Mardi Himal Trek, in recent years, has been one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Officially opened as a proper trekking route in only 2012, Mardi Himal has seen a surge in the number of trekkers in the past decade and is still going strong. Part of the charm of the Mardi Himal Trek comes from its easy accessibility and short trekking time in comparison to other treks like Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp.
Being one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu and especially Pokhara, Mardi Himal is popular not only among international tourists but also among local youths of Nepal. The trek might be just short of 7 days, but is packed with some of the most adventurous routes, magical mountains cascading upon the lush green alpine forests of oaks and rhododendrons, and warm Nepalese hospitality.
A sanctuary of Annapurna with towering snow-capped peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 m) that is pleasing to the eyes. Hiking into the forest away from all the hectic life up to the mountains can truly be some of the greatest things to experience in life.
Mardi Himal Trek Comprehensive Overview
The 7-day journey of the Mardi Himal Trek begins with a scenic bus ride to Pokhara. Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel, and the very next day, you will be on a bus to the city of lakes and the tourism capital of Nepal, Pokhara. Staying the night in Pokhara, you can take a stroll around the city in the evening, as the following day, a new journey begins.
After an early breakfast, we again take a bus to a place called Phedi. By this time, you will have been completely removed from the chaotic city energy and entered a more calm and peaceful environment. Throughout the entire ride, you can see the entire city of Pokhara and especially the beautiful mountain Machhapuchhre. After getting off the bus and a short break, we will officially begin our trek.
The forested trail and the snow-covered peaks of the Annapurna Massif will enchant you through and through, and this is just the beginning. After around five hours of hiking, we will reach our destination for the day, Deurali.
On the third day, as usual, we wake up early, fuel our stomachs with a hearty breakfast, and carry on with our beautiful adventure. After a few hours of hiking, we arrive at a viewpoint offering some of the best views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri range, Machhapuchhre, and other equally beautiful peaks. Admiring the serenity of the nature surrounding us, we reach Forest Camp, where we will spend our night.
By today we will have gained a significant altitude and need to be a bit more careful in our ascending speed. Our goal for today is to reach High Camp, which is at an elevation of 3600 meters so ascending slowly and having nutritious food and proper hydration is crucial for avoiding acute mountain sickness (AMS)
Finally, the day arrived when we went from high camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is a thrilling day ahead as we hike even higher in elevation, where we will get a show of a lifetime. It is a rigorous climb to the top but the view will make all the hardship even more worth it. Reaching at the top, you will be blessed with a panoramic view of the mountains, especially Mt. Annapurna I (8090 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machhapuchhare (Mt. Fishtail) (6993 m), Hiuchuli (6444 m), Baraha Shikhar (7647 m), Gangapurna (7575 m), Mardi Himal (5553 m) and other stunning towering peaks of the Annapurna region.
Truly a hidden gem amongst all the trekking destinations Nepal has to offer. After looking at the mountains to our heart’s content, we come back down to High Camp. After a quick lunch, we pack our belongings and start descending, as the main part of our trek is now over.
Then, the following morning, which is the sixth day of the trek, we further descend down. The landscapes will have changed compared to the base camp, where there were no trees due to the high elevation, and you will again be hiking through the forested trail. After around seven hours of hiking, you will reach Jhinu Dada.
Jhinu Dada is known for two things: first, being one of the gateways to the famous Annapurna Base Camp, and second, having a natural hot spring. The perk of choosing this route is that you can choose to extend your trek and do the Annapurna Base Camp trek as well. But the reward of soaking your tired body in the hot spring is always there.
On the seventh day, after an early breakfast, we get on a Jeep and then return back to Pokhara, the city of lakes. It is only 3-4 hours drive so you will have plenty of time to explore around the city after checking into your hotel.
From here on out, you can choose to either stay in Pokhara or drive back to Kathmandu the next day. But the adventurous trek to Mardi Himal has officially come to an end. But where something ends, a new beginning always shows up. We are happy to have been a part of your beautiful journey.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- It is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Pokhara
- An easy trek, very suitable for beginners
- A peaceful forested trail that leads to some of the best views of the Annapurna range and other peaks
- Rich in flora and fauna and is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area
- Reach at 4500 meters in elevation and view the gigantic snow clad peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machhapuchhre (6,997 m), and Gangapurna Himal (7,454 m)
- Take a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at Jhinu Dada
- Stroll around the city of lakes, Pokhara, and enjoy a relaxing day.
Is the Mardi Himal Trek difficult?
No, the Mardi Himal Trek is not considered a difficult trek. It can range from easy to moderate on a difficulty scale, depending on the person. It is actually a very good trekking destination for beginner trekkers who are just venturing out in the world of trekking.
The hike ascending is mostly uphill and there will be a significant gain in elevation, which can induce altitude sickness; therefore, acclimatization and a good diet and hydration during the trek are extremely necessary.
In comparison to treks like Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, Mardi offers a far easier trail to hike and equally stunning views of the mountains. And in addition, if you wish to make it a bit more challenging, you can add the Annapurna Base Camp trek and reach both destinations in a single trek.
But overall, the Mardi Himal Trek is of moderate difficulty but with the right preparation and proper acclimatization, even beginner trekkers can successfully do it.
What is the distance of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The total distance of the Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 60 kilometers. The distance from Pokhara to Phedi is 18 km, and from Phedi, while covering an average distance of 8-10 km per day.
What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?
For Mardi Himal Trek, the best trekking time is considered during the seasons of spring and autumn. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are known to have the clearest skies and give the best view of the mountains. Moreover, the temperature during these two seasons is very moderate and not extreme, which gives trekkers a pleasant experience.
Spring especially presents the perfect opportunity to view the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron, blooming in its full glory. The forested trail gets painted in different shades of crimson, pink, and white, enhancing your experience even further.
This is not to say that the remaining two seasons, summer (June-August) and winter (December-February), are untrekkable. Summer experiences a lot of rainfall, especially during July and August. It can be a bit of a risk to travel because the hilly roads are prone to landslides. But with good caution, a monsoon trek can be a marvelous experience.
The winter brings extreme cold, and some may not favor this experience, but the views are very clear during this time. So, if you are ready to combat the cold of negative degrees, a winter trek can be a good call.
Can you get altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal Trek but only if you are not acclimated properly and ascend at a rapid speed. Most trekkers who have no prior experience of trekking in the mountains will have a higher chance of getting altitude sickness. But this can be easily avoided with proper guidance.
Reaching up to 4500 meters above sea level isn’t something to sneeze at. Therefore, the ascent to the top should be gradual, with multiple stops overnight in between. Preparing for the trek at least a month prior and making sure your diet is healthy can ensure to keep you safe from altitude sickness.
Accommodations and Food in Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek provides basic accommodation services. Nothing extravagant but the teahouses and trekking lodges provide basic facilities such as wifi and electricity to charge devices. You can get private rooms in most locations, but in high camp you get a room in dormitory style. You can even get a hot shower for extra cost. The price for a standard room on Mardi Himal Trek can range from $7 to $15 per night.
You can also get varieties of food during the trek, from the classic Nepalese dishes like Dal Bhat and Momo to other western cuisines such as pizza and pasta, but they might not be as authentic as you are used to. So we encourage you to eat the local Nepalese food as the ingredients are fresh and locally produced, which is better for you. For food, the cost can start anywhere from $5 to $20.
Mardi Himal Trek: Package, Guide, Porter Permit, and Transportation Cost—2024-2025
Mardi Himal Trek General Package Cost
The cost for a single person for the Mardi Himal Trek starts at US$ 799. You will receive discounts for groups. The price list is given below:
| No. of people | Price (USD) |
| 1-1 | US$ 799 |
| 2-2 | US$ 699 |
| 3 - 5 | US$ 599 |
| 6 - 10 | US$ 499 |
| 11 - 20 | US$ 455 |
Guide and Porter Cost for Mardi Himal Trek
One must have a registered trekking guide on their trek and are forbidden to do a solo trek without a guide as per the recent law set by the government of Nepal. The cost of a registered licensed guide and helper or porter is $ 35 and $35 per day. Since you are purchasing a package from Alpine Ramble, the trekking guide cost is already included in the package.
Mardi Himal Trek Permit Cost
Trekking to any part of Nepal requires a permit, and Mardi Himal is no exception. You will need two different permits to enter the Mardi Himal. One is known as the Trekker’s Information Management System Card (TIMS Card), which is important because it accumulates all the information about trekkers going to different places. Another one is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP Permit). Since Mardi Himal falls within the area of the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will require the entry permit for this as well.
The permits cost $15 and $23, respectively. On the bright side, this cost is covered by your Mardi Himal trekking package cost. You can get the TIMS card in Kathmandu, and you pay for the ACAP entry permit at the checkpoints of the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is stationed around different places.
Transportation Cost for the Mardi Himal Trek
The transportation cost for the tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa, along with the local bus cost, is covered by your trekking package. However, if you decide on a private vehicle or even a flight, then an additional charge will apply. The cost for various transportation modes is shown on the table below:
- Private car: Kathmandu to Pokhara $150 per person (Add-on)
- Flight: Kathmandu – Pokhara $112 one way (Add-on)
