Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is in the Kaski district in the Annapurna Region of Nepal, within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Like any other trek in the Annapurna Region, it starts from Pokhara. You must get to Pokhara first to reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is situated beneath the Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and on the south face of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). The trails leading to the Mardi Himal Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are connected. This means that it can even be accessed through ABC Trek.

Despite being close to the popular trekking trail like Annapurna Base Camp, it was closed for trekkers for many years until it was opened in 2012 A.D. by the Nepalese Government. Since its opening, it has garnered popularity as an alternative trek for those who didn’t want to take the crowded trail to ABC. However, the overall trekking was affected by COVID. But, it has been able to restore itself to full glory, and today people take this trail for solititude and a Himalayan trekking experience.

The Mardi Himal Trek starts from the Dhampus Phedi (1,130 m), for which you have to drive from Pokhara, and the highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). So, the overall elevation gain in this trek is 3,370 meters. The highest elevation gain happens on the first day of the trek, where you must reach Deutali (2,100 m) from Dhampus Phedi.

That said, the elevation gain is gradual, allowing you to acclimatize and get accustomed to the thinning oxygen level naturally. The highest elevation loss, however, is about 1,180 meters on the eighth day of the trek, where you have to reach Kokar Forest Camp from the High Camp.

The table below is the elevation profile for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek:

Compared to other trekking destinations, the facilities along the Mardi Himal Trek are limited. The tea houses might even be closed at the higher elevations. So, it becomes crucial to know about the weather and temperature to determine the best time as well as plan the trek. That said, spring and autumn are considered the best times for the Mardi Himal trek as these months offer the best trekking conditions. Here is the table showcasing the weather and temperature at different areas of the Mardi Himal Trail.

Note: The temperatures above are the approximate average range.

Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful short treks. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range and the forested trails. However, different levels of trekkers might perceive it differently. Beginners might even have a question about whether they can do it. So, this section provides you with what the Mardi Himal Trek might be like depending on your experience level as a trekker:

Mardi Himal Trek for Beginner Trekkers

Let’s get this straight. The Mardi Himal Trek is moderately difficult. This means there will be challenging sections and the risk of altitude sickness. Therefore, a beginner might find it more challenging to complete this trek. That doesn’t mean that it’s not doable by beginners. It is. However, they need good preparation.

You might find it challenging to climb on the first day, when you need to reach Deurali, as the elevation gain is approximately 980 meters. You might stop at places to catch your breath. However, the forested trails, surrounding mountains, and the thrill of trekking can subdue the pain. If you are well-prepared, the Mardi Himal Trek will offer the right amount of adventure to kick-start your Himalayan trekking journey.

Mardi Himal Trek for Intermediate Trekkers

Those with some trekking experience will find the Mardi Himal Trek both rewarding and challenging. However, what differentiates them from beginners is that they can handle these challenges better. For example, they will know the importance of the gradual ascent and plan their trek accordingly.

They will not come unprepared. They will be more confident in navigating the trail. Be it the elevation gain from Dhampus Phedi to Deurali or from High Camp to Base Camp, they can do it more efficiently. However, they shouldn’t be neglected in the preparation part.

Mardi Himal Trek for Experienced Trekkers

If you are an experienced trekker doing the Mardi Himal Trek, it might mean you are now seeking more solitude treks. If you have done many other high-altitude treks, then the Mardi Himal Trek is like a piece of cake for you. It might not be challenging, but it still holds value through off-the-beaten routes, solitude, and cultural richness.

You can even complete this trek in fewer days. For example, you can reach High Camp from the Kokar Forest Camp daily. If you are an experienced trekker, you might try to combine the Mardi Himal Trek with other side treks.

Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trek that offers a high-altitude trekking experience to trekkers. It is closer to the other popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek. You can even combine the Mardi Himal Trek with other treks to do them all at once. However, despite its proximity to the other popular treks, it remains underrated. What can be the reasons? Let’s find out.

New Trekking Trails

Other popular trekking trails near the Mardi Himal Trek were opened ages ago. As a result, they gained popularity over time. For example, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek was officially opened in 1986, allowing it to attract people from around the world. However, the Mardi Himal Trek is still relatively new, having been opened in 2012 A.D., so people are still unfamiliar with it, which is both a perk and a disadvantage.

It is a perk because, since many people are unaware of this trek, it remains relatively uncrowded and can offer an ultimate trekking experience. However, it is overshadowed by these popular treks and could benefit from more promotion.

Misunderstood as too Easy

Many trekkers either don’t consider Mardi Himal Trek as their destination or simply deem it too easy. They assume that it is too easy and short to be exciting. However, that is not the case. To give you the comparison, its highest elevation is 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Base Camp), which is more than that of ABC, which is 4,130 meters (Annapurna Base Camp). This should also give you an idea that it might be easier than another high-altitude trek, but by no means does it compromise the trekking experience.

Short Trek but Big Adventure

Trekkers often seek long trekking routes, thinking that short treks don’t offer much of a thrill and a scenic experience. Mardi Himal Trek defies such assumptions. Yes, shorter treks can be done in 6 to 11 days. Despite being a short trek, it offers the adventure and scenic experience trekkers seek.

It is less crowded, and the trails are off the beaten path. Throughout the trek, the mountain views don’t leave your eyesight. You can reach the Mardi Base Camp, whose elevation is higher than the highest point of many famous trekking destinations in Nepal. So, you can gain the adventure you seek while connecting with nature in the Mardi Himal Trek.

Since Mardi Himal Trek is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you must obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to trek legally. The other permit you will need is a TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System), which ensures your safety and allows the officials to track you in an emergency. The details of these two permits are as follows:

Note: Children under 10 don’t need to acquire ACAP, NPR 100 for Nepalese. Failing to provide the permits at checkpoints can have legal issues, so ensure you have them. To obtain them, you have to give a photocopy of your documents to Himalaya Guide Nepal, and we will get them on your behalf.

The Mardi Himal Trek package at the Himalaya Guide Nepal starts at USD 625 for a single person. This price covers the cost of permits, food, accommodation, guides, and transportation during the trek. (See below for detailed breakdown.) However, it is not a fixed price. If you are trekking in a group, you can get a group discount.

For example, if you are a group of seven people, the package for a single person will be USD 410, saving you USD 215. The more the group, the more budget-friendly the Mardi Himal Trek is.

To begin the Mardi Himal trek, you’ll first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then from Pokhara to the starting point, Pitam Deurali. Travelers have the option to choose from various modes of transportation to reach each destination. So, here are the common options for transportation for the Mardi Himal Trek:

Kathmandu to Pokhara

• Tourist Bus: It is comfortable and affordable, takes 6-8 hours, and is a popular choice for trekkers.
• Flight: It is the fastest option to get to Pokhara, taking only 25 minutes by plane, and is great for saving time.
• Private Car/JEEP: This is another flexible and comfortable option for small groups, taking approximately 6 hours.
• Local Bus: It is one of the most affordable transportation options, but it is less comfortable and often slower, and more crowded.

Pokhara to Kande (Trek starting point)

• Private Jeep/ Car: It is the most convenient and comfortable option and best suited for the bumpy trails of the mountain area.
• Shared Jeep/Local Bus: It is quite cheap, but less comfortable.

Our 11-day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary focuses on the gradual elevation gain to allow even beginner trekkers to complete the trek. It will enable you to acclimatise naturally without needing an extra day. So, the risk of altitude sickness is reduced. However, the Mardi Himal Trek can also be done in fewer days. For example, you can complete it in about 7 days if you are short on time. So, we also provide a shorter itinerary for the Mardi Himal Trek.

Yes! You can combine Mardi Himal Trek with both Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek. For example, upon arriving at the Kokar Forest Camp of Mardi Himal Trek trail, you can take a detour to reach Jhinu Danda or Ghandruk from where you can decide do either Ghandruk Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek or even both. This route allows you to experience both the quiet trails of Mardi and the crowded ones of ABC.

However, combining these treks will extend your trekking duration to around 15 to 17 days, depending on the itinerary you prepare. While you will experience diverse landscapes and multiple base camps in one go, it can also get tiresome and expensive. If you wish to combine these treks, we recommend consulting with us beforehand, as we can tailor a more suitable itinerary to suit your pace, fitness level, and expectations.

Since the Mardi Himal Trek trails welcomed trekkers, they have only gained popularity. It has become underrated for many, and popularity is expected to increase in the upcoming days. In such a case, 2025 is the perfect time to experience the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek as it still offers peaceful trails. It still stands out as the best option for those with limited time and budget. Unlike other treks, it doesn’t demand expensive trekking gear. This trek offers silence, adventure, and an unforgettable experience.

Back in 2024, more than 200,00 people visited the Annapurna Region. Out of them, many were trekkers. With passing time, these numbers will increase, and in a few years to come, the Mardi Himal Trek trails will also be crowded like any other popular trek in Nepal. So, 2025 might be your chance to walk this trail in near solitude. You can still enjoy the forested trails, the off-the-beaten-path, and the surrounding mountains.

Like the Mardi Himal Trek, multiple other treks are short, less crowded, and beginner-friendly. So, what is the exact difference between them? Take the Langtang Valley Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, both of which can be done in a shorter duration. So, why choose Mardi Trek over them? Here is the comparison between these three treks:

While these treks can be done in shorter days, the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively less crowded. If you seek solitude and adventure at once, you should opt for the Mardi Himal Trek. The 11-day itinerary of Mardi Himal is USD 625, which is relatively budget-friendly. If you are experienced and part of a group, you can complete this trek in a shorter time and at a lower cost.