Mardi Himal Trek - 14 Days

Highlights

  • A less crowded, adventurous trekking route in the Annapurna region
  • Trek through lush forests of rhododendron and picturesque villages before ascending the steep ridge between Modi Khola valley and Mardi Khola valley
  • Offbeat trail but ideal for beginner trekkers
  • Witness the jaw-dropping panorama of the western Himalayan mountains
  • Explore the beautiful Ghorepani village and hike to the Poon Hill viewpoint
  • Witness stunning sunrise and landscape from Mardi Himal base camp
  • Get to see lifestyle and culture of the natives of the mountains

When most trekkers follow the bustling trail of Annapurna base camp, you can opt for the Mardi Himal base camp trek, which is less crowded & if not more, equally adventurous. The Mardi Himal trekking route is a gem, located east of the famous Annapurna base camp trail. Following the steep ridge between Modi Khola valley and Mardi Khola valley, you will ascend to the Mardi Himal base camp at 4,500 meters.

Our Mardi Himal trek is 14 days long, but if you are short on time, then you can do this trek in 5 to 7 days as well. To customize the Mardi Himal trek itinerary, please get in touch with us. For now, let us inform you more about the Mardi Himal trek 14 days itinerary and why it is so special. 

Our 14 days itinerary explores the fine villages in the lower Annapurna region and slowly progresses towards the Mardi Himal base camp. The trail winds through rhododendron, bamboo, oak, pine, etc forests. You will cross Modi Khola several times on hanging bridges and walk past stupas & chortens on the way. Explore the popular Ghorepani village and hike to Poon Hill before joining the Mardi Himal trail. 

Poon hill presents a gorgeous sunrise along with 270 degree views of the western Himalayan mountains. While trekking, the breathtaking views of Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Fishtail (6,993 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), etc will compensate for your effort. If you wish to embark on a less crowded and lowkey offbeat trek in the Annapurna region, we cannot recommend the Mardi Himal trek enough. 

Mardi Himal trek was opened in 2012. So you can say the trail is relatively new and untouched. For a quick gateway into the Himalayas without pushing yourself too much, the Mardi Himal trek package is the best. The trail is very rich in vegetation. Rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, dominate the route in the spring seasons. 

The interactions with the villagers along the way, the immersive trekking experience, and the adrenaline you will feel during the Mardi trek are exceptional. You can do the Mardi Himal trek with your family. It is a fantastic family adventure kind of package. Learn about mountain people and bond with your loved ones.

Difficulty & Altitude Sickness

The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness. The trek involves hiking for several hours each day over rough and sometimes steep terrain at high altitudes. You can expect to walk for 5 to 7 hours per day on average, with some long days of up to 8 or 9 hours. 

The highest point on the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The thin air at high altitudes can make the trek more challenging, so it's important to take it slowly and acclimatize properly to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. In addition to the physical demands of the trek, you should also be prepared for the weather and other environmental conditions. 

The Mardi Himal Trek takes place in the Annapurna region of Nepal, which can experience a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and strong winds. It's important to be properly equipped with warm and waterproof clothing, as well as good quality trekking gear and shoes.

Our guide takes care of you in the mountains and makes sure you get a quick medical response in case of altitude sickness. Well, the chances of altitude sickness are very low if you follow our well-designed itinerary. But to be on the safe side do not drink alcoholic drinks or smoke while trekking. Keep yourself hydrated. 

Book Mardi Himal 2023 trek

If you are looking for a trek to do in Nepal in 2023, then Mardi Himal is the answer for you. Especially if you are a beginner trekker, then this is a perfect trek to introduce yourself to the Himalayan trail before embarking on much higher trekking ventures. 

The Mardi Himal trek 2023 spring and autumn booking is open.

For any support, you can talk to our travel consultants. 

These are some other beginner-friendly treks in Nepal that you may like- Langtang Valley trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, Everest Panorama trek, Mohare Danda Trek, Pikey peak trek, and Everest base camp trek with helicopter return. 

 

Itinerary
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Our team meets you at the Kathmandu airport terminal gate. They will welcome you and escort you to the hotel. We have booked a nice three-star hotel in Thamel for your stay in Kathmandu. Unpack and freshen up before hitting the bustling streets of Thamel. In the late evening, you will join a welcome dinner organized by the company.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

On this day, we introduce you to some historical sites in Kathmandu and later prepare for our adventurous trek in the Annapurna region. Early in the morning, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in a four-wheeler and drive you to different locations.

You will explore monuments like Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. After the tour, we meet with the guide and prepare for the trek. Pack our duffel bags and do last-minute shopping if needed.

 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

We leave Kathmandu early in the morning today and drive to Pokhara. The Kathmandu Pokhara route is well-made and scenic, so we will have a good time during the ride. Green hills, rivers, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountain views make the ride very pleasant. Upon reaching Pokhara, we will check in at our hotel and spend the evening enjoying the stunning sunset at Phewa Lake. We can go boating too.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: 823m

Today is our first day of the trek. We leave our hotel in the morning and take a short drive to Nayapul. We will begin trekking from Nayapul. The trail gradually ascends to Birethanti. We will register our permits here and follow a forested trail to Tikhedhunga. On the way, we will walk through villages like Sudame, Ramghai, and Hile.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1980m

Leaving Tikhedhunga, we will cross two suspension bridges and follow an uphill trail to Ulleri. We can see the stunning view of Annapurna South and Mt. Hiunchuli on the way. Trekking through lush forests, we walk uphill for 45 minutes to reach Banthanti. The trail goes through lush rhododendron forests and crosses a stream before arriving at Nangethanti. From here, your next stop will be Ghorepani village.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2810m

We have a short hike to Poon hill early in the morning today. The trail is well-made and ascends through lovely rhododendron forests. From Poon hill, we can see 270 degree views of the western Himalayan mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, Tukuche, Gangapurna, etc. After enjoying the view for some time, descend to Ghorepani village and have breakfast. 

Leaving Ghorepani village, we ascend to the top of a hill called Thapla. The trail then descends to Deurali village and steeply drops to Banthanti. We will take a lunch break at Banthanti village and continue ascending and descending through the forested path. Further, we cross a river on a bridge and ascend to Tadapani. From here, the trail descends through the forest to Chuile.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2375m

Leaving Chulie, we trek to Landruk village. The trail goes through dense forests and small settlement areas. We will cross hanging bridges and small streams on the way to Landruk.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1650m

Leaving Landruk, we will walk on stone staircases that lead to Ghandruk village. On the way, we can see impressive views of snow-capped mountains and the valley floor. From Ghandruk, the trail steeply ascends through forests of birch and rhododendron. Further, relishing the view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, we will trek to Forest Camp.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 2480m

The trail ascends from Forest Camp to Badal Danda today. We can notice a change in vegetation to mosses, lichen, ferns, and orchids. The trail goes through dense forests. On the way, we can see breathtaking mountain views of Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and other mountains. Upon reaching Badal Danda, we can see the spectacular view of Fishtail.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3210m

We will follow a steep trail and soon get out of the dense forests. Walking alongside a ridge, the trail further joins grassy meadows. Given the weather, we may come across snow on this part of the trail. Gradually, we will walk uphill to the High Camp, which will welcome us with striking mountain views.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 3580m

We leave the High Camp early in the morning. As there is no tea house or tea shop further on the trail, we will pack our lunch and snacks for the journey. From High Camp, the trail ascends to Mardi Himal. We will be walking alongside a steep ridge to the base camp from where the views of Annapurna I, Fishtail, glaciers, ice fields, Dhaulagiri, Ganesh Himal, etc are surreal. After enjoying the views, we descend to Middle Camp, following the same trail back.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 4500m

We begin the day at a leisure pace and have a delicious breakfast. Leaving Middle Camp, we trek through dense forests and terraced fields to Kalimati. The later part of the trail descends along the upper Modi Khola and small settlements to Kalimati, where the trek ends. It is a short trekking day. We take time to unwind and relax.

  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 900m

We will leave Kalimati early in the morning and descend to Siding village. The trail contours the river and gradually drops down the valley. We walk through lush forests and villages of Tamang & Gurung. From Lwang, we’ll drive to Pokhara to spend the night. The evening is free in Pokhara. Explore the bustling Lakeside Market and enjoy the sunset at Phewa Lake.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Max. Altitude: 800m

After a delicious breakfast, we leave our hotel and begin driving to Kathmandu. The route will be the same as last time. Once we reach Kathmandu, our team will drop you at the hotel. Spend the remaining day resting and shopping in Thamel. We meet you very late in the evening for a farewell dinner.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude: 1300m

Our airport team will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. You can also join another trek or tour with us if you wish.

  • Meals: Breakfast
Route Map
Mardi Himal Trek - 14 Days Map
Includes/Excludes
Includes
  • Four nights accommodation including Kathmandu and Pokhara with twin sharing at tourist standard hotel (Bed and Breakfast)
  • All Ground and air transportation. Pick up and drop.
  • Full board meal 3 times a day (B+L+D) during the trek days including tea & coffee (served in a cup).
  • English speaking trekking guide who has been authorized by the Nepal government and necessary number of porters (According to the group size) with their insurance, salary, accommodation, and meals.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Cultural show. (Ethnic music and dance)
  • All the necessary official documents, TIMS Permit, Trekking Permit, etc.
  • Sleeping bags and down jackets if necessary.
  • First Aid kit.
  • Trekking Route map.
  • Insurance of Guide and Porters.
  • All required local and government tax.
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa fee and International flight.
  • Meal except for Breakfast in Kathmandu.
  • All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea/coffee, snacks, battery re-charge, laundry service, hot shower etc.
  • Personal clothing and gears.
  • Tips to guide and porters.
  • Cost raised by flight cancellation, emergency rescue charges, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control.
  • Monument entrance fees.
Price and Availability
Date AvailabilityPrice 
Start DateApr 14, 2024End DateApr 27, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1100
Start DateApr 22, 2024End DateMay 05, 2024StatusAvailablePriceUS$1100

Departure date of Mardi Himal Trek 14 days

We ( Nepal Pioneer Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd ) prefer to provide fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in all himalayan region of Nepal. If you are single and prefering with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not comfortable because of your time, please contact and let us know. We always happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can organizeand provide personalized service as per your need, wish and requirement. We arrange the trip according to our clients need, wish and interest.

Please check our available date.

Additional Information

Mardi Himal trek best time

As the Mardi Himal trail goes through dense forests, we recommend trekking in the spring season, which runs from March to April in Nepal, to come across blooming flowers. The vegetation gets at its peak in spring. Trekking through subtropical forests, the trail opens up to meadows and enters the alpine zone. The stable weather keeps you on your itinerary and lets you enjoy the stunning panoramas. 

Autumn from October to November is another great time of the year for Mardi Himal base camp trekking. The festivity in the air, stable weather, and mild climate is just perfect to explore the Himalayas. The climate gradually begins to get cooler, and the yellow & brown hues of the forests make the trek magical. 

Mardi Himal trek accommodation

The Mardi Himal trek accommodation is nothing close to a normal lodge in the city. Tea houses are the most simple form of accommodation available in the Himalayas. It is nothing but four walls to let you spend the night inside a structure rather than in the open air. Basically, you will be experiencing an authentic mountain lifestyle. 

At the end of the day even this simple accommodation to spend your night means so much. You will surely appreciate it. The rooms are shared between two trekkers. You will not get single rooms if you do let us know at the time of the booking because not many of them are available and get booked in advance in peak trekking seasons. 

Meals

The food option on the Mardi Himal trek is quite decent. You get breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek. Dal bhat is the best option you have when it comes to the freshness of the meal, nutrition values, taste, and filling. Other things like noodles, momo, thukpa, sandwiches, soup, oats, eggs, toast, roti, curries, etc are also available on the menu. 

The tea shops along the trail sell some snacks and beverages, but the cost will be way higher than you usually see. Do not drink water from streams or tap along the way. You may not be able to digest it. Better carry a water purification tablet and double purify the water before drinking it. For beverages, you get tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, etc. 

Group/private joining

You can either do the Mardi Himal trek in a group or privately with us. A private trek gives you much more freedom to play with the itinerary and trek pace than trekking in a group. So, if you prefer having your own space and zone during the trek, we highly recommend going for our private Mardi Himal trek. 

Trekking in a group makes the Mardi Himal trek cost cheap by a few hundred dollars. You will be surrounded by people like you who love traveling and making memories & friends for a lifetime. Whatever option you go for, our Mardi Himal trek 2023 spring/autumn booking is open. 

Send us your inquiry today to get the best deals!

Child Policy

If you love trekking with your kids, then you have good news. You can trek to the Mardi Himal base camp with your kids. Our team provides full support during the trek, along with an assistant guide to make the journey hassle-free for you. We can adjust the itinerary and services offered in our Mardi Himal trek cost as per your requirements.

For more information, please get in touch with us. If you are someone who is below 18 years old, then you can join our Mardi Himal trek 2023 departure with an identified guardian. Make sure you are fit to embark on this venture in the Himalayas. 

Travel Insurance

Mardi Himal trekking is a very remote trek, and the trail has nothing more than a few tea houses scattered around it. So, there are no health posts along the way let alone hospitals. You will be trekking with a very reliable guide, however there can be an unseen circumstance that may require emergency air evacuation. 

To be well prepared, we ask our guests to get travel insurance for the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal. The travel insurance must cover emergency air evacuation, and you can include other coverages like medical bills, flight cancellation, luggage loss, etc.

 

FAQs
  • The Mardi Himal trek goes from 7 days to two weeks long, or you extend further to Annapurna base camp if you wish to spend more time in the mountains. Our Mardi Himal trek itinerary is 14 days. We can customize the itinerary for you if you are not satisfied with our proposed one.

  • The Mardi Himal trek is moderate. The trail is a bit trodden than other moderate trekking routes. Therefore, the Mardi Himal trek is an ideal package for you if you are looking for an offbeat experience without giving too much pressure on your body.

  • The Mardi Himal trek cost between USD 999 to USD 1200. The cost of the package may rise as per the itinerary & services are given by the trekking company.

  • No, Mardi trek is not risky. Though the route is trodden, you will have a great time trekking to Mardi Himal because the trail is not crowded like other famous trekking routes in Nepal. Plus, you will be trekking with a highly reliable guide, so you do not have to worry about anything.

  • Yes, you will need a permit for Mardi Himal trekking. Our Mardi Himal trek cost covers all the permits, and our team obtains them on your behalf, so you will not have any hassle. You need ACAP permits and a TIMS card for this trek.

  • The general route to Mardi Himal begins at Kande, one hour drive from Pokhara. But if you also want to explore famous villages in the lower Annapurna region, then you can begin trekking from Nayapul like our proposed itinerary.

  • For a safe and immersive trekking experience, we highly recommend trekking with a guide. However, if you prefer trekking alone, then you can do so. Solo trekking comes with lots of responsibilities, from obtaining permits to reserving the lodges on the trail, which can get quite hectic. For a smooth trekking experience, we recommend trekking with a registered company like us.

  • No, Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre are two different mountains and offer different trekking routes. Both mountains are located in the Annapurna region, the western Himalayas in Nepal.

  • Mardi Himal base camp is situated at 4,500 meters from sea level. The peak is located beneath the Machhapuchhre and separated by a 5,200 meters col.

Client Reviews
  • D
    David GAustriaMar 10, 2020

    Great Guide

    Binod is an experienced guide and a pleasure to treck with. We completed the Mardi Himal treck with Binod which was amazing!!!

    Google
  • R
    Robert GAustraliaMar 10, 2020

    Excellent trek to Mardi Himal

    The track to Annapurna Base Camp was closed due to snow falls whilst we were on our trek. Thankfully our excellent guide Binod was able to change our destination to Mardi Himal track with a minimum of fuss. Binod rearranged the program and accomodation whist on the trek and made an excellent choice. We could not fault his organisation and his friendly nature made for a great trek. I would recommend this company.

    Google
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