Highlights
- Enjoy an adventurous trek in the Annapurna region on the Mardi Himal route
- A less crowded alternative to Ghorepani Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp treks
- Excellent for trekkers looking for an offbeat terrain experience
- Enjoy stunning mountain vistas, beautiful landscapes, and a gorgeous sunrise from Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Trek through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak, and gradually ascend to alpine scrub
- Enjoy steep uphill and downhill climbing throughout the trail
- See an authentic rural lifestyle in Sidding village
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara
- A perfect short, affordable trek with breathtaking mountain vistas and adventure
- Ideal for all ages of trekkers, including kids and elderly travelers
Overview
In the Annapurna region, there are many adventurous trekking routes, and the Mardi Himal trail is one of them. The Mardi Himal trek is known for its wilderness, offbeat terrain, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Cultural encounters are comparatively less on the Mardi Himal trek route, but trekkers get to enjoy nature and peace to the fullest.
The Mardi Himal trek is a great choice for trekkers who are looking for a quieter trek in the Annapurna region. This trek is widely famous among local tourists and is also visited by a good number of foreigners every year.
In the peak trekking seasons (spring and autumn), when famous treks like Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poon Hill are busy with trekkers from all around the world, the Mardi Himal trail offers an excellent, less crowded alternative.
The mountain views during the Mardi Himal trek are also incredible. You will see some of the finest views of mountains, such as Annapurna, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Mardi Himal, Dhaulagiri, etc.
*The Mardi Himal trek and Mardi Himal Base Camp trek are the same.
Given the moderate difficulty level of the Mardi Himal trek, trekkers of all ages can do it. The terrain is offbeat but not technical or extremely challenging. With the guidance of our mountain leaders, you can complete the Mardi Himal trek 9 days without a scratch.
We love the good pace of the Mardi Himal trek route. The trail gradually ascends through several camps and takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp. Mardi Himal Base Camp is the highest point of this trek.
You will be trekking through forested hills that get dense and damp as you ascend higher. The night stops along the Mardi Himal trail are basically camps that were established when the Mardi Himal trek route was first introduced.
Every camp has teahouses where trekkers spend the night. In 3 to 4 days of hiking, you will ascend above treeline and follow a narrow ridge that leads to the Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The slow increase in elevation allows trekkers to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness. While returning from the base camp, you will follow the same trail till Low Camp and descend to Sidding village following a separate route.
Overall, Mardi Himal trek 9 days is an adventurous venture in the Annapurna region. It is ideal for both beginner and experienced backpackers. The journey is outstanding and will satisfy your mountain cravings to the fullest.
The Mardi Himal trek distance, duration, and elevation
On the Mardi Himal trek, you will walk around 40 to 50 kilometers. Depending on the itinerary, the distance can be a little less or more, but on average, around 40 km (25 miles) walking is given.
Our Mardi Himal trek itinerary is nine days long. In nine days, you will spend five days trekking and the remaining four days traveling to/from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Likewise, the Mardi Himal trek begins in Kande, which can be reached in under an hour's drive from Pokhara. Kande is a small village located at 1,770 meters (5,807 ft) above sea level.
From Kande, ascend to Pitam Deurali to spend the first night. Then, continue trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m/14,763 ft), spending the night at Forest Camp (2,600 m/8,530 ft) and High Camp (3,580 m/11,745 ft) on the way.
What to expect during the Mardi Himal trek?
The 9 days Mardi Himal trek 9 days is a short trip to Nepal. Travelers get to explore two famous tourist cities in Nepal, Kathmandu and Pokhara, and hike in the Annapurna Himalayas.
The Mardi trek is a great introduction to trekking in the Himalayas. If you are planning to visit Nepal for the first time and are interested in trekking, the Mardi Himal trek is a good start.
We have shared more about things that you expect during the Mardi Himal trek below:
Your time in Kathmandu:
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Most foreign tourists begin their journey in Kathmandu. You will spend a short time in Kathmandu, but it will be filled with memories.
In Kathmandu, you can visit tourist sites such as Bouddha Stupa, Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Then, you will have ample time to shop for trekking gear and souvenirs in Thamel.
Drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara:
The Mardi Himal trek begins from Pokhara. We use a comfortable tourist bus to travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The road is in good condition and follows rolling green hills and rivers. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery during the ride.
Incredible walk through dense forests:
From Kande, the trail goes through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine. Before the trail opens up to a wider valley, you will walk through a dense forested route
A short but adventurous trek:
The Mardi Himal trek is a short trip. It is ideal for travelers who are on a short holiday in Nepal or not ready to commit to the usual 12 to 14-day trek.
Although the Mardi trek is short, you will not miss out on the adventure. The Mardi Himal trek route's wilderness and remoteness will keep you on your toes.
Stunning scenery and mountain vistas:
The scenery and mountain views along the Mardi Himal trail are outstanding. You will see beautiful views of lush hills and terraces.
Tall snow-capped mountain views peek through the densely forested trails in some places, creating extraordinary scenery.
As the valley opens up, you will see peaceful meadows and stunning mountains such as Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, etc.
Peaceful break in nature:
The Mardi Himal trek is an excellent break from the busy city life. You will enjoy a peaceful time in nature that will help you unwind. Daily 5 to 6 hours of walking will also rest your body and mind, which will make you feel rejuvenated.
Simple tea house accommodations:
The accommodation on the Mardi Himal trek route is a simple teahouse. Spending nights in teahouses is a unique experience in itself. Small rooms, minimal furniture, shared washrooms, and warm dining halls will make your time at the teahouse humble yet full of gratitude.
Companionship of fellow travelers and the locals:
On the Mardi Himal trek route, you will meet with many Nepali and foreign trekkers. Likewise, the locals are also welcoming and love to interact with tourists. Small interactions with them will make your journey more meaningful and lovely.
Two-night stays in Pokhara:
You will have two nights in Pokhara, the second biggest city in Nepal. Here, you will explore Phewa Lake and the bustling Lakeside Market. If time allows, you may also visit other tourist sites around the city, such as Davi's Falls and Gupteshwor Cave.
The Mardi Himal trek itinerary
Following our Mardi Himal trek itinerary, you will spend nights at the following places along the trail:
Pitam Deurali:
Pitam Deurali will be your first night stop. From Kande, you will mostly walk on a stone stairway along lush hills. The trail goes through Australian Camp and passes by Pothana. You will enjoy the chirping of birds, fresh air, and the soothing scent of nature on the way.
Forest Camp:
From Pitam Deurali to Forest Camp, the hike will be moderate and scenic. The route leaves the main Annapurna trail and follows a separate, quieter route to Forest Camp. You will trek through rhododendron forests and oak trees. The trail offers stunning views of Annapurna South and Mt. Fishtail.
High Camp:
Leaving Forest Camp, you will ascend to High Camp. It will be around 4-5 hours of steep uphill walking through dense rhododendron forests that gradually transition to alpine scrub. On the way, you will pass through Low Camp (3,050 m) and Badal Danda (3,250 m).
Low Camp:
After the hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will descend to Low Camp the same day to spend the night. Low Camp is a famous night stop on the Mardi Himal trail.
Mardi Himal Base Camp
From High Camp, the trail steeply ascends to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. To enjoy a gorgeous sunrise from the base camp, you will begin hiking at 5:00 AM. In around three hours of climbing, you will reach Mardi Himal Base Camp.
A magnificent mountain panorama and gorgeous sunrise will welcome you. After enjoying the view, you will trace your steps back to High Camp and descend to Low Camp the same day to spend the night.
Sidding village
You will reach Sidding village on the last day of the trek. It is a beautiful village where you can see the authentic rural lifestyle of the Nepali. The village is surrounded by terraced fields, traditional houses, and lush greenery. The Gurung community is the major inhabitant of Sidding village, but you will meet other Nepalese communities, too.
Is the Mardi Himal trek 9 days suitable for you?
- The Mardi Himal trek is suitable for all ages. It is a beginner-friendly trek with a great pace and low risk of altitude sickness.
- Similarly, the Mardi Himal trek is also great for trekkers looking for a less popular trekking option in the Annapurna region but wish to see spectacular mountain vistas.
- We also recommend the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek to trekkers looking for an offbeat terrain experience.
How to prepare for the Mardi trek?
To prepare for the Mardi Himal trek 9 days, you have to exercise. Walking 5 to 6 hours a day requires good stamina and endurance. Likewise, you will also need strength and mental readiness to trek in the Himalayas.
- Physical fitness: Strength training, cardio exercises, and daily walking are recommended. Depending upon your fitness, start exercising 4 to 8 weeks before the trek begins.
- Mental readiness: Learn about the Mardi Himal trek's challenges, limitations, weather, and facilities. By being aware of the trek route, you are most likely to adjust without much uneasiness.
- Packing: Packing is a very important aspect of preparing for the Mardi Himal trek. You need alpine environment-friendly clothes that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Likewise, you also need trekking gear like poles, shoes, bags, UV sunglasses, a buff, etc.
- Budget: Planning the expenses is also very important. Apart from the Mardi Himal trek package cost, you also have to budget for flight tickets to/from Kathmandu, gear expenses, shopping, and personal expenses.
- Documents: Make sure your passport has at least six months of validity from the day you plan to enter Nepal for the Mardi Himal trek. Get your recent passport-sized photos taken and buy travel insurance.
Mardi Himal trek cost and booking 2026
The Mardi Himal trek cost may vary depending on the itinerary and services in the package. Nevertheless, it is one of the most affordable treks in Nepal.
Our Mardi Himal trek costs between USD XXX to USD XXX per person. You can also customize the trek to suit your budget and requirements.
Bookings are open for the Mardi Himal trek 2026 departure. If you have any queries, feel free to talk to us anytime.
Why do the Mardi Himal trek with Mountain Life Treks?
- Free airport transfers upon arrival and departure to/from Kathmandu Airport
- Complimentary Mardi Himal trek map, sleeping bag, down jacket, and oximeter to use during the trek
- 100% guaranteed departure
- Fixed group and private departures available for solo trekkers and small groups
- Professional mountain leaders and porters to accompany you during the trek
- Your safety is our priority
- 24/7 assistance and a dedicated travel consultant to support you throughout the trip
- Sustainable and eco-friendly travel practice
- First aid kit with oximeter
- Trek certificate