Life Dream AdventureMardi Himal Trek
- 2 Reviews
Facts About Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a new, short, and spectacular trek in Nepal's Annapurna Region. It is getting popular day by day due to its beautiful views of Himalayas.
Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek
- a newly opened trail with unspoiled beauty.
- Incredible views of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail)
- Village, villagers, and their hospitality
- Panoramic view of Mardi Himal
- The changing color of the White Mountains in sunrises and sunsets
The Mardi Himal Trek is a new, short, and spectacular trek in Nepal's Annapurna Region. Mardi Himal Base Camp is also called the "hidden treasure" of the Annapurna region, as it was only discovered in 2012; before that, only shepherds and cattle used to walk on this route. The peaceful walk on a less crowded trail will make your trip unforgettable. There is no age limit for this trek. Anyone in good health and able to walk for 5–6 hours per day can join this trek and experience heaven on Earth.
Mardi Himal Trekking Route
Mardi Himal Trek begins with a scenic drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by walking via a beautiful trail from there, and finally taking you closest to the Mardi Himal, offering its breath-taking panoramic view along with incredible views of other well-known high mountains.
The Mardi Himal Trekking Route offers incredible views of the world's 10th-tallest mountain (Annapurna I), Mount Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), and many other high peaks, alpine terraces, and beautiful rhododendron forests. En route, you will witness tremendously beautiful scenes and different species of rare and beautiful birds.
This short and beautiful trek to the Mardi Himal Base Camp goes through beautiful villages with rich cultural diversity and people of different ethnic communities, which makes the trek more exciting. Mardi Himal Trekking offers you the chance to meet locals and learn about their lifestyle, culture, and spiritual connection with the Himalayas.
There are only a few teahouses on the way, offering the best accommodations and typical Nepali cuisine that let you know more about the culture and offer a different taste. Mardi Himal Trek can be the best option for those trekkers who don’t have enough vacation for long days of trekking but want to explore the high mountains with the best walking experience. The rivers, bridges, and village people and their hospitality are the attractions of the trail.
We at Life Dream Adventure are determined to give you the best trekking experience in the recently discovered pristine trekking area of the Annapurna Region. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Permits for Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek, a breathtaking journey encompassing scenic spots like Pothana, falls within the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). ACAP aims to safeguard the diverse flora and fauna in the region. To explore this pristine terrain, an ACAP permit is essential.
ACAP Permit Fees:
- For Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (Approximately $30)
- For SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,000 (Approximately $10)
In addition to the ACAP permit, trekkers must secure a TIMS card for the Mardi Himal Trek. TIMS, or Trekkers Information Management System, is vital for trekker tracking and safety. Security personnel rely on TIMS cards to access information about your identity and whereabouts. Both permits can be conveniently obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and your trekking agent will assist you.
Accommodation During the Trek
Lodging on the Mardi Himal Trek primarily consists of rustic houses known as teahouses. These charming abodes offer essential amenities and typically include at least two twin beds per room. For group travelers, rooms for 2, 3, or 4 occupants are available. Note that attached bathrooms are not universally available. Bedding includes foam mattresses, quilts, and pillows, with the option to bring your sleeping bag.
Teahouses are managed by locals and feature dining areas and kitchens on the ground floor. Most dining areas have central log-fire heating. Power sockets are available in some rooms, with power primarily sourced from solar panels in higher altitudes. Wi-Fi and hot showers are available for an additional fee.
Dining During the Trek
Teahouses serve a variety of cuisine options, ranging from international dishes to the Nepalese favorite, "Daal Bhaat." Daal Bhaat is a nutritious meal consisting of rice, lentils, soup, veg curry, and pickles—a staple for trekkers. Alternatives like noodles, mashed potatoes, French fries, pies, pasta, and cutlets are also offered. Beverage choices include juices, yak milk, curd, and more. Special meal preferences can be accommodated with advance notice. Our packages include three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is best enjoyed during Nepal's Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-December) seasons when the weather is mild with clear skies. Booking in advance during these peak seasons is advisable due to increased prices for lodging and transportation.
Summer (June-August) brings heavy rain, while winter (December-February) sees heavy snowfall, making trekking challenging but less crowded.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Compared to other Annapurna treks, Mardi Himal Trek is moderately challenging. The trail becomes more demanding after Low Camp, featuring steep, narrow, and rocky paths. The section from Low Camp to High Camp is particularly challenging. Hiking from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp (reaching 4,500 meters) is an AMS-prone zone, especially during winter.
With a professional trekking agency, Mardi Himal Trek offers a comfortable and captivating experience for all trekkers.
Communication on the Trek
The trail passes through dense forests and high hills, sometimes causing interruptions in cellular facilities. Tea houses offer Wi-Fi for an additional fee ($1-$2 per day).
Trek Duration
Mardi Himal Trek typically spans 4 to 6 days, depending on your starting point and itinerary. For a well-planned 5-day Mardi Himal Trek starting from Pokhara, Life Dream Adventure provides an excellent option. If you prefer starting from Kathmandu, we can tailor arrangements to your needs. Feel free to inquire for more information.
Mardi Himal Trek Cost
Here's the Mardi Himal Trek cost breakdown for 2023 and 2024 based on group size:
| No. of Pax | Mardi Himal Trek Cost per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | USD 700 |
| 2 to 4 | USD 625 per person |
| 5 to 8 | USD 555 per person |
For groups larger than 8 people, please contact us for a special group discount.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Expand/Collapse AllFood
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1350
On your arrival to Tribhuwan International Airport you will meet Life Dream Adventure representative who will help you transferring to Hotel. You can relax in the leisure time and there will be welcome dinner hosted by life dream adventures in the evening.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
827
After having breakfast we will drive to Pokhara. It’s a 6-7 hours scenic drive via the bank of river and beautiful terrains. Pokhara is also known as the city of paradise or city of lakes. It offers the astounding views of different mountain ranges including Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manashlu and Annapurna. In the evening we can go for short nature walk around the great Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1900
After an early morning breakfast, we will have short drive to Phedi (about 30 minutes) and start our actual trekking from there. Walking through the terraced fields, beautiful villages and stone steps we reach Dhampus. Then we continue our walk to the beautiful village Deurali located in the ridge offering the extraordinary views of Mount Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Mount Machhapuchhre (fishtail). Overnight in Deurali.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2600
After breakfast we continue our walk through lush forests dotted with the red Rhododendrons. We will trek in the peaceful trail enjoying the untouched and unspoiled beauty of nature. We will rest and explore the area on reaching to forest base camp for overnight stay.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3035
We will walk through the beautiful forests with the lovely sound of the birds. Passing through the quiet trail we will reach low camp after 5-6 hours walk. Low camp offers us the great views of Mount Machhapuchhre. We will have to explore the local lifestyle in Low camp at the evenings.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3550
After having breakfast we leave low camp and pass through the beautiful forests. As the altitude increases the tree lines starts getting thinner and the route mostly contains shrubs and isolated rhododendron bushes. If we are lucky enough, we will encounter Pheasant (National Bird of Nepal). We go uphill and reach high camp for overnight stay.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3540
After some ascends and descends from high camp we reach upper view point. The trail passes through the pastures and a narrow ridge before reaching Upper View Point. It rewards us with the astounding views of Mountain vistas. Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091), Annapurna South and many other high Himalayas can be seen from here. Overnight stay in high camp.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
1700
Today we will take a different route to return from High camp which gives us opportunity to explore more views in the Himalayas and makes our trek more interesting. After some ups and downs we will reach to small and beautiful Sidhing village for overnight stay.
Food
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350
After having breakfast in the early morning, we will start our final day trekking to Lumre. From Lumre we will have 2 hours scenic drive to Pokhara and fly to Kathmandu from there. Enjoying the great aerial views of high mountains we will land TIA in about 25 minutes. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Food
Breakfast
Today we will drop you to TIA 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Have a safe Journey. See you again !!
Note: The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. Our trip can be customized at your request to accommodate your specific requirements.
Cost Includes
- 3 star rated hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- Transfer by Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
- An experienced English-speaking trek guide and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and lodging
- Sleeping bags and duffel bags
- All necessary paper works
- National Park entry fee
- TIMS Card fee
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
- International Airfares
- Visa fee
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost include section.
Altitude Graph
Fequenty Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Mardi Himal Trek is a popular trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is a relatively new and off-the-beaten-path trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range and the surrounding valleys.
The Mardi Himal Trek can be completed in 10 days, depending on the route taken and the pace of the trekker. It covers a distance of approximately 45 km.
The best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, and the temperature is mild, making it ideal for trekking.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek and is suitable for trekkers of all ages who are physically fit and have some prior trekking experience. The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, but the overall difficulty level is not as high as some of the other treks in the region.
The Mardi Himal Trek reaches its highest point at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet).
To do the Mardi Himal Trek, you need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits can be obtained from the Nepal Tourism Board or from the Nepal Tourism Board's office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
It is not mandatory to hire a guide or a porter for the Mardi Himal Trek, but it is highly recommended. Having a guide or a porter can make the trek safer and more enjoyable, as they can provide useful information about the local culture, flora, and fauna, and can also assist with logistics such as accommodation and meals.
Accommodation during the Mardi Himal Trek is mainly in teahouses or lodges. These teahouses offer basic amenities such as a bed, a blanket, and a shared bathroom. Food options are limited, but the menus typically consist of basic Nepali and Tibetan dishes such as dal bhat, momos, and noodles. It is recommended to bring some high-energy snacks and water purification tablets or a water filter.
Additional Information
Starting Point:
The Mardi Himal Trek usually starts from the village of Kande, which is located about 22 km from Pokhara.
Altitude Sickness:
Although the Mardi Himal Trek does not involve trekking to very high altitudes, altitude sickness can still be a concern for trekkers. It is important to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and taking Diamox medication if necessary.
Trekking Gear:
Proper trekking gear is essential for the Mardi Himal Trek. You should bring warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking boots, a good quality backpack, a sleeping bag, a headlamp, and trekking poles.
Physical Fitness:
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate trek that requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. It is recommended to undertake regular physical exercise and endurance training before embarking on the trek.
Wildlife:
The Mardi Himal Trek passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, and various bird species.
Culture and People:
The Mardi Himal Trek offers an opportunity to experience the unique culture and hospitality of the local people. The trek passes through several villages inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Gurungs, Magars, and Tibetans.
Side Trips:
The Mardi Himal Trek offers the opportunity to undertake side trips to nearby attractions such as the hot springs at Jhinu Danda, the viewpoint at Poon Hill, and the world-renowned Annapurna Base Camp Trek. These side trips add to the overall experience of the trek.
Trip Reviews (2)
Mardi Himal Trek - Best Trekking for Less Crowed Route
We have done Mardi Himal trekking in November 2016. We were really not want a busy trek like Poon Hill and Annapurna base camp. As the Life Dream Adventure suggested us the less crowed route in Annapurna to this Mardi Himal Base Camp, we agreed on their recommendation. Really the trek was superb. We also had a desire to bird watch and explore the forests of Nepal. The Mardi Himal trek was the perfect trek, we rarely saw other hikers, we spent three great days in Rhododendron forests in the foothills of the Himalayas and finished with two great alipine days above 3600m in waist deep snow. Our guide Sabin made sure our every need was looked after. I would recommend this company to anyone who is looking to do a trek for different taste. You will not be disappointed by the service you receive.
Lisa Bauer
18th May, 2022
Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Life Dream Adventure provided an exceptional trekking experience during my Mardi Himal Trek. From the moment I reached out to the company, they were professional, organized, and responsive. They provided me with all the necessary information and equipment for the trek, making the entire process seamless and stress-free.
My guide, Hari Bhatta, was simply outstanding. He was knowledgeable, personable, and went above and beyond to ensure that I had an unforgettable experience. He was always there to answer my questions, offer encouragement and support, and share his insights about the local culture, customs, and environment. His passion for trekking and dedication to his clients was evident throughout the journey.
Overall, I highly recommend Life Dream Adventure and Hari Bhatta as a guide for anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable trekking experience in Nepal. Their professionalism, expertise, and commitment to their clients are unmatched. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
Riley Lee
12th Jan, 2023
