base Camp: 4500 m
  • Starting Elevation: 1740 m in Kande
  • Finishing Elevation: 1710 m in Siding

Mardi Himal Trek Packing List

We have put together an incredible packing list for the Mardi Himal Trek. It is extremely thorough and in some cases might be too much, so please use your own judgement when packing. Most people overpack for their first trek, so keep that in mind while gathering items. Porters can carry a maximum of 20kg, which is 10kg per person. We have created a detailed packing list with explanations and here is a condensed PDF packing checklist.

Weather On The Mardi Himal Trek

If you are trekking during peak seasons, spring and autumn, you are more likely to get clear skies, little precipitation, warm days and cool nights. At low elevation you might be surprised to know that the day time can be quite hot but the days cool off as you gain elevation. At night time, it can get pretty chilly, especially with higher altitude.

If you are trekking closer to winter (which is December to mid-February), then you are likely to get clear but cold weather. If you are trekking close to monsoon season (which is mid-May to mid-September) then you can expect to get wet! Regardless of the time of year, the mornings are generally clearer in the mountains and the clouds start to roll in after midday.

Food on the Mardi Himal Trek

Considering that you’re trekking in the Himalayas, the food is pretty great! Each tea house has a menu to choose from including local and international dishes. The most recommended local food to try is Nepal’s national dish, dal bhat. Dal bhat is lentil soup (dal) and a hearty portion of rice (bhat), traditionally served with curry, sautéed greens, and maybe some fresh cut vegetables, a spicy sauce or local yogurt. It’s always made fresh and has unlimited refills to help refuel after a long day of trekking.

Another delicacy to add to your must-try list are momo, which are well-loved local dumplings. You can expect to see other dishes including pasta, fried noodles and soup for lunch and dinner and more western items for breakfast such as pancakes, eggs and oatmeal. Common food requirements such as allergies, vegan, and gluten-free can be easily accommodated for, but some cross-contamination is possible.

Accommodation On The Mardi Himal Trek

You will be staying in tea houses which are small, simplistic lodges with a dining hall and guest rooms to stay overnight. At lower elevation you will be more likely to find nicer tea houses with amenities such as hot showers, attached bathrooms and electricity in the rooms. As you ascend, be prepared for more simple amenities and shared squat toilets.

The dining halls are often heated but there is no heating in the guest rooms so a good sleeping bag is required to keep you cozy and warm.

Mardi Himal Accomodation
A blooming teahouse on the Mardi Himal Trek

Required permits for the Mardi Himal Trek

Two permits are required in order to complete the Mardi Himal Trek. When you book your trek with Himalayan Peace Treks, we will obtain your permits on your behalf with your passport.

Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card aims to ensure the safety and security of individuals during trekking in the Nepali Himalayas.
For foreigners it costs NPR 2000 and for SAARC nationals it costs NPR 1,000

Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit

ACAP is a national park permit for the Annapurna Conservation Area.
For foreigners: NPR 3,000 and SAARC nationals: NPR 1,000
For Nepali nationals: NPR 100

Children below ten years do not require either permit. The Mardi Himal Trek is a great option for families!

Transportation to the Mardi Himal Trek

From Kathmandu, you can choose to travel via local bus, tourist bus, private jeep or flight to Pokhara. A tourist bus is included in the price of your trek package and takes 7-8 hours. Local buses, which are cheaper, can be a fun cultural experience but are often noisy, dusty and slower. If you would like to add a private jeep for a quicker, more comfortable ride, then you are welcome to do so. Flights are also an option and take about 25 mins.

We would subtract the cost of the bus transportation if you are already in Pokhara or choose a private jeep or flight. The transportation from Pokhara to the trailhead depends on your group and package. You will either take a bus, taxi or jeep.

Trip Map of Mardi Himal Trek

Trip map of Mardi Himal Trek

Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp is best in the spring and autumn seasons. The spring season is typically from the mid-February to the beginning of May and the autumn season starts mid-September and continues through to mid-November. Some guests are interested in coming at quieter times, or have schedule restrictions, and choose to come at the beginning or end of a season and manage the weather conditions.

Technically, no, however it is highly recommended for better safety and enjoyment. Guides and trekking companies organize all of the trek details for you including arranging transportation, obtaining permits, and booking tea houses. Guides also offer local knowledge about the culture and language, as well as the surrounding flora, fauna and mountains. Your guide will help you set the pace, assess risks and manage emergency situations.

A porter is not necessary, but recommended for the Mardi Himal Trek. If you have lots of experience trekking at high altitude and are feeling physically and mentally confident, then you will likely be just fine. Porters are recommended for anyone who is new to trekking at high altitude, is nervous about the terrain, or is seeking more enjoyment instead of a challenge. Hiring a porter is a lovely way to support the local economy and have another staff member present in case of emergency.

Remarkably, considering your location in the Himalayas, there is electricity at most tea houses along the trek. Very few have charging outlets in guest rooms, but you can charge your devices in the main dining hall. Some tea houses request a small additional charging fee. Be prepared that the electricity is unpredictable and could cut out at any time. Many trekkers choose to bring a power bank or solar charging device. Either can be useful but are not necessary.

Yes, there is wifi accessible while trekking. Although we suggest that you use the opportunity to disconnect, many tea houses have wifi so you can still let your loved ones know that you are having the time of your life. Many tea houses charge a small fee to access the wifi for your stay. Similarly to the electricity, the wifi can be extremely unpredictable and unreliable so we don’t recommend that you plan to rely on it for anything important

Mardi Himal Base Camp is located at an elevation of 4500 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level.

The total walking distance on the Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 45-50 km. This number could vary significantly depending on the day tours or side hikes that you choose to do. Each day you can expect to walk an average of 10 km.

Altitude sickness, which occurs as a result of spending time at high elevation, can happen any time you’re above 2500 m. It is a result of gaining altitude too quickly and not allowing time for the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen and air pressure changes. Symptoms can include anything from headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, vomiting and difficulty sleeping to more severe symptoms such as fluid in the lungs, irrational behaviour, breathlessness, blue skin, and an inability to walk.

Surprisingly, altitude sickness can happen to anyone, even if they’re young, fit, and have been at high altitude before. It is important to do everything possible to prevent altitude sickness and not ignore symptoms if they arise.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to ascend slowly. This means physically walking slowly, as well as limiting how much elevation you gain in a short period of time, and stretching your trek out over many days. To further help the body acclimatize to the elevation gain, it’s a good idea to hike up to a higher point than you will be sleeping whenever possible. The Mardi Himal Trek reaches a maximum elevation of 4500 m if you hike all the way up to Mardi Himal Base Camp for sunrise. Thankfully there are incredible sunrise views from lookout spot that are lower down and many trekkers choose to stop at one of these viewpoints to enjoy the morning display.

If it’s your first time at elevation or you have time to spare, then we can adjust your itinerary to include more days for a slower ascent and more rest. Altitude sickness medication is best used as a treatment instead of a prevention. You can consult your doctor if you have any specific questions.

DO: ascend slowly, drink lots of water, monitor your symptoms and trek with an experienced guide
DON’T: push through severe symptoms, heavily consume alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or smoke cigarettes, take sleeping pills, ascend too quickly

Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at airport immigration upon your arrival. Visa options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended.

If needed, you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Immigration Office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day.

Yes, obtaining good medical travel insurance before you come to Nepal is necessary to trek safely and worry-free. Ensure that whatever insurance you get covers high altitude activities. You can send your insurance information to Himalayan Peace Treks so we can coordinate your safe return if there are any unlikely emergencies.

To pay for your trek you can bring any major currency ($€£¥). For spending money in Kathmandu and on your trek, you’ll need local Nepali Rupees (NPR) as Nepal mostly deals in cash. You can exchange or withdraw local rupees in Kathmandu. Once you venture into the mountains there are no reliable ATMs, so any cash you might need for the entirety of the trek (for snacks, souvenirs, gear replacement, etc.) needs to have been already obtained beforehand.

To pay your initial 15% deposit, you can send a money transfer (eg. Wise) or an international bank transfer. To pay for the remainder of your trek once you have arrived in Kathmandu, you can pay by cash (in any major currency). Any fees associated with a transfer or payment are your responsibility. All prices are listed in USD.

Trip Reviews

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Price starts

US$ 513

Standard trek price (per person)

  • 1 person
    US$ 750
  • 2 - 2 people
    US$ 617
  • 3 - 4 people
    US$ 572
  • 5 - 6 people
    US$ 537
  • 7 - 8 people
    US$ 522
  • 9 + people 9999
    US$ 513

Total Cost:

US$ 750

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

Have Questions?

Talk to our expert team and plan your trip.
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
Hari Dhakal
Chris Brooker
Ganesh Prasad Simkhada
whatsapp viber +977 9846722055
Hari Dhakal
whatsapp viber +977 9863653779
Chris Brooker
whatsapp viber +977 9851414779

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