

The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short trek, offering both 4-day and 5-day itineraries, and it gained popularity quickly after its opening in 2012. This trek takes you into the Annapurna Sanctuary Area, beginning in Pokhara at an elevation of 820 meters and leading you up to the stunning Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. While it may not be as renowned as longer treks like the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek provides breathtaking views of Mardi Himal itself (5,587 meters) and other snow-capped peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Machhapuchre (6,997 meters), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 meters). This trek offers incredible value for the experience it provides.
The trek follows a route that includes stops at Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Lwang, and Lumre, depending on the duration you choose and the available routes. One remarkable aspect of this trek is that it takes you to an altitude of over 4,000 meters in just four days, making it quite impressive. The increasing number of tea houses along the way has made this short trek more accessible for trekkers of varying fitness levels, as you'll find options for meals and accommodation readily available. Additionally, the journey mostly passes through enchanting forests filled with oaks and rhododendrons, offering opportunities to spot wildlife like Musk deer, Langurs, various monkey species, Danfe (Lophophorus), and porcupines along the trek.
Finally, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem where you can immerse yourself in majestic mountain vistas, encounter diverse wildlife in lush forests, and traverse rivers and ridges all within a single trekking adventure. As you wind your way along narrow forest paths, you'll eventually emerge from the woods to witness mesmerizing views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchre from the vantage point of Badal Danda. It's an unforgettable journey for nature and mountain lovers alike.
Mardi Himal Trekking Highlights:
- Visit the stunning Mardi Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4,500 meters.
- Suitable and enjoyable for adventurers of all level of travellers if they are physically fit.
- Trek through Mardi Himal High Camp (3,600m), Low Camp, and Forest Camp (2,600m).
- Immerse yourself in the authentic rural Nepali village life for a unique experience in Annapurna Region.
Trip Info for Mardi Himal trek:
- Trek Start:
- Starts usually from Ulleri.
- Requires obtaining ACAP permits and TIMS card.
- The trail gradually ascends through diverse landscapes.
- Accommodation:
- Teahouses/lodges along the route offer basic lodging.
- Dormitory-style rooms or private rooms available.
- Basic amenities like beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms.
- Meals:
- Teahouses provide meals: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup), noodles, rice dishes, etc.
- Limited menu items, especially at higher altitudes.
- Carrying some energy bars and snacks is recommended.
- Typical Day:
- Start early in the morning for better weather and views.
- Trek for about 6-7 hours a day, with breaks in between.
- Reach teahouse for the night, rest, and explore.
- Communication:
- Limited mobile network coverage, especially at higher altitudes.
- Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi, but it might be slow and unreliable.
- Electricity and Water:
- Charging devices may come at an extra cost in teahouses.
- Hot showers might be available for an additional fee.
- Safe drinking water: carry purification methods or buy bottled water.
- Tipping:
- Tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for good service.
- You can tip guides, porters, and teahouse staff if you're satisfied.
- Trek Season:
- Best seasons: Autumn (clear weather) and Spring (blooming rhododendrons).
- Winter is colder but less crowded and usually not recommended.
- Also Summer/Monsoon not recommended to beginners.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty :
- For Beginners:
- Mardi himal trek is possible for beginners for good fitness level.
- However beginners with low fitness level should reconsider.
- For Experienced Trekkers:
- Experienced trekkers can trek the Mardi Himal Trek in 4 days.
- Familiarity with multi-day treks and altitude effects is beneficial.
- Flexibility and previous trekking experience will be advantageous.
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Pothana (1,900 meters):
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- Highest Altitude: 1900 m
- Driving Hours: 1 hrs
- Trekking hours: 3 - 4 hrs
- Begin the Mardi Himal trek with a one-hour drive to Phedi.
- Climb the stairs from Phedi and follow the ascending trail.
- Trek through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests.
- Dhampus is a Gurung village, which offers stunning views of Annapurna ranges, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu.
- Continue the ascent until you reach the charming village of Pothana, nestled in the forest with breathtaking mountain vistas.
- Check In the TIMS and ACAP card at the checkpoint in Pothana.
- Overnight stay in Pothana.
Day 2: Trek from Pothana to Forest Camp (2500 m / 8202 ft):
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- Highest Altitude: 2500 m / 8202 ft
- Trekking hours: 5 - 6 hrs
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast in Pothana.
- The Trekking trails is on a challenging trek with a steep uphill climb through dense forest.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges along the way.
- Explore the forest, which is home to rare wildlife, and keep an eye out for unique birds and animals of this region.
- After approximately five hours of trekking, arrive at the serene forest campsite, covered within forest surrounding.
- Overnight stay in Forest Camp in Lodge.
Day 3: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3550 m / 11647 ft):
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- Highest Duration: 3550 m / 11647 ft
- Trek duration: 5 - 6 hours
- The trail from Forest Camp to High Camp is characterized by its steep ascent through rhododendron and juniper forests.
- The day's trekking pattern involves climbing steeply to conquer a hill, followed by a relatively flat section, and then another ascent.
- Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking and magnificent views of the Annapurna range and Mount Machapuchare and the Mardi Himal.
- We cross Badal Danda and Low Camp to reach HighCamp.
- Spend the night at the scenic High Camp, surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayas.
Day 4: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back to High Camp:
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- Highest altitude: 4,500 m / 14764 ft
- Trek duration: 6 - 7 hours
- Begin the day early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Annapurna range from High Camp.
- Enjoy a hearty breakfast before starting the challenging ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which stands at an impressive 4,500 meters.
- The trek involves navigating narrow, rocky trails, testing your trekking skills.
- The day's effort is richly rewarded with awe-inspiring mountain views and the pristine beauty of the Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Spend some quality time soaking in the surroundings at the base camp before retracing your steps back to High Camp.
- Another night will be spent at the picturesque High Camp.
Day 5: Trek from High Camp to Siding Village(1750 m / 5741 ft):
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- Highest altitude: 4,500 m / 14764 ft
- Trek duration: 5 - 6 hours
- Begin the day by retracing your steps from High Camp.
- Descend steeply to reach Low Camp.
- From Low Camp, continue your trek into the lush forest, heading towards Mardi Khola.
- Enjoy a delightful walk along the river and through the enchanting forest.
- Your journey will lead you to the welcoming and hospitable village of Siding.
- Spend the night in the cozy atmosphere of Siding Village.
Day 7: Trek to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara:
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- Trek duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
- Drive Duration: 1:30 hrs
- The trail follows the contour of the Mardi river valley, offering scenic views.
- Gradually descend through pastures, passing by beautiful Tamang and Gurung villages.
- Arrive at Lumre where your transport will be waiting for a one hour thirty minutes drive to Pokhara
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Pokhara to Phedi at the start of the trek & at the end of the trek back from Lumre to Pokhara by Jeep.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and Tea/ Coffee).
- Tea House Accommodation during the trek.
- Professional English speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation, etc.
- Porter (One porter for two trekkers, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment, food, and lodging included.
- Equipment: Sleeping Bag, Rain Coat & Trekking Poles (Return after the trek).
- All Legal Document (ACAP)TIMS, Permit, etc.
- Dry fruits along the trek.
- Tourist service charge, VAT, TAX, etc.
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
• Other any transportation except Included in the section.
• Travel and rescue insurance.
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
• Tips and gratuities
• Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape, bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to a safety concern, illness, change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment, etc.
• Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section.