Mardi Himal Trek
Nepal
Difficulty
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
4250m
Price
INR 16500/- per person (Pokhara to Pokhara) (For Indians)
400$ Per person (Pokhara to Pokhara)(For Non Indians)
Available Date
10th Mar to 15th Mar 2025
13th Apr to 18th Apr 2025
Mardi Himal Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Annapurna Region of Nepal
Nestled just east of the legendary Annapurna Base Camp, the Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in Nepal, a journey that few take but all who do are rewarded with breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. Picture this: a winding trail through enchanted rhododendron forests, where the air smells of fresh pine and the sounds of birds and leaves rustling accompany every step. As you ascend, the world slowly begins to change. The forest opens up, and you emerge into a rugged, high-mountain landscape where Mardi Himal stands proudly in front of you, with Machapuchhre (the iconic Fish Tail Mountain), casting its serene presence over the land. The Annapurna range reveals itself in all its glory, with peaks like Annapurna South and Hiunchuli adding to the splendor.
At 4500 meters, the Mardi Himal Base Camp offers trekkers the chance to be closer to these snow-capped giants than most could ever dream. But it’s not just about the majestic views—it’s the journey itself. The Mardi Himal Trek remains off-the-beaten-path, less crowded than its more famous neighbors, offering a sense of peace and solitude that many long for in a world filled with noise and hustle. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trekker, this route is the perfect blend of challenge and reward.
The trek begins and ends in Pokhara, Nepal’s second-largest city, where lush green hills meet the serenity of Phewa Lake. After the challenge of the trek, it’s the perfect place to unwind, with local eateries and vibrant markets offering a chance to relax and reflect on your adventure.
One of the most striking aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek is how it offers both a physical and cultural journey. Along the way, simple guesthouses and homestays greet you, offering glimpses into the lives of the local communities who call this place home. You’ll share stories with friendly locals, enjoy delicious traditional meals, and experience Nepalese hospitality up close. And as you trek, the Annapurna Range becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a constant companion, its peaks shifting and changing as you move forward.
Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek:
When is the best time to embark on this life-changing journey? The Autumn Season (mid-September to November) is considered the peak time for trekking in Nepal, offering clear skies and ideal weather for the Mardi Himal Trek. But if you prefer a quieter experience, the Spring season (March to May) is also a fantastic time to trek, with pleasant weather and fewer trekkers. Though winter brings clear skies, it can be cold, with the risk of snow closing the higher parts of the route, especially from December to February. However, the lower sections remain open, offering stunning views with fewer crowds. If you’re looking for vibrant landscapes and blooming valleys, the pre-monsoon months of May and June also offer a unique experience, as the temperature rises, and the lush greenery of the lower trails contrasts with the towering snow-capped peaks above.
The Mardi Himal Trek is more than just a trek—it’s an opportunity to experience the heart of Nepal, to challenge yourself, and to connect with nature in its purest form. So, pack your bags, take a deep breath, and let the journey unfold before you.
Itinarery
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Reporting at Pokhra, then drive to Kande (1hr Drive), Trek from Kande to Pitam Deurali (2125m) 4hrs, 7km
After reporting we will drive to Kande village, which is the starting point of our trek. It will take about 1 hour. We will start our trek from Kande and will walk through green hills, rhododrendon forest. We will cross two villages enroute, Australian Camp (2060m) and Pothana (1950m). Pothana has ACAP / TIM’s checkpoint. Deurali is at a 4-5 hours walking distance from Kande. Overnight stay in Deurali.
Deurali (2125m) to Low Camp (3150m) 7hrs, 13km
From Deurali we will leave main Annapurna Sanctuary trail and take an off the beaten trail to Mardi Himal Base camp to the right side. We will continue along a quiet trail through a dense forest of oak, maple, hemlock and rhododendron. Some 4 hours of jungle walk will bring us to a clearing of the forest, called Forest Camp or also known by the locals as Kokar. Here we will have a lunch break, then we still continue to up to Low Camp through the forest. As we ascend, the vegetation starts to change with more rhododendron and the trees are covered with moss, lichen and tree ferns. At Low Camp there are now four lodges. You may find it long and tough day though It is fine for regular fit trekkers. Overnight stay in Low Camp, accomodation in tea house.
Low Camp (3150m) to High Camp (3700m) 5hrs 6km
A few hours of climb through the rhododendron forest will takes us to Middle camp followed by Badal Danda. Badal Danda offers a stunning view of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal itself. From here the trail breaks out above tree line. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge, through scarce vegetation, mainly on grass with some isolated rhododendron bushes along the way. Look out for the colourful Danphe pheasant on this section of the trail. The lodge at High Camp is larger than lodges at Low Camp and Forest Camp. Overnight Stay in Tea House.
High Camp (3700m) to Mardi Himal Lower Base Camp (4250m) 7hours 6km, descent to Badal Danda (3400m)
The plan for today is to wake early for sunrise view of the mountains then after an early breakfast walk up the ridge towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. There is a well-established trail through the grass with a couple of steeper sections however overall, not too challenging. Look out for the dzokpo (yak/ cow crossbreds) grazing up here as well as Danphe pheasant. In the summer the sheep and goats from lower villages are brought up to graze in this area so you will pass a number of herder’s huts along the way. After three hours of walk, you should reach Lower Base Camp at the elevation of 4250m. This is where one can look into the Annapurna Sanctuary. The panorama view is spectacular, you will be presented with stunning view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). We come back to High camp for lunch, then we will descent to Badal Danda Camp. Overnight Stay at Badal Danda Camp.
Badal Danda (3400m) to Siding (1855m) 6hrs, 7km.
Trek from Badal Danda to Siding is a steep descent, it will take almost 6 hours to reach the traditional village of siding. Overnight Stay in Homestay. The certificate will be distributed.
Siding (1855m) to Lumre (1400m) 4hrs, 7km
Today we will have a 4hrs of Trek from Sidhing to Lumre. Our Car will be waiting for us at the roadhead of Lumre. We will drop you to pokhra. Your journey with Himalayan Passion ends here.
"What included"
Cost of transportation to and from.(Pokhra to Pokhra)
Cost of accommodation in Huts/Hotels/Homestays.
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided. Breakfast-Roti, Sabji/Maggi, etc., Lunch/Dinner-Rice/Roti, Sabji, Dal, Achar, etc.).(Day 1:- Lunch to Day 6:- Breakfast)
Cost of Permit fees.
Hot Water, ! lit per day
"What not included"
Accomodation in Pokhra
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter.
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided. Only Breakfast will be provided in Last day (Day 6)
Cost of personal porter to carry his/her backpack.
Extra Bottle of Hot Water
Photo Gallery
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid in cash when you reach the basecamp, to be collected by the team leader.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.
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One has option to adjust the paid amount on any other trek, if a person cannot join the trek he/she paid for.