The Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem nestled in the breathtaking Annapurna region of Nepal. While it may not be as famous as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks, it offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for adventurous hikers. This 4-day trek takes you through mesmerizing landscapes, dense forests, and offers panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range.
The Mardi Himal trek covers a distance of approximately 40 km (25 mi) and can be completed in 4 days. The trek starts in the village of Kande and finishes in Siding, passing through mesmerizing landscapes, dense forests, and charming villages along the way. The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
This trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the less crowded parts of the Annapurna region and witness the pristine beauty of nature. The trail is less frequented compared to other popular treks in the area, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and serenity of the Himalayas.
Best Time to Trek
Choosing the right time to embark on the Mardi Himal trek is crucial to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable experience. The best time to trek is during the spring season (March to May) and autumn season (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally clear, and the skies offer stunning views of the mountains.
In the spring season, you can witness the blooming rhododendron flowers, adding vibrant colors to the trail. The autumn season offers mild temperatures and clear visibility, making it ideal for trekking. However, these seasons are also the busiest, and the trails can get crowded.
Mardi Himal Trek
4 Days
Adventure Treks
USD310 per person
Poon Hill ABC Mardi Himal Trek
12 Days
Trekking
USD775 per person
The months of Monsoon (June to August) are characterised by gloomy clouds in the Mardi Himal area. While the trail will be filled with mud and is slippery during these times, it is the least crowded time for the trek. Furthermore, you will be able to witness the surreal greenery of dense forests during this time of the year.
Another least touristy time of the year are winter months( December to February). While the temperature during the winter months are relatively low, the weather remains clear. And the highest point of Mardi Himal trek does not exceed 4500 meters, which makes it feasible during the winter as well. The temperatures during the winter are low but will be bearable.
Trek Duration and Difficulty
The Mardi Himal trek can be completed in 4 days, with an average of 6-7 hours of trekking per day. If needed this trek can be lengthened if you want to take it slow and steady. Mardi trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness and some prior hiking experience. However, it does not require any mountaineering skills or technical expertise.
The trail involves both ascents and descents, with some steep sections. Altitude sickness can be a concern, as the highest point of the trek reaches 4,500 meters. It is essential to acclimatize properly and listen to your body’s signals to avoid any health risks.
Trekking Permits
To trek in the Mardi Himal region, you will need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu from your respective trekking agent.
The cost of the ACAP permit is NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 30), and the TIMS card costs NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20). You will need your passport, and passport-sized photos to apply for these permits. It is essential to carry these permits with you at all times during the trek, as there are checkpoints along the trail.
Accommodation and Facilities
Accommodation on the Mardi Himal trek is available in teahouses or guesthouses along the trail. These accommodations offer basic facilities, including comfortable beds, shared bathrooms, and dining areas. The accommodation amenities such as hot shower, wifi are available in most stopovers but becomes limited as you ascend to higher altitude.
It is advisable to carry a sleeping bag in the peak season but blankets are available and a headlamp for your comfort and convenience. Additionally, it is essential to bring your own toiletries and tissues, as these may not be readily available in the teahouses.
Food and Water
During the Mardi Himal trek, you will have access to a variety of meals at the tea houses along the trail. The menus offer a range of options, including Nepali, and Western own style which is not a city’s restaurant. You can enjoy dishes like Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), pasta, noodles, and momos (dumplings).
It is recommended to drink bottled or filtered water to stay hydrated. Bottled water is available for purchase along the trail, but it can be expensive and harmful to the environment due to the plastic waste. Alternatively, you can use water purification tablets or a water filter to treat the water from the natural sources along the trail.
Trekking Routes
There are various routes you can take for the Mardi Himal trek, depending on your preferences and time constraints. The most common starting point is Kande, which can be reached by bus or taxi from Pokhara. From Kande, you will trek through Australian Camp and Pittam Deurali before reaching your destination.
Another option is to start from Ghandruk or Kyumi and finish in Siding . This route is usually chosen by those returning from Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Ghorepani Poonhill Trek as well. It offers a different perspective and allows you to explore more of the region.
Guides and Porters
It is recommended that you hire a professional licenced trekking guide and porters for your Mardi Himal Trek. A guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, navigate the trail, and ensure your safety. They can also assist with communication and help you make the most of your trekking experience.
Porters can help carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with ease and enjoy the journey. Hiring a guide or porter also contributes to the local economy and provides employment opportunities for the local community.
Safety and Insurance
Safety should be a top priority during the Mardi Himal trek. It is essential to be prepared and informed about the risks associated with high-altitude trekking. Acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness, and it is recommended to take rest days and drink plenty of water during the trek.
Having travel insurance that covers trekking activities in Nepal if possible. Ensure that your insurance policy covers the altitude of 4,500 meters and includes emergency evacuation.
Cost of the Trek
The cost of the Mardi Himal trek can vary depending on various factors, including accommodation, meals, permits, group size and hiring a guide or porter. The starting price begins from USD 310 per person for 4 days Mardi Himal trek package. This is an all inclusive trekking package which includes guide, permits, food, accommodations and ground transportation. Your trip will begin and end in Pokhara. There are varieties of trekking packages you can find in the market which have different inclusions.
It is advisable to carry enough cash with you, as there are no ATMs or banking facilities along the trail. Additionally, it is customary to tip your guide and porter at the end of the trek as a token of appreciation for their services.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Here is a suggested 4-day itinerary for the Mardi Himal trek:
- Day 1: Drive to Kande, Trek to Forest Camp via Australian Camp(33 km)
- Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (7.5 km)
- Day 3: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descend to Badal Danda (14 km)
- Day 4: Trek to Sidhing, Drive to Pokhara (5.6km)
Craig Canada , 2024
4 day Mardi Himal
Craig Canada , 2024
Joseph USA , November 2023
Mardi in November with Himalayatrip
Joseph USA , November 2023
David Khai Australia , October 2023
Epic Solo trek with Guide Porter
David Khai Australia , October 2023
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Mardi Trek in July with Jay
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Mardi Himal Trek
Luciana Vallaro Italy , 2023
Chiara Arrigoni Italy , 2023
5 Days Mardi Himal Trek 11th -15th July 2023
Chiara Arrigoni Italy , 2023
PT Poland , April 2023
Amazing trip, with amazing views, and amazing Nepali people
Amazing trip, with amazing views, and amazing Nepali people! Long hours of daily trekking, in the vicinity of simple small hotels, far away from civilization but the relaxing ambiance and fresh foods sum up our amazing experience. Nice warm weather during the days, chilly weather (almost 4 degrees) during nights, and
an unexpected blizzard on High Camp forced us to descend. An unforgettable experience descending 1700m down with snowing and raining, and getting wet. A fresh getaway and a "cut-off" from the daily rush for a workaholic like me was refreshing. Mardi Himal Trek is for those who wish to be close to nature, need a break from a hectic life, feel freedom, and are open to any new experience in the lap of the Himalayas. 🙂 Ps – Big thanks to Jay, he was always close, always helpful and we felt always safe. PT
PT Poland , April 2023
Liska S Netherlands , April, 2023
What a great trekking experience!
Liska S Netherlands , April, 2023
Szymon D Poland , April 24, 2023
Very much delighted to have Mardi Himal Trek
Szymon D Poland , April 24, 2023
Hedda Netherlands , February 2023
Thanks to Harka for planning Mardi Himal trek in February
Hedda Netherlands , February 2023
Xu Gao China , April 2022
Entertaining and Informative Mardi Himal Trek
Xu Gao China , April 2022
Tanja UK , December 2018
great trip to Mardi Himal – Nov 2018
Tanja UK , December 2018
Lim Singapore , October 2018
Amazing Mardi Himal trek and awesome time with Harka and team
I would very highly recommend Himalaya Trip to anyone looking for a personalised, value-for-money tour guide for your trip to the Annapurna range in Nepal.
We communicated directly with Harka on email/Whatsapp, who helpfully recommended Mardi Himal based on a brief description of what we were looking for (of course you need to do your own research too, and provide information – length of stay, prior hiking experience, specific views – that is useful for Harka to recommend something tailored to you). We wouldn’t have known about this trek otherwise, as it’s less well known than Poon Hill, and it was exactly what we hoped to do in Nepal.
We didn’t feel like we’re just one of many, many tourists passing through. Hari and Shurpa, our guide and porter, made us feel like friends. It was fun to chat and equally, they left us to our own devices so we had enough privacy and independence on the trek. We also had a lot of flexibility to rest and decide how far we could walk in a day.
About the Mardi Himal trek is walking in the rainforest first, then the route opens to a mountain trail (crazy amazing views). Fairly manageable for novice trekkers who are moderately fit as you will feel like you are climbing upwards; although not ridiculously steep, you will definitely pant and ache. There’s limited boardwalk or stone steps. The final climb up to the Mardi Himal view point from High Camp can be challenging, as you will climb boulders and rocks. Worth the climb, lots of older folks and kids, so definitely doable and the views are 100% rewarding.
Lim Singapore , October 2018
Stephanie Germany , May 2018
Solo female Trek to Mardi
I could not recommend Harka and his team more. I was a solo female traveler and I felt incredibly safe and well taken care of the entire time leading up to the trek and even after I left Nepal. I couldn’t decide on a trek and with Harka’s help, I settled on Mardi Himal. While it rained the entire time and we didn’t have any of the amazing mountain views, my guide Jay, was the absolute best and we had a great time. He took care of everything and made sure I never wanted for anything. I saw other guides along the way and trust me, Himalaya Trip go above and beyond. They are really a special crew of guys. I always felt safe and had so much fun the entire time.
I think my one suggestion would be that this itinerary could be shortened, especially if you are in good shape. A few of the days are really quite short and we still ended up with extra days in Kathmandu and Pokhara — not a complaint but merely a minor suggestion.
My experience overall was absolutely perfect and wonderful and something I will always always remember. Book with Himalaya Trip and don’t look back!!!
Stephanie Germany , May 2018
Synne Mari USA , April 2018
Mardi Himal Trek Experience
Synne Mari USA , April 2018
Vincent Netherlands , December 2016
Wonderful trekking again
Vincent Netherlands , December 2016
Rupert ollivier New Zealand , 2024
Amazing trip – must do!
Rupert ollivier New Zealand , 2024
Amelia C Singapore , Amelia C
Highly Recommend Himalaya Trip!
Amelia C Singapore , Amelia C
Manuel Germany , 16th Oct 2024
5 Days Mardi Himal Trek
Manuel Germany , 16th Oct 2024
kiko New Zealand , Dec 2023
Exceptional trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp
The tour was exceptional and our guide was tremendous. Our guide was Ramesh and I can’t speak highly enough of him. The communication with Himalaya Trips was clear and concise. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting to do a trek in Nepal
New Zealand, Dec 2023kiko New Zealand , Dec 2023
Craig Canada , 2024
Mardi Trek with Guide Surpa
Craig Canada , 2024
Maryne France , 9th March 2024
Professional Guide and Service
Maryne France , 9th March 2024
Angela Indonesia , 2024
Amazing & Unforgettable Experience
Angela Indonesia , 2024
Sarban Netherlands , 10th Oct 2024
Mardi Trek with Ramesh
Hi Harka, Thank you so much for this amazing experience of 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek. We were so well taken care of by you and Ramesh dai. We will obviously be taking more trips with you in the future…
Big thanks also from Justyna!
We will be in contact with you soon again!
Thanks
Sarban
Netherlands, 10th Oct 2024Sarban Netherlands , 10th Oct 2024
James UK , 16th Oct 2024
4 Days Mardi Himal Trek
James UK , 16th Oct 2024
Emma Uk , 31st Oct 2024
Mardi Himal Trek in 4 Days
Emma Uk , 31st Oct 2024
Christine USA , 9th Nov 2024
Mardi Himal was awesome
Christine USA , 9th Nov 2024
Kalin USA , 11th Nov 2024
4 days Mardi Himal Trek
Kalin USA , 11th Nov 2024
Mardi Himal Trek Map
Packing List
Here is a list of essential items to pack for the Mardi Himal trek:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Comfortable trekking clothes
- Warm layers (fleece jackets, thermal underwear)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Hat and gloves
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Sleeping bag
- Headlamp
- Water bottle and water purification tablets
- Snacks and energy bars
- First aid kit
- Trekking poles
- Camera and extra batteries
Remember to pack light and only carry the essentials to minimize the weight of your backpack.
Conclusion
The Mardi Himal trek offers a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in the stunning Annapurna region of Nepal. With breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, this trek is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
By following the information and tips provided in this guide, you can plan and prepare for your Mardi Himal adventure with confidence. Ensure that you adhere to safety guidelines, respect the local culture, and leave no trace behind to preserve the beauty of this pristine region.
Come and discover the hidden gem of the Mardi Himal trek and venture on an incredible journey through the heart of the Himalayas!