Mr. Gyaljen Sherpa
Mr. Gyaljen Sherpa was born and raised in the Everest region, and his Sherpa heritage gives him deep, lifelong knowledge of the mountains, local commu...
View Profile
The Mardi Himal Trek (10 Days) is one of the best short trekking adventures in Nepal. It takes you through peaceful forests, traditional mountain villages, and scenic ridges to the base of Mardi Himal, offering spectacular views of the Annapurna Range and the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).
The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, a short drive takes you to Kande, where the trek starts. You walk through beautiful rhododendron forests and charming villages like Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). Along the trail, you'll enjoy incredible mountain views, peaceful forests, and the warm hospitality of local teahouses.
The trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,500 m and is considered moderate. It is perfect for trekkers looking for a less crowded Himalayan adventure with stunning scenery and comfortable trekking days.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will have time to rest and relax after your journey. Later, you will receive a short trek briefing and preparation guidance. If time permits, you can explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for its shops, cafés, and trekking atmosphere. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most beautiful destinations. The journey takes approximately 6–8 hours, following the winding Prithvi Highway alongside rivers, hills, and traditional villages. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have free time to enjoy the peaceful Lakeside area, admire views of the Annapurna range, or relax by Phewa Lake. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Kande, which takes around one hour. From Kande, the trek begins through beautiful forest trails, passing through Australian Camp and the charming Pothana village. The trail offers magnificent views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountains. After walking for approximately 4–5 hours, you will reach Deurali, a peaceful mountain settlement surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. Overnight stay at a mountain lodge in Deurali.
Today, the trek continues through dense rhododendron and oak forests as you gradually gain elevation toward Low Camp. The trail becomes quieter and more scenic, with occasional views of the surrounding peaks appearing through the trees. You will enjoy the peaceful mountain environment and natural beauty along the route. The trek takes approximately 5–6 hours before reaching Low Camp, where you will spend the night at a comfortable mountain lodge.
This is the most rewarding day of the trek. You will start early in the morning for the hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at approximately 4,500 meters. The trail follows a scenic ridge offering incredible close-up views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal. After reaching the base camp and enjoying the spectacular Himalayan panorama, you will descend back to Low Camp. The total trekking time is approximately 7–8 hours. Overnight stay at Low Camp.
After breakfast, you will begin descending from Low Camp toward Siding Village. The trail passes through forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, allowing you to experience the local lifestyle of the mountain communities. After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, you will reach Siding Village, where a vehicle will be waiting to drive you back to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you can relax and enjoy the evening at Lakeside. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
Today, you will explore the major attractions of Pokhara, a city known for its natural beauty and adventure activities. The sightseeing tour may include Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the International Mountain Museum, Bindhyabasini Temple, Phewa Lake boating, and the World Peace Pagoda. You will enjoy the combination of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and peaceful surroundings before spending your final night in Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu following the scenic highway along rivers, hills, and countryside landscapes. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours depending on road conditions. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will transfer to your hotel and have free time for shopping, exploring local markets, or visiting nearby cultural sites. In the evening, you may enjoy a farewell dinner and reflect on your trekking experience. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.
According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Our team will assist you with your airport transfer and wish you a safe journey onward. You will leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of the Mardi Himal trek, Himalayan landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Let's customize this itinerary as per your time and budget, as you like.
Pricing depends on your group size. All quotes include domestic flights, permits, teahouse accommodation, and a full guide and porter team.
| Group Size | Cost Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2-5 PX | 700 USD | |
| 6-10 PX | 675 USD | |
| 11-15 PX | 650 USD |
Tick items off as you pack — your progress is saved on this device.
No gear matches that search. Try a different word.
Down jackets, sleeping bags and trekking poles can be hired or bought inexpensively in Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar — ask our team and we will arrange it before you set off.
We are a team of professionals who share a common devotion to the outdoors — government-licensed, altitude-trained, and with you from Lukla to the summit.
Our TeamMardi Himal is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, opposite Annapurna I and Machhapuchre (Fishtail Mountain). The trek leads to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m (14,763ft).
The Mardi Himal Trek offers stunning views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, and Hiunchuli. It features diverse landscapes, from rural villages and lush forests to snow-capped peaks. Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m provides breathtaking Himalayan views. The trail is less crowded, offering a peaceful experience. Cultural encounters in ethnic villages and the chance to relax in Jhinu Danda’s hot springs are also highlights.
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for both first-time trekkers and experienced hikers. It is considered a relatively short and manageable trek with gradual altitude gain.
Mardi Himal offers a less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Opened for trekking in 2012, it provides a pristine trail with stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and spectacular Himalayan views. Its modest peak height and remote charm make it one of the least visited but highly rewarding trekking destinations in Nepal.
You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. These permits allow access to the Annapurna region and help track trekkers for safety purposes.
Yes, the necessary permits (ACAP and TIMS) are included in our Mardi Himal Trek package.
You can obtain the permits at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kathmandu. If you trek with us, we will handle these permits on your behalf.
Accommodation includes lodges along the trail, offering basic facilities such as twin-sharing rooms and attached bathrooms at some locations.
Teahouses have electricity, but hot showers may come at an extra charge. Facilities improve as you descend but can be limited at higher altitudes.
You will find Wi-Fi at most lodges, but it may incur an extra cost. Charging points are available during the trek but may come for a fee.
We provide nutritious and delicious meals, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisine. We provide full board (main course) meals that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
No, untreated tap water, along with spring or river water, is not safe for drinking. We recommend boiled water, filtered water, or water treated with purification tablets or UV systems. Bottled water is available in villages but becomes more expensive at higher altitudes and also increases plastic waste in the region.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available on the trek, including vegetable curries, soups, and steamed momos.
Yes, you will need a Nepal-government-licensed guide (or porter) for the Mardi Himal Trek as it lies in the Annapurna sanctuary.
Your guide shows the route and ensures your safety while providing insights about the region. Porters carry your luggage, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek.
Since April 2023, the Nepal government has made it mandatory to have a guide while trekking protected regions.
The best times are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, temperatures are cool, skies are clear, and the views are spectacular.
The best times are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, temperatures are cool, skies are clear, and the views are spectacular.
Trekking during the monsoon season is not ideal due to wet and slippery trails. However, winter can be challenging with colder temperatures, but if you're an experienced trekker unafraid of the cold, it offers stunning views and fewer crowds.
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Your insurance should cover health care costs and emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude.
Yes, all nationals, except Indians, need a valid visa for Nepal. You can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or immigration checkpoints along Nepali borders. A 30-day tourist visa costs USD 50 and requires a passport with at least six months of validity, a passport-size photo, and an application fee.
You will board a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will drive you to Dhampus, the starting point of the trek.
Pokhara, as the starting point of the trek, is accessible by road or flight. This package covers road transport. However, for an extra cost, you can choose the flight option.
After completing the trek, we provide a return tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can also opt for private transportation at an additional cost or even fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
You need warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, a sleeping bag, sunscreen, a water bottle, and a first-aid kit. Please refer to our equipment section for details.
Yes, a sleeping bag may be helpful. Though lodges provide blankets in higher-altitude areas, for extra warmth, we advise you to bring a sleeping bag.
Yes, trekking poles are highly recommended, especially for steep descents. Other useful items include a headlamp, sunglasses, and a rain jacket.
A 10% advance is required to confirm your booking. You can pay the rest upon arrival in Kathmandu. You can pay via cash, bank transfer, credit card, Wise, or Western Union. In Kathmandu, you can also pay in cash. We will also email you payment details.
We recommend you book at least a month in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons. However, we also have provision for last-minute bookings.
Did the Mardi Himal trek as a shorter alternative to the big circuits, and it was the perfect choice. Himalayan Shepherd kept the group size small, which meant we got personal attention and could move at our own rhythm. The stays was comfortable, and our guide shared amazing stories about local villages we passed through. Beautiful, intimate trek. Would go back in a heartbeat.