The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering trekkers a serene and less-crowded alternative to the more commercial trails. Organized by Adventure Family Treks and Expedition, this 9-day journey provides an immersive experience of the Himalayas without the heavy foot traffic. Starting from the vibrant city of Kathmandu, the trip takes you to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, and then launches into an incredible trekking route that leads up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m).
This trek is ideal for those looking for moderate adventure and stunning alpine scenery. The trail takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, high ridges with panoramic views, and traditional Gurung villages. As you ascend, you are constantly rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Unlike the busier Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp treks, Mardi Himal offers a tranquil atmosphere and authentic encounters with nature and local culture.
Choosing the right season can significantly enhance your Mardi Himal trekking experience. The two best seasons to undertake this trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months offer the clearest skies, stable weather, and optimal visibility of the Himalayan peaks.
Spring is especially magical due to the blooming rhododendron forests, which add vibrant colors to the landscape. This is a great time for photography and bird watching. Temperatures are moderate, and the trails are alive with natural beauty.
Autumn, on the other hand, is known for its crisp mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures. After the monsoon season, the air is cleaner, and visibility is at its peak. Trekkers during this period often enjoy clear sunrises over the Annapurna range and pleasant weather throughout the day.
Best Trekking Months:
Adventure Family Treks and Expedition ensures that their treks are planned to coincide with these optimal periods, offering a well-paced and weather-friendly itinerary.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate-level trek, making it suitable for both beginners with good fitness levels and experienced trekkers. The trail includes a mix of gradual ascents, steep climbs, and ridge walks. The highest point reached is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters, which requires acclimatization and stamina but no technical climbing skills.
You’ll be walking 5–7 hours daily, and the altitude can be a challenge for some, but the itinerary provided by Adventure Family Treks and Expedition includes enough rest and acclimatization time to ease your journey. Guides are trained to monitor altitude-related symptoms and provide support if needed.
Transportation is well organized throughout:
Key Points:
Accommodation during the Mardi Himal trek is primarily in local tea houses or lodges, offering basic but clean facilities. Rooms typically have twin beds with warm blankets, and some locations may provide hot showers for a small fee. The higher you go, the more basic the accommodation becomes, especially after Low Camp.
Food options are plentiful and freshly prepared. The menu includes both local Nepali dishes like Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) and international options such as pasta, noodles, pancakes, and fried rice. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition ensures that the tea houses chosen offer safe drinking water (boiled or bottled), hygienic kitchens, and good hospitality.
Meals are served three times a day and are designed to keep you energized for the trek. Most tea houses also offer tea, coffee, and snacks throughout the day.
Key Points:
To trek in the Mardi Himal region, trekkers must obtain the required permits, which are mandatory and checked at multiple points along the trail. These permits are arranged by Adventure Family Treks and Expedition, so you don’t have to worry about any paperwork or logistics.
Required Permits:
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System):
ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project):
These permits contribute to maintaining the natural beauty and infrastructure of the trekking area. Adventure Family Treks handles the permit process efficiently, ensuring you're legal and safe throughout your journey.
Key Points:
The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure with spectacular Himalayan views and peaceful surroundings. Compared to other popular routes like Everest or Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal offers a more tranquil experience without sacrificing scenery or cultural richness.
Choosing Adventure Family Treks and Expedition adds tremendous value to your trip. With years of experience, this locally-run company prioritizes safety, comfort, and authenticity. Their trained guides, carefully selected routes, and personalized service make sure that every trekker, regardless of experience level, feels supported and enriched throughout the journey.
Why Mardi Himal?
Why Adventure Family Treks?
After breakfast, we start our journey to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, via a scenic drive in a comfortable tourist bus. The 200-kilometer route winds through picturesque landscapes with views of rolling hills, lush forests, terraced fields, and occasional glimpses of Himalayan peaks. We arrive in Pokhara by afternoon, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening free to stroll along the lakeside or enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Phewa Lake. Pokhara’s calm atmosphere and beautiful mountain backdrop make it a wonderful place to relax before your trek.
Today marks the start of the trek. After breakfast in Pokhara, we drive to Kande (approx. 1.5 hours), where the trail begins. The hike from Kande to Deurali ascends gradually through lush forests, charming villages, and rhododendron groves. Along the way, you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the Annapurna range and the Machapuchare (Fishtail) peak. The trail is peaceful, and you may encounter local villagers going about their daily lives. We reach Deurali (2,100m) by late afternoon, where we rest and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains. Overnight in a teahouse.
We continue our scenic ascent from Deurali through dense forests rich with oak, maple, and rhododendron trees. This part of the trail is less frequented, offering a serene experience in nature. As we gain altitude, the vegetation begins to thin and the views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare become more dramatic. After about 5 hours of steady trekking, we reach Low Camp (2,600m), where the temperature begins to drop, and the atmosphere feels distinctly alpine. The peaceful environment here is perfect for acclimatizing and preparing for the higher altitudes ahead.
Today’s trek is one of the most exciting, as we leave the forest line and follow a ridge that offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan giants. The trail is steeper and more rugged but rewarding, as every turn opens up a dramatic vista of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. After 6–7 hours of trekking, we reach High Camp (3,900m), a small collection of teahouses perched on the ridge. The air is crisp and the sunset views from here are breathtaking. Rest well tonight in preparation for the big day tomorrow.
We begin early today to catch the sunrise and make our way toward Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trail is narrow and passes through rocky terrain with spectacular views all around. As we climb higher, we are rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of the Annapurna Sanctuary, including Annapurna I, South, Hiunchuli, and the majestic Machapuchare. Reaching the base camp is a moment of triumph and wonder. After spending time soaking in the views, we descend back to Badal Danda, a viewpoint with sweeping mountain panoramas and fewer crowds. Overnight in a cozy teahouse.
Today we descend through beautiful forest trails filled with bamboo and rhododendrons as we head toward Sidhing village. The trail is peaceful and offers a different perspective of the region as we walk past traditional homes and terraced farmland. After approximately 5–6 hours of trekking, we reach Sidhing, where our private vehicle will be waiting. From here, we drive for about 2 hours back to Pokhara. You’ll arrive by evening with plenty of time to unwind at your hotel or enjoy a celebratory dinner by the lakeside.
After breakfast in Pokhara, we return to Kathmandu via a comfortable tourist bus, retracing our scenic route along the Prithvi Highway. The 6–7 hour drive gives you time to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during the Mardi Himal trek. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore the city’s temples, local markets, or enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, courtesy of Adventure Family Treks and Expedition.
Your journey with Adventure Family Treks and Expedition concludes today. After breakfast and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing (depending on your flight schedule), we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As you say goodbye to Nepal, we hope you leave with a heart full of adventure, stories to share, and a longing to return to the Himalayas once more. Thank you for trekking with us – until next time, Namaste!
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The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new and less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Unlike more commercial routes, it provides a serene and peaceful environment through lush forests, alpine landscapes, and traditional villages. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition offers a well-organized Mardi Himal Trek itinerary that blends nature, culture, and comfort, making it perfect for both new and experienced trekkers.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderate trek in terms of difficulty. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills, but trekkers should be in reasonably good physical condition. The trek includes 5 to 7 hours of walking per day on average, with altitude rising up to 4,500 meters at the Mardi Himal Base Camp. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition designs the trek with acclimatization and manageable daily trekking hours to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Wi-Fi and charging facilities are available at some teahouses on the Mardi Himal route, particularly at lower elevations like Deurali and Low Camp. However, expect to pay extra for both, and connections can be slow or unreliable. At higher elevations like High Camp or Badal Danda, these services may be unavailable. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition recommends bringing a power bank and being prepared for limited connectivity — part of the charm of trekking is disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature.
Adventure Family Treks and Expedition is a locally-run company with decades of experience in organizing treks across Nepal. We focus on safety, personalized service, and sustainable tourism. Our Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is carefully crafted to offer a rewarding trekking experience without rushing or compromising your comfort. Our guides are licensed, English-speaking, and deeply familiar with the trail and local culture. We pride ourselves on creating memorable, family-friendly trekking experiences that go beyond the usual tour packages.
The best seasons for trekking to Mardi Himal are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is stable, skies are clear, and the mountain views are at their best. Rhododendron forests bloom beautifully in spring. Although winter trekking is possible, snow may make high camp sections difficult. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition operates treks throughout the year and will advise you on the best time based on your preferences and experience.
Accommodations on the Mardi Himal Trek are in traditional teahouses and lodges. While not luxurious, they offer basic facilities such as clean bedding, shared bathrooms, and hearty local meals. In higher altitudes like High Camp or Badal Danda, facilities are more limited, but cozy and welcoming. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition ensures all accommodations are pre-booked for your comfort and safety, and we only work with reliable teahouse operators who prioritize hygiene and guest satisfaction.
Altitude sickness is a concern on any trek above 3,000 meters, but the Mardi Himal route is well-paced to allow proper acclimatization. The highest point of the trek is 4,500 meters at the base camp, and our itinerary includes gradual ascents to reduce the risk. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition guides are trained to monitor symptoms of altitude sickness and take prompt action if needed. Staying hydrated, walking slowly, and following guide instructions greatly help in avoiding any altitude-related issues.
To trek to Mardi Himal, you’ll need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. These permits help preserve the environment and track trekkers for safety. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition handles all permit arrangements as part of our package. All you need to do is provide a few passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport — we take care of the rest, so you can focus on enjoying your trek.
Our Mardi Himal Trek begins with a scenic tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 6 to 7 hours. From Pokhara, a private vehicle takes you to Kande where the trek begins. On the return journey, after trekking from Badal Danda to Sidhing, we arrange a vehicle back to Pokhara, and finally, another comfortable tourist bus back to Kathmandu. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition ensures all transportation is safe, timely, and included in the package.
For the Mardi Himal Trek, pack layers suitable for cold and warm conditions. Essentials include a good-quality sleeping bag, trekking boots, warm jackets, base layers, gloves, a headlamp, a rain jacket, and personal toiletries. Don’t forget sun protection and water purification tablets. Adventure Family Treks and Expedition provides a detailed packing list upon booking and can also assist with equipment rental in Kathmandu or Pokhara if you’re missing any important gear.
| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 1 | $1,150 |
| 2 - 5 | $950 |
| 6 - 10 | $899 |
| 11 - 15 | $849 |
| 16 - 20 | $799 |
