Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days
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SELLER
SELLER
Budget
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
9 Days
Accommodation
Tea House
Best Time
Spring and Autumn
Max Alt
4,500m (14,764ft)
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Trek Overview
Mardi Himal Trek
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a short, moderate trek in the Annapurna region, leading through rhododendron forest and mountain villages to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). It’s a quieter alternative to the busier Annapurna Base Camp route, following a ridge directly beneath Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), a peak considered sacred in Nepal and closed to climbers.
Trek Facts
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Maximum Altitude | Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) |
| Trek Grade | Moderate |
| Region | Annapurna Region |
| Starting Point | Kathmandu |
| Trailhead | Kande/Deurali |
| Ending Point | Sidding |
| Accommodation | Tea houses and mountain lodges |
| Best Seasons | Spring and Autumn |
| Permits Required | ACAP + applicable trekking registration |
Mountain Views on the Trail
| Mountain | Elevation | Best Viewing Points |
|---|---|---|
| Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) | 6,993m | Low Camp, High Camp, Base Camp |
| Annapurna South | 7,219m | High Camp, Base Camp |
| Hiunchuli | 6,441m | High Camp, Base Camp |
| Annapurna I | 8,091m | Upper viewpoints, Base Camp |
| Gangapurna | 7,455m | High viewpoints |
| Mardi Himal | 5,587m | Base Camp area |
Difficulty & Fitness
- Moderate grade; no technical climbing required
- 4–7 hours of walking on most days
- Uneven mountain trail, with steeper sections near High Camp and Base Camp
- Suitable for well-prepared beginners with some prior walking/cardio fitness
- Mild altitude effects possible above 4,000m — steady pace, hydration, and guide guidance recommended
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation: Tea houses and mountain lodges; twin-sharing rooms, dining halls with heating stoves, shared bathrooms at higher elevations, basic charging facilities
- Meals: Dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables) is the trekker staple; also available: fried rice, noodles, pasta, soups, momo, pancakes, omelets, toast
- Drinks: Black tea, milk tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, coffee, hot chocolate
Best Time to Trek
| Season | Conditions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild temperatures, clear skies | Rhododendron blooms, mountain views |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Stable weather, excellent visibility | Peak trekking season |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, occasional snow | Quiet trails, crisp views |
| Monsoon (Jun–Aug) | Frequent rain, cloudy | Lush greenery, fewer trekkers |
Permits Required
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Any currently applicable trekking registration/permit (requirements can change — confirm current rules before departure)
Packing List
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Trekking shirts and pants
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat, gloves, extra socks
Footwear
- Trekking boots
- Light camp shoes
- Gaiters (optional)
Gear
- Daypack
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Power bank
Personal Items
- Personal medications
- Toiletries, lip balm, wet wipes, hand sanitizer
Documents
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Permit documents
- Flight information
- Emergency contacts
Responsible Trekking
- Pack out all waste — no litter on the trail
- Ask permission before photographing locals; dress respectfully
- Reduce single-use plastic; use a reusable water bottle
- Support locally run tea houses, guides, and services
Trip Highlights
- Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m
- Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain)
- Panoramas of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
- Rhododendron and oak forest trails
- Ridge walks with open Himalayan views
- Landscape shift from subtropical forest to alpine terrain
- Quieter, less-crowded route through the Annapurna region
- Traditional tea house hospitality and village life
Trek Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Airport transfer to hotel. Evening pre-trek briefing covering schedule, permits, weather, and equipment.
2
Scenic flight to Pokhara, then trek to Deurali. Overnight in a mountain lodge.
3
Trail through rhododendron, oak, and maple forest, with occasional mountain views through the trees.
Accommodation: Forest Camp
4
Gradual climb; vegetation thins and Machhapuchhre comes into partial view.
Accommodation: Low Camp
5
Forest opens into ridgelines and alpine meadows, with growing views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
Accommodation: High Camp
6
Pre-dawn start along a ridge above the tree line to Base Camp, with close views of Machhapuchhre and surrounding peaks. Return to High Camp for the night.
Accommodation: High Camp
7
Descent via a different route through forest, farmland, and villages, ending with a drive to Pokhara.
8
Return overland journey.
9
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Reviews
TOP
SELLER
SELLER
Difficulty
Moderate
Duration
9 Days
Accommodation
Tea House
Best Time
Spring and Autumn
Max Alt
4,500m (14,764ft)
Got questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Moderate — manageable for reasonably fit beginners.
Approximately 4,500 meters.
Yes, with basic fitness preparation and the right gear.
Spring and autumn, for the most favorable weather and clearest views.
Some areas require a licensed guide under current trekking regulations — confirm requirements before travel.
Typically 5–9 days depending on starting point and itinerary.
Possible above 3,000m. A steady pace, good hydration, and proper acclimatization lower the risk. For more tips, see our Health & Safety Guide for Travelers in Nepal.
A short drive from Pokhara to Kande/Deurali.
Tea houses and small mountain lodges throughout the route.
Yes, for families with some trekking experience and adequate fitness.
