The Mardi Himal Trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, just a short distance from Pokhara. This 7-day trek is known for its stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal. It takes you through dense forests to traditional villages, picturesque nature, and unique culture. Throughout this trek, one can also encounter friendly locals from the Gurung and Magar communities and get closer to their different traditional perspectives and lifestyles. Not as popular as the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, it offers a quieter and less crowded route in the Annapurna region.
It is suitable for beginners as the trails are not too steep, although some sections can be challenging. You will see beautiful panoramic mountain vistas and pass through some pretty small villages like Landruk, Sidhing, and Low Camp. The best time to trek is in spring or fall when weather conditions are clear and most favorable for sights.
If you want a memorable trekking experience, the Mardi Himal Trek is a great choice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trekker, this trek offers something special for everyone. You can venture on this adventure and book the 7-day Mardi Himal Trek with us. We look forward to providing you with an adventurous, organized, safe, and enjoyable trip as per your choice.
Today, we will start our 7 days adventure. We will begin our journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The 200 km drive will take about 7 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. We will pass vibrant towns like Naubise, Malekhu (famous for its fish), Mugling, and Dumre. The road winds through terraced farmlands, dense green hills, and along the Trishuli River.
We will stop for lunch at a highway restaurant, likely in Mugling or another convenient spot. The drive includes smooth stretches and bumpy patches, making it slightly tiring. As we approach Pokhara, the majestic peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre will start to appear. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening near Phewa Lake.
Drive Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
200 km (124.2 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
830 m (2,723 ft)
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals:
Not included
Place:
Pokhara
We understand that everyone enjoys Pokhara in their own way; some prefer lakeside luxury, while others love cozy boutique stays. That’s why accommodation in Pokhara is optional on our trek package, allowing you to choose the hotel that feels right for you. But, if you would prefer us to handle the arrangements, we are happy to assist and can include the stay as an add-on upon request. Simply let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) while booking the trip.
Optional 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Skip the long drive and enjoy a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. This optional add-on saves travel time and offers scenic aerial views of hills and valleys.
After a good breakfast, we start our day with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Sidhing (1,700 m). The journey takes around three hours and gives you a nice warm-up for the adventure ahead. Once we reach Sidhing, we enjoy lunch before beginning our trek toward Low Camp.
The hike to Low Camp (2,990 m) takes about 3 to 4 hours and passes through a beautiful, dense forest. As you walk deeper into the trees, you might spot playful monkeys or hear birds singing from the branches above. The trail feels peaceful, fresh, and full of nature. By evening, we reach our cozy lodge tucked inside the jungle, where we will relax and spend the night surrounded by quiet forest vibes.
Trek Time:
3–4 hrs/day
Drive Time:
3 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
35 km (21.7 miles)
Trek Distance:
7 km (4.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
2,990 m (9,810 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner (L.D)
Place:
Low Camp
Today we begin our journey toward High Camp, which sits at 3,600 m. The trek takes around 5 to 6 hours. The first half of the trail leads us through a peaceful forest filled with birdsong and fresh mountain air. Once we pass the mid-point, the landscape slowly changes and opens up into a more rugged, barren terrain with no trees. From here, we will enjoy wide, uninterrupted views of the mountains.
We’ll stop for lunch along the route before continuing our gradual climb toward High Camp. As we get closer, the scenery becomes even more dramatic, with panoramic views of the Himalayan range keeping us company. By evening, we settle into our lodge and enjoy the warmth of a campfire under a clear, star-studded sky.
Trek Time:
5–6 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
8.5 km (5.3 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
High Camp
As the sun comes up, we’ll enjoy a good breakfast and then start our hike to the viewpoint at 4,042 m. The walk will take about 4 to 5 hours for a round trip, and we’ll stop at a small tea shop on the way. When we reach the viewpoint, we’ll see an amazing view of the mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Annapurna III (7,855 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli( 6,441 m), and Machhapuchhare(6,993 m).
After spending some time there, we’ll walk back to the hotel for lunch. Then we’ll start our trek down to Badal Dada at 3,420 m The walk down takes about 2 hours and is peaceful and relaxing, with beautiful nature all around us. When we reach Badal Dada, we’ll be welcomed by a calm and quiet environment.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
13 km (8.1 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
3,420 m (11,220)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Badal Danda
After having a good breakfast, we will start our trek down to Landruk, which sits at 1,565 m. Our journey begins from the peaceful Badal Dada. On the way, we will walk through Middle Camp and Low Camp, following a beautiful forest trail. The path is filled with green trees, fresh air, and lovely mountain views that appear again and again as we walk.
The trek will take around 6 to 7 hours. During the walk, you can enjoy the quiet forest, listen to birds, and take in the amazing scenery around you. As we get closer to Landruk, the landscape becomes even more charming. By the time we reach this pretty village, you will feel refreshed and happy, surrounded by the simple beauty of nature.
Trek Time:
6–7 hrs/day
Trek Distance:
9.2 km (5.7 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,565 m (5,134 ft)
Accommodations:
Lodge-to-Lodge
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B.L.D)
Place:
Landruk
After enjoying a nice breakfast, we’ll pack our things and start our drive back to Pokhara. The ride will be peaceful and scenic, passing through small villages and beautiful landscapes. It will take about 3 to 4 hours to reach Pokhara. Once we arrive, you can relax, rest, and enjoy the comfort of the city after your trek.
Drive Time:
3–4 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
25 km (15.5 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
830 m (2,723 ft)
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals:
Breakfast
Place:
Pokhara
We understand that everyone enjoys Pokhara in their own way; some prefer lakeside luxury, while others love cozy boutique stays. That’s why accommodation in Pokhara is optional on our trek package, allowing you to choose the hotel that feels right for you. But, if you would prefer us to handle the arrangements, we are happy to assist and can include the stay as an add-on upon request. Simply let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) while booking the trip.
Today, we will start our scenic drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 7 to 8 hours, and along the way, we’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Madi River, Marshyangdi River, Trishuli River, and many lovely hills and villages.
In the evening, enjoy a warm farewell dinner with our office representatives and your guides at a traditional Nepali restaurant. During this special gathering, we celebrate your journey and give you a chance to share final moments with the team that supported you throughout the trip. The dinner also features cultural performances with dances and songs from various ethnic communities of Nepal. This means you get an authentic and memorable cultural experience before your departure.
Drive Time:
7–8 hrs/day
Drive Distance:
200 km (124 miles)
Sleep Elevation:
1,400 m (4,593 ft)
Accommodations:
Not included
Meals:
Farewell Dinner
Place:
Kathmandu
To respect the varied accommodation preferences of our guests, the Kathmandu stay has been kept optional, so you can freely choose a hotel that best suits your comfort and budget. However, if you would like us to arrange your accommodation, we would be more than happy to assist. Let us know your preference (3-star, 4-star, or 5-star) at the time of booking, and we will include it as an add-on without any hassle.
Optional 25-minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Skip the long drive and enjoy a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. This optional add-on saves travel time and offers scenic aerial views of hills and valleys.
We start our adventure to Mardi Himal from Kathmandu, from where we will drive to Pokhara. Then from Pokhara we will drive to Sidhing, which takes about three hours. From Sidhing, we begin our trek to Low Camp. The trail goes through a lush forest, where we might see birds and monkeys along the way.
The next day, we continue from Low Camp to High Camp. The first part of the trek takes us through a green forest, but as we go higher, the trees disappear and the landscape becomes more barren. We stop for lunch on the trail and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas.
On the following day, we wake up for a morning hike to a viewpoint at 4,042 m. The round-trip takes about 4–5 hours, with a stop at a small tea shop along the way. After soaking in the amazing mountain views, we return for lunch at our camp and then descend to Badal Dada. From there, we trek down through Middle and Low Camps and finally reach Landruk. The journey is full of beautiful forests and mountain scenery, and we finish with a drive back to Pokhara and Kathmandu. Our 7-day Mardi Himal Trek offers the best combination of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a manageable trekking route.
Yes, a beginner can do the Mardi Himal Trek. However, make sure you are physically fit to overcome some challenges you may encounter. This adventure is relatively short and can be completed within a week. Also, the route is well-marked and managed, offering you gradual ascents and moderate elevation gain. The highest point you will reach in this adventure is 4,042 m. This means you will have a lower risk of altitude sickness compared to other treks.
Offering you a straightforward and stress-free adventure, this trek will also offer some of the best and most comfortable teahouses with quite a few better facilities. Your journey will start from Pokhara. Throughout the trek, you will walk through stunning rhododendron forests, picturesque villages, and terraced fields. With plenty of tea houses offering food, shelter, and a welcoming atmosphere, you will have everything you need to rest and recharge after each day’s trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate or medium-grade adventure in the Annapurna region. It is short and suitable for anyone with reasonable health and fitness, including beginners. However, it is not a leisurely walk in the park. The trek is often described as “short but steep.” You will need to climb up and down while overcoming steep sections, battling high altitudes, and navigating challenging terrain.
Although Mardi Himal is a 7 Days trek, you will ascend to an altitude of 4,000 m above sea level. It is an easily accessible trek route from Pokhara. However, the average daily trekking time spans from 5 to 7 hours. It can be physically demanding to trek for long hours every day. Similarly, as you go higher, the air becomes thinner. It exposes trekkers to the risk of altitude sickness. The changing elevation also means you will face changing and unpredictable weather conditions. You will also come across diverse ecological zones. So, the temperature keeps changing, and you need to be prepared for it smartly.
The Mardi Himal Trekking trail is well-marked, but it is less developed than trails like Annapurna Base Camp. You will mostly trek on an off-the-beaten route that goes from dense rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and rocky, narrow ridges. Additionally, the steep trail and stone steps further require good physical fitness. The terrain is rough, rugged, and uneven. The remote location also means a lack of proper logistics. There is limited infrastructure, and the available facilities are mostly basic. So, while on trek, manage your expectations. You need to be ready for unforeseen challenges. The Mardi Himal trail not only tests your strength and stamina but also tests your mental endurance.
It is also important to understand the remoteness of the trek areas. Many trekkers fail to understand how physically and mentally tiring it can be when you are actually trekking. You need to be ready for the challenges and make preparations 2 to 3 months before the journey. Those who can tackle the Mardi Himal Trek difficulty will be rewarded with one of the most remarkable and unforgettable trek experiences.
You need two permits to complete the Mardi Himal Trek: An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Getting this permit is essential for you, as they are checked at many checkpoints. Make sure you carry them in your hand for ease. You can get these permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office or a trekking operator in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Permits are not received online.
As the trekking trail passes within the conservation area, getting this permit is essential to make your entry. It costs NPR 3,000 per person for foreigners and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals.
The best time for the Mardi Himal Short Trek is from March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn). These seasons offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and stable weather, making your trek more enjoyable and safe. In spring, you will also witness the beautiful blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to landscapes. Similarly, in autumn, you will get a chance to witness the two major festivals of Nepal, Dashain and Tihar, enhancing your overall cultural experience.
Besides these two seasons, we generally do not recommend trekking during summer and winter. Summer brings monsoons together, meaning you will encounter heavy rainfall, making the trail slippery. As for winter, you will face heavy snowfall, making the trails steep. Also, extremely low temperatures may not be favorable for every individual. However, you can also consider trekking during these seasons with proper preparations, as you will get lush greenery during summer and white snow-covered landscapes during winter.
Here is a table showing the best time for the Mardi Himal Trek, including daytime and nighttime temperatures for each season:
| Season | Daytime Temperature | Nighttime Temperature |
| Spring (March to May) | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) | -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) |
| Summer/Monsoon (June to August) | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) |
| Autumn (September to November) | 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) | -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) |
| Winter (December to February) | 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) | -10°C to -5°C (14°F to 23°F) |
Although the chance of getting altitude sickness is comparatively low compared to other popular treks in Nepal, such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, you might also be affected by it. Altitude sickness occurs due to high-altitude encounters, crossing over 3,000 m. You might feel short of breath during your trekking adventure. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness, and vomiting. This can sometimes be life-threatening if not treated in time. Make sure you are well aware of altitude sickness.
Here are some tips you can follow to protect yourself from altitude sickness:
During our 7 days of Mardi Himal Trek, we will be staying for 6 nights. In major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, we will be staying at hotels, while in higher trekking altitudes, we will be staying in teahouses. Teahouses are the local people’s family-run hotels. They offer you basic facilities and comfortable stays, with most tea houses offering simple rooms with shared bathrooms.
They will provide basic facilities such as a bed, blankets, and a pillow.
However, the major attraction of the trek is the communal dining space. They also offer you Wi-Fi services and hot water if you pay additional charges. As you ascend, the lodges may become more basic, but they will still provide a cozy place to rest after a day of trekking. If you book with us, we will look after all your accommodations, and you will be staying in the best teahouse in the area.
Teahouses or lodges offer food during the meals. Food along the trek is hearty and designed to fuel you for the day’s journey. Common dishes include dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), noodles, and soups. As you climb higher, the menu options may become more limited, but you will still have a variety of familiar foods. The tea houses at lower elevations may have a wider selection, but the higher you go, the focus will shift to simple, nutritious meals to energize you.
Breakfast
Porridge, Toast with jam or butter, Pancakes or chapati with honey, Eggs, Muesli with yogurt, Tibetan bread with butter and jam, Tea or coffee.
Lunch
Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), Vegetable curry with rice or bread, Noodles, Fried rice or momo (dumplings), Sandwiches, Soup, Tea or juice.
Dinner
Dal Bhat, Vegetable or chicken curry with rice, Momo, Pasta with tomato sauce or noodle stir fry, Pizza, Stews or soups, Tea or hot drinks.
If you are trekking to Mardi Himal, you should generally be prepared with good packing essentials. As you will be trekking with us, we recommend you not to carry more than 15 kg, i.e., 10 kg in a backpack and 5 kg in a day bag. Your bag will be carried in a duffle bag by a porter along with another fellow bag. So, we generally recommend that you do not carry more than 15 kg in total. If your bag exceeds, you are required to pay some extra cost from $10 per kg.
Tipping is a customary and appreciated gesture on the Mardi Himal Trek, as it acknowledges the hard work of your guides, porters, and other staff. While there are no strict rules, it is typical to tip your guide around $5 to $10 per day and your porter about $3 to $5 per day, depending on the length and difficulty of the trek. You can give tips to guide and porter individually or as a group, presenting them at the end of the trek in an envelope along with a thank-you note for their service.
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