Holy Himalaya Eco Trek
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Tour
  4. >
  5. Nepal
  6. >
  7. Mardi Himal Trek

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.)

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Badal Danda to Siding Village (Ratmate)
1700 m.
6-7 Hours
After breakfast at Badal Danda, we embark on a descent of approximately 1568m through lush, dense forests. Carefully navigating the potentially slippery terrain, we arrive at the charming Siding village, where a cozy lodge eagerly anticipates our arrival. Here, amidst serene tranquility, we are greeted by sweeping vistas of stunning landscapes and majestic snow-capped peaks. It's a truly enchanting experience, immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature's embrace while relishing the warm hospitality of this picturesque retreat.
7
Day 7: Drive from Siding Village (Ratmate) to Pokhara
On the final leg of our extraordinary journey through the hidden trails of the Annapurna region, we trace the gentle path alongside the Mardi River, traversing a wide valley adorned with vibrant rice and paddy farms. As we descend, the landscape gradually transitions to warmer climes, punctuated by villages nestled amid verdant fields. Our trek culminates in the idyllic Mardi village, where we bid farewell to the trails and embark on a brief drive back to Pokhara. Here, nestled by the serene Phewa Lake, we conclude our adventure with an overnight stay, cherishing the tranquility of this picturesque setting.

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!

{{type.name}}

{{type.display_price}} per person

{{ type.number }}

Guests

{{ number }}

Extra prices:

{{type.price_html}}
({{type.price_type}})
{{ type.price }}%
{{ formatMoney(type.price) }}
  • {{total_price_html}}
  • {{pay_now_price_html}}

Guest in maximum

BOOK NOW Book Now
0% of travelers recommend this experience
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 in Nepal's Annapurna region is not technically difficult, with a well-established trail without exposure or scrambling sections. However, it demands a good level of fitness and stamina due to the significant daily elevation gains and losses, often around 1000 meters of ascent per day on a steep trail. While the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3580 meters at High Camp, below Mardi Himal's 5587-meter summit, the descent from High Camp to Sidhing, with a nearly 1700-meter drop in a single day, is considered the most challenging part of the trek.

Travel Permits
Travel Permits

To trek the Mardi Himal Base Camp in Nepal, trekkers need to obtain two permits: the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) permit, which costs NRS 2000 (around $17 USD) per person, and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, costing NRS 3000 (approximately $25 USD) per person for single entry. These permits are mandatory for trekking in the Annapurna region, with the ACAP permit contributing to conservation efforts in the area. HOLY HIMALAYA ECO TREK WILL OBTAIN ALL THE REQUIRED PERMITS AND PASSES FOR YOU!

WhatsApp Chat