Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal trek ranks as one of the best options for those looking for a tranquil experience in the Himalayas. This trek is also considered the hidden gem located in the Annapurna region because it offers jaw-dropping mountain scenarios, unspoiled natural beauty and a quiet place where fewer people go to visit. In this trek, you can also see unique local culture, traditional villages, and wildlife. After experiencing these, you won’t forget them for a lifetime.
At Adventure Glacier, you can truly immerse yourself in the experience offered by the Mardi Himal trek. It can be a memorable journey for those trekkers who want peace with beautiful surroundings.
The 8-day Mardi Himal trek offers an opportunity to observe breathtaking close-range scenes of famous summits. You can watch the spectacular views of towering peaks such as Mt Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri and Mardi Himal.
The journey from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal can be a breathtaking experience as you have to trek via a vibrant rhododendron forest. This forest makes the trek even more special and magical.
The Mardi Himal Trek isn’t crowded with many people, so you can enjoy the beautiful nature peacefully and quietly. With the less crowded places and suitable atmosphere, you can easily immerse yourself in the scenes created by the Himalayas.
Along with the stunning scenes created by Mardi Himal, you can also get the opportunity to know the lifestyle and culture of the Gurung and Magar people. Trekking through these villages, you can get warm hospitality and gain some knowledge about their traditions.
The journey ends with an incredible and unforgettable view at the High Camp. You can enjoy the stunning sunrise and sunset during the morning with the colorful skies and massive mountain views. This journey can be the right decision you ever made as the scenes created by Mardi Himal stay in your memory forever.
At Adventure Glacier, the Mardi Himal trek costs around $600 per person. If the number of trekkers increases, the cost per person can decrease. For example, for a group of 3–4 trekkers, it costs around $550 per person, while for groups of 5 or more, it costs around $500 per person to complete the full trek.
The best time for the Mardi Himal trek is during the spring season, from March to May. Furthermore, fall, spanning from September to November, is another excellent season for a visit. At this time, the atmosphere is awesome, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures and clear awe-inspiring mountain views. Although there is a suitable temperature and clear skies, it is good to carry some warm clothes and rain gear because the weather can change very quickly in the mountain areas.
Trip Itinerary
Your Mardi Himal trek begins once you reach the TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) in Kathmandu - 1,400m (the capital city of Nepal). Upon your arrival at the airport, our team will be there at the terminal holding a bouquet of flowers for you. Once you meet Adventure Glacier teams, we will gladly greet you. After that, we will exit the terminal, where our representative will be waiting for you with a placard displaying your name. Following that, you will be brought to our hotel that adheres to tourist standards. At the hotel, you can relax and rest. We will be meeting you wherever you feel comfortable, either at a hotel or office, for a brief detail about the Mardi Himal trek. In the meeting, we will invite you for a delicious traditional dinner such as Rice and lentils, leafy greens, pickles, curd and meat (optional). After we eat dinner, we will further enjoy ourselves by dancing and singing the song. If you like to walk the tourist spot at Thamel, you can go and feel refreshed.
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.
On this day, you will begin on a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m) via a tourist bus in the early morning. Typically, tourist buses leave Kathmandu at 7:00 am and the journey can take between 6 to 7 hours, depending upon the condition of the road. Generally, Pokhara is considered as the main spot to start the hike. After you reach Pokhara, you will check in at the hotel, where you can rest, eat lunch and relax. Moreover, you can explore the lakeside of Pokhara. If you have some spare time, consider taking a boat ride on Phewa Lake and exploring the Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and Bat Cave. Furthermore, if you like adventure activities, you can do paragliding, Bungee jumping and Zip-lining. In the morning time, you can witness the breathtaking sunrise views from Sarangkot.
- Highlights: Breathtaking sunrise views from Sarangkot.
- Accommodation: Hotels at Pokhara
In the morning, you will savor a satisfying breakfast in Pokhara. Once you have finished your meal, you will proceed with a scenic drive lasting approximately 40 minutes prior to starting the Mardi Himal trek. After that, you begin going up the steps from Phedi until you reach Dhampus (a Gurung village known for the stunning scenes of the Annapurna range, Lamjung Himal and Manaslu). Once you arrive at Dhampus, the route ascends throughout the way to reach Pothana (1,890m). To reach there, you have to cross the lush rhododendron forest and the dense pine forest. You need to keep on climbing to reach the sleepy village of Pothana, all surrounded by trees and offering panoramic mountain vistas. At the Pothana checkpoints, you will be provided with TIMS/ACAP cards. You will stay overnight at a Pothana hotel in the evening.
- Highlights: Trek from Phedi to Pothana via Dhampus, with forest trails, mountain views, and permit registration.
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hours / Distance: 30.8 km
- Accommodation: Tea house at Pothana
After having a hearty breakfast, you will continue the trek through a steep ascent hike from a lush forest. While trekking, you have the opportunity to see the stunning sights of Mt Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Furthermore, if you are lucky, you may have a chance to observe some unusual animals such as musk deer, Himalayan tahr, red panda, langur monkey and barking deer. Additionally, you can also watch some unusual birds like the Himalayan Monal (Danphe), satyr tragopan, spotted forktail, cutia and yellow-billed blue Magpie. After 5 hours, you will arrive at the forest camp by trekking; then you will eat dinner and sleep at the hotel at the Forest camp.
- Highlights: Wildlife-rich forest trek with mountain views to Forest Camp.
- Trek Duration: 5 hours / Distance: 8 km
- Accommodation: Tea house at forest camp.
On this day, you will be going through the trail that ascends sharply from Forest Camp to High Camp. This trail twists and turns along the edge of forests that are filled with rhododendrons and juniper trees. You will be moving forward toward the high camp on this particular day. Between that, you will take some rest and eat some lunch for your health. Once you reach the high camp, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt Machhapuchhre and Mount Annapurna. After you witness the stunning views, you may get exhausted. You can have dinner and rest peacefully at night.
- Highlights: Challenging climb to High Camp offering breathtaking vistas of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.
- Trek Duration: 5 hours / Distance: 8.5 km
- Accommodation: Tea house at High Camp.
To reach the most awaited mountain, you need to wake up early in the morning. After that, eat a hearty breakfast and start the trek to Mardi Himal Base camp - situated at 5,300 meters. You may find this trek a bit hard because you need to trek through rocky places and narrow tracks. After this challenging trek, you will be rewarded with jaw-dropping mountain views with clean sights and peace at Mardi Himal Base camp. Once you witness the Mountains, you may feel relief from being tired and want to enjoy the nature created by these peaks. You will again return back to the High Camp after spending time at base camp. You will be staying at the hotel at Highcamp by enjoying the delicious meals.
- Highlights: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp for breathtaking mountain vistas and tranquil environments.
- Trek Duration: 5 hours / Distance: 4.7 km
- Accommodation: Tea house at High Camp.
On this day, you will again return back to the siding village. On this day, you will trek down to the lower campsite. After that, you will continue to trek via the lush forest to arrive at Mardi River (Khola). Once you cross the forest and river, you will reach the warm and hospitable community of Siding. In siding, you will be able to know the lifestyle, tradition and culture of the local people. At night, you will receive the traditional cuisine with a variety of dishes. Then you can sleep.
- Highlights: Return to Siding Village with forest walk, river crossing, and local culture experience.
- Trek Duration: 6 hours / Distance: 9 km
- Accommodation: Tea house at Siding.
This day will be the last day we are meeting. You need to get up early in the morning and eat a hearty meal. Following that, you will proceed with your previous hike from Saidighatta (Siding) to gradually arrive at Lumre. To get to Lumre, you must trek downwards. The trail gently descends through grassy regions and picturesque villages of the Tamang and Gurung people, tracing the course of the Mardi River valley. For pickup for us, our representative will be waiting for us at the Lumre to reach Pokhara which can take around 1.5 hours. After you reach Pokhara, you can take a rest, eat a delicious dinner and prepare for yourself. In the evening, you can talk about your trekking experience. We send you our best wishes for your upcoming adventure.
- Highlights: Last journey to Lumre and the drive back to Pokhara.
- Trek Duration: 2 hours / Distance: 14 hours
- Accommodation: Comfortable hotel at Pokhara.
FAQs
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
It is generally accepted that the Mardi Himal trek is moderately tough. The path features sharp climbs and drops, yet it does not necessitate any technical climbing skills. Proper preparation and a good understanding of the trek can lead to its completion.
How long does the Mardi Himal Trek take?
This trek can take around 5-8 days, which actually depends upon the trekker’s pace, weather conditions and the path. If you are well-experienced, you can complete the trek in a few days. However, for beginners, the itinerary may take longer.
What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?
You can visit the Mardi Himal trek in any season, whichever you like. The best times to begin on the Mardi Himal trek are during spring (March, April, and May) and autumn (September, October, and November). During this season, you can get a clear view of grand mountains, lush green hills, and breathtaking sunrises that make the trek truly unforgettable. Furthermore, in these seasons, the weather will be favorable and have an appropriate temperature.
Do I need a guide or porter for the Mardi Himal Trek?
It is highly advisable to hire a guide and porter for your first trek due to safety considerations, navigating the route, and aiding local communities. However, if the trekkers are well-experienced, they may not need any porters and guides.
What permits are required for the Mardi Himal Trek?
To begin on the Mardi Himal trek, you must acquire two permits from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The two permits are:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
What is the accommodation like on the Mardi Himal Trek?
You can find tea houses and lodges on the Mardi Himal trek because of the higher altitude. In these lodgings, you’ll find essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. You need to be ready to adapt to the basic facilities.
What should I pack for the Mardi Himal Trek?
There are numerous gears and items you can pack. Some requirements for the Mardi Himal trip are as follows:
- Durable Hiking boots
- Warm clothing (layers are key)
- Sleeping bag (for higher altitudes)
- Trekking poles
- Water purification tablets or filter
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Headlamp or flashlight
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Mardi Himal Trek?
Indeed, altitude sickness is an issue to consider while trekking the Mardi Himal route. You must ascend to approximately 4,500 meters in elevation. However, you can reduce the risk of altitude sickness by proper acclimatization, stay hydrated and slow trek.
What if someone fainted on the trail?
In case someone faints on the trail, you need to stay calm and ensure your safety. Furthermore, you need to seek the aid of the guide to assess their condition and apply first aid.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek cost?
The Mardi Himal trek cost depends upon the trekkers who want to trek. At Adventure Glacier, the cost is approximately $600 per person for 1–2 trekkers. For groups of 3–4, it is $550 per person, and for groups of 5 or more, the cost is around $500 per person.
Is the Mardi Himal Trek safe for solo travelers?
Yes, this trek is safe for solo travelers as you won’t have to do technical climbing. It is good to have a guide and porter if you are a beginner and unfamiliar with the trek.
What makes the Mardi Himal Trek unique?
This trek is unique because of several things that you can witness and experience there. Some of them include:
- less-crowded trails
- close-up views of Mardi Himal and Machapuchare.
- Incredible natural beauty
- Authentic Local Experience
- Diverse Landscapes in a Short Time
What are the highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek?
There are several highlights found in the Mardi Himal trek. Here are several key highlights:
Machapuchare, the Annapurna mountain range, and the Mardi Himal are all spectacularly visible.
- Walking through rhododendron forests
- Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Experiencing local culture in traditional villages.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost 2025 and 2026
| No. of Pax | Starting Price |
| 1-2 | USD 600 |
| 3-4 | USD 550 per person |
| 5+ | USD 500 per person |
Why Choose Adventure Glacier Treks?
- Experienced Local guides: Guided by experienced and certified Nepali professionals who have extensive expertise in the field, we guarantee that your adventure is secure, educational, and rich in cultural experiences.
- Competitive Pricing with No Hidden Costs: We provide honest and clear pricing that covers permits, lodging, and guiding services that ensure you receive good value for your investment.
- Focus on Safety and Comfort: Ensuring your safety is our highest concern. Through careful altitude management and dependable logistics, we guarantee that your journey is both secure and enjoyable.
- Positive Reviews and Reputation: Numerous trekkers come back or suggest us due to their expertise, friendly hospitality, and unforgettable service.
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Price Includes
- Manage Pickup and drop at the airport.
- Experience a night in Kathmandu and two nights in Pokhara at comfortable hotels that meet tourist standards.
- Our trekking package provides ground transportation, all required permits and entrance fees, a professional guide, and porter(s) according to the itinerary.
- Accommodation is at tea houses en route.
- Enjoy three hearty meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) — each served with a cup of tea or coffee.
Price Excludes
- Beverages (alcohol and hard drinks) are not included as per the itinerary.
- Tips for guides and porters
- Insurance won't be provided.
- Enjoy with your own personal/natural expenses.
- Lunch and dinner won’t be provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for the daily breakfast.
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