Situated in the Annapurna Region, Mardi Himal Trek was opened for tourists in 2012 and is one of the underrated off-the-beaten trekking trails in Nepal. Often referred to as the Mardi Himal base camp trek, this hiking route offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure holiday experience in Nepal. The trail comprises diverse landscapes, diverse cultures, terrace farm fields, green lush forests, and traditional ethnic communities including scenic mountain vistas, making this hiking trip a unique vacation destination.
After about an hour of drive to Kande, the trail begins with an uphill hike through the beautiful viewpoints of Australian Camp and Pritam Deurali. These places offer the view of mesmerizing views of the Dhawalagiri (8167m), Annapurna South (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6993m) mountain peaks.
The Mardi Himal trekking trail continues through the dense forest in the chain of green hills allowing one to get completely lost in nature. The forest is composed of mainly the Rhododendrons which is the National flower of Nepal. After crossing the forested trail, the treeline starts to become less dense.
This hiking trail becomes narrower and more thrilling as it continues along the ridge. The view of Mt Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) leads the trail for most of the time.
The Mardi Himal trekking trail continues on the barren ridge, with the view of snowcapped mountain peaks, green forested hilly landscapes, and so forth. The highest point of this trek is the Mardi Himal High Camp situated at an elevation of 4550 m which falls in an alpine zone. This area receives snowfall every winter thus making trekkers and hikers feel like climbing a mountain. The panoramic view of the mountains and the hills is there to give you a natural high.
This can be a substitute trekking vacation for the Annapurna Base Camp and Ghorepani Poonhill Trek in the Annapurna region to provide an amazing trekking vacation in Nepal. Vertex Holiday recommends a Mardi Himal trek custom-tailored itinerary at an affordable cost, for people bound by time but are determined to witness an adventure of a lifetime in the Himalayas. For more detailed information regarding maps and other aspects, feel free to send us your inquiries.
Mardi Himal Trek - Route Map
Detail Itinerary of Mardi Himal Trek
Namaste and welcome to Nepal. After your arrival, Kathmandu, Vertex Holiday’s airport representative receives you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After getting refreshed, a short briefing and orientation will be conducted by our trekking guide. In the evening, dinner at a Nepalese restaurant with cultural folk music and dance. Overnight at the hotel.
Car 30m
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
Meals Dinner
Altitude 1300m
From Kathmandu, we drive to the touristic town of Pokhara. As an option of the driving, you can take a flight and see the views of Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna region peaks. If driving, tourist buses leave at 7 am and you have to check-in at 6.30 am. Through the winding road, we drive for 6 hours and reach Pokhara. After checking in the Hotel , we can take a short walk around the Lakeside . Overnight at the hotel.
Bus 7，8 Hours
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel
Meals Breakfast
Altitude 830m
After breakfast, we begin to drive on the outskirts of the Pokhara valley. The Fishtail peak at the backdrop can be seen awesome. About an hour’s drive, we reach to Kande, the gateway of the Mardi Himal Trek.overnight at pritam deurali.
Multiple Drive 1 hrs / walking 4 hrs
Accommodation Tea House
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 2100m
After breakfast trek will goes through the lush forest of oak and rhododendron. The trail is undisturbed and rewarding. Gradually, we reach to the Forest Camp and take a rest. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 10k / 8,9 hrs
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 2970M
After breakfast, we begin to ascend through the open cattle grazing meadow. The trail is a steep climb up from low camp to the high camp. The view of massive Annapurna and pinpointed Fishtail peak is literally in front of your eyes. Though the lodge is basic where we stay, it has a warm dining hall, where we can feel the warmth of sitting around. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 6-7 hours.
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3580 m
Today is a huge day of the Mardi Himal trek. After the breakfast at the Highcamp, we gradually climb up to the Mardi Himal base camp, which is rugged and prevailed with the alpine panoramas. The route is undisturbed. Reaching base camp, the sceneries of Mt Annapurna, Fishtail and Mardi Himal range are breathtaking. Spending some remarkable moments, we begin to descend to the High camp and take a rest. Overnight at lodge.
Walking 8-9 hours /13 km
Accommodation Lodge
Meals B/L/D
Altitude 3210m
After breakfast, we trek down gradually from the high camp through the lush woods. The descend is faster and even the trail becomes nice as we walk towards the downhill trail. Through the dense forest, we trek gradually to Sidding. Then we drive back to Pokhara. Overnight at Hotel.
Multiple 5-6 hours trek and 2 hours of drive.
Accommodation 3 Star Hotel nor Similar
Meals B/L
Altitude 830m
Today, we drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a scenic drive through the Prithvi Highway road. After your arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Bus 7 hrs drive
Accommodation 3 Star hotel or similar
Meals Breakfast
Altitude 1300M
Having a good memorable Mardi Himal trek with Vertex Holiday our representative drops you at the airport for your departure.
Car 30m
Meals Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
What's Included?
Airport to Hotel arrival and Departure by Private vehicle
After arrival cultural Dinner by Vertex Holiday
Nepali local Ncell sim card with 20gb data
Trekking gear Duffle Bag for Trekking if needed
Farewell dinner before departure
A comprehensive Medical kit with Guide
Mardi Himal trek map
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3 star – category hotel in Kathmandu
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3 star – category hotel in Pokhara
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by Tourist Bus
Pokhara to Kande – Sidhing to Pokhara by jeep
Hotel to Tourist Buspark pick up and drop by taxi
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek in the mountain
4 Night Best available twin-sharing lodge for your mountain accommodation during the trek
One highly experienced government licence holder Guide including their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and insurance
All Necessary permit and Tickets for trekking
TIMS card Fee ( Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Free lugguage store at Vertex Holiday Store in Thamel
Vertex Holiday Mardi Himal trek achievement certificate after successful trek
For safe drinking water will provide purification tablets
All kinds of Government taxes & office service charges
What's Excluded?
Nepalese visa fee & Personal travel insurance
All kinds of drinks, snacks, personally extra ordered food, hot shower during the trek etc.
Excepet welcome and farewell dinner, (Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
Personal trekking equipment(for personal use )
Rescue charge (if needed)
Tips for trekking staff
Add-ons & Options
Private Jeep one way kathmandu to Pokhara 150$
Kathmandu to pokhara one way Flight Ticket 98$
porters (1 porter for 2 people, Max 25kg) 100$
Extra Hotel Room in Kathmandu & pokhara 45$ per night
Essential Information - Mardi Himal Trek
Benefits of Booking Mardi Himal Trek with Vertex Holiday
Expert Guidance: Vertex Holiday’s experienced English-speaking local guides who are trained in first aid and altitude sickness management, ensuring safety and enriching the cultural experience.
Logistical Support: Vertex Holiday arrange all necessary permits, comfortable transportation, food, accommodation bookings, and porter services, significantly reducing planning stress.
Acclimatization Planning: Vertex Holiday design itineraries with carefully planned ascent rates and built-in acclimatization days, maximizing the chances of a successful and safe trek.
24 Hours Company Assist: Vertex Holiday Team member will assist during the trip.
Airport pick up & Drop Service: Vertex Holiday will provide personal Airport drop and pick up any time.
Customize Trip Facility: During the trip some reason cannot get right place that time company and staff help you customize trip.
Nepali Sim Card: After arrival in Nepal , vertex Holiday provide per person 1 Ncell sim card with 20 GB Data for easy connection
Free luggage store at Vertex Holiday office Store in Thamel
Food and Accommodation during the Mardi Himal trek
The accommodation facilities are available in neatly maintained lodges during the Mardi Himal trek, with a warm dining hall. Food menus of different dishes are available, with most of Nepali, Indian, and Continental origin. Most of the food produced is sourced from communities in the lower regions of the Kaski district.
Hygiene and cleanliness are well maintained, and facilities like WiFi and Hot Showers are also available during the majority of the Mardi Himal trek. A blanket with each bed is available. However, an extra sleeping bag will help you maintain warmth during the chilling nights.
Best Season for Mardi Himal Trek:
The months between March to May (Spring ) are by far the best season for the Mardi Himal trek due to the clear sunny weather with forests full of Rhododendron bloom.
The Autumn Season ( September to November ) is also similar to the spring season, with different wildflower blooms except for the Rhododendron. The temperature is slightly lower, with chances of snowfall till February.
Porters and Guides:
Our guides have more than 5 to 10 years experience leading high-altitude hikes over the Manaslu, Annapurna, Everest and other Himalayan regions and hold government licenses. They have received training in emergency response, first aid, and altitude sickness awareness. The majority of our senior guides have been trekking for more than eight to ten years. In order to keep clients informed about weather and trail conditions and to maintain safety, they also carry satellite phones and other essential communication devices.
Porter welfare is very important to us. No more than 20 to 25 kg of total equipment for two hikers is carried by each porter, and we make sure that each porter has access to:
Proper attire and footwear for elevated elevations
Appropriate food and lodging
Medical and accident insurance
Equitable compensation in accordance with national norms
Enough working hours and frequent rest periods will help avoid weariness.
Instruction on basic first aid and safe carrying procedures
Vertex Holiday Safety Protocols During The Mardi Himal Trek
At Vertex Holiday, your safety is our top concern. We take stringent precautions to guarantee a safe trekking experience, such as routine health examinations and continuous observation of altitude sickness signs while you are hiking. Our guides are prepared to offer emergency care if necessary and are equipped with complete first-aid supplies. In the event of an emergency, we arrange for quick helicopter evacuations; however, the customer or your personal insurance usually covers the evacuation expenses. Our Kathmandu office also offers round-the-clock assistance to help you during your trekking journey.
Acclimatization briefings and routine health examinations
First-aid-trained guides with complete medical kits
Coordination of emergency evacuation (helicopter if necessary)
24/7 assistance from the Vertex Holiday office in Kathmandu
Small group sizes and dependable communication devices
Essential Equipment for the Mardi Himal Trek:
Mardi Himal Trek, you must need sleeping bags, down jackets, good trekking boots, warm inner clothing, headwear for the sun and cold, Sun-block, and good water bottle, a hiking pole, and a crampon in winter season besides your belongings and necessary items.
If it’s too much to carry from home, one can buy or rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara at a reasonable price. Apart from this, Vertex Holiday recommends an essential equipment list for trekking here as they are helpful and provide good support.
Clothing Base:
Layers 3–4 moisture-wicking T-shirts (synthetic or merino wool)
3 thermal base layers (top & bottom)
Insulation Layers 1 fleece or down jacket
1 synthetic insulated jacket (for evenings)
1 fleece or wool sweater
Outer Layers waterproof and windproof shell jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
Dry bags or ziplocks (to keep clothes and electronics dry)
Sleeping Gear
4-season sleeping bag (rated to at least -10°C / 14°F)
Sleeping bag liner (adds warmth and hygiene)
Personal Items & Accessories:
Headlamp with extra batteries
Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3L total capacity)
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, chocolates)
Lightweight towel
Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Lip balm with SPF
Hand sanitizer
Wet wipes & toilet paper
Small first aid kit (with altitude sickness meds like Diamox, ibuprofen, blister care)
Electronics:
Power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh)
Charging cables
Plug adapter (Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets)
Camera or smartphone
Documents :
Passport + extra passport photos
Copies of travel insurance (with emergency evacuation)
Family Contact Person
Optional :
(but useful) Trekking poles (collapsible, highly recommended)
Gaiters (for snow or mud)
Notebook/pen
Mardi Himal Trek Temperature and Chart Table:
Location
Season
Months
Day Temperature (°C)
Night Temperature (°C)
Pokhara
Spring
March – May
20°C to 25°C
10°C to 15°C
Summer
June – August
22°C to 27°C
15°C to 20°C
Autumn
September – November
20°C to 24°C
12°C to 16°C
Winter
December – February
15°C to 20°C
5°C to 10°C
High Camp
Spring
March – May
12°C to 22°C
8°C to 12°C
Summer
June – August
20°C to 24°C
10°C to 14°C
Autumn
September – November
17°C to 24°C
7°C to 11°C
Winter
December – February
5°C to -10°C
2°C to 6°C
Deurali
Spring
March – May
12°C to 16°C
2°C to 6°C
Summer
June – August
14°C to 18°C
4°C to 8°C
Autumn
September – November
10°C to 14°C
0°C to 4°C
Winter
December – February
5°C to 9°C
-5°C to 0°C
Mardi Himal Base Camp
Spring
March – May
6°C to 12°C
0°C to 4°C
Summer
June – August
8°C to 14°C
2°C to 6°C
Autumn
September – November
6°C to 12°C
-2°C to 2°C
Winter
December – February
0°C to -15°C
-8°C to -3°C
Most Asked Questions by Travellers
As per our itinerary the Mardi Himal trek takes 9 days. Which includes from the date of arrival to the date of your departure.
Even though the highest elevation of the Mardi Himal trek is over 4000 meters , the trekking trip is graded as ” Easy” which means it is accessible for everyone including beginners to experts.
The cost of Mardi Himal Trek is at 650 USD per person. However the price gets lower with the respective increase in the number of people in a group.
From Pokhara the Mardi Himal trek takes 5 days including the time spent driving.
Reviews on Mardi Himal Trek
5.0
Based on 5
Reviews
Rita & Scott Ireland
Mardi Himal Trek - A Magnificent Journey
We had the opportunity to experience the Mardi Himal Trek, and it was absolutely amazing. Our guide and porters were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and made us feel safe throughout the entire journey. The scenery was breathtaking, and I felt like I was in a different world. I would highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a unique adventure in Nepal.
5.00
Excellent
Erica China
An Incredible Experience with a Personal Touch
I embarked on the Mardi Himal Trek alone, but I never felt alone. My guide, Samir, and porter, Anil, were friendly, attentive, and always willing to go the extra mile to make me feel comfortable. I was blown away by the natural beauty and the peacefulness of the trek.The warm hospitality of the local lodges and the smiling faces of the locals provided me with a personal touch that made the experience even more special.
4.9
Very Good
Trent and Lim Malaysia
A Challenging Trek with Unforgettable Memories
It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding trek. My guide, Siddhartha , and porter, Shyam, were the perfect companions to take on this adventure with. They were encouraging, motivating, and made the trek much more enjoyable. The views from the top were breathtaking, and I will never forget the memories that I made on this trek.
4.9
Very Good
Selena Zhao Hong Kong
An Unforgettable Experience
This was an unforgettable experience that I will always cherish. My guide, Ankit, and porter, Gopal, were experts in their field and knew the area like the back of their hands. They took excellent care of me throughout the trek and went above and beyond to ensure that I had everything I needed. The trek was challenging but worth it, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure in Nepal.
5.0
Excellent
Liam S Malaysia
A Once in a Lifetime Adventure
The Mardi Himal Trek was a once in a lifetime adventure that we will never forget. The trek was challenging at times, but Ramesh and Bishnu were always there to support me and keep me motivated. The scenery was breathtaking, and I felt like I was in a different world. Although there were a few hiccups along the way, overall, it was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for an adventure in Nepal.
