Mardi Himal Trek attracts visitors with its beautiful natural surroundings and the majestic views of snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre. Throughout the trek, pass through the forested trails and adore the awesome views of Mardi Himal and other peaks.
Trip Grading:
ModerateMax Elevation
3,550 m (High Camp)Best Season
Autumn & SpringMeals
Full BoardAccommodation
Hotel, TeahouseTrip Highlights
- Less crowded yet rewarding trek
- Pass through lush valleys, alpine meadows, and lichen-laden dense forests
- Traverse through beautiful settlements of diverse ethnic groups
- Immerse yourself in the Himalaya lifestyle and culture of locals
- Panoramic views of mountain ranges and peaks (Mardi, Annapurna, Lamjung, Hiunchuli, and more.)
Trip Overview
Mardi Himal Trek is a challenging and beautiful short trek within the Annapurna area. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. Mardi Trek meanders through lush valleys, alpine meadows, lichen-laden dense forests, numerous streams, and waterfalls. All these are the fascinating mountain sceneries gleaming upon the close horizon.
An eco-trek in the quintessence, the way is so less utilized. You feel like embarking upon a discovery undertaking expedition when you go through this route. We start the trek from Phedi near Pokhara and spend our first night in Pothana Deurali. From that point, go into the full wilderness for days until we move out from there into the village of Siding. From Siding, we return to Pokhara where it ends this exciting Annapurna hike through the wild nature.
Our Mardi Himal Trek starts from Pokhara like the others trek in the Annapurna Region. Depending on the time you like to spend, the itinerary can be customized to accommodate the total trip. So the trek will be either for less than a week or for about two weeks. You can bring a full dive into the virtually untouched territories of the natural world; when you familiarize yourself with the alpine flora and fauna as well as the high-altitude mountain terrain. You can enjoy the scenery of the Annapurna Ranges. Like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, Lamjung Himal, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and numerous other peaks if the weather is fine.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Kathmandu arrival (1400 m)
Arrive in Kathmandu, get welcomed by the representative, and transfer to the hotel.
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara via tourist bus (822 m)
Adoring the surrounding scenery drive to Pokhara which takes 7-8 hours.
Day 03: Drive to Phedi (1130 m), trek to Deurali (2100 m)
Drive to Phedi and start trek to Deurali of Pothana village.
Day 04: Trek to Forest Camp (2500 m)
Walk past the rhododendron forested trail to Forest Camp.
Day 05: Trek to Low Camp (3050 m)
Pass through forested trails admiring mountain sceneries to Low Camp.
Day 06: Trek to High Camp (3550 m)
Trek to High Camp via Badal Danda and adore the amazing views of Mardi Himal, South Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, etc.
Day 07: Trek to Siding (1945 m)
Descend to Siding admiring the beautiful surroundings.
Day 08: Drive to Pokhara (822 m)
Return to Pokhara which takes about 3.5 hours.
Day 09: Drive to Kathmandu (1400 m)
Drive to Kathmandu after completing the Mardi Himal trek.
Day 10: International departure
Transfer to the airport for an international departure.
Customer Reviews
Essential Information
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation:
Teahouses or Lodges are accommodation types during the Mardi Himal trek that provide basic facilities but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are inside the teahouses. Pay additional costs for facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry, hot bucket water, and charging devices. Internet and phone networks are mostly stable in the lower regions.
Meals:
3-course full board meals are served during the Mardi Himal trek which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses and lunch is served at the stopovers during the trek.
Drinking water:
Drinking water during the Mardi Himal trek is easily available. Trekkers can buy Mineral Water, fill tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Always carry a water bottle to minimize plastic pollution. Travelers can also use a water purification solution or buy mineral water which costs USD 1-2 per bottle.
Transportation
Public vehicles or airways are the means of transportation during the Mardi Himal Trek in this Annapurna region. Private vehicle options are also there.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus.
- Pokhara – Phedi and Siding – Pokhara by private vehicle/public bus.
- Flight options and Private vehicles from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu are available at an applicable cost.
Bast Time
Mardi Himal trek can be done throughout the year in all four seasons: Spring (Mar-May), Autumn (Sep-Nov), Monsoon (Jun-Aug), and Winter (Dec-Feb) Seasons. But, the ideal seasons for the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas.
The winter and rainy seasons are riskier to trek due to the unstable weather and temperature, slippery trails, and limited availability of accommodation and services. Still, it is possible to trek with proper planning and preparation.
Fee & Permit
Mardi Himal Trek requires compulsory three permits i.e. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit, and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS).
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit
- Foreigners- NPR 500/person
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Foreigners- NPR 2000/person
- SAARC- NPR 1000/person
- Diplomats/Foreign Officials & their families- NPR 500/person
Documents required
- Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
- Travel Insurance
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit
- TIMS
Difficulty & Fitness
Difficulty:
The Mardi Himal trek is a moderate-level trek with a maximum elevation of 3,550 m. Walking daily long hours on the steep ascending and descending rough trails can be tough for some trekkers. Previous experience is a plus point. Our support is always there throughout your journey from the start to the end.
Fitness:
The Mardi Himal trek demands trekkers to have good fitness levels. Thus, trekkers having good fitness levels can easily accomplish this trek. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. Consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Some physical exercises and mental exercises to carry out before the treks are as follows:
Physical Exercises
Cardiovascular Exercises, Leg Strength Exercises, Core Strength Exercises, Upper Body Strengthening, Foot and ankle Strengthening, Flexibility and Stability Exercises, and Hiking Specific Training.
Mental Exercises
Meditation, Breathing Exercises, Stress Management, Solo Reflection, Focus and Concentration Improvement, Setting a goal, Practicing problem-solving skills, Staying Calm and Positive, Enjoying every activity, etc.
Altitude Sickness
The maximum elevation during the Mardi Himal trek is 3,550 m (High Camp). Altitude sickness is common above 2500 m. As the elevation gains, there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness. Thus, acclimatization rest is essential to prevent it. Take an acclimatization rest as suggested in the itinerary during the trek.
Common symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Headache, nausea, dizziness, uneasiness, appetite, and sleep loss, and on extreme some can experience unconsciousness and hallucination.
Preventions for Altitude Sickness
- Take an acclimatization rest
- Inform the guide
- Climb slowly and gradually
- Keep yourself Hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and salty foods
- Know your body limit
- Take a complete rest and sleep
- Take medicine consulting a guide
Travel Insurance
It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.
- Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
- In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.
Gears
Mardi Himal is a moderate-level trek. Thus, it requires basic equipment and gear that trekkers can hire or bring on their own.
Clothes: Windcheater jacket, Thermals, Insulating Down Jacket, Fleece, Long sleeve shirts, Gloves, Towels, Inner garments, Trekking pants, Trousers, Shorts, Socks, Raincoat, Balaclava, Bandana, Gaiters
Shoes: Camp shoes, Pair of hiking boots, Rubber sandals
Essential Documents: Passport, Travel Permits, Visa Photocopy, Passport size photos
Food: Light snacks, Energy bars, and drink mix
Accessories: Sunglasses, Hats/Caps, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Water bottles, Pocket Knife, Solar chargers, Batteries, Head Lamps, Torch, Umbrella, Sewing kit, Water Purifying solution kits, reusable bags to deposit waste, separate clean/dirty clothes
Equipment: Warm Sleeping bags, Map, Trekking poles, Duffel bag
Detail Itinerary
第 01 天 : Kathmandu arrival
On your arrival in Kathmandu, a representative of Outdoor Himalayan Treks will greet you at the airport. We transfer you to a standard hotel in Kathmandu for rest. Later, we introduce you to the trek guide and we discuss briefly the trekking. Overnight in a hotel.
第 02 天 : Drive to Pokhara via tourist bus
Your trekking guide will receive you from your hotel in Kathmandu at 6:30 AM and take you to the Tourist Bus Station at Kantipath. At 7:00 AM the bus will leave for Pokhara, exiting the valley of Kathmandu at Thankot and then descending through the winding highway. During the fascinating drive, you will be allowed to make two shortstops for tea and breakfast at some convenient locations. After arriving in Pokhara at around 2:00 PM, you check in at your hotel, freshen up and have lunch. Walking along the Lakeside would be a good idea for the evening. You are advised to get some good sleep to begin trekking the next day. Overnight in a hotel.
第 03 天 : Drive to Phedi, trek to Deurali
Drive for an hour to reach Phedi. Then trek to the Deurali (a low pass) of Pothana village (2005 m). You make a gradual ascent to your destination in about 4 hours.
第 04 天 : Trek to Forest Camp
Walking through villages and forests, reach the forest camp in about 5 hours. Stay Overnight.
第 05 天 : Trek to Low Camp
You will experience the thrill of walking in the total wilderness of thick forests covered with rhododendrons and other trees. Mostly the trees are covered with mosses and lichen. Occasionally the thick foliage opens into small windows, from which you will stare at the stunning sceneries in the direction of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South. On the left side far below lies the Modi Khola Valley. As you approach the camp, captivating views of the northern face of Mt Fishtail greet you.
第 06 天 : Trek to High Camp
Pass through rhododendron forest and alpine pasture land to reach the High Camp. In clear weather, you will infinitely enjoy the Himalayan panorama. Relax, acclimatize, and explore the surrounding areas from this high vantage point. Have your fill watching the panorama today.
第 07 天 : Trek to Siding
The return route is different. You will walk through the thick forest and then see the terraced farmland as you return to the Upper Mardi Khola region. You will see the original rural Nepal with its life at ease and in proximity to Mother Nature
第 08 天 : Drive to Pokhara
Treat yourself to the magnificent sceneries of the Himalayan region from this place and return to Pokhara.
第 09 天 : Drive to Kathmandu
You can choose between a domestic flight and a tourist bus to return to Kathmandu.
第 10 天 : International departure
Airport transfer will be provided on your required time, but if you intend to extend your stay in Kathmandu we will arrange the airport transfer on your required day. Safe Travels.
STANDARD SERVICE INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek; Deluxe accommodation for 2 nights in Kathmandu and Pokhara on a twin-sharing basis.
- Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can choose from the menu) during the trek; breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Transportation: Airport-hotel-airport transfers and sightseeing by Private Transportation; Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by tourist bus. Pokhara – Phedi by and Siding – Pokhara by private vehicle/public bus.
(Optional: Flight options and Private vehicles from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu are available at an applicable cost.) - Documentation: Trekking permits (ACAP, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit, and TIMS).
- Equipment/Accessories: Down jacket, sleeping bags, a waterproof duffel bag, first-aid kit, water purifying solution (iodine-based) for Complimentary use
- Human resource: A professional and experienced trekking guide (English-speaking); a porter per trekker (carrying up to 15 kg/person); all the expenses for the guide and porter(s) are covered (wages, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, etc.)
- Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges, or fees. We hereby guarantee you no ‘hidden charges’ afterward
- Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with live cultural show)
- Emergency Rescue Service: Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. We carry a Supplementary oxygen tank with a mask and regulator for emergencies. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation. Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf. Please make sure that your insurance will cover helicopter evacuation up to 5650 meters.
What's not included?
-
- Beverage (Cold/Alcoholic drinks, Bottled Mineral Water, extra tea/coffee, etc.)
- Any other expenses of a personal nature (extra meals/Snacks/Dessert, Wi-Fi, battery charging fees, photography charges, Hot Shower, etc.)
- Tips for Guide and Porters (Expected) and any Donations.
- Your travel insurance
- Nepal Visa
- International Air Fares
- Activities (Sightseeing/tours) cost in Kathmandu
- Costs arise due to unforeseen weather conditions, natural disasters, political issues, incomplete trips because of personal problems, mountain sickness, physical status, early return from the trek, late departure & any costs other than those mentioned in the inclusion section
Mardi Himal Trek FAQs
The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new, less crowded trekking, and comparatively easy route located in the Annapurna region. It offers phenomenal mountain views, picturesque landscapes, and a chance to explore the local culture.
The total trek duration of the Mardi Himal Trek is 5 days.
The Mardi Himal Trek duration is typically a 6-8 day trek. It may also vary depending on the itinerary.
Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the best seasons to do the Mardi Himal Trek as these months provide stable weather, clear views, and moderate temperatures.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate-level trek that can be undertaken by people with average fitness levels. Some prior trekking experience is beneficial.
Trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, and Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit for the Mardi Himal Trek.
The maximum altitude during the Mardi Himal trek lies at an elevation of 3550 m, High Camp.
The teahouses or guesthouses available along the Mardi trekking route provide simple and basic accommodations and meals for trekkers.
A moderate level of physical fitness is sufficient for the Mardi Himal Trek. Regular walking or light exercises before the trek can help prepare for the trekking challenges.
ATM facilities are available in some towns along the trek route, such as Pokhara. However, it is recommended to carry enough cash for the entire trek for emergencies and extra expenses.
Most teahouses and guesthouses along the Mardi Himal Trek route have charging facilities available at an extra cost. Still, it is advisable to carry a universal adapter.
Bottled water and purified water are available for purchase along the Mardi Himal Trek route. Carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or carry a water filter for safe treatment.
The toilet facilities along the Mardi Himal Trek are basic and mostly consist of squat toilets. In some teahouses, Western-style toilets may be available, but it is always advisable to carry your toilet paper.
Yes, it is possible to hire a guide and porter for the Mardi Himal Trek and a guide is compulsory for the trek. They can assist with navigation, carry your backpack, and provide valuable insights about the region.
It is important to pack warm and lightweight clothing suitable for both sunny and cold weather conditions. Layering is key. Essential equipment includes strong trekking boots, a warm sleeping bag, a backpack, a personal hygiene kit, and a headlamp.
Yes, the extensions are available and you can extend the trek to Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill trek.
To book the Mardi Himal Trek with Outdoor Himalayan, visit the website and fill out the booking form, or contact us directly via email or phone. We will provide you with the necessary details and assistance for your trekking experience.
Cancellation
- 20% of the trip cost will be charged for the confirmed trip getting canceled.
- 50% of the trip cost will be charged if canceled between 30 to 10 days before the trip departure date.
- No refund if canceled within 10 days of the trip date or in the case of not showing.
- Regrettably, in the case where the trek/tour cannot be completed due to the customer’s own problem, sickness, or unfavorable weather, there will be no refund.
- If the trekking/tour is extended more than the given itinerary extra charge will be applied accordingly.
- If the agreed trip cannot be organized due to bad weather or any unforeseen events, a similar trip will be organized (in mutual understanding with the travelers).