Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal is an under-visited mountain with a recently developed trekking trail that’s waiting to be explored. The mountain landscape is as spectacular as the nearby Annapurna region, but the trek itself is less challenging than the Annapurna Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit. The Mardi Himal trek is an ideal option for adventurous travellers who want to get off the beaten path.
Walk though pristine rhododendron forests (especially vibrant in March-April), cloud forests, and charming villages to high-altitude pastures where yaks graze. From Mardi Himal Base Camp, the entire Annapurna range is visible, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Follow the Mardi Khola Valley for part of the way.
If you are looking for a short trek in Nepal that is rewarding, with stunning mountain views without the crowds, the Mardi Himal trek is the perfect choice.
US$1,110*
6 NIGHT TREK
DEPARTS: pokhara
Maximum elevation: 4,450 m.
Level of difficulty: Medium to hard
Availability: March to May & September to November
* Price based on twin share accommodation. Single room supplement available subject to availability
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here
TRIP EXCLUSIONS
International airfare to Nepal
Airfare to Pokhara/Kathmandu
Snacks between meals on the trek
Comprehensive travel insurance.
Alcoholic or soft drinks, including bottled water (we recommend using filters or supporting safe drinking water programmes)
Laundry
Tips for trekking porters and guide
Hotel and meals in Pokhara
Transfers from Kathmandu airport to hotel, and from hotel to airport at end of trip
Trip Inclusions
Tea house lodge or homestay accommodation during the trek in twin/triple share
All standard meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
English-speaking guide
Annapurna Conservation Area permits and TIMS permit for trekking
Porters to carry your luggage during the trek (we assign one porter for every two guests)
Guide and porter’s food & accommodation
Overland transfer to/from the start & finish of trek by road
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Pokhara to Pitam-Deurali. Begin by driving to Kande, outside Pokhara. The walk from Kande to Pitam-Deurali passes terraced fields and small villages in the hills. Pitam-Deurali is a ridgetop village with great views out to Annapurna South and Mardi Himal.
Driving time: 1 hour 20 mins
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Pitam-Deurali (all meals on trek included)
Altitude: 2,100 m.
DAY 2
Pitam-Deurali to Forest Camp. This morning, trek through lush pine and rhododendron forest—if trekking in spring, you can enjoy the sight of Nepal’s national flower in bloom. The trail is quiet, and your teahouse lodge for the night is in a lovely clearing area called Kokar/ Forest Camp.
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Forest Camp (all meals included)
Altitude: 2,600 m.
DAY 3
Forest Camp to Badal Danda. Continue through forest today to the Low Camp, from where mountain views up the valley come into sight. From here it is a further 1.5 hours up to Badal Danda where you can get great views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail mountain). Note: If the climb to Badal Danda is too much, you can opt to stay at Low camp which is significantly lower at 2,970m.
Walking time: 4.5-5 hours
Overnight: Low Camp (all meals included)
Altitude: 3,289 m.
DAY 4
Badal Danda to High Camp. Trek to High Camp through breathtaking scenery with stunning mountain views.
Walking time: 2-3 hours
Overnight: High Camp (all meals included)
Altitude: 4,100 m.
DAY 5
High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Climb up through the thinning tree line along a ridge toward Mardi Himal. From the High Camp, where you’ll stay tonight, the mountain views are breathtaking. Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,450 m.) and return to High Camp.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: High Camp (all meals included)
Altitude: 4,100 m.
DAY 6
High Camp to Sidhing. It’s a long way down today! Descending down a different track today leads to the quiet village of Sidhing. Sidhing is away from the main busier trails, so provides a peaceful haven from which to enjoy the forests.
Walking time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Sidhing (all meals included)
Altitude: 1,700 m.
DAY 7
Sidhing to Lwang and return to Pokhara. The path is more gradual today, taking you from Sidhing to another small traditional village, Lwang. At these lower altitudes the scenery is lush and green again, and you’ll pass small settlements along the trail. Lwang is your final stop on the trek, and where a jeep will meet you in the village to take you back to Pokhara.
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Driving time: approx. 2 hours
Altitude: 895 m. (breakfast and lunch included)
Note:
This trek is also available as a 8-day trek for those who enjoy more time in the mountains or need more time to descend at the end of the trek.
Other trips you may be interested in
Khopra Ridge Trek, Nepal
Annapurna Panorama Trek, Nepal
Other Nepal treks
