Trip Facts
Trip Start/Ends
Kathmandu
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Style
Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinne
Accomodation
Teahouse / Lodge
Max. Elevation
4,500m
Group Size
1 - 16 people
Activity
5-6 hours trekking per day
Best Season
March-May and September-December
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a short yet spectacular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Starting and ending in Kathmandu, this 7-day trek takes you through rhododendron forests, Gurung villages, and alpine meadows while offering stunning views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself.
This trek is perfect for travelers looking for a compact Himalayan adventure with a mix of nature, culture, and mountain vistas. Along the way, you’ll experience off-the-beaten-path trails, panoramic viewpoints, and authentic local interactions.
Start planning your Mardi Himal adventure today with Himalaya Trekking Nepal and enjoy one of the most scenic short treks in Nepal.
Highlights
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Panoramic mountain views: Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal
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An off-the-beaten-path trekking route, less crowded than other Annapurna trails
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Explore Gurung and Magar villages along the trail
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Walk through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows
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Sunrise and sunset viewpoints at High Camp and Base Camp
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Ideal short trek from Kathmandu via Pokhara
Mountain Views and Alpine Meadows During Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is known for its amazing mountain views and calm grassy hills. From High Camp and Base Camp, trekkers get clear views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I–III, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal, making it a great trek for people who love taking photos. The sunrise and sunset spots here light up the peaks in gold and pink colors, making the view truly unforgettable.
Along the trail, the grassy meadows near High Camp and Base Camp are one of the main highlights. Covered with green grass and seasonal flowers, these open areas gives you quiet spots to rest and take photos. You’ll also walk through rhododendron and oak forests that bloom brightly in spring, filling the trail with colorful views.
This trek combines mountain scenery, alpine meadows, and cultural encounters, as you walk through traditional Gurung and Magar villages. The mix of quiet forests, open meadows, panoramic peaks, and local village life makes the Mardi Himal Trek a truly scenic and memorable short Annapurna trek.
Important Trip Note
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Altitude acclimatization is not a big issue, but gradual ascent is advised.
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Bring warm clothes as temperatures drop quickly at higher altitudes.
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Internet and charging are available at most teahouses for a small fee.
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Trek permits (ACAP & TIMS) are mandatory.
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Private and group departures available on request.
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Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is recommended.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
When you reach Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be welcomed with flower garlands and helped to your private vehicle. Sit back and relax while you’re driven to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to clean up and rest after your trip. In the evening, you can walk around Thamel’s busy streets or just relax and get ready for the trek ahead.
Accommodation
Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Dinner
Duration
Half Day
Max Altitude
1400m
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Day 2 Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali
After breakfast, drive to Kande to start the trek to Deurali. The trail slowly goes through terraced fields, small villages, and cool forests, giving you a peaceful start to the Annapurna region. On the way, you can see the nearby hills and get a look at local farm life, birds, and animals. The gentle uphill walk makes it an easy and comfortable beginning to your trekking journey.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration
Full day
Max Altitude
2100m
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Day 3 Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
Today, you’ll walk deeper into the forest where you will get to see the vast flora and fauna with oak trees, crossing the small streams. The slow uphill climb helps your body adjust to the height, and sometimes the trees open up, giving you views of faraway mountains. Forest Camp sits in a quiet, peaceful place, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature around you.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration
5 - 6 hours trek
Max Altitude
2520m
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Day 4 Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp
The trail today alternates between forested paths and open sections, gradually ascending toward Low Camp. Along the way, small villages and local farmhouses offer a glimpse of traditional life in the Annapurna region. The surrounding mountains become more prominent, giving trekkers a preview of the panoramic scenery to come.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration
4 - 5 hours trek
Max Altitude
2970m
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Day 5 Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
This is the best part of the trek. Climb up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you get wide, clear views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the whole Annapurna range. The grassy meadows and high ridges along the trail are great spots to take photos and rest for a bit. After enjoying the views, walk down to Siding Village to spend the night, thinking about the amazing landscapes and your trekking adventure.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration
6 - 7 hours trek
Max Altitude
4500m
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Day 6 Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp & Return to Siding Village
This is the most exciting part of the trek. Hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you’ll see wide, clear views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the whole Annapurna range. The grassy meadows and high ridges along the trail are perfect for taking photos and short rests. After enjoying the scenery, walk down to Siding Village for the night, thinking about the amazing landscapes and your trekking adventure.
Accommodation
Teahouse
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Duration
6 - 7 hours trek
Max Altitude
4500m
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Day 7 Drive from Siding Village to Pokhara & Return to Kathmandu
After breakfast, walk down from Siding Village to Pokhara and then continue on to Kathmandu. Enjoy the views along the way and think back on the best parts of the trek. This marks the end of your Mardi Himal Nepal adventure, leaving you with memories of huge mountains, grassy meadows, and local culture.
Accommodation
Breakfast
Meals
N/A
Duration
7 - 8 hours drive
Cost Breakdown
The price of the Mardi Himal Trek changes depending on how big your group is and what kind of package you pick. Things like fancy hotels, private trips, or extra activities can make it more expensive. The basic price includes the important stuff for a comfy trek, like staying in teahouses, daily meals, trekking permits, and getting around. Knowing what’s included helps you plan your money and avoid any surprises on the trip.
Dates & Price
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Meals & Accommodation
Meals
During the trekking days, all meals are included, that covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. You’ll get a mix of Nepali and Western dishes, so you can enjoy local flavors while staying energized for trekking. Most teahouses also provide tea, coffee, and safe drinking water, and vegetarian options are usually available.
For travelers with specific dietary requirements, vegan meals can also be arranged if informed in advance. This ensures you have suitable food throughout the trek without compromising your energy or experience. The meals are designed to be hearty and satisfying, helping you recover after each day’s walk while keeping you fueled for the next adventure.
Comfort, taste, and mountain charm enjoy the best hospitality on the Mardi Himal route. Reserve your trek today to secure your spot with Himalaya Trekking Nepal.
Accommodation
During the Mardi Himal Nepal Trek, you’ll be staying in comfortable teahouses and lodges along the way. At lower spots, the places are well set up, with shared rooms, attached or common bathrooms, electricity, and basic things to make your stay comfortable. As you go higher to camps like Low Camp, High Camp, and Base Camp, the lodges are simpler but still warm and cozy, giving you a nice place to rest after a long day of trekking.
Luxury teahouse options are available if you want a more comfortable stay. These places usually have private rooms, nicer beds, hot showers, and extra facilities. It’s a good idea to book ahead to make sure you get these premium lodges, especially during busy trekking seasons.
Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek, a short Annapurna trek in Nepal, is spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November), when the weather is stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their best.
Peak Season (Spring and Autumn)
During spring and autumn, trail conditions are ideal, and visibility of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal is excellent. Spring also brings colorful rhododendron blooms, while autumn offers crisp air and vibrant scenery. These months are the most popular for trekking and are perfect for anyone booking a Mardi Himal trekking package.
Off-Season (Monsoon and Winter)
Monsoon season (June - August) is generally not recommended due to heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and reduced visibility of the mountains. Winter (December - February) brings very cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes, and some teahouses may have limited services. Trekking during the off-season is possible but requires careful planning for weather challenges and limited facilities.
Experience the best of Mardi Himal Nepal during the clear skies of spring or autumn. Plan your trek while the views are at their finest with Himalaya Trekking Nepal
Flora and Fauna
The Mardi Himal Trek goes through different areas, from forests to grassy alpine meadows, showing lots of plants and wildlife. In the lower parts, you’ll see rhododendron, bamboo, and oak forests that bloom nicely in spring, adding color to the trail.
As you move higher toward High Camp and Base Camp, the landscape changes to alpine meadows dotted with grasses and wildflowers. These open areas are perfect for taking in the mountains and spotting local plants unique to the region.
You can also see wildlife along the trek. You might spot monkeys, langurs, Himalayan pheasants, mountain goats, and different kinds of birds living in the forests. Seeing this wildlife makes the Mardi Himal Nepal Trek more than just mountains, giving you a closer feel for nature.
Culture Along the Trail
The Mardi Himal Trek passes through Gurung and Magar villages, giving you the chance to see local traditions and rural way of life. Along the trail, you’ll also get to see traditi0onal houses, historic monasteries, and farmlands, showing the vast difference in culture in the Annapurna region.
Villages along the trail usually welcome trekkers warmly, and some teahouses or homestays let you take part in local activities, like helping with daily chores or tasting traditional food. These cultural experiences make your Mardi Himal trekking package more than just a trek through the mountains.
By observing local customs, dress, and festivals (if your trek coincides with one), you will better understand Nepalese mountain communities while supporting their economy through responsible tourism.
Difficulty and Preparation
The Mardi Himal Trek is generally easy to moderate, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Most days involve 4 - 6 hours of walking on trails that gradually ascend, making altitude manageable. While the trek is shorter than other Annapurna treks, some sections can be steep, so basic fitness is recommended.
Preparation Tips
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A few weeks prior to your trip, engage in mild exercise like jogging, walking, or stair climbing.
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Bring trekking shoes for rocky and uneven trekking routes
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Carry trekking poles for support and balance
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To stay hydrated and motivated, bring along water and food.
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For safety, bring rain gear and a tiny first aid kit.
Think you’re ready for the challenge and difficulty of Mardi Himal Trek? With the proper preparation, the trek rewards you with every step.
Permits and Insurance
To hike in the Annapurna region safely and legally, you must obtain a few essential permissions before beginning the Mardi Himal hike. These are the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). During your walk, having these permits allows simple access to the trail and helps you pass checkpoints.
How to Obtain Permits for Mardi Himal Trek
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): You can get this at the ACAP office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. You’ll need a valid passport copy and a recent photo.
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TIMS Card: Every trekker needs this. It’s available in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and both independent trekkers and those with a guide must have it.
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Copies: Always carry photocopies of both permits during your trek, as checkpoints may ask to see them.
Travel and Medical Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for the Mardi Himal Trek, covering accidents, illness, or emergency evacuation. Make sure your policy includes high-altitude trekking, as some standard plans may not cover trekking above 3,000 - 4,000 meters. Having proper insurance gives you peace of mind, letting you enjoy the trek without worrying about unexpected medical or logistical emergencies.
Choose Himalaya Trekking Nepal for Mardi Himal Trek
Himalaya Trekking Nepal offers experienced guides, organized logistics, and well-planned itineraries to make your Mardi Himal Trek safe and easy. Our eco-friendly practices and customizable itineraries lets you explore the Annapurna region responsibly and comfortably.
With transparent pricing, friendly support, and attention to detail, you can focus on the mountain views, alpine meadows, and cultural encounters without worrying about permits or planning.
Book your Mardi Himal Nepal adventure and explore the Himalayas with confidence.
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FAQ's
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Where does the Mardi Himal Trek start and end?
You trek will start with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then to Kande, and ends with a return to Pokhara and finally at Kathmandu.
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How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal Trek is rated easy to moderate, suitable for beginners with basic fitness and manageable daily ascents.
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What is the highest point of the trek?
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp which sits at a staggering 4,500 meters from the sea level.
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How long is the total trek distance?
The Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 40 kilometers, which will be covered over 7 days of trekking.
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What type of accommodation is available for the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek offers teahouses and lodges with shared rooms, bathrooms, and electricity; luxury options may be arranged in advance.
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Are guides and porters mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Guides are mandatory for any trek, including the Mardi Himal Trek. If you have a lot of luggage, you can hire a porter.
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What permits are required for this trek?
You must have the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS Card, which are checked at trail entry points to ensure legal trekking.
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Can beginners join this trek?
Yes, beginners can participate with basic fitness, proper preparation, and the ability to walk 4 - 6 hours daily on moderate trails.
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