Mardi Himal Trek

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Recommended by 99% of travelers

Mardi Himal, a hidden gem east of Annapurna Base Camp, offers a moderate trek with stunning seasonal beauty, featuring breathtaking views of Mt. Fishtail throughout the journey. The trail winds through hills, dense forests, and rugged grasslands, culminating at High Camp (3,700m) or, with proper planning, the challenging yet rewarding Base Camp (4,250m), where the Annapurna Range unfolds in solitude. This trek, best undertaken from autumn to winter, traverses diverse landscapes—from lush valleys to alpine terrain—with basic lodges or camping options.

Duration
12 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
3550m/11647ft
Group Size
1-25
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Pokhara
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Autumn , Spring and Winter

 

Highlights

  • Shortest off the beaten path journey showing unspoiled natural and cultural beauty
  • Ethnic villages of Gurung, Magar, Thakali and other communities
  • Lush rhododendron forests sheltered by diverse species of flora and fauna
  • 360-degree panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges including Lamjung Himal
  • Comparatively comfortable trekking trail
  • Mardi Himal Base Camp view of Mt. Machhapuchhre as if you could touch with your hands

Mardi Himal lies to the east of the popular Annapurna Base Camp. Recently it has gained popularity among trekkers who seek moderate levels of trekking adventure as well as seasonal beauty of the place. Mt. Fishtail seems omnipresent from the many turns and bends of this route which has made this hidden trek more popular. Starting out, the trail goes through small ups and downs of the hills and later, it enters a thick forest. And suddenly, like a dramatized play, the trail emerges out of the forest – into a high-altitude rugged grassland. The first views of Mt. Fishtail from there is highly impressive and is one the most photographed scenes on the trail.

Trekking to Mardi Himal essentially means you are trekking to Mardi Himal High Camp at around 3,700 meters. However, if you plan beforehand with Orbit Alpine Adventure, you can go up to the actual Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,250 meters. The trek from High Camp to Base Camp is challenging because of the terrain but the views are beautiful beyond description. From there, the views of the entire Annapurna Range await you in solitude, creating a wonderful memory of a lifetime.

The trip takes you through some breathtaking valleys and beautiful landscapes of Nepal. Starting from hills and forests, the trek reaches an alpine environment with rocks and mountains. To traverse the road, you will need an experienced guide, as the trail can get slippery and tricky sometimes. The guesthouses and lodges are equipped with basic facilities, so expect no luxury in the upper regions of the trekking route. However, you may prefer to camp outdoors during the night – please inform us while booking.

Trek to Mardi Himal can be done from mid-autumn to late winter; but we recommend you to consult beforehand. If you wish to go up to the Base Camp as too much snowfall can seriously damage the trail in the winter. Trek to Mardi Himal begins and ends in the lake town of Pokhara. The program will take about 10 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu; but it can be extended depending upon choices of side trips. Although you do not climb any mountains or high passes, you need physical fitness, little stamina and regular walking habit.

The weather is mostly cold in the region, so pack your bags accordingly. Trek to Mardi Himal in the Annapurna region will be a memorable trip in Nepal. Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is one of the most beautiful shortest off the beaten path journey. It takes you towards the newly opened tourist destination of Nepal where the rhododendron flowers wrap the entire forests in spring. Ethnic cultural villages resided by Gurung, Magar, Chhetri, Brahmin and other groups are the other important asset of this trek.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day-to-DayExpand all

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, a staff or representative of Orbit Alpine will receive you at the Airport and drive you to your hotel. If ample time is available on this day, you can take a stroll around Thamel, the tourist hub until dinner. Stay overnight in the hotel.

Max Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft Meals: Welcome DinnerAccommodation: Three Star Hotel

Immediately after an early breakfast we leave Kathmandu by bus for Pokhara. The drive takes around six to seven hours with scenic views of Trishuli river along the winding way. to reach Pokhara. On a clear day you can see Mt. Fishtail as soon as you reach Pokhara in mid-afternoon. Spend some time around Lake Fewa and catch a drink in one of its numerous bars before dinner.

Max Altitude: 910m/2,986ft Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Three Star HotelDuration: 7 Hours

After breakfast, drive for a little less than an hour to Kande from where the actual trek begins. As soon as we reach the “Australian Camp”, a clearing in the forest with dotted lodges, we are well into the beauty of the trek. We stay here for the night.

Max Altitude: 2,232m/7323ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4 Hours

After a good breakfast at Deurali, we prepare for trek of about 5 hours for the day. We begin the morning by following a ridge in a forest and walk along continuously until we arrive at Forest Camp, where we will camp for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6 Hours

The route makes a gradual climb through more rhododendron forests. There are few clearings here and there, with one or two tea houses along the way. As we reach deep into the forest, a turn here and there will reveal closeup views of Mardi Himal itself. The walking duration on this day is around four hours.

Max Altitude: 2,960m/9,711ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4 Hours

As we come closer to the peak itself, today, the trail goes uphill towards Mardi Himal. Views of both Mardi Himal and Fishtail become more and more spectacular. Leaving Badal Danda and the forest, we suddenly seem to arrive at a dramatically different landscape – that that is alpine in nature – with rocky and mountainous terrains. The first views of snowcapped peaks become real, as we see some majestic mountains such as Anapurna South, Fishtail, and Huinchuli prominently. We stay at the High Camp for the night.

Max Altitude: 3,550m/11,647ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4 Hours

Trekking from the High Camp to the Base Camp is a little more challenging as the climbs are steep and the walking hours are long. The trail takes a more vertical ascent, which is where the expertise of a good guide is required. Needless to say, the views from the base camp are amazing; and some of the least photographed scenes in the country.

Max Altitude: 4,500m/14,764ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 7 Hours

Early morning is a time to photograph or view the mountains. After a late and leisurely breakfast, we begin retracing the route to Forest Camp. It takes a little more than four hours to arrive at the clearing of the Forest Camp. For the rest of the day, you can either spend it on your own, or share experiences with people staying the night at Forest Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 7 Hours

As we near the end of the trail, we make a descent across thick forests, to the lower areas of the valley. Lwang is one such village where you will see the unique culture of the Gurung people. You will stay as a guest in one of the houses in a village that looks like it’s right out of a fairy-tale setting.

Max Altitude: 1,500m/4,921ft Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4 Hours

After breakfast, we descent the trail until we arrive at the Mardi River basin. From there, we drive to Pokhara and spend the night relaxing in a hot bath and some drinks.

Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: Three Star Hotel

After breakfast, catch a flight to Kathmandu. In the afternoon, you will go on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city. At night, you can join a typical Nepalese dinner before returning to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell DinnerAccommodation: Three Star Hotel

After breakfast, we will take you to the airport on time.

Meals: Breakfast
Cost Details
Includes
  •  Airport pick up on your arrival and drop at the end of your trip free of cost
  •  Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)
  •  All needed ground transportation by tourist bus, Public vehicles or flight (on your request)
  •  Trekking maps and complete free trekking information before going to trek.
  •  Welcome and farewell dinner in typical Nepali restaurant at the beginning and end of treks and tour in Kathmandu     
  •  Accommodation in tea-house/lodge during the trek
  •  3 star hotel or similar in Kathmandu and Pokhara as per itinerary
  •  An experience English speaking licensed holder trekking guide
  •  Strong potter for carrying your luggage (1 potter for 2 person)
  •  First aid kit box (carried by your trekking guide or leader)
  •  Salary, insurance, food, accommodation for guide and potters
  •  Down jacket, sleeping bag, trekking poles and if needed more trekking gears here is available on hair
  •  All local tax and paper work will done by Orbit Alpine Adventure
Excludes
  •  Your international flight ticket to Nepal and return back
  •  Nepal entry visa
  •  All kind of drinks (Tea, coffee, hot water, bottle water), bar bills (alcoholic beverage) and desert
  •  Hot shower. WIFI, all kind of battery charges in trekking region.
  •  Tips to guides, potters and drivers
  •  All kind of personal shopping
  •  Extra night accommodation and meals because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason than the   scheduled itinerary) in    Kathmandu and Pokhara
  •  Your travel insurance (it is compulsory to take and adventure trip) for emergency evacuation and hospital
Mardi Himal Trek FAQs

Mardi Himal trek is 161 kilometers far from Kathmandu and about 31 kilometers from Pokhara. Mardi Himal Base Camp trek itinerary ranges from 5 days to 13 days. The itinerary depends upon the trekking hours per day, Kathmandu city tour and Pokhara Sightseeing tour.

There are many reasons for you to do Mardi Himal trek, a popular trekking in Nepal. It is one of the shortest off the beaten path trekking regions of Nepal located nearby Annapurna Base Camp trek. You can enjoy the close view of Mt. Machhapuchhre just a few yards away from the Base Camp of Mardi Himal. Lush rhododendron forests, ethnic villages and crystal panoramic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are the rewards of this trek. If you want to enjoy the Himalayan vistas from low altitude walking through comparatively comfortable path, you should do this trek.

Of course, a solo or independent trekker also can do this trek as there is not any restricted area in this Himalayan journey. However, we highly recommend you to hire a professional trekking guide so that you won’t have any trouble during the trip. You may not be able all the times to follow the right trekking route to Mardi Himal and get lost in the unknown section. You don’t have to worry about anything unwanted and unexpected provided that you are with an expert trekking guide. The professional guide has all the information about the trail, the rest houses and hygienic food items to keep you healthy throughout the journey.

Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is an obvious phenomenon while trekking in the Himalayas above 3,000m. However, the trekking guide you hire from Orbit Alpine Adventure knows all about the precaution and remedy for altitude sickness. He will help you to prevent such health hazards by instructing you to measure the route slowly and gradually. You should drink enough water and hygienic food items to avoid such mishaps during the trip. Similarly, you can pack Diamox Oral to prevent or cure such high altitude health hazards. Last but not the least, there is very low chance for altitude sickness due to acclimatization and very short hours to ascend. As soon as you feel difficulty, don’t hesitate to talk with the guide who is assisting you to complete this trekking in Nepal.

Basically, Mardi Himal trek is completely a teahouse trekking throughout the trip. There are many hotels and lodges to accommodate you during the voyage and they serve hygienic and organic cuisines. You may not find star hotels having very luxurious facilities en route Mardi Himal Base Camp, but enjoy their facilities for sure. Nonetheless, if you can afford and are ready to experience camping trekking to Mardi Himal, Orbit Alpine Adventure is ready for this, too!

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