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