Mardi Himal Trekking - 10 Days
Mardi Himal Trekking is a short teahouse trek in Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area, usually reached from Pokhara. The classic trail climbs from Kande through forest camps and ridge-top lodges to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m, with close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Country
Nepal
Duration
10 Days
Difficulty
Moderate ?
Activity
Trek
Max. altitude
4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Best season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Hotel & Tea House ?
Meals
Breakfast + Trek Meals ?
Start/End Point
Kathmandu / Pokhara
Signature Moments
Mardi Himal Trekking Highlights
- Follow one of the quieter Annapurna routes from Kande through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp.
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m for one of the closest trekking views of Machhapuchhre.
- Walk through rhododendron forest, cloud forest, alpine ridge, and open mountain viewpoints in a compact itinerary.
Trek Brief
Mardi Himal Trekking Overview
A short Annapurna ridge trek known for teahouse hiking, steady altitude gain, and dramatic close mountain views.
Mardi Himal Trekking is one of the shorter Himalayan treks in Nepal, but it still delivers a full mountain journey. The standard route begins near Kande, passes Deurali/Pothana, and then climbs through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp before the early-morning push to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The trek sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, west of Pokhara. Nepal Tourism Board lists the Annapurna region among Nepal's most popular trekking areas and recommends March to May and September to November for the clearest conditions and best trekking weather.
This route is generally rated moderate. It is not technical, but it does involve repeated uphill days, basic teahouse facilities, and a long summit morning above High Camp where the ridge is more exposed to wind and weather.
The highest point on the trek is usually taken as Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, while High Camp sits around 3,550 to 3,580 meters. The big appeal is how close the upper ridge feels to Machhapuchhre, with wide panoramas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and nearby ridge lines.
Current Nepal Tourism Board guidance says trekkers in this region should carry the required TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area permit, and foreign trekkers should check the latest rule and fee updates before departure because permit rules have been revised in recent years.
What Is Included
Arrival and City Support
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
- Hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
- Trip briefing, permit help, and transport coordination.
Trek Support
- Experienced local guide during the trek.
- Tea house accommodation on the trail.
- Meals during the trekking days as per the program.
Staff and Route Logistics
- Porter support for the main trekking section.
- Staff wages, meals, insurance, and transport expenses.
- Basic first-aid support and route management.
Permits and Administration
- Annapurna region trekking permits and entry fees.
- Required local paperwork for the route.
- Administrative costs related to the trip.
What Is Not Included
- International flights to and from Nepal.
- Nepal visa fees and personal travel expenses in Kathmandu.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless listed.
- Travel insurance with emergency rescue coverage.
- Personal drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, tips, and extra nights.
We meet you at the airport, transfer you to the hotel, and go over the trek plan.
We travel to Pokhara and rest before heading to the trail the next day.
The trek begins with a short drive and then a steady walk through village paths and forest trails.
We continue climbing through rhododendron forest until the tree line starts to open.
The ridge becomes wider and the views grow bigger as we move toward High Camp.
We start early for the best weather, reach the high viewpoint, and then descend to sleep lower.
The route drops through quiet hillside settlements before we drive back to Pokhara.
We travel back to Kathmandu and enjoy a more relaxed evening in the city.
This spare day is useful for weather delays, rest, or a little easy sightseeing.
We transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Before You Book
This trek suits travelers who want a shorter Annapurna teahouse route with real mountain scenery, but without committing to a longer circuit trek. It is especially popular with fit beginners and hikers who want strong views in less than a week on the trail.
Mardi Himal is usually described as a moderate trek. There is no technical climbing, but the route includes steady uphill walking, basic lodge conditions, and an early high-altitude ascent from High Camp toward Base Camp.
The highest commonly listed point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. High Camp, the usual last overnight stop, is lower at roughly 3,550 to 3,580 meters.
Nepal Tourism Board lists spring from March to May and autumn from September to November as the best trekking seasons in the Annapurna region. These months usually bring better visibility, more stable weather, and the clearest mountain views.
No. Most trekkers use a porter for the main bag and carry only a daypack with water, layers, and personal items.
On The Mountain
The lodges are simple but comfortable enough for trekking. Rooms are basic, meals are warm, and facilities become more limited higher up.
Yes, it can still happen, especially if you rush. A steady pace, enough water, and sleeping lower after the viewpoint help reduce the risk.
Yes. One reason people love this trek is how close Machhapuchhre feels once you reach the upper ridge.
Current Nepal Tourism Board guidance says trekkers should carry a TIMS card and the Annapurna Conservation Area permit for this route. Because rules and fees can change, it is best to confirm the latest requirements directly before travel.
You should have travel insurance that covers trekking in Nepal and emergency helicopter rescue if needed.
Yes, many first-time trekkers do Mardi Himal successfully, especially if they prepare with regular walking and take the trip at a steady pace.