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Mardi Himal Trek

Annapurna region of Nepal

Tour snapshot

Duration:
7 Days
Group Size:
16 persons
Location:
Nepal
Tour Type:
Trekking in Nepal

Overview

Mardi Himal is a stunning peal that rests at an altitude of 5,587 m in the popular Annapurna range, which is inside the Annapurna Sanctuary Area. This is one of the best treks if you are opting for a short trip, but it is full of one-on-one interaction with the locals of Nepal and knowing the Nepalese culture and ethnicity from the roots. The trek leads you through some of the world’s most gorgeous valleys, including Pitamber, Deurali, and Badal Danda ridges, as well as enchanting Rhododendron forests. The trek between Pokhara and Mardi Himal is 31.0 kilometers (19 miles).

The trail provides a majestic view of the three mountains that soar above 8,000 meters, which are Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Manaslu (8,163m). 

The trail towards Mardi provides a significant hike through rhododendron jungle in an eco-friendly environment in the Annapurna region. It is an enchanting experience as you travel narrow pathways through the lush forest at an elevation of approximately 3,300 meters. Mardi Himal Trek is one of the hidden gems, tucked away between the famous Annapurna routes.

Therefore, the Mardi Himal Trail is an excellent introduction to the Himalaya for people who have not been there before and for 'old-timers' who also want to visit a new area. The trail meanders through the foothills of the Annapurna region before entering lichen-laden dense jungles, which lead to the alpine meadows above (a habitat for undisturbed wildlife) with stupendous views of the high Himalayan peaks beyond. Numerous quaint stone-built villages, cultivated fields, streams, and waterfalls are encountered in this natural habitat along the way.

Much of the trail passes through virgin forests consisting of birch, rhododendron, magnolia, pines, and bamboo, with glimpses through the foliage to the high peaks beyond and the Mardi Khola River winding its way through the valley thousands of feet below, until it reaches the high undulating ridge that descends from Machhapuchhre—the fluted “Fishtail Peak,” a mountain renowned for its splendor. (Machhapuchhre has been dubbed the “Matterhorn of the Himalaya” because of its steep sides and needle-sharp summit that pierces the sky.)

Highlights

  • Natural and cultural diversity
  • One of the finest views of Mt. Macchapucchre (Mt. Fishtail) (6,993m.)
  • Explore the local ethnic culture of the Gurung people
  • Immerse in the natural village lifestyles, lush green forests, and panoramic mountain views
  • Soak in the stunning vistas of the magnificent Annapurna South (7,219 m.), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m.), Hiunchuli (6,441 m.), and many other neighboring peaks.

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Trek from Pokhara to Deurali
2100 m.
5 Hours
On arrival at Pokhara, we will drive to the trailhead at Kande. Upon arriving there, we will have a cup of coffee before starting to trek. The route from Kande is a good one for very few trekkers choosing to start from here. The trail begins by going slowly up, then becomes a little steeper as we approach Australian Camp. After an early lunch, the trail continues slightly downhill to Pothana (1950m) and the ACAP checkpoint, then up again to Deurali (2100m). We arrive there around 2 p.m.
2
Day 2: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
2520 m.
6 Hours
We wake up in the morning to the stunning views of Machhapuchhre (6993 m/23,000 ft.) and the Annapurna Mountain ranges. In Deurali, there is a right turn signposted “Forrest Camp,” and from there, the trail passes through dense foliage of birch, rhododendron, hemlock, and pines until it reaches undulating terrain at the top of the ridge. Just over half way to Forest Camp, there is a section where the path drops steeply and then slowly regains height as it returns to the open ridge and finally enters Forest Camp at 2520m. This is a 5- to 6-hour day. There are several lodges in Forest Camp, and our guide will choose the best one available. Afternoon at leisure.
3
Day 3: Trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda
3268 m.
6 Hours
Leaving Forrest Camp, the trail is initially quite steep but soon levels out as we again reach the ridge. From Forrest Camp to Badal Danda is only a short day's trek through more trees with occasional glimpses of Annapurna South before getting into camp after around 3 to 4 hours. As we approach camp, captivating views of the northern face of the fishtail will greet us. About an hour up from Forrest Camp, there is a new teahouse called “Rest Camp,” which doesn’t yet appear on any of the trekking maps, but this would make a viable alternative to Forrest Camp if necessary.
4
Day 4: Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp
3540 m.
6 Hours
The trail leaves Badal Danda in thick forest, but the trees soon start to get smaller, and after about one hour's trekking, we break out onto the open ridge once more with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre ahead and Annapurna South to the left. We can see the Mardi Khola River winding its way through the valley thousands of feet below. The trail then rises and falls, and after about 3 hours, we arrive at High Camp (3540m). The lodges here are good, each with comfortable rooms, a separate dining room, and a fire.
5
Day 5: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4450m), and down to Badal Danda Camp
4450 m.
7 hours
We have an early breakfast and start climbing to reach High View Point, or for the energetic, Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4450m (14,596 ft.). There will be time to explore or just gaze at the peaks from these high vantage points. If the weather is clear, the views will be stunning. In the early afternoon, we return to High Camp, have lunch, pack up, and descend to Badal Danda Camp. As the day closes, the setting sun turns the hills and mountains of the Himalaya pink, then red, and finally purple before the stars take over, and we settle in for an early night.
6
Day 6: Trek from Badal Danda to Kalimati
1700 m.
6-7 Hours
After a leisurely breakfast, we start our gentle descent on forested trails and terraced fields on a new route to upper Mardi Khola. This is a remote valley, far from busy tea-house routes, with serene beauty and glimpses of friendly village life. With caution over slippery terrain, we will walk down to Kalimati, where a cozy lodge awaits. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and snow-capped peaks, we bathe in nature's embrace and warmly welcome to this peaceful retreat.
7
Day 7: Drive from Kalimati to Pokhara
We end our marvelous journey into the hidden routes of the Annapurna region on a gentle trek along the Mardi River, which takes us across wide valleys dotted with rice and paddy farms. This is where villages nestled amongst green fields meet the trail as we begin to descend in altitude and get into climes warmer in nature. Itinerary: Our trek ends at the picturesque village of Mardi, from where trails bid a final farewell to us for a short drive to be back to Pokhara. Here at Pokhara, taken beside the peaceful Phewa Lake, we conclude the adventure with an overnight cherish in the serenity of the picture postcard environment that it presents.

Included/Excluded

Airport pick up and drop off
Accommodation on twin sharing basis
Domestic Transportation
Experienced trekking guide
Necessary trekking equipment
Lunch and dinner in the trekking duration
Personal Experiences
Travel Insurance
Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary
Anything else not mentioned in the inclusion list

Service Fee Only, Explore Nepal Fully!

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Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

FAQs about Mardi Himal Trek

What are the best seasons for this trek?
What are the best seasons for this trek?

The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal are spring (mid-February to May) and autumn (September to mid-December). Spring offers moderate temperatures (11–20 °C at lower altitudes), clear skies for excellent mountain views, blooming rhododendrons, and less crowding compared to popular treks. Autumn brings stable weather (8–15 °C), minimal rainfall, and stunning views of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre, though with more crowds. The summer season (with rainfall and leeches) is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking lush greenery, wildflowers, and an adventurous experience in relative isolation.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek, located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, is technically not difficult and doesn't have any parts of exposure or scrambling along a well-established trail; however, it requires a good level of fitness and stamina since there is a big up and down each day, often more than 1000 m of ascents per day along steep trails. Although the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3580 meters at High Camp, below the 5587-meter summit of Mardi Himal, the most challenging part of the trek is considered to be the drop from High Camp to Sidhing in nearly a 1700-meter drop on one day.

Travel Permits
Travel Permits

The trekkers must obtain two permits to trek the Mardi Himal Base Camp in Nepal: one is the Trekkers' Information Management System permit, which costs NRS 2000, approximately $17 USD per head, and another is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit, which has a single entry charge of about $25 USD per head, priced at NRS 3000. Both permits are basically necessary for trekking in the Annapurna region, and an ACAP permit is used for the conservation of nature in the conservation area. HOLY HIMALAYA ECO TREK WILL ARRANGE FOR ALL THE NECESSARY PERMISSIONS AND PASSES FOR YOU!

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