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Most Popular Mardi Himal Trek Cost | Itinerary | Permit

5 Days

The Mardi Himal Trek, located in the heart of the Annapurna region of Nepal, is a hidden gem awaiting adventurous and enthusiastic trekkers seeking a less trekked destination with equally beautiful natural wonders.

Located in the shadows of the iconic Annapurna and Machhapuchre (Fishtail) peaks, this trek has rapidly gained popularity among trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Unlike its more crowded counterparts, this trek offers a deep connection with nature as you go through lush rhododendron forests, a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks, and a chance to immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of traditional Gurung and Magar communities.

The Mardi Himal Trek promises an unforgettable experience as you ascend to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, a viewpoint that unveils the grandeur of the Himalayas in all its glory. The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp is a rewarding journey that provides a close-up view of Mardi Himal’s stunning south face. It’s a challenging but manageable trek suitable for trekkers with moderate experience.

So let’s get on a beautiful journey towards Mardi Himal, making it to the land of beautiful Himalayas and an unforgettable experience that awaits us, only via Himalayan 360. If you want to start your trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu please check Mardi Himal trek with 9days itinerary.

Permits required for Mardi Himal Trek

In order to trek Mardi Himal, you need to obtain certain permits. The permits required for the Mardi Himal trek are listed below:

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

The ACAP is a mandatory permit for all trekkers entering the Annapurna Conservation Area, which includes the Mardi Himal Trek. The fee for the ACAP varies for foreign trekkers, with different rates for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nationals and other foreign nationals.

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card

The TIMS card is another essential document that tracks trekkers in Nepal and provides information for search and rescue operations if necessary. There are two types of TIMS cards: Green for independent trekkers and Blue for trekkers traveling with an organized group (with a guide).

However, the requirement for TIMS cards may have changed, and there might be new regulations in place. It’s essential to check the latest information from the Nepal Tourism Board or a local trekking agency regarding the specific permit requirements.

Best season for the Mardi Himal Trek

The most favorable season for trekking in Nepal has always been Spring and Autumn.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek. At this time, the weather is favorable and the temperature is bearable. Many flowers and rhododendrons bloom and cover the whole tree which makes it colorful and fascinating to watch. The view from the top is clear and there is no fog or rain covering the scenery. Wildlife is more active during this season, and various species of birds and animals can be spotted.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another excellent season for the Mardi Himal Trek. The weather is clear with dry and stable conditions, making it ideal for trekking. The visibility is excellent during this time, providing breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. The temperatures are comfortable during the day, although nights can be chilly at higher elevations.

Nepali Food call Dal bhat during the Mardi Himal trek

Seasons to avoid

Monsoon (June to August)

Monsoon season in Nepal, which typically spans from June to August, is a period of heavy rainfall and high humidity. This can result in muddy and slippery trails, leeches, and limited visibility due to frequent cloud cover. Landslides and swollen rivers can make some sections of the trail dangerous and impassable. Whereas, accommodation and transportation can be more challenging as some tea houses and roads may be closed, and the overall trekking experience can be less enjoyable.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in the Mardi Himal region brings cold temperatures, particularly at higher elevations. Snowfall can obstruct the trails, making them more challenging to navigate, and some sections may be closed due to avalanche risk. Accommodation options may be limited, as some tea houses may close for the season.

The altitude of Mardi Himal Trek

The highest point on the Mardi Himal Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level. This is the ultimate destination of the trek offering stunning views of Mardi Himal, as well as panoramic vistas of the surrounding Annapurna mountain range.

It’s important to note that while Mardi Himal Base Camp is the highest point on the trek, the journey will start in lower elevations, such as in the city of Pokhara, which is at around 800 meters (2,624 feet) above sea level. As you trek, you will gradually ascend through various elevations, passing through villages and different landscapes, before reaching the base camp. Proper acclimatization and trekking at a gradual pace are essential to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues like altitude sickness.

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Trip info

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek allows trekkers to explore pristine natural beauty and experience the region’s rich culture. The trek is situated in the western part of Nepal, within the Annapurna Conservation Area, one of the most renowned trekking destinations in the world. The journey typically starts and ends in Pokhara, a scenic lakeside city. The Mardi Himal Trek can typically be completed in 5 to 7 days, depending on your chosen itinerary and hiking pace. Whether you’re a trekker or a mountaineer, the allure of Mardi Himal’s pristine landscapes and challenging routes is undeniable.

Highlights

  • The breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range, including iconic peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and, of course, Mardi Himal itself.
  • As you trek through the region, you'll have the opportunity to visit traditional Gurung and Magar villages. These encounters offer insight into the local culture and lifestyle. You can also sample delicious Nepali cuisine in these villages.
  • The Mardi Himal Trek is relatively less crowded. This means you can often enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayan wilderness without the hustle and bustle of larger trekking groups.
  • The region is home to a variety of wildlife, and you may have the chance to spot different bird species, including colorful pheasants, as well as animals like the Himalayan tahr and various smaller mammals.
  • The stunning landscapes, pristine forests, and panoramic mountain views provide ample opportunities for photography. Every turn in the trail offers a new perspective and a chance to capture the beauty of the Himalayas.
  • Clear nights at higher altitudes offer a chance for stargazing. The lack of light pollution in the mountains provides a stunning view of the night sky.

Itinerary

Day 1:
Pokhara - Australian Camp - Deurali

2100m, Deurali 1 hour drive, 4-5 hours walk

Our journey begins on the first day of trekking, with a one-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande. We will be traveling on the Pokhara-Baglung highway until we reach Kande, a small village settlement. This is where our trek officially starts. Today’s walk is relatively easy, with gentle ascents through terraced farms and a Rhododendron forest. Along the way, we will come across an Australian camp, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna massifs. After approximately four hours of trekking, we will arrive at Pritam Deurali for an overnight stay. Pritam Deurali showcases the typical rural village setting in Nepal, with its stone-built houses and terraced farms.

Day 2:
Pitan Deurali -Forest Camp - Rest Camp - Low Camp

2985m, Low Camp 7 hours walk

Today’s path is immersed in dense forests, mostly consisting of evergreen foliage. The vegetation in this region is temperate, with abundant and vibrant jungles sprawling throughout. The trail cuts through these deep woodlands, occasionally allowing for short rests along the way. As we make our way to the forest camp, we will traverse Rhododendron and Oak forests. This particular stretch of the trek is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering sightings of 488 bird species including the colorful Himalayan Monal (Danphe), which happens to be Nepal’s national bird, as well as Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Snow Partridge and Kalij Pheasant. You can also spot various species of eagles, vultures, and owls here.
This section of the trek is defined by its temperate vegetation. As you continue towards Low Camp, you will catch a first glimpse of the magnificent Annapurna massifs in the distance. By evening time, we will have arrived at Forest Camp where we will spend the night.

Day 3:
Low Camp - High Camp.

3550m, High Camp 4 hours trekking

The most challenging part of the Mardi Himal trek lies in the journey from Low camp to high. Today, as we surpass the 3000-meter mark, the trail becomes narrower. The landscape surrounding us transforms into barren and semi-arid terrain. Though this stretch presents several steep climbs, the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas make it all worthwhile. As you approach High camp, you will feel the effects of altitude taking hold. Be prepared to navigate numerous narrow ridges along your way. Finally, we arrive at High Camp where we will spend the night before continuing our expedition.

Day 4:
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek down to Badal Danda

4500m, Mardi Himal Base Camp 6-7 hours walk

The final phase of the Mardi Himal trek commences with an early morning wake-up call. We embark on a journey to the Mardi Himal Base Camp in the early hours to witness the breathtaking sunrise. The ascent to the viewpoint takes approximately two hours, and it is not without its challenges. The trail consists of rocky terrain that can be slippery, and you must navigate narrow paths along rocky ridges of the mountain.
As you venture beyond 4000 meters in elevation, you will feel a noticeable change in altitude. However, upon reaching the base camp, you will be rewarded with a heavenly ambiance unlike any other. The base camp offers a mesmerizing panorama of Annapurna’s majestic peaks. Many consider this spot to offer one of their most unforgettable views during sunrise. After spending some time at the base camp, we descend towards Badal Danda for our accommodation.

Day 5:
Badal Danda - Siding- Pokhara

830m, Pokhara 5 hours walk, 2 hours drive

Today marks the commencement of our descent from the Mardi Himal trek. We will retrace our steps on the same path we took during our ascent. The journey is relatively straightforward, as we gradually make our way down until we reach Badal Danda. From there, our trail veers off towards Sidhing, guiding us through dense jungles nestled at the foothills of Mt.Machhapuchhre. The descent becomes steeper and more challenging, with a trail that proves to be quite slippery. After approximately five hours of hiking, we finally arrived in Sidhing and proceeded to board a jeep that would transport us back to Pokhara. Our overnight stay will be at Lakeside in Pokhara.

COST

Cost Includes

  • AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
  • ACCOMMODATION IN POKHARA : Stay at a hotel in Pokhara on bed and breakfast basis.
  • PERMITS : TIMS and ACAP
  • STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
  • MAP : Trekking map.
  • MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
  • FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BDL; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing a twin bedroom at Hotel/Lodge during the trek.
  • PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
  • STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter's daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
  • MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.

Cost Excludes

  • INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
  • NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
  • LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
  • INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
  • RESCUE EVACUATION : Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
  • PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
  • PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
  • TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
  • FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
  • INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
  • EXTRA PORTER : $25 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).
  • TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.

FAQs

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How long is the Mardi Himal trek?

The total distance of the Mardi Himal trek is 40 km/25 mi. One needs 4-5 days to complete the route (excluding arrival and departure in Kathmandu).

How difficult is the Mardi Himal trek?

Mardi Himal Trek falls on a moderate level of difficulty. The routes are almost well managed but a certain level of physical fitness is required to cope with the gain in altitude.

What is the highest point of Mardi Trek?

The highest point of the Mardi trek is Mardi Base Camp at an elevation of 4500 meters.

How long is Mardi Trek from Pokhara?

The Mardi Himal Trek begins from Kande, the distance from Pokhara to this point is 27 kilometers in a 5-day itinerary.

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Most Popular Mardi Himal Trek Cost | Itinerary | Permit