Mardi Himal Trek

5/5 from 10 reviews
For a magical experience, indulge in a trek to the majestic viewpoint and base camp of Mardi Himal, one of the easiest yet most rewarding hiking destinations in Nepal.

Trip Fact

  • DestinationNepal
  • Durations8 Days
  • Trip DifficultyEasy
  • ActivitiesTrekking
  • AccommodationHotels / Teahouses
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Mx.altitude4200m.
  • VehicleCar / Flight
  • Group SizeMin. 1 Pax

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

  • Explore at the shore of Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
  • Walk along the standard and well-maintained trail to reach Mardi Base Camp.
  • Witness the mystic grandeur of the spectacular Annapurna Himalayas up close.
  • Relish the sights of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal from Upper Viewpoint.
  • Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local ethnic villages, their unique cultures, and warm hospitality in cozy teahouses along this off-the-beaten path.
  • Indulge in the culture and traditions of the Gurung and Magars.
  • Experience a stunning & relaxed trek yet equally beautiful as Annapurna Base Camp.
  • Easily accessible and possible trekking for any moderately fit individuals.

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a distinctive and enjoyable journey ideal for those embarking on their first trekking adventure. This less crowded trail is a hidden gem, offering many unique attractions that enchant trekkers, even those with limited time. As it gains popularity among those seeking off-the-beaten-path routes, its allure is further heightened by the awe-inspiring panorama of Annapurna South, Fishtail/Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal, all visible from the Upper Viewpoint.

Moreover, Mardi Himal Trek is a stunning excursion with exceptional mountain vistas blended with social and natural splendor. Where the vast majority would do the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you can outwit the edge of the guide and get off the beaten trail. Further, the hike goes through the great wilderness and vigorous streaming rivers to profoundly appreciate the natural profusion. The Autumn and Spring seasons have an excellent climate with a clear sight of glorious mountains everywhere on the trail. This trek’s unique charm is the picturesque view of sunrise and sunset along the mightiest peaks. Likewise, one can undergo the lifestyle of local people and their cultures in several ethnic settlements. Consequently, it is a great short escape into the Himalayas’ lap to make a refreshing trip to cherish. Also, this trip is perfect for beginner adventurers to prosper in their trekking experience in Nepal.

Mardi Himal Route Overview

Mardi Himal lies in the Annapurna region of Nepal and southeast of the great Annapurna Base Camp. It starts and finishes in Pokhara, passing through High Camp, Badal Danda, Mardi Himal View Point, and Lwang Village. The maximum elevation reached on this trek is at the Base Camp of the Mardi Himal, standing at 4,500 meters above sea level.

Climbing upward, the view changes from dense rhododendron, oak, and maple lower than altitude forests to the rugged, sharp, and desolate peaks above altitude. You will also get a chance to watch various wildlife and bird species as you pass along.
A promenade through historic forests along the route provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

As one gets higher, the landscape turns into a colorful combination of meadows that simply boggle the mind with their beauty in the summer.
Another advantage that it gives is the rocky trails and glacial moraines, which become really tricky territories that improve the trek and bring excitement to your adventure. This first journey will be testing limits and giving a kind of "tested achievement.".When is the best time to visit Mardi Himal for a trek?

October to November is the autumn season in Nepal. During this time, the sky is clear, and days are warm. Thousands of trekkers opt for trekking in Nepal during this time of the year due to favorable weather.

In the same way, the spring season, which falls from March to April, is another peak season for trekking in Nepal. The weather is warm, and it simultaneously invites the summer season. In this season, flowers fully bloom, and trails are green. In general, it offers spectacular weather in which to view the mountains.

Is it safe to do a Mardi Himal trek?

No, the Mardi Himal Trek is an easy trek. A beginner with no prior trekking experience can easily hike along the routes and complete the trek efficiently. The trail is slightly uphill, but one can reach the destination with small breaks between the hikes.

However, the trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp stays below 4,500 meters. Therefore, they are easily attainable throughout the year with the least risk of altitude sickness. Light exercises, like walking, jogging, and running, are recommended to be helpful before trekking.

Looking for something else?

Escape Himalaya offers top-notch trekking services in Nepal, from excellent accommodation facilities to the most skilled and reliable guides for your trekking journey. Join us for an unforgettable adventure. Explore the Himalayas with us! We also have other trekking options in the Annapurna region, such as the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek or . For a more extensive exploration of the Annapurna region, you can choose our Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek. The serene beauty and expansive views of the Annapurna region’s valleys and the Himalayas will bring joy to every adventure.

If you have queries and look forward to planning a Nepal trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We assure you that we will promptly respond to all your inquiries as best we can. We can operate any treks and tours in Nepal with preferred customizations. Let us be your travel manager to assist you in an exceptional adventure around the Himalayas.

Perfect For Family Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is the best fit for a family experience, giving the perfect combination of scenic views and cultural experience. The trek extends from 5 to 7 days, with any level of difficulty, and gives closer, up-front views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal. Being the least-traveled route, it assures peace and promises an unparalleled experience through thick forests, high-altitude meadows, and untamed landscapes of mountains. When applying the different cultures to experience, it is the most rewarding tour to traditional Gurung and Magar villages with a peek into the day-to-day life of the peoples. The altitude goes up to the highest of 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp, and the itinerary has enough rest days to acclimatize. While teahouses prove to be reasonably good in terms of accommodation, it is in basic necessities en route that more local flavor is added to the trek. The Mardi Himal treks offer a perfect mid-way in duration, scenery, and cultural high points, making it a very ideal learning-filled adventure any family looking to rise up for a challenge amidst the mighty Himalayas can take up.
 

Food and Accomodation During the Trek

On the Mardi Himal trek, trekkers should expect basic food and accommodation. Most teahouses along the trails offer basic services: a twin-sharing bed with a bedspread and blanket, and generally a shared toilet. Food is usually offered in the dining halls, which are shared. One of the popular healthy Nepali foods is dal bhat, which includes rice, lentil soup, and vegetable curry. Other foods are pasta, noodles, soup, momos, and chapatis. There is a type of cheese made from yaks, along with drinks, although these are mostly milk tea and instant coffee. Further up, the service becomes more basic, and the cost might increase. However, the warm welcome by the teahouse hosts and fantastic foods make it no less than one of the most enjoyable and memorable journeys through the beautiful landscape in the area of Mardi Himal.
 
 

Detail Itinerary

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If the provided schedule isn't suitable for you, we are able to create personalized travel arrangements according to your preferences and requirements.

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • All ground transportation by private vehicle
  • Two night's accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category in Kathmandu
  • One night's accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category in Pokhara
  • Round trip airfare from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek
  • The best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation in the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porter (1 porter for two trekkers), including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation
  • Escape Himalaya Duffle Bag and T-shirt
  • Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag for the trek during the trek
  • First Aid Medical Kit, including Oximeter to monitor Oxygen level while on the trek
  • All necessary paperwork and permits - ACAP and TIMS Card Fees (Please bring three passport-size photographs.)
  • All government, local taxes, and office charges

Cost Excludes

  • Meals not mentioned in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary
  • Personal Travel Insurance
  • International Airfare
  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
  • Soft Drinks, including water
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Personal Trekking Gear
  • Tips and gratuities for staff and drivers

Dates & Availability

  • 26th Jan 2025From Kathmandu
    2nd Feb 2025To Kathmandu
    guaranteed
    US $849Per person
  • 28th Jan 2025From Kathmandu
    4th Feb 2025To Kathmandu
    guaranteed
    US $849Per person

Good to Know

  • Season's Greetings

    Pick the perfect time to go! Spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-Nov) (Dec/ jan a bit colder but weather perfect ) offer clear skies and stunning views.

Additional Cost Planning

Apart from the major costs of your mardi trek package, you will need to budget for certain additional fees. Here's a simple plan to help you budget while still having a good time:

Trail Necessities:

  • Hot Showers: Tea houses may charge $3-5 for a warm shower, particularly at higher elevations.
  • Charging Electronics: Tea houses may allow you to charge your electronics for $1-3 per piece. Bringing a portable charger is convenient.

Food & Treats:

  • Extra Meals: Depending on where you are, you may want to purchase more snacks or lunches, which cost between $5 and $10.
  • Drinks: Expect to spend $1-3 per bottle of water. Other drinks may be more expensive, so use a reusable bottle and filter your water to save money and prevent waste.

Staying Connected:

  • Wi-Fi: While many guest houses offer Wi-Fi, it can be slow and expensive, typically costing US$2-3 per day. If you need internet access, consider downloading maps and entertainment ahead of time.

Remember that prices might vary, so use these estimates as a guideline.

Consider your spending patterns for drinks, snacks, and gifts.

Note: Carry Nepali Rupees for incidental expenses. While some tea shops accept US dollars, possessing the local currency eliminates conversion problems and ensures you have the correct amounts for smaller transactions.

By budgeting for these things, you'll be better prepared to deal with unexpected costs and enjoy your Annapurna Base Camp route!

Trekking Duffel Bag

A duffle bag, also known as a kit bag is a cylindrical-shaped carrying bag having a top closure generally made of either natural fabric or other sturdy fabric (usually canvas). It has a handle or a shoulder strap to carry which makes it easy for the porter to carry it. Duffle bags are commonly used for traveling, sports, and outdoor activities or even for temporary storage. They are used for carrying clothing, personal items, and electronics or sports gear during travel. The size of the duffle bag varies according to one's needs and requirements. They come in different sizes from small bags to large travel duffle bags capable of holding required gear during travel. Generally, duffle bags are used to carry loads up to 12kg in all trek which varies according to the size and materials to be carried during the travel, as well as the carrying limit of the porter. Duffle bags are suitable for trekking due to their comfort and accessibility as it is flexible and portable which makes them easy to carry. It is an excellent choice to carry for traveling due to its versatility and ease of handling.

We arrange the duffle bags that hold up to 120 liters of storage capacity and are also waterproof which helps in the rainy environment by protecting the materials inside the bag. Generally, these duffle bags are carried by the porter during the trek and you can carry a small or medium carrying bag for yourself to carry personal materials and gadgets with you. Please be assured that your luggage and suitcase will be securely managed and safeguarded at our hotel while you enjoy your trek and will promptly return to you once you complete your trek.

Down Jacket

A down jacket, also known as a puffer jacket is a quilted coat filled with soft feathers either from a duck or goose. Down jackets are more popular for cold climates and especially useful in mountains and higher altitudes. They are generally preferred by hikers, trekkers, and backpackers for being extremely comfortable due to their lightweight and compressibility making it easy to pack without occupying a lot of space. It has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, best for maintaining body heat essential for trekking in cold climates and higher altitudes.

It is also ideal for wearing and sleeping in during high-altitude treks, providing excellent insulation and good comfort. Please ensure to return it once the trek is completed so it can be preserved for the next adventures.

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are essential gear for travelers and trekkers which provide good comfort and protection in various climatic conditions and altitudes. Most of our treks and tours require a sleeping bag as it keeps you warm by trapping the heat around you from your body.

The sleeping bags we use are mummy-shaped with a zip up and down that keeps the top tight around you. It is used in cold and wet climates in high altitudes( -20°C to  -25°C maximum temperature) giving you protection, and comfort and as well it is also lightweight and compact which it easy to carry on long treks. The sleeping bag is returned after the trek as it helps us to maintain our gear for future adventurers.

At Escape Himalaya, we provide a detailed checklist of essential trekking gear, ensuring that you're fully equipped for your mardi adventure. 

HEAD

  • Sun Hat or Scarf
  • Lightweight Balaclava or Warm Fleece Hat
  • Sunglasses with UV Protection
  • Headband or ear covers

FEET

  • Thin, Lightweight Inner Socks
  • Thick, Warm Wool Hiking Socks
  • Sturdy Hiking Boots
  • Camp Shoes (Sneakers/Sandals)
  • Gaiters
  • Spare Laces
  • Microspikes

HANDS

  • Lightweight Gloves
  • Heavyweight Gloves or Mittens
  • Hand Warmers

LOWER BODY

  • Undergarments
  • Hiking Shorts
  • Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
  • Light & Expedition Weight Thermal Bottoms
  • Fleece Pants
  • Waterproof Shell Pants

ACCESSORIES

  • Backpack (30-50 LTR)
  • Headlamp
  • First Aid Kit
  • Large Plastic Bag
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water Bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Lip Balm
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Dry Bags/Ziploc Bags
  • Earplugs
  • Guide and Porter
  • Chargers
  • Bag Covers
  • Raincoat
  • Personal Care Kit
  • Sunscreen
  • Moisturizer

Personal Hygiene Items

  • Wet Wipes
  • Tissues
  • Handwash
  • Blister Plasters
  • Portable Hand Sanitizer

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

  • Maps and Guides
  • Snacks/Energy Bars
  • Camera
  • Notebook/Pen

Travellers‘ Reviews

  • Katie

    17th Mar 2024

    Once in a lifetime experience in Mardi Himal trek.

    If you love hiking and would love to see astonishing mountain views. Nepal is the best choice.

    Choose Raj, a tour guide and owner of “Escape Himalaya Trek”.

    A kind, loving, and caring tour guide and his great team - you would need their full support
    in this 5-day trekking.

    Trust me, we all need well-experienced tour agents as that is the only guarantee for our hiking safety above 4000 meters altitude.

    Read more +
  • Mark H

    16th Mar 2024

    Amazing Mardi Trek with Escape Himalaya

    We did Mardi Himal Trek with Escape Himalaya Trek. It is genuinely one of the best trekking companies in Nepal. Their services from start to end were always the best.

    We did use their services two times - previously Everest base camp trekking. Also, the guide was professional and porters were very funny and nice.

    Trekking to Mardi Himal, we had amazing views and we are already looking for our next trip (ACT) with them. Hope to see you soon, team!

    Read more +
  • Felix Yim

    3rd Dec 2023

    Mardi Himal trekking and Chitwan trip

    I did the Mardi Himal trekking and the Chitwan trip in Sept 2023.  Escape Himalaya was my choice of travel agency again this time.  I was very pleased that Raj, the manager and the top guide, led the whole trip in person.  He is a very nice person and is an experienced, trustworthy and caring guide.  With the well organised arrangements in the trekking, transportation, accommodation, meals, etc., the whole trip was completed satisfactorily and safely.  I would strongly recommend the choice of Escape Himalaya and Raj for trekking trip in Nepal.

    Read more +

FAQS

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