An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Mardi Himal Trek: The Hidden Gem of the Annapurna Region
The Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful 9-day trekking package in Nepal that takes you to one of the most peaceful and scenic trails of the Annapurna region. Known as “The Hidden Gem of the Annapurna Region,” this trek is perfect for travelers who want close mountain views, quiet trails, rhododendron forests, ridge walking, tea house accommodation, and a rewarding Himalayan experience in a short time.
This 9-day Mardi Himal Trek begins in Kathmandu, continues to the lake city of Pokhara, and then follows a scenic trekking route through Kande, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Base Camp / Viewpoint. Nepal Tourism Board describes Mardi Himal Trek as a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, opened in 2012, leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m, with close-up views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
The trek offers excellent views of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other Annapurna Himalayan peaks. The route is loved for peaceful forest trails, dramatic ridge views, sunrise scenery, and a strong feeling of wilderness within a short trekking distance from Pokhara.
This package is suitable for active beginners, couples, families with older children, students, photographers, nature lovers, and international travelers from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and worldwide who want a guided Nepal trekking package with local experts.
Why Choose Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect choice for trekkers who want a peaceful Himalayan journey away from the busier Annapurna trekking routes. It gives close mountain views in a short time and offers a beautiful mixture of forest trails, local culture, high ridges, and alpine scenery.
The main attraction of the trek is the hike from High Camp toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp. From the upper trail, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking sunrise views and close-up scenery of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail and the Annapurna range. Nepal Tourism Board highlights Mardi Himal for peaceful trails, scenic ridge walks, and spectacular views of Machhapuchhre.
This trek is ideal for travelers looking for:
- A short 9-day Nepal trekking package
- A hidden gem trek in the Annapurna region
- A guided Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
- Close-up views of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail
- A peaceful alternative to Annapurna Base Camp
- A moderate tea house trekking experience
- A scenic trek from Pokhara
- A short Himalayan trek with high mountain views
- A trek suitable for active beginners and fit travelers
- A package for travelers from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and worldwide
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500m / 14,763ft
- Close-up views of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail Mountain
- Panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and surrounding peaks
- Peaceful and less-crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region
- Beautiful ridge walk through Badal Danda and High Camp
- Walk through rhododendron, oak, and alpine forest trails
- Experience local tea house accommodation
- Explore Pokhara, the gateway to Annapurna trekking
- Enjoy a short 9-day itinerary with arrival, trekking, and departure days
- Suitable for active beginners, couples, students, and nature lovers
- Guided trek with licensed local trekking guide
- Flexible private or group joining departure
Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek
The best time for the Mardi Himal Trek is spring and autumn.
Spring, from March to May, is beautiful because the rhododendron forests bloom and the weather is generally comfortable for trekking. The hills become colorful, and the morning mountain views can be excellent.
Autumn, from September to November, is the most popular trekking season in Nepal. After the monsoon, the sky is usually clearer, the air feels fresh, and the mountain views are sharp. Nepal Tourism Board notes that post-monsoon weather tends to be clearer, winter is colder with shorter days, and spring can sometimes be affected by seasonal rain or snowstorms.
The Mardi Himal Trek can also be done in winter with proper warm clothing, but snow and icy conditions may affect the higher trail near High Camp and Base Camp. Monsoon season is greener and quieter, but rain, clouds, leeches, and slippery trails are common.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek. You do not need technical climbing experience, but you should be prepared for uphill and downhill walking, forest trails, stone steps, narrow ridges, and daily walking of around 4 to 7 hours.
The highest point of the trek is around 4,500m / 14,763ft, so altitude should be taken seriously. Trekkers should walk slowly, drink enough water, eat properly, wear suitable layers, and follow the guide’s advice.
This trek is suitable for active beginners, but it is more challenging than lower-altitude short treks because it reaches higher elevation and includes steep ridge sections.
Mardi Himal Trek Permits
The Mardi Himal Trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit / ACAP. NTNC lists the conservation area entry fee as NRs. 3,000 for foreigners and NRs. 1,000 for SAARC nationals, tax included. The permit should be carried during the trip and shown at checkpoints when requested.
Nepal Tourism Board’s TIMS page lists Mardi Himal Trek under Annapurna Region routes where trekkers need to be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide and carry a trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card under the revised TIMS provision effective from March 31, 2023. NTB also lists TIMS charges as NPR 1,000 for SAARC applicants and NPR 2,000 for others.
Your trekking agency should help arrange the required permits before the trek.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
- Day 02: Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 03: Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali
- Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
- Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp and Badal Danda
- Day 06: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp / Viewpoint and Descend to Low Camp
- Day 07: Trek from Low Camp to Siding and Drive to Pokhara
- Day 08: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 09: Final Departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
After your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You can rest after your international flight and prepare for your Mardi Himal Trek.
In the evening, there will be a short trip briefing. Your trekking guide will explain the route, walking hours, accommodation, meals, permits, weather conditions, packing list, safety rules, and important trekking information.
Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
Transfer Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Drive or Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After breakfast, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful lake city and the main gateway to the Annapurna trekking region.
If you travel by road, the journey follows rivers, hills, local towns, and countryside landscapes. If you choose a flight, you will reach Pokhara quickly and enjoy extra time around Lakeside. After arrival, you can rest, check your trekking gear, and prepare for the walking journey.
Altitude: Pokhara – 820m / 2,690ft
Travel Time: Drive approx. 6–7 hours or flight approx. 25–30 minutes
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will drive to Kande, one of the common starting points for the Mardi Himal Trek. The drive is short and scenic, passing local villages, hills, and countryside landscapes.
From Kande, the trek begins with a gradual climb toward Australian Camp and Pothana. The trail passes through forests, village paths, and beautiful viewpoints. You will continue to Deurali, a peaceful overnight stop with lovely views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
This day is a good warm-up for the Mardi Himal Trek. The walking is not too long, but the trail includes uphill sections, stone steps, and forest paths.
Altitude: Kande – approx. 1,770m / 5,807ft; Deurali – approx. 2,100m / 6,890ft
Trek/Drive Time: Drive approx. 1.5–2 hours; trek approx. 4–5 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
Today, the trail becomes quieter and more natural. You will walk through rhododendron, oak, maple, and moss-covered forest trails. This section is peaceful and less crowded compared to many other Annapurna trekking routes.
Forest Camp is a small tea house settlement surrounded by trees. The area gives a real mountain forest experience and is a good place to rest before climbing higher toward Low Camp and High Camp.
During spring, the forest trail can be very colorful with blooming rhododendrons. During autumn, the air is usually clearer, and the walking conditions are pleasant.
Altitude: Forest Camp – approx. 2,550m / 8,366ft
Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp and Badal Danda
After breakfast, you will continue climbing through beautiful forest trails toward Low Camp. As you go higher, the landscape slowly changes from dense forest to open ridge scenery.
From Low Camp, the views of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail become more impressive. You will continue toward Badal Danda, one of the most scenic places on the Mardi Himal Trek. Badal Danda means “cloud hill,” and the view can be magical when clouds move below the ridge.
The trail continues along a scenic ridge toward High Camp. On a clear day, you can see Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other surrounding peaks. High Camp is the main overnight stop before the early morning hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Base Camp.
Altitude: Low Camp – approx. 2,970m / 9,744ft; Badal Danda – approx. 3,210m / 10,531ft; High Camp – approx. 3,580m / 11,745ft
Trek Time: Approx. 6–7 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp / Viewpoint and Descend to Low Camp
Today is the most important and adventurous day of the trek. You will wake up early and begin the hike toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail follows a high ridge with dramatic Himalayan scenery.
The upper route gives close views of Machhapuchhre / Fishtail, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the Annapurna range. Mardi Himal Base Camp is generally around 4,500m, and your guide will choose the safest destination depending on weather, snow, trail condition, and group fitness. Nepal Tourism Board lists Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m and highlights the close-up views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
After enjoying the mountain views and taking photos, you will return to High Camp for breakfast or rest, then continue descending to Low Camp. This day is long and challenging, but it is also the most rewarding day of the Mardi Himal Trek.
Altitude: Mardi Himal Base Camp – approx. 4,500m / 14,763ft; Low Camp – approx. 2,970m / 9,744ft
Trek Time: Approx. 7–8 hours
- Lodging: Tea House / Lodge
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Trek from Low Camp to Siding and Drive to Pokhara
After breakfast, you will descend from Low Camp toward Siding village. The trail passes through forest paths, local settlements, and terraced landscapes. As you descend, the climate becomes warmer and the scenery becomes greener.
Siding is a peaceful local village that gives you a chance to experience rural life in the Annapurna region. After reaching Siding or the nearest road point, you will drive back to Pokhara.
This day marks the end of the walking part of the Mardi Himal Trek. In Pokhara, you can rest at the hotel, enjoy a hot shower, walk around Lakeside, and celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
Altitude: Siding – approx. 1,750m / 5,741ft; Pokhara – 820m / 2,690ft
Trek/Drive Time: Trek approx. 4–5 hours; drive approx. 2–3 hours
- Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 08: Drive or Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, you will return from Pokhara to Kathmandu. If you travel by road, the journey follows rivers, hills, small towns, and countryside views. If you choose a flight, you will reach Kathmandu quickly and have extra time for shopping or rest.
After arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a farewell dinner with the team and share your trekking memories.
Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
Travel Time: Drive approx. 6–7 hours or flight approx. 25–30 minutes
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 09: Final Departure
Your 9 Days Mardi Himal Trek ends today. Our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure.
You can also extend your stay in Nepal with another trekking package, Pokhara tour, Chitwan jungle safari, rafting trip, Bhutan tour, or Tibet tour.
Altitude: Kathmandu – 1,300m / 4,260ft
Transfer Time: Approx. 30–45 minutes
- Lodging: Not Included
- Inclusions: Breakfast
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfer
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
- Tea house / lodge accommodation during the trek
- Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking days
- Licensed trekking guide
- Trekking staff support as per group size
- Required trekking permit assistance
- Annapurna Conservation Area route assistance
- Basic first aid support
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Government taxes and official service charges as per package policy
Cost Excludes
- International airfare
- Nepal visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal trekking equipment
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless mentioned
- Drinks, snacks, hot shower, Wi-Fi, battery charging, and personal expenses during trek
- Tips for guide and trekking staff
- Extra hotel nights caused by early arrival, late departure, road delay, or weather condition
- Additional cost caused by landslide, snow, political strike, road blockage, flight delay, or natural events
- Any cost not mentioned in the Cost Includes section
FAQ
Mardi Himal Trek
Is Mardi Himal Trek good for beginners?
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for active beginners with good fitness. You do not need climbing experience, but you should be ready for uphill walking, downhill walking, and daily trekking of around 4 to 7 hours.
How high is Mardi Himal Base Camp?
Mardi Himal Base Camp is around 4,500 meters / 14,763 feet above sea level. Nepal Tourism Board also lists Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m.
How many days is this Mardi Himal Trek package?
This is a 9-day Mardi Himal Trek package including arrival in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, trekking days, return to Kathmandu, and final departure.
What is the best time for Mardi Himal Trek?
The best time for the Mardi Himal Trek is spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. Spring is beautiful for rhododendron flowers, while autumn is popular for clear mountain views. Nepal Tourism Board notes that post-monsoon weather tends to be clearer, while winter is colder with shorter days.
What mountains can I see during the Mardi Himal Trek?
You can see Machhapuchhre / Fishtail, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and other peaks of the Annapurna range.
Is Mardi Himal Trek difficult?
The Mardi Himal Trek is moderate. It is not technical, but the trail reaches high altitude and includes steep uphill and downhill sections. Good fitness, slow walking, and proper acclimatization are important.
Do I need permits for Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes. Trekkers need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Mardi Himal Trek is listed by Nepal Tourism Board under routes requiring a licensed guide and trekking-agency-issued TIMS Card.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your insurance should cover trekking up to 4,500 meters and emergency evacuation.
What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
Accommodation during the trek is in local tea houses or lodges. Rooms are basic but comfortable. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, accommodation is arranged in hotels.
Can travelers from USA, Australia, Canada, and Europe book this trek?
Yes. Travelers from the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, Asia, and worldwide can book this Mardi Himal Trek as a private or group joining package.
Can I book a private Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes. This package can be arranged as a private trek or group joining trek depending on your travel date, budget, and group size.
Can I customize the Mardi Himal Trek itinerary?
Yes. The itinerary can be customized based on your arrival date, fitness level, travel plan, budget, and interest. You can also combine Mardi Himal Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp, Pokhara tour, Chitwan jungle safari, or Kathmandu sightseeing.
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|
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Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
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USD 780Per Person
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An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.