Mardi Himal Trek

The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during the Autumn and Spring seasons, as the climate is favorable and the trekking route is rich in luscious greens. For a safe, memorable, and awesome experience, plan a trek between mid-September and November or March and June. However, the trek is possible all around the year. If you can avoid rainstorms and sustain extreme temperatures, you can ascend during colder months to avoid the crowd.

A standard Mardi Himal trek usually takes 11 days to complete. However, the trek duration might vary depending on your chosen route and the packages you booked. If you have time constraints, there is also an option for a shorter ABC trek completed in 7 days.

Though it might not be mandatory, booking your base camp trek in advance is better to ease the process, specifically if you plan for trekking seasons, as mentioned above. Booking in advance secures your spot and ensures you and your trekking company are well-prepared for the trek. However, getting the trekking permits, booking accommodation and transport, and getting your visas might take time.

To trek to the Mardi Himal, you will require a moderate fitness level since you will walk at least 6-7 hours daily. You will also need good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength to ascend quickly through rough terrain. If you aren’t somebody who doesn’t perform physical training regularly, it is better to start training at least ¾ months in advance. Ensure you include cardio, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your workout to prepare your body for the trek. However, for shorter treks such as Ghorepani Poon Hill, a basic fitness level is just fine.

To trek through the Mardi Himal, you will require two passes: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and the TIMS card. The Tourism Board of Nepal easily issues these passes.

A standard Mardi Himal trek package can cost $400 -$800 per person. However, the cost may vary depending on how you customize food and accommodation, the variation of the trekking package, and the routes that you choose. The trekking cost doesn’t include any personal expense or charge for the services made upon request. Please check the packages for the price and find the amenities/services offered.

It isn’t mandatory to take travel insurance for shorter treks to the Annapurna region or to the Mardi Himal. But it is advisable to take one to prepare in advance for possible catastrophic situations on the trek, as it covers any medical emergencies.

Yes, you can customize your itinerary according to your needs. We can add or minimize the acclimatization days, optimize the trekking route, and shorten or elongate the trek as you prefer. However, if you have booked for our regular trekking package that moves as a group, customizing the itinerary just for an individual isn’t possible.

Some of the best ways to train for the trek are through regular cardio, focusing on breathing exercises, strength training, lifting weights, hamstring sketching exercises, and so on. You can switch to climbing stairs instead of lifts, walking, or jogging instead of driving to smaller distances to prepare your body. Additionally, going on regular hikes or climbing up the hills can be the best way to train for the trek.

For the Mardi Himal Trek, you will need lightweight and warmer clothing, trekking poles, hiking boots, headlamps, sleeping bags, sunglasses, toiletries, and solar batteries.

Getting any vaccinations to trek to the Mardi Himal isn’t mandatory. However, you can check your country’s travel regulations and vaccinate yourself before visiting Nepal. Typically, routine vaccines are available, including those against Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Cholera

For any personal expenses other than those offered by the trekking company, you will need Nepalese rupees for your trek. However, it is better to have some USD or your home currency as a backup for emergencies or returns. Exchange your currencies for Nepali rupees in Kathmandu to find the best rates.

To travel to Nepal, you will need a “Tourist Visa.” This visa is available on arrival for most foreign visitors except those from African countries, Afghanistan, and refugees with travel documents. Check the official website of the Department of Immigration for information regarding On Arrival and other tourist visas in Nepal.

It is possible to trek solo to the Mardi Himal. However, you must be prepared to adapt to the exciting yet exhilarating trek. You will need that additional physical and mental strength to trek solo to Mardi Himal. A solo traveler must get the required documents to get the permit.

The trekking route to the Mardi Himal consists of steep hills, stairs, and narrow trails. Along your path, you will encounter stunning views of the Himalayan foothills, luscious green forests, rhododendrons, waterfalls and cascades, and locally inhabited villages.

While standard, three-star, and five-star accommodations are available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the options might be restricted on the trekking route. You will most likely find basic tea houses with clean rooms along the route. And yes, it is possible to get private rooms or rooms with attached bathrooms, but you will have to pay an extra charge.

You can reach Kande, the starting point of Mardi Himal Trek, by flight to Pokhara Airport or by scenic drive to the city.

Yes, electricity and Wi-Fi are available in most teahouses en route to the Mardi Himal trek. However, it might be costly to access internet services and charge your devices at these stops, and the reliability of the connection is questionable, too. You shall carry rechargeable solar batteries for electricity.

On the flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu, you can carry up to 20 kg (44) pounds, including your backpack or duffel bags. If your luggage exceeds this limit, you might be charged up to USD 3 per kg for the extra weight. Since you must trek a longer distance daily, we suggest you pack lighter.

The guesthouses and teahouses primarily serve Nepali, Tibetan, Thakali, and other ethnic cuisine, which primarily include Rice, Pulses, Bread, Noodles, Soup, Pasta, and Pastries. You will also have the option of drinks and continental cuisine.

Yes, showers are available on the Mardi Himal trek for an extra $2-$5 charge. Even the remote villages offer you a pail of hot water to shower for a few dollars, but it’s recommended that you avoid showering at higher elevations.

There are provisions for charging your electronics in rest houses, teahouses, or local stays. But remember to carry the required adapters (C type and D type) to fit your chargers.

The tea houses have clean but fundamental squat toilets en route to Mardi Himal. In emergencies, private areas along the trail can also be found to relieve the pressure.

Yes, doing laundry on the trek to Mardi Himal is possible. However, the water is cold, so we suggest you do not do it unless necessary. Packing enough clothes is better than looking for laundry in elevations with cold water.

You are less likely to find a store to buy snacks and drinks on the trek as it is a remote area inhabited by fewer people. However, the tea houses along the trail sell biscuits, candies, and other snacks. We advise you to carry protein bars, dried nuts, and fruits to snack when you want. You can bring a refillable bottle with a filter to drink water from sprouts or springs along the way.

ATMs are available only in Pokhara. There are no ATMs along the Mardi Himal trail.

If you get altitude sickness on your way to the Mardi Himal, let your trekking guide know about the situation. The guides are prepared with first aid required for such a situation. Rest at the same spot and take anti-sickness medications. After you feel a little better, descend to a lower altitude. If the situation worsens, ask the guide to contact the head office in Kathmandu for a helicopter rescue.

It would be best if you packed warmer clothes, trekking gear, all your necessary medications, and your travel documents for the trek. Additionally, you should pack protein bars, dry nuts, and fruits for snacking on the trek, along with a refillable water bottle. Even though the company will provide you with packaged water bottles along the journey, it is convenient to carry your own.

Medical facilities are very limited en route to the Mardi Himal. You can find limited medical services in major stops such as Pokhara. We suggest you carry all necessary medications in your backpack before you board the flight or drive to Pokhara.

Water from natural sources looks clean in the Mardi Himal, but drinking it might be unsafe. You can purify the water using bottle filters, chlorinate it, or boil it to make it potable.

In case of emergency, the first thing you can do is contact our trekking guide. Our trekking guides are equipped with oximeters and necessary first-aid kits and trained to handle any kind of emergency. Besides, the guides will have all the necessary contacts to contact emergency rescue services such as helicopter rescue, air ambulance, or land rescue

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to rest properly after your trek, acclimate to the altitude, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol while on the trek.

Stop immediately when you feel sick due to altitude and rest for a while. Hydrate yourself and take medications to ease the pain. You should never try to ascend or descend right away whenever you are experiencing altitude sickness. Let your trekking guide know about your situation and request an emergency rescue if the condition worsens.

Acetazolamide (usually sold under the name Diamox) can help you with altitude sickness. As it reduces the severity of any observed symptoms as well as helps you adjust to high altitude quicker, Diamox is often suggested to treat acute altitude sickness. Some other medications that can also help are Dexamethasone, Nifedipine, and Ibuprofen. It is safe to consult your physician and take the medications in advance to prevent allergies or any undesired reaction against the drugs.

You should be aware of any medical conditions that you might have before planning the trek. If you have pulmonary diseases, asthma, or any other breathing-related illness, it’s better to get it checked and prepared in advance with medication and stimulatory exercises. Additionally, you should be aware of any allergies you might have before your trek. To prevent illness on the route, avoiding food, drinks, or agents that can instigate a hypersensitive reaction in your body is always best.

It isn’t safe to trek alone in the wilderness. If you are planning to trek to high-altitude mountains like the Mardi Himal, which can often have unpredictable weather, are prone to natural calamities, and involve risky and rough terrain, it isn’t safe to travel solo. If you know the route very well and are mentally and physically prepared to trek alone, go for it. Otherwise, it is recommended to take along a travel guide who knows the route well to have a smooth trekking experience.

If you get injured during the trek, stop for a break and take the necessary first aid. If you have a serious injury that needs immediate attention, call for emergency rescue with the help of your trekking guide.

Since the trekking route takes you through dense forests, it is obvious to see animals on the route. Although it is less likely to find a dangerous animal on the trail, it isn’t impossible. Himalayan tahr, Langurs, Snow Leopard, musk deer, Danfe (Lophophorus), etc, can often inhabit mountainous regions. Traveling in groups in such forest areas is better than encountering one. But if you do, don’t just run or instigate the animal; let it pass before you move.

The weather can be quite unpredictable if you are trekking to the mountainous region above an elevation of 5000 meters, such as the Mardi Himal. Usually, the temperature is lower and can drop to freezing at night. Besides, the higher elevation areas often have snow storms, soft rains, and chilled breezes.

Yes, indeed! The trek to Mardi Himal takes you to an elevation above 3000 meters, where the temperature is low, oxygen is scarce, and the terrain is rough and risky. You must be physically fit and mentally composed to complete the trek successfully.

Mardi Himal Trek is a short moderate trek in the Annapurna region, starting near Pokhara. The trail passes through rhododendron and oak forests, traditional Gurung villages, and ridgelines, leading to High Camp (~3,550 m) and optionally on to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

It’s relatively new (opened in 2012) and offers stunning mountain views, fewer crowds, rich flora (especially rhododendrons in spring), and cultural immersion, yet it’s shorter and more affordable than classic treks like Annapurna Base Camp

Yes. Mardi Himal Trek is considered beginner-friendly, especially if you’re moderately fit. Accommodations are accessible up to high camps via teahouses; some guide services recommend it for first timers.

• Panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal itself
• Dense rhododendron and oak forests
• Peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trails with cultural stays in Gurung/Magar villages

Typically, it takes 5 days from Pokhara to Mardi Base Camp and back to Pokhara.

A common 5-day outline for Mardi Himal Trek:

• Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Deurali
• Deurali → Forest Camp → Low Camp
• Low Camp → High Camp
• High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → descent to Low Camp or Badal Danda
• Trek down to Siding → drive back to Pokhara

Yes. There are compressed versions of Mardi Himal Trek. A 4-day version usually starts from Pokhara, reaches High Camp or base camp, then descends and returns

If pressed for time but fit, the 4-day trek hits the scenic high point and gets you back quickly. The 5-day trek is ideal for comfort and acclimatization.

While not common, some operators may offer slower-paced 6–7 day itineraries that include village visits, rest days, or side excursions.

It’s considered moderate. Daily hikes range from 5–7 hours, with a significant altitude gain to ~4,500 m, proper hydration and pacing help.

Yes, with reasonable fitness. Almost all itineraries start low and build up slowly. A study confirmed it’s within reach for first timers who prepare properly.

You can reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m. High Camp is around 3,550–3,580 m.

Mardi Himal Trek starts near Pokhara, with a short drive to Kande (or Dhampus/Phedi). Ends with returning to Siding (or Lumre) and then back to Pokhara.

Though well-trodden, navigation can be tricky around High Camp without good signage. A map or guide is recommended, especially in remote stretches

Route to Mardi Himal Trek :

Pokhara → Kande (start)—trek through Australian Camp, Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → return via Siding/Lumre to Pokhara.

They’re in the same region but follow different trails. Mardi Himal is less crowded, shorter, and doesn’t overlap with the ABC route directly.

Best seasons for Mardi Himal Trek are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November), clear views, mild weather, rhododendron blooms in spring.

Winter brings cold temperatures, potential snow above 3,000 m, and limited tea-house services. Suitable only for prepared and experienced trekkers.

• November: Excellent choice for post-monsoon clarity and decent weather
• January: Possible but cold and potentially snowy at higher elevations, pack for winter conditions

The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek can vary but expect a standard trekking package to cost between USD 400 and USD 900 per person.

ACAP permits for SAARC nationals is NPR 1,000 and for others , its NPR 3000.

ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS card are required for Mardi Himal Trek.

Yes, several trekking agencies offer packages including transport, accommodations, meals, permits, guide, and porter services.

Technically possible but note that recent regulations require licensed guides for non-Nepali trekkers, although enforcement is inconsistent currently.

While many have trekked solo, hiring a guide is safer and advised. Group or guided treks reduce risks and help in navigation for female travelers.

Redditors describe it as “super easy” (3-night trekkers) and moderate, some advice group treks to avoid getting lost in less marked sections between camps. One trekker beautifully wrote it feels heavenly when reaching the top, with unforgettable sunrise views. Source: Reddit

While not covered in the sources, a Yoga Trek usually combines trekking with yoga/stretching/meditation sessions, check with trekking agencies for specific packages.