Mardi Himal Short Trek - 7 Days

Things to Know
  • Duration7 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Altitude 4500 m Mardi Basecamp
  • Trip Type Hiking
  • Start and End Kathmandu and Kathmandu
  • Best Time Spring and Autumn
What You’ll Do
  • Marvel at the stunning and verdant vistas of the Annapurna Mountain Range.
  • Enjoy a leisurely and straightforward trek, savouring the mountainous beauty throughout the day.
  • Interact with fellow Nepalese trekkers, fostering cultural exchanges and memorable connections.
  • Reach the awe-inspiring Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you'll be treated with unparalleled views and a profound sense of achievement.

The Mardi Himal Trek is short and easy in the Annapurna Region. It begins with a two-hour drive from Pokhara, a popular tourist spot in Nepal. This trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountains. Once a lesser-known trail, the Mardi Himal Trek has recently become more popular with foreign and local tourists. The trek starts with a two-hour drive to Kande from Pokhara. From Kande, the walking trail begins, leading to Australian Camp. The path is moderate and easy, with a slight uphill to Australian Camp and a downhill to Pothana. This initial part of the trek is perfect for beginners. Unlike other trekking routes, this trail does not pass through local villages from Pothana. Instead, it winds through forests, adding a sense of adventure. As you climb higher, the trees become shorter. The Mardi Himal Trail is rich with rhododendrons and alpine trees.

At High Camp, the temperature drops, and you might feel a bit dizzy. High Camp is the last stop before Mardi Himal Base Camp. On clear days, you can see stunning views of Mardi Himal, Fishtail and other mountains in the Annapurna Range. An early morning walk of two to three hours takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, with an elevation of 4500 meters. The base camp offers spectacular views of the Annapurna Range. If the weather is clear, you'll be treated to a beautiful sunrise reflecting off the mountains.

Itinerary
Expand AllCollapse All

  • Altitude822m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time7-8 hrs

  • Altitude2100 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time2 hrs drive and 3-4 hrs trek

  • Altitude3050m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6-7 hrs

  • Altitude3600 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time3-4 hrs

  • Altitude4500 Mardi Basecamp
  • AccommodationTea House
  • Time6-7 hours

  • Altitude822m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • Time3 hrs drive

    Trip Cost Details
    Included
    • Arrival / Departure arrangements 
    • Transport from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu via Tourist Bus 
    • Accommodations during the treks on a sharing basis 
    • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) and tea or coffee while on the treks
    • Experienced English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide 
    • Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
    • Guide salary, food, equipment, and insurance 
    • All applicable permits, ACAP, TIMS, and Local permits
    • Pokhara to Kande, Sidhing to Pokhara Private Taxi / Jeep
    • Trekking Map and Water Purification Tablet Complimentary
    • A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
    • Official expense and government tax and VAT.
    Excluded
    • Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara 
    • Accommodation in Kathmandu
    • International flight fare and airport departure tax
    • Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
    • Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
    • Tips to trekking staff and driver
    • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
    • Personal Trekking gear and equipment
    • Any expenses other than the Price Include section
    Useful Info

    Mardi Himal Short Trek Route

    The Mardi Himal Short Trek begins in Kathmandu. On the first day, you will travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, options are through a tourist bus or via flight, a popular tourist destination. On the second day, you drive from Pokhara to Kande which takes around 2 hours to reach there. From Kande, you trek to Pitam Deurali, where you will spend the night. This initial part of the journey offers stunning views and sets the tone for the adventure ahead. On the third day, you will continue the trek from Pitam Deurali to Low Camp. The trail winds through lush forests and offers glimpses of the majestic mountains. On the fourth day, you trek from Low Camp to High Camp. As you ascend, the scenery becomes even more breathtaking, with panoramic views of the Annapurna Range. The next morning, you hike from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp. The early start rewards you with spectacular sunrise views over the Himalayas. After enjoying the views at the base camp, you trek back down to Siding, where you will rest for the night. Finally, on the last day, you take a jeep from Siding back to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you drive back to Kathmandu, completing the trek. This route offers a shorter walking distance compared to other trekking routes in Nepal, making it a perfect option for those seeking a manageable yet rewarding trekking experience

    Mardi Himal Trek difficulty.

    The trekking trail goes from Kande to Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Middle Camp (Badal Danda), and High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Then it retraces back and deviates from Low Camp to Siding Village. The total distance of the Mardi Himal Trek is 41 km, which leads you up to 4500 meters. As the elevation gain is not that high, the risk of altitude sickness is quite low. The Mardi Himal Short Trek is a beginner-friendly trek, known for being one of the easiest and offering some of the best views of the Annapurna range 

    Best Season 

    The best time to do the Mardi Himal trek is from September to November and March to May. Therefore, spring and autumn are the best time of the year to enjoy trekking in Nepal. Trekking in December and January is possible too but be mindful that the climate will be super cold and visibility obstructed by fog. In spring, the rhododendron is in full bloom. The trail is extremely gorgeous, and the mountain views are excellent. Trekking in autumn lets you experience the festive side of Nepal because some of the biggest festivals are celebrated in autumn. Spring also has a few big festivals. The climate has the perfect balance of cold/warmth.

    Accommodation and Food 

    The Mardi Himal Trail does not lack accommodation with a basic facility. You can find the newly built teahouses along the way. You will have Limited satisfactory services with a hot shower and internet facilities. The guest houses and the forested trail serve the majestic view of the mountains. However, during busy seasons, rooms may vary in maintenance and comfort. It's recommended to bring along a sleeping bag to ensure a comfortable stay throughout your trek.

    The food service of the Mardi Himal Trek is basic. They try to offer you healthy and nutritious food throughout the journey. You will have an open menu of non-veg, veg, and vegan options. Common meal options include Thukpa, dal-bhat, soup, Tibetan bread, momo, noodles, and sandwiches, providing nutritious fuel for your trekking adventure.

    Short Mardi Himal Trek Permit Costs

    • Foreign nationals need to pay NPR 3000 for an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) 
    • SAARC citizens need to pay NPR 1000 for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) 
    • NPR 2000 for Trekker Information Management System (TIMS) card
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