Mardi Himal Trek

Scenic short trek in Nepalratingbased on 1 review
  • Duration9 Days
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 4500 m.
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara
  • Group Size 1 - 20
  • Best Season September to May
Group Discount Prices
  
1 paxUS$645
2 - 6 paxUS$575
7 - 10 paxUS$525
11 - 15 paxUS$490
16 - 20 paxUS$445
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
  • Serene and less crowded trails
  • A landscape of superlatives, with supreme mountain views
  • Stunning panoramas of Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, and the Annapurna range
  • Diverse examples of the region’s flora and fauna

Situated in close proximity to Annapurna Base Camp, the 9 Days Mardi Himal Trek stands as one of the Himalayas’ hidden and less explored jewels. The trek was only opened to trekking in 2012 and provides a glorious opportunity to experience the spectacle of Mardi Himal Base Camp and the Himalayas via a route that still remains largely untrammeled by the trekking community.

Commencing at Pokhara, the trek starts by road and heads to the trailhead of Dhampus, an impeccably situated Gurung village with outstanding views of the mountains. From there, the trail winds on towards the equally picturesque village of Pothana then branches off from the standard Annapurna route and leads on out through the dense jungle to the aptly named Forest Camp. In spring, the entire area comes alive with the flowering of rhododendrons. Day after day, the track gradually inclines up through the Himalayan foothills until it finally breaks free of the tree line and adds yet another dimension to the trek by virtue of the sublime panoramas that open up to view.

Mardi Himal Trekking continues onward and upward, offering a superb vista of snow-covered peaks, including Fishtail 6993 m, Dhaulagiri 8167 m, and the Annapurna range, with a broad palette of colors adding their touch throughout the day, from early morning pastel tints to the vivid hues of midday to the warm glow of sunset farewelling the mountain tops at day’s end. The return path calls in at Low Camp and Lwang, then trades in precipitous trails for roadways and the drive back to Pokhara.

The Mardi Himal Trek represents a golden opportunity to experience the Annapurna region in a unique manner that’s as scenically rewarding as the better-known pathways while offering up a level of seclusion and peacefulness that comes from the sense that the entire area is your own private nature reserve to explore. The secret of Mardi Himal’s charms won't last long, so let Nepal Trekking Experts be the ones to set you up for a rare journey of wonder to the region, either with our set itinerary or one of your own design. Simply contact us and discuss the options with our knowledgeable staff.

Useful Information
  • Respect the local culture
  • Slow and steady especially above 3000m
  • Drink at least 3 liters of water per day
  • Please do not disturb the wildlife.
  • Very close from Pokhara.
Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Accommodation:2-3 Star Hotel

Welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport, then transfer to your hotel.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2-3 Start Hotel

Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus. It's time for some short sightseeing around Pokhara and its beautiful setting by Phewa Lake.

  • Max. Altitude:2600m/8530ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

An hour’s drive takes us to Kande, where the trek commences with a hike to the most beautiful village, Australian Camp, with glorious views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail. The trail leads through verdant forests to Deaurali via Pothana village, where a perennial fork in the road awaits two separate adventures: one to Annapurna Base Camp and our route to the appropriately named Forest Camp. As the Mardi Himal area has only recently been opened up to trekking, there are blissfully fewer hikers on this route, and as we progress through the day, the relative peace and quiet blend in beautifully with the glimpses of local wildlife and the thickets of rhododendron, pine, and venerable oaks.

  • Max. Altitude:2970m/9744ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

While the title suggests the opposite, today's hike leads up towards the 3000-meter mark and on through dense woodlands to alpine views of scenic splendor that will make it nigh on impossible to keep cameras stored away for long.

  • Max. Altitude:3550m/11647ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

A challenging day of hiking presents us with rewarding views from High Camp, with the looming presence of Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiuchuli so close and present that it feels as if you could reach out a hand and touch them.

  • Max. Altitude:2970m/9744ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea House

The highlight day of a magnificent trek in the Mardi Himal. We hit the trail early to reach our high altitude viewpoint at sunrise, the effort to rise early well rewarded, with glorious vistas of the radiant Himalayan ranges aglow in the morning sunlight. Reluctantly leaving the scenic outlook, we descend rapidly and call it a day at Low Camp to sit back quietly and reflect on the day's magical views.

  • Max. Altitude:822m/2697ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast & Lunch
  • Accommodation:Tea House

Another day of rapid descent to Sidding, where we pause for a quick break before picking up our transport back to Pokhara. The hike leads through the forested slopes to increasing signs of civilization in the form of neatly terraced rice fields and rural outposts.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:2-3 Star Hotel

A long day's drive by bus provides numerous scenic opportunities—and thrills—along the way.

  • Meals:Breakfast

Farewell and drop-off at the airport, or the opportunity to join another of our programs.

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Note

The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan, please feel free to discuss it with us.

What's Included
Cost Includes
  • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Complimentary welcome dinner
  • A two-night stay in Kathmandu at a 2-3-star hotel, including breakfast (twin share).
  • A two ntwo-night in 2-3-star hotel in Pokhara (on a twin-sharing basis).
  • All necessary trekking permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, the TIMS Card, etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek
  • Three meals a day during the trek
  • A cup of tea or coffee each time with the meal
  • If and when available, fresh fruit should be eaten every day.
  • Complementary duffle bag, agency T-shirt, trekking map, and sleeping bag if needed.
  • A government-registered and first-aid-trained professional local guide who speaks English
  • First-aid kit
  • Return travel by bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
  • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
  • Agency service charge and government tax, or VAT
  • Certificate of Achievement
Cost Excludes
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Porters to carry your backpacks (we provide porters on request)
  • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
  • Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries entrance fees, etc.)
  • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
  • Tips for staff
Route MapDownload Map
Mardi Himal Trek map
Dates & Availability
Start:SundayOct 01, 2023
End:MondayOct 09, 2023
PriceUS$645
StatusGuaranteed
Start:SundayOct 15, 2023
End:MondayOct 23, 2023
PriceUS$645
StatusGuaranteed

Note

Are you satisfied with the fixed departure dates? If not, do not worry! We are more than happy to organize private vs. group joining on any dates you prefer. Let's contact the local experts now.

Photos & Videos
Mardi Himal Trekking Video
1Travelers' Reviews
  • TripAdvisor
    rating star

    Best trekking agency in Nepal: Amazing Mardi Himal trek!

    I can highly recommend to choose Rajesh and his amazing team for doing a trekking in the beautiful Himalaya's of Nepal. First of all, Rajesh provide great service and is he really helped me with my stay in Nepal. He also provides me really helpful information, advices and an itinerary for several trekking and my stay in Nepal in general. He always welcomes you into their office with a drink and a smile! Last February I did the Mardi Himal trek, with my friend and guide Thakur. I can only say the best things about Thakur, and once again: thank you so much for this great experience and doing such an amazing job being our guide! Before I did Mardi Himal, I did two trekkings without a guide, but I can highly recommend to go with a guide! We faced a lot of snow during the trek and Thakur had a lot of knowledge about the weather(forecast) and different circumstances because of snow. I felt really safe all the time. Thakur had a really positive attitude, is really knowledgeable and respectful, fit and helpful and was really willing to answer all our questions on mountains and trekking, but also about Nepal and the Nepali culture and his life in Nepal. What deserves a special mention was the first aid skills of Thakur. When I twisted my ankle very badly, he had a full first aid kit in his backpack and he was able to treat my ankle in a way that I was able to continue on with the trek. I'm really grateful for this! So, I had a very good experience with this agency and the capable staffmembers and I can higly recommend to choose this agency for your trekking in Nepal. Rajesh and Thakur, many thanks for doing this amazing job!! See you soon!

    M
    MyrtheJul 04, 2019Netherlands
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