Mardi Himal Short Trek - A Trekking to Mardi Base Camp

Trip Overview

Maximum Elevation	4500m, Mardi Himal Base Camp
Trip duration	6 Days
Trekking Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Best Time/Season	March, April, and May and also October to Dec.
Lodge Type	Teahouse, Lodge
Permits	TIMS and Permit

Are you ready to explore trending trekking in Annapurna? The Mardi Himal Trek is a trending short hiking trail that lies in Annapurna Region. Due to amazing views of mountains, this trekking trail became a bucket list for travelers within a short span of time.

For short trekking in Annapurna, Mardi Trekking is one of the best. Within 6 days duration, you can do it from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. The trail is awesome and the view from the Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike is absolutely outstanding.

What are the Highlights? Why you love this trip?

Most of the trail on Mardi Himal Hiking lies inside the Forest. We can do either Teahouse or camping. There are simple guesthouses and Homestays along the entire route. This trek provides a cultural experience, delightful forests along with rocky mountain terrain, and panoramic views of the mountains, an astonishing landscape, and a stunning waterfall.

On Mardi Trek, you will be very close to Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Ranges too. Apart from that, you can taste local cultural experience, Lush forests, hilly terrain, and panoramic views of mountains.

Till some years ago, trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp was like really underrated trekking but now it’s completely changed. It is popular same likely as Poon Hill Trekking. Because during the main trekking season on this trial, more than 200 people check-in each day. And this trend is uplifting year by year. So we categorized the Mardi Himal as a trending trekking trail of Nepal.

Sounds surprising but it’s real that the short Mardi Himal Trek is going to be the most popular route of the Annapurna region without government promotional activities. Many say that it is a hidden gem of Annapurna Region, Nepal.

There are lots of things which make sense to do trekking to Mardi Himal. Here I’d pointed out some highlights.

To see Marvelous Annapurna Himalayas.
Get an amazing view of Landscapes, waterfalls, and Forests.
The excellent viewpoint for Mt. Fishtail.
Sunrise and Sunset viewpoints, diversity
Experienced Local Cultures, Nepali food, and lifestyle of Mardi Areas.

When is the Best Trekking Season for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?

Though trekking to Mardi Himal is double throughout the year, there are some seasons that are indeed the best time to visit there. Autumn and Spring are the best time of the year to make a visit to Mardi Himal Base Camp due to stable and clear weather.

Which Itinerary for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is Best?

It depends on your holiday time in Nepal. There are many beautiful places adjoining the Mardi trail. All the side trips of the Mardi Himal are just awesome. Among them Starting from Kande and Ending at Siding is the best short itinerary.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

In short, it is a moderately difficult trek as it’s maximum elevation is 3660m(High Camp). For those who have previous trekking experience, it is easy trekking for them. Likewise, for those who are novice trekkers, trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp might be medium-difficult trekking as each day 5-6 hours walking with uphill climbs.

What types of accommodations can I expect while doing the Mardi Himal Trek?

As this trek lies near Pokhara, at the beginning or even end of the trek you will probably stay in Pokhara and you can expect a decent Hotel according to your budget. But along the Mardi trek, you are likely to stay in teahouses. You will find a basic teahouse whilst trekking to Mardi but views from the teahouse makes accommodation worthwhile.

How safe is Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?

If you go through your own way or with those who ever trekked to Mardi Himal Base Camp can be dangerous in the case of missing the way. Above the High Camp to Mardi Himal Base, there are some parts where you need to have a guide who knows the safe trail. So if you are trekking with a guide who visited it already, trekking to Mardi Himal is safe.

What to see while trekking to the Mardi Himal Base Camp?

At the very beginning of the trek, you will see Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Boudha Himal, and the whole Annapurna range from Dhampus.

On the way, we can see Mount Dhaulgari from Pitam Deurali. Likewise from Low Camp to High Camp, you will see amazing views of Machhapuchhre Himal, Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Hiunchuli Peak.

Regardless, from ViewPoint to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will see dramatic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna Fang, Annapurna III, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre.

Trek Duration

You can do Mardi Trek within 6 days to 10 days. If you have limited time like 6 days in Nepal then you can fly in and Fly out to Pokhara to Kathmandu. It can save your 2 days time. From Pokhara you can do Mardi Himal Base Camp also 4 nights 5 days. But if you have more than a week’s time then you can extend your trip. You can do Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Mardi Himal.

Taking Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu flights and start the trek on the same day is ideal for the tourist who has holidays less than a week. We also provide tailor-made for this trek, so please contact us giving your details and requirements. We can also offer you this trek itinerary 3 nights 4 days from Pokhara to Pokhara.

Itinerary

Days	Itinerary	Altitude in meter	Hour
Day 1	Drive to Dhampus Phedi and Trek to Dhampus	1650m	9 Hour
Day 2	Dhampus to Forest Camp	2520m	7 hour
Day 3	Forest Camp to Badal Danda	3150m	6 hr
Day 4	Trek to High Camp	3540m	3 hr
Day 5	Hike to Mardi Himal Base camp and trek to Low Camp	3150m.	8 hr
Day 6	Trek to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara	800m	7-8 hr

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Drive to Pokhara and trek to Dhampus

We will use Micro Bus to go Phedi-Pokhara. Trekking Guide will come to pick up at the hotel then you will go together buspark to catch Micro Bus. During the drive(KTM to Pokhara), you’ll see beautiful rice field, landscape, Trisuli River and Also Marsyandi River. If the weather is clear, you will also see the Panoramic view of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, Machhapuchhre and as well as Annapurna mountain range. On the to Phedi we will have breakfast and lunch.From Phedi we will start our trek and it takes 2 hours to reach Dhampus Phedi. We’ll stay first night at Dhampus.

1650m
8 Hours drive
Guest House
B, L, D

Day 02: Dhampus to Forest Camp.

After having breakfast at Dhampus, we’ll start our jorney to Forest Camp. Around 3 hours trek from Dhampus, we’ll be in Deurali.After lunch at Deurali, our trail passes through the forest of Rhododendrons, Oak, Maple, and Hemlock. Stay overnight there at Forest Camp. There are four simple teahouses in Forest Camp.

2520m
7 hours
Guest House
B, L, D

Day 03: Trek to Badal Danda

From Forest Camp to Low Camp, trekking passing more jungle with a superb view of Annapurna South before getting into Low Camp. One and half hour walking from forest camp, you’ll be at Badal Danda. There are 4 simple teahouses in Badal Danda. We can get WIFI at the teahouse of Badal Danda. Some minutes walking from Badal Danda, we leave the tree line areas.

3150m
5 hour
Guest House
B, L, D

Day 04: Trek to High Camp

After Badal Danda, the trail breaks out above the tree line and towards the west. From there we can see a good view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Sometimes we can also see the Daphne pheasant (national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. The teahouses at high camp are also simple but they have WIFI. View from the lodge is superb to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

3540m
4 hour
Guest House
B, L, D

Day 05: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek to Low Camp

Today we’ll wake up early morning to see the sunrise view at the mountains. We’ll hike through narrow way before reaching the Upper Viewpoint. We can see Mardi Himal (5587m), Machapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna south (7219m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna I (8091m), Baraha Shikhar (Annapurna Fang) (7647m), Tent Peak (5695m), Singhuchuli (6501m) and more others from Upper Viewpoint. After reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, we’ll trek back to High Camp.

4250m
6 hour
Guest House
B, L, D

Day 06: Trek to Lumre and drive to Pokhara

Trail from Low Camp Camp to Siding is steep down. It takes approx 3 hours to reach Siding from Low Camp Hotel. Siding to Lumre is easy way which takes about 2 hours to reach Lumre. On the way to Lumre, we will see the beautiful waterfall and landscape. From Lumre we can use a private jeep or local bus according to our choice to go Pokhara. Overnight stay at Lakeside, Pokhara.

5 hours walking and 2 hours driving
Guest House
B, L

Note : B=breakfast, L= Lunch and D = Dinner

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trekking Cost

The Cost for Mardi Trek is 498 USD per person for 6 days trekking Kathmandu to Pokhara. This is the cheapest offer from Base Camp Hike Pvt Ltd. If you are in a group, you’ll get some discount for Mardi Trekking. The following are the group discounts for the mardi trek.

Cost Include:

Airport pick up and drop off and by private vehicles.
2 nights tourist standard Hotel in Kathmandu (BB plan)
1 night Tourist standard Hotel in the Pokhara
3 Meals on Trekking: (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Seasonal Fruits
Sleeping Bag for trekking (If required)
Teahouse basis trekking accommodation on trekking duration.
Tourist bus transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu for guest and guide.
Communicative English speaking license holder guide.
One porter for two guests who carry maximum 25 kilograms.
Annapurna Conservation Area permits and TIMS permits.
Pokhara hotel to Phedi and Lumre to Pokhara hotel by Private vehicle.
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, and allowances of Nepali trekking staffs.
Nepal Government Tax, VAT and as well as Company service charge.
Trekking Map.
One Nepali sim card(Ncell) for local communication.
Trekking completion certificate from company.

Cost Exclude :

International Airfare and Airport taxes.
Visa fees.
Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Any kinds of charges like battery charges, laundry, phone calls, any drinks .
Hot shower during trekking
Trekking Equipment and clothing.
Travel insurance which is encased of emergency (it is mandatory in case of emergency).
Donation and temple entrance fees.
Tips for the trekking staffs which is not compulsory but highly expected.
Any other things which are not specified above.

Where is Mardi Himal?

Mardi Himal is located at Kaski, Gandaki Pradesh. Lap of Fishtail mountains, there is a small peak that is known as Mardi Himal. Altitude of Mardi Peak is 5,587-metre (18,330 ft). In terms of mountain ranges, it is situated at Annapurna Himalayan Range.

How to Go Mardi Himal From Kathmandu or from Pokhra?

Our Trekking Guide picks you up from your hotel and your team will drive Kathmandu Newbuspark to Phedi-Pokhara By Micro Bus. It takes approx 7 hours to reach Phedi( trekking starting point.) And your trekking will be finished at Lumle, Kaski. From Lumre you can get a Local Bus to reach Pokhara City.

How safe is trek to Mardi?

Journey to Mardi is completely safe. There is no landslide area and avalanche area on this route. However High Camp to Mardi is somehow risky as it has a narrow path which will be risky in wintertime. If the trail is covered by snow, it is very risky beyond High Camp. However, if you go through a guide, you’ll be safer than a solo trek.

Packing List for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

Although trekking to Mardi Himal considered an easy trek, you should have a proper packing list. Because it requires to have strong trekking equipment to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Keep in mind, even if you forget some trekking gear, you can buy it in Pokhara. Because this trek starts nearby Pokhara. Here is the list.

Duffel Bag
Rucksack with Rain Cove Daypack
Inner Socks
Thermal Baselayer
T-Shirt
Hiking Boots
Sandals or Shoes
Read more trekking equipment checklist

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is the maximum altitude of Mardi Himal base Camp Trek?

Maximum height of the Mardi Himal Base camp is approximately 4500m/14,764 from sea level but the maximum height of the sleeping spot is High Camp. And altitude of the High camp is 3660meter/12,008 feet from sea level.

How many hours and how long do I have to walk each day?

On the basis of our itinerary, you should walk 5 to 6 hours each day with 10 to 15km distances.

Do I have hiking experience ?Is this trip suitable for beginners?

Hiking experience isn’t needed. This is completely an easy trek. If you can walk around 5-6 hours a day, that’s enough. This trekking is suitable for beginners trekkers.

Can We do a family trek?

Sure, you can go to MHBC with your family members. As it is an easy route, off-course you can do with your family.

What kind of accommodation is available throughout the trek?

Mardi Himal is a teahouse trekking. You’ll get basic accommodation throughout the trek. You’ll get a small room with 2 beds in a room. Note: You should have your own sleeping bag though the teahouse usually offers a blanket.

Can I rent(hire) a local Guide/Porter? How much does it cost?

Indeed, you can hire a local guide from us(Base Camp Hike) if you don’t want to get full-board packages. We’ve around a dozen guides who have already visited Mardi several times. You can get a guide from us 20 USD to 30 USD(depends on season). And for the porter, it cost 18 USD per day. For the detailed information regarding guide hire, please visit our page trekking guide hire in Nepal.

Is there a mobile network and WIFI available ?

Both mobile network and WIFI are available throughout the trip.
There are 2 common networks in Nepal( NTC and NCELL) which you can buy for 1.5 to 3 USD. Both work on Mardi Trail. For the internet, you can use either mobile data or hotel wifi. It cost 100NPR to 300 NPR(depends on altitude) for the wifi on this trial.

Can I use credit cards? Is there a bank available ?

No, you should have Nepali Currency. However, if incase NPR is not enough, you can use Dollars or Euro by converting Nepali Currency. Keep in mind, you’ll get a very lower exchange rate than Pokhara and Kathmandu. And there isn’t any bank on this route.

Is there pick up and drop off available?

Sure, we have pick up and drop off available. To make this, you should provide your arrival details in Nepal.

What mode of transportation do you use?

All the places we’ll use private transport(Car/Cab) expect Lumre to Milan Chok, Pokhara.
We will use a local bus from Lumre to Milan Chowk, Pokhara. And we will use a tourist bus on the way KTM-Pokhara-KTM.
However, if you want to upgrade KTM to Pokhara by plane, that’s also possible.

I’m a vegetarian. Can I get vegetarian food?

Every teahouse of Mardi trek has vegetarian food and they offer most of the vegetarian food. Non-vegetarian items are not safe crossing 2500m.

What is the maximum altitude of Mardi Himal base Camp Trek?

How much extra money do I need to have if I buy a full-board package?

You should have 8 to 10 Dollars a day(depends on personal nature expenses). On this amount, you can buy Mineral water, Coffee/Tea, Chocolates and some dessert food which is non included in our packages.

Reviews

Perfect Trek

The best destination for trekking, starting the trek from Siding to low camp and from low camp to Badal danda to high camp. For perfect sunrise view, went to the viewpoint and then reached Mardi base camp. A great adventure in my life and a must-visit for trekkers

Nice Trek

Nice trek route with the great and nice circuit.
lots of hotels and restaurants are available in the circuit.
the path is a bit difficult and dangerous from high camp to base camp.

Max

Best Trip Ever

It is my best trip ever.. Everything was amazing. I really enjoyed Mardi Trekking.

Santosh Bhurtel

Short Trek but Amzing !

Short trek route but got to see amazing jaw-dropping picturesque views. February ridiculously awesome month to trek. Snow adding pain as well as a boon for the eyes. Definitely recommended. Jay Nepal!

Ab Shrestha