Thank You! ~ from the Mardi Himal team
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Mardi Himal Trek | 8 Days Itinerary, Cost and Difficulty
The Mardi Himal Trek takes you through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and open mountain ridges before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, with Machhapuchhre directly ahead.
Duration8 Days
Max Altitude4,500 m
DifficultyModerate
From
$699
Trek Overview
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a short-distance trek from Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m, starting through villages and forest before reaching high mountain ridges with close views of the surrounding Himalayas.
One thing I enjoy about guiding Mardi Himal is watching the trail change as we move higher. The lower section still feels connected to village life: farmland, forest, and people using the same paths for their daily work. Higher up, that gradually disappears and the ridge becomes the whole experience. By the time we reach High Camp, the surroundings feel completely different from where we started that morning.
We start with a drive out of Pokhara toward Deurali via Dhampus, where the trail leaves the road behind and the climbing starts in earnest.
The trail continues through oak and rhododendron forest, past Forest Camp, Low Camp, and Middle Camp, with only a few teahouses along the way. It’s quiet and cool, and the forest remains the main feature until you reach Badal Danda, where the trees end without warning and it’s all open ridge above roughly 3,200 m.
One turn and you’re standing above the treeline, and most people stop walking right there, just to look. From that point on, you’re following the ridgeline itself, narrow in places, with drop-offs that look worse than they walk.
Day three is base camp. By the time you’re standing there, there’s nothing left: no trees, no birdsong, just rock, sky, and a view close enough that you can pick out individual ridgelines instead of one white shape in the distance. Most groups stay longer than planned. There’s no rush to head back down once you’ve made it that far.
Coming down feels like a different trek. Faster underfoot, and once the forest closes back in, it’s worth actually noticing the birdsong and the change in temperature. Then, just as suddenly as it ended, the forest gives way one last time, and you drop into Siding village, where the trek ends and a jeep takes you back to Pokhara.
Ready to go?
Download Day-by-Day Itinerary
Transportation Information:
Our Mardi Himal Trek package includes tourist bus transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The journey takes around 7–8 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. You can upgrade to a domestic flight or private vehicle at an additional cost.
Pokhara to Trailhead & Return:
From Pokhara, transportation to the Mardi Himal trailhead is arranged by jeep or bus, depending on your group size and itinerary. After the trek, a jeep or bus transfer brings you back to Pokhara.
At a Glance
Quick Trip Facts
Total Distance
50 km
Walking Days
4
Accommodation
Hotel & Teahouses
Meals
B+L+D During the Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Tourist Bus/Flights
Group Size
2-16
Guide
Government Licensed
Porter
1 per 2 trekkers
Best Season
March-May/Sep-Dec
Fitness Level
Basic Fitness Required
Permit
Included
Trip Style
Guided Teahouse Trek
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
4,500 m
Mardi Himal Base Camp
Why This Trek
Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
Choose the Mardi Himal Trek if you want a short route from villages and rhododendron forest to an open Himalayan ridge. I’ve walked this trail more than 50 times. Above High Camp, the forest gives way to the ridge, with Machhapuchhre directly ahead.
Base Camp by Day Three
You can reach High Camp in two days of walking, then continue to Mardi Himal Base Camp via the viewpoint the next morning before returning to the lower trail.
Forest First, Ridge Later
The first day takes you through oak and rhododendron forest. On the second day, after a couple of hours on the trail, the trees gradually disappear and the landscape opens onto the ridge. On day three, you continue to Mardi Himal Base Camp and return the same way.
Machhapuchhre Right in Front
From the upper trail, Machhapuchhre stands directly ahead, with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli also visible across the valley.
A Trek That Fits Your Holiday
You don’t need weeks away from work for this trek. Depending on your route and transport, Mardi Himal can fit comfortably into a week.
Why Trek with Us
How to Choose Mountain World Treks for the Mardi Himal Trek
With Mountain World Treks, your Mardi Himal Trek is handled by guides familiar with the forest trails, High Camp, and the 4,500 m Base Camp section. We arrange permits, teahouses, guide, porter, and transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the trailhead, and back. Our team also monitors weather and trail conditions on the route and coordinates changes when they affect the trek.
1996
Started as a Trekking Porter
2000
Became a Licensed Guide
2010
Founded Mountain World Treks
Today
Still Actively Guiding Treks in Nepal
30+
Years from Porter to Founder
Government Licensed Guides
All our guides are licensed by the Government of Nepal and have 10+ years of Himalayan trekking experience
24/7 Local Support from Kathmandu
we provide support before and during your trek, assisting with planning, logistics, and emergencies.
Responsible Porter Practices
We provide fair wages and better working conditions for porters while following responsible trekking practices.
Transparent Trekking Costs
Our prices are clearly explained from the start, including and excluding without hidden charges.
Small Groups Only
We limit groups to 12 trekkers, allowing guides to provide better attention, support, and a more personal care along the trek.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency support and helicopter evacuation assistance when needed during high-altitude treks.
WHO IS THIS TREK FOR?
Is the Mardi Himal trek right for you?
If you’re reasonably active and have just over a week, you can take on the Mardi Himal Trek. The trail passes through Gurung villages, oak and rhododendron forests, then climbs onto an open ridge toward Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is no technical climbing, but the higher sections are steeper and more demanding.
First time trekking in Nepal? Our Mardi Himal Beginner’s Guide covers fitness, altitude, and preparation before you go.
Perfect For
- First-time trekkers in Nepal
- Hikers who enjoy forest trails and mountain scenery
- Solo travelers joining a guided group
- Couples, friends, and families trekking together
- Photographers looking for sunrise and ridgeline shots
- Trekkers with limited time who still want a 4,500 m summit finish
Not Ideal For
- Travelers who need private bathrooms and hotel-standard rooms every night
- Anyone who cannot walk for several hours a day
- Trekkers with a medical restriction on high-altitude travel
- Those looking for a low-effort, minimal-walking holiday
Highlights
Places You'll Remember on the Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Base Camp:
The highest point of the trek at 4,500 m, with Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South around you.
Mardi Viewpoint at Sunrise:
An early climb from High Camp takes you above the treeline before first light, with the mountains changing color as the sun comes up.
Machhapuchhre from the Trail:
The upper ridge brings you close to Fishtail Mountain, with clear views as you walk toward base camp.
Badal Danda:
Where the forest gives way to open ridge, with clouds often sitting in the valleys below.
Rhododendron and Oak Forest:
Shaded, quiet walking through the lower section, especially colorful in spring when the rhododendrons bloom.
A Quieter Trail:
The trail is less busy than the Everest or Annapurna routes, offering a more peaceful journey through the mountains.
Trail Map
Mardi Himal Trek Route Map
47 km round trip. Annapurna Region, Nepal
Kathmandu Arrival
Day 1
1,350 m
Pokhara
Day 2
850 m
Deurali
Day 3
2,100 m
Forest Camp
Day 3
2,550 m
High Camp
Day 4
3,550 m
Base camp
Day 5
4500 m
Sidding Porakha
Day 6
1700 m
Porakha
Day 6
850 m
Kathmandu
Day 7
1,350 m
Trip Ends
Day 8
1,350 m
Day-by-Day
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
This is the exact 9-day itinerary I follow on every Mardi Himal trek I run. Starting in Kathmandu, we travel to Pokhara, then drive to Kande to begin trekking through Deurali, Forest Camp, and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m. From Siding village, a short drive brings you back to Pokhara, and from there to Kathmandu. Below, you’ll find the daily itinerary, overnight elevations, walking times, and practical advice based on my years leading treks in the Annapurna region.
TREK COST
How Much Does the Mardi Himal Trek Cost?
The Mardi Himal Trek starts at USD 699 per person. That covers your airport transfers, transport between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the trailhead, hotel stays, trekking permits, teahouse accommodation, three meals a day on the trek, your guide and porter, and all government taxes. It doesn’t cover your visa, travel insurance, personal spending, drinks, or tips for your guide and porter.
Join a Group
$699 / per person
Trek with like-minded adventurers. Departures every spring and autumn season.
Most Selling
Private Trek
$699/ person
8-day package, your own dates and pace. Licensed guide and porter for your group.
- Depart any day of year
- Your group only
- Experienced licensed guide
- All permits & fees
Customize My Trek
Custom / quote
Add helicopter returns, l extension treks & Sightseeing, or photography guides.
- Bespoke itinerary
- Helicopter returns available
- Extend Pokhara Sightseeing
How to Book
How We Arrange Your Mardi Himal Trek
From your first inquiry to the start of your Mardi Himal Trek, we arrange the main details in four steps.
01
Send Your Trek Details
Tell us your dates, group size, and any transport or itinerary preferences.
02
Receive Your Plan & Quote
We’ll send the itinerary, price, transport options, and answers to your questions.
03
Confirm Your Booking
Pay the required deposit to secure your Mardi Himal Trek and receive the booking details.
04
Prepare for the Trek
We’ll send the packing information and arrange everything for your trip.
Package Details
Mardi Himal Trek Cost Includes & Excludes
The Cost Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Tourist bus transfer between Kathmandu and Pokhara, as per the itinerary
- Transportation between Pokhara and the trek starting and ending points
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service (1 porter shared between 2 trekkers, max weight of 25 kg)
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea or coffee)
- Fresh seasonal fruit after dinner during the trek
- Comprehensive first-aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by your guide
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag (available on request)
- Free luggage storage at our Kathmandu office during the trek
- Company T-shirt and trek completion certificate
- All government taxes and agency service charges
The Cost Excludes
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fee
- Travel insurance, including emergency helicopter evacuation
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses during the trek
- Drinks other than the tea or coffee included with meals
- Hot showers and WiFi at teahouses
- Phone calls and device charging
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Porter service for luggage above the included 25 kg limit
- Tips for the guide and porter
- Any additional accommodation or meals required due to delays, bad weather, illness, or changes to the itinerary
- Any services or expenses not specifically listed under The Cost Includes
Important: Travel insurance is not included in the package. Before your trek, you must purchase a policy that covers high-altitude trekking (up to at least 4500 m) and emergency helicopter evacuation. for emergencies.
Alternative Itinerary
Accommodation
Accommodation During the Mardi Himal Trek
You’ll stay in small teahouses and lodges along the Mardi Himal route, with simpler rooms as you climb higher. Bathrooms are often shared, while Kathmandu and Pokhara accommodation is in hotels. See our Mardi Himal Trek Accommodation Guide for more details.
- Cozy rooms with mattresses, pillows, and blankets
- Shared bathrooms, basic facilities throughout
- • Electricity, Wi-Fi, and device charging available (additional fee applies)
- • Hot showers available at most teahouses (additional fee applies)
Food & Drinks During the Mardi Himal Trek
Meals are prepared by the teahouses along the trail, with Nepali and familiar Western dishes available at the main stops. Menu choices become fewer around High Camp.
- Dal bhat, momo, noodles, pasta, rice, and potatoes
- Soups, eggs, pancakes, and bread
- Vegetarian meals available
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soft drinks
Trekking Gears
Packing for the Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal route moves from warm lower villages through forest to cold, exposed sections above High Camp. Pack layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, sturdy trekking shoes, a sleeping bag, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medication, trekking poles, and a reusable water bottle. Keep your main gear in a duffel bag and carry water, snacks, an extra layer, and other daily items in your daypack.
Our Mardi Himal Trek Packing List covers the clothing, footwear, sleeping gear, toiletries, electronics, and documents you’ll need for the trek.
Fitness & Difficulty
How Difficult Is the Mardi Himal Trek?
Moderate. No ropes, no glacier crossing. Just a walk that gets steeper the closer you get to base camp, and a final stretch that asks more of you than the first three days did.
What actually gets people:
- The stone steps. Long staircases, most of the way up.
- No cover once you’re above the trees. Wind and cold hit you straight on.
- Thin air on the last climb. Every step to 4,500 m feels heavier than the one before it.
- Early starts. Most groups leave High Camp before dawn to catch the viewpoint at first light.
New to high-altitude trekking? Our Mardi Himal Difficulty Guide covers the route section by section.
What Kind of Fitness Do You Need?
Steady beats fast on this trail. Hill walking, stairs, and a couple of longer hikes in the month before you fly matter more than anything you do in a gym. You’ll also be carrying a light daypack all day, so get used to that too.
You’ll do fine here if you:
- Train consistently in the weeks before you fly
- Work hills or stairs into your normal week
- Have already broken in your boots
- Can walk several days in a row without needing to rest
- Tell your guide the moment something feels off: a headache, nausea, unusual fatigue
TREKKING SEASON
When is the best time to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
March to May and late September to November generally offer the best combination of stable weather, good trail conditions, and clear mountain views. Spring brings rhododendrons in bloom, while autumn usually has the clearest skies after the monsoon. Our Best Time to Trek to Mardi Himal guide covers each month in more detail.
Best
Spring Season
Mar · Apr · MayRhododendrons bloom along the lower forest trail, and Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range are often visible higher up.
- Weather: Mild days, cool nights, afternoon cloud.
- Crowds: Moderate
- Visibility: Very good
Possible
Summer Season
Jun · Jul · AugMonsoon rain can make the forest trail muddy and slippery, while clouds often cover the mountain views. The lower sections stay green, and there are fewer trekkers on the trail.
- Weather: Rainy, warm, humid and Leeches
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Poor
Better
Autumn Season
Sep · Oct · NovThe skies usually clear after the monsoon, mornings are cooler at higher elevations, and Mountain views are often at their best.
- Weather: Clear skies, cool mornings and sunny days
- Crowds: High
- Visibility: Excellent
Good
Winter Season
Dec · Jan · FebCold weather & occasional snow affect the higher sections. The trail is quieter, and cold mornings still offer excellent mountain views.
- Weather: Cold, snow possible at higher elevations
- Crowds: Low
- Visibility: Good
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare popular Treks - Mardi Himal Trek vs. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Not sure which route fits you? Compare the key facts side by side.
| Feature | Mardi Himal Trek | 8 Days Itinerary, Cost and Difficulty | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 10 Days, Cost and Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days | 10 Days |
| Highest Point | Mardi Himal Base Camp - 4,500 m | Annapurna Base Camp - 4,130 m |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate | Moderate |
| Best For | Beginners to Experts | Beginners to Experts |
| Mountain Highlights | Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Mardi Himal | Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Annapurna I |
| Landscape | Forest to High Ridge | Villages, Forest & High Mountain Valley |
| Culture | Gurung Villages | Gurung & Magar Villages |
| Crowds | Moderate to Busy in Peak Season | Moderate to Busy in Peak Season |
| Trek Experience | Villages, Forest Trails, & Alpine Ridge | Stone Steps, Forest Trails & Mountain Sanctuary |
People Also Ask
Explore the full guides
Before leaving Pokhara, it helps to know what the trail is like and what you need to arrange. Our guides cover weather, permits, insurance, transport, packing, food, accommodation, electricity, internet, extra spending and tipping. You can also read about the villages and communities along the route, trekking with family, and travelling alone.
What should I know about altitude on the Mardi Himal Trek?
The trail climbs from the lower hills to High Camp and then above 4,000 m, so the upper part needs more care. Headache, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness and poor sleep can be signs that your body is having trouble with the altitude. Tell your guide if you feel unwell, and do not keep climbing if your symptoms are getting worse.
If there is an emergency: Your guide will check your condition and decide what to do next. This may mean stopping for the day, going lower, arranging transport or organizing an evacuation. If you need medical treatment, our team can help arrange your return to Pokhara or Kathmandu.
For more detail, see our Mardi Himal Altitude Sickness Guide.
What do I need to arrange before Mardi Himal?
Your main preparations are choosing the season, arranging insurance and permits, sorting out your trekking gear and organizing the drive from Pokhara to the trailhead. Check the weather before leaving Pokhara as conditions can be quite different at High Camp.
Mardi Himal Trek: Complete Guide
The Mardi Himal Trek starts in the hills above Pokhara and climbs through villages and rhododendron forest before reaching the open ridge above High Camp. From there, the trail continues toward Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 m, with Machhapuchhre directly ahead and Annapurna South and Hiunchuli across the valley. Our complete guide covers the itinerary, difficulty, seasons, altitude, food, accommodation, packing, permits, transport, cost and the other details you will need before starting the trek.
See the Trek Before You Go
Mardi Himal Trek Video Guide
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions - Mardi Himal Trek
Quick answers to common questions about the Mardi Himal Trek, including difficulty, altitude, permits, costs, accommodation, and preparation.
Still have questions? Our team responds within 24 hours.
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Mardi Himal Trek | 8 Days Itinerary, Cost and Difficulty