• Duration

    12 Days
  • Accomodation

    Hotel and Local Teahouse Lodges
  • Starts from

    Kathmandu
  • Ends at

    Kathmandu
  • Max. Altitude

    4500m
  • Trip type

    Trekking in Nepal
moderate

Trip Grade

Moderate

The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is a hidden treasure of the Annapurna region, offering trekkers an unforgettable journey through some of Nepal’s most pristine and untouched landscapes. This Mardi Himal trekking route is less frequented than popular treks like Annapurna Base Camp or the Everest Circuit, making it perfect for adventurers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and authentic cultural encounters.

If you desire a more intimate trekking experience that showcases the raw beauty of the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice.

Mardi Himal Trek Route: A Scenic Adventure Beyond the Beaten Path

The Mardi Himal Trek starts in the vibrant city of Pokhara, a well-known starting point for treks in the Annapurna area. A short drive leads you to Kande, where the trek begins. Over several days, the trail takes you through dense rhododendron and oak forests, up rugged terrain, and to high-altitude camps that offer sweeping vistas of the Himalayas.

As you ascend, the scenery evolves from lush, verdant forests filled with wildlife to dramatic alpine landscapes. The lower sections of the trail feature enchanting forests, while the higher elevations open up to expansive ridges with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, including the stunning Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) and Annapurna South.

One of the trek’s highlights is reaching High Camp (3570 meters), a location that boasts uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountain range. From here, you’ll make your way to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters), where the sunrise over the Himalayas is nothing short of spectacular. The sense of awe and accomplishment you’ll feel at Base Camp, surrounded by towering peaks, is an experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Trip Highlights

  • Diverse Landscapes: The trek takes you through a range of environments, from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. Each day brings a new landscape, whether it’s the vibrant rhododendron forests of spring or the open ridges and rocky outcrops as you ascend.
  • Breathtaking Mountain Views: As you climb higher, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with the Annapurna range, Machapuchare, and Annapurna South providing a stunning backdrop. The view from Mardi Himal Base Camp is especially remarkable, offering a close-up perspective of these towering Himalayan peaks.
  • Cultural Immersion: Villages like Deurali and Siding offer an authentic glimpse into traditional Nepali life. Here, locals welcome trekkers into their homes and teahouses, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the culture and enjoy traditional Nepali hospitality. These interactions enrich the trekking experience by fostering a connection with the people who live in these remote regions.
  • Abundant Wildlife and Natural Beauty: The lower sections of the trek, especially around Forest Camp, are rich with wildlife and offer glimpses of birds such as the colorful Himalayan monal. In spring, the rhododendron forests are in full bloom, adding vibrant color to the lush, green surroundings.

Trip Detailed itinerary

  • Day

    01

    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Morning/Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal. After clearing immigration and customs, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to rest and recover from your journey.

    Evening: Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, Kathmandu’s bustling tourist hub, filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

    Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Day

    02

    Full-Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu

    Morning: After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing around Kathmandu. Visit some of the city’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Pashupatinath Temple.

    Midday: Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, sampling Nepali cuisine.

    Afternoon: Continue the tour with visits to Boudhanath Stupa and the Durbar Square, where you’ll immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley.

    Evening: Return to the hotel for relaxation or explore more of Kathmandu on your own.

    Overnight: Stay in Kathmandu.

  • Day

    03

    Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6-7 hours drive, 822m altitude)

    Morning: Depart from Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Pokhara. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of rivers, valleys, and small villages.

    Midday: Stop for lunch en route, perhaps at a riverside restaurant.

    Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city nestled at the foot of the Annapurna range.

    Evening: Stroll along the lakeside or take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, enjoying the view of the mountains reflected in the water.

    Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

  • Day

    04

    Pokhara – Kande Drive, Trek to Deurali (2100m altitude, 5 hours trek)

    Morning: Depart from Pokhara and drive to Kande. The journey offers scenic views of the lush countryside and the majestic Annapurna range.

    Afternoon: Begin the trek from Kande, ascending through forests of rhododendron and oak.

    Evening: Arrive at Deurali, a small village with cozy teahouses.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in Deurali.

  • Day

    05

    Deurali to Forest Camp (5 hours trek, 2520m altitude)

    Morning: After breakfast, trek through dense forests filled with the scent of pine and rhododendrons.

    Afternoon: Reach Forest Camp (Kokar), a peaceful and secluded spot.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in Forest Camp.

  • Day

    06

    Forest Camp to Badal Danda (5 hours trek, 2970m altitude)

    Morning: Ascend through the forest, emerging onto open ridges with panoramic mountain views.

    Afternoon: Arrive at Badal Danda, often shrouded in mist, with excellent views when the clouds part.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in Badal Danda.

  • Day

    07

    Badal Danda to High Camp (5 hours trek, 3570m altitude)

    Morning: Continue ascending through alpine terrain with sparse vegetation.

    Afternoon: Arrive at High Camp, with stunning views of the Annapurna range.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in High Camp.

  • Day

    08

    High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Back to High Camp (Max altitude: 4500m, 6/7 hours trek)

    Early Morning: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp for a spectacular sunrise.

    Afternoon: Return to High Camp for rest and relaxation after the exhilarating trek.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in High Camp.

  • Day

    09

    High Camp to Siding (5/6 hours trek, 1750m altitude)

    Morning: Descend through rhododendron and maple forests.

    Afternoon: Arrive at the traditional village of Siding.

    Overnight: Stay at a teahouse in Siding.

  • Day

    10

    Siding to Pokhara Jeep Drive (822m altitude, 2 hours’ drive)

    Morning: Enjoy breakfast in Siding, then take a jeep back to Pokhara.

    Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara, with time to relax or explore the lakeside.

    Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

  • Day

    11

    Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (6-7 hours drive)

    Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu, retracing your journey through the beautiful valleys and rivers.

    Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu, with the rest of the day free for exploring or shopping for souvenirs.

    Evening: Farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant.

    Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Day

    12

    Departure from Kathmandu

    Morning: Transfer to the airport for your international departure, carrying memories of your incredible journey through the Himalayas.

Trip Information

Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal?

The Mardi Himal Trek is known for its quiet trails and immersive natural beauty, offering trekkers a serene experience far from the busier routes. Even during peak trekking seasons, the Mardi Himal trail remains relatively uncrowded, allowing for an uninterrupted connection with nature.

The Role of Responsible Travel in the Mardi Himal Region

Trekking in the Mardi Himal region is not only an opportunity to explore the majestic Himalayas but also a chance to practice responsible and sustainable travel. As trekking tourism grows, it’s important to consider how our actions impact these delicate ecosystems and the communities that call this region home.

Choosing the Mardi Himal Trek as an alternative to more crowded routes helps reduce the pressure on overused trails like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. However, this also means adopting mindful travel practices to minimize environmental and social impacts.

Best Time to Trek Mardi Himal

The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are:

Spring (March–May)

  • Blooming rhododendron forests
  • Mild temperatures
  • Clear mountain views

Autumn (September–November)

  • Stable weather
  • Excellent visibility
  • Ideal trekking conditions

Winter (December–February)

  • Quiet trails and dramatic snowy landscapes
  • Cold temperatures, best for experienced trekkers

Monsoon (June–August)

  • Lush greenery and fewer trekkers
  • Slippery trails and leeches at lower elevations

Practicing Sustainable Trekking

To ensure that your Mardi Himal adventure aligns with sustainable travel principles, consider the following practices:

  • Leave No Trace: Always carry your waste with you and dispose of it properly in designated areas. Avoid littering, especially in remote areas, and strive to leave the environment as pristine as you found it. Using refillable water bottles and purification methods instead of single-use plastics is another key way to reduce waste.
  • Support Local Economies: One of the best ways to contribute positively to the region is by staying in locally owned teahouses and purchasing local products. This helps direct your spending toward the communities that rely on trekking tourism for their livelihoods, ensuring they benefit from sustainable tourism.
  • Minimize Resource Use: In many trekking areas, deforestation is a significant concern due to the use of firewood for cooking and heating. Opt to stay in lodges that use alternative energy sources, like solar power, to help reduce deforestation. Avoid requesting wood fires for heating rooms, especially in areas where firewood is scarce.
  • Respect Local Cultures: The Mardi Himal region is steeped in a mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Show respect for local customs by dressing modestly, seeking permission before taking photos, and following cultural practices. This respectful engagement with local communities enhances your experience and fosters a positive relationship between visitors and locals.

Eco-Friendly Tips for the Mardi Himal Trek

While trekking itself has a low carbon footprint, there are other steps you can take to minimize your environmental impact during the Mardi Himal Trek:

  • Offset Flights: Air travel is often the most significant contributor to a traveler’s carbon footprint. Consider offsetting your flight emissions by investing in carbon offset programs that fund renewable energy or reforestation projects.
  • Use Eco-Friendly Gear: Opt for sustainable trekking gear, such as reusable items like water bottles and eco-friendly clothing made from sustainable materials. This helps reduce waste during the trek and promotes a more environmentally conscious lifestyle.

Permits Required for Mardi Himal Trek

Trekkers need two permits to enter the region:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

These permits can be arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara through registered trekking agencies.

Is the Mardi Himal Trek Suitable for Beginners?

One of the great aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek is its accessibility. While it includes some steep ascents, particularly during the final push to Mardi Himal Base Camp, the trek is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. With relatively short daily trekking hours, there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, acclimatize to the altitude, and appreciate the cultural and natural beauty around you.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or new to high-altitude trekking, the Mardi Himal Trek provides an ideal balance between physical challenge and reward. Proper acclimatization and preparation ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, even for first-timers.

Why Mardi Himal Trekking Stands Out

The Mardi Himal Trek offers a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and quieter, more serene trails compared to the busier trekking routes in the Annapurna region. It’s perfect for trekkers who want to immerse themselves in nature without the crowds and explore Nepal’s rugged beauty more intimately and responsibly.

For those seeking adventure with a commitment to sustainability, the Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal choice. It allows you to witness some of the most stunning mountain views in Nepal while also contributing to the preservation of these incredible landscapes and supporting local communities in sustainable ways. Also it is special tour for Women as Euro Asia tours has special package for Women trek to Mardi himal Base Camp.

Thought

The Mardi Himal Trek is more than just a journey through the Himalayas; it’s a deep dive into nature’s splendor, an opportunity to engage with local cultures, and a chance to practice responsible tourism in a fragile ecosystem. From quiet villages to panoramic mountain views, this trek offers a unique combination of adventure, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel practices.

By choosing the Mardi Himal Trek, you’re not only embarking on an incredible adventure, but also ensuring that future generations of trekkers can enjoy the same pristine landscapes and vibrant cultures that make this region so special. Whether you’re drawn by the stunning views, the chance to experience traditional Nepali life, or the call of adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful regions, the Mardi Himal Trek promises to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.

Trip Reviews

EXCELLENT
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Based on 32 reviews
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Tal T profile picture
Tal T
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Customized Itinerary in Nepal They put together a splendid itinerary for us to see different parts of Nepal that was tailored to our wants and needs, and the team on the ground was very responsive to changes that were happening in real-time, such as the change of weather, and moving our flights around. Great experience
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Verena S profile picture
Verena S
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Wonderful trekking tour with Annapurna view We had a very successful trekking tour to Mardi Himal Basecamp. The view was great. Our guide Lak took wonderful care of us and organized everything perfectly.
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Dani67Selva
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Nepal not only tracking Cultural and historical visit to Nepal. Even without tracking, through the agency, we visited some great places. From Pokahara with its lake of great peace, underground caves and waterfall in the city center. Chitwan National Park, where we admired numerous rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, fallow deer, wild boars and numerous species of birds. Kathmandu, beyond the particular city center Themal with numerous shops at great prices we walked the streets of three old towns. One the old capital, the oldest town dates back to 3400 BC. The funeral center, an intimate experience, on the bank of the sacred river place the bodies on wooden pyres and after a short ritual cremate them then throwing the ashes into the river. Not least and touching is the visit to the Buddhist temple of Boudhanath, turn around and admire it leaves a great peace inside and reflects the smile of the Nepalese people.
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Lukasz profile picture
Lukasz
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Świetnie zorganizowany trekking w Nepalu, zwiedzanie Katmandu, wizyta w Parku Narodowym Chitwan Przeżyliśmy wspaniałą przygodę w Nepalu w czasie wędrówki - trekkingu na Poon Hill. Całość trekkingu zorganizowała Dla nas ta agencja. Prowadził nas doświadczony przewodnik pan Raj, towarzyszyło nam dwóch porterów, szerpów. Pan Raj doskonale się nami opiekował, świetnie znał trasę, bardzo dobrze orientował się w realiach panujących na trasie trekkingu. Dzięki jego pomocy, pomocy naszych porterów szczęśliwie doszliśmy na Poon Hill.Przy pięknej pogodzie podziwialiśmy Panoramę Himalajów o różnej porze dnia w różnym oświetleniu. Wyprawa była trochę męcząca ze względu na dużą liczbę schodów po drodze, ale tak dobrze zaplanowana, że nie stanowiło to dla nas problemu. Na pewno będziemy korzystać jeszcze z usług tej agencji w Nepalu. Dodatkowo agencja przygotowała dla nas zwiedzanie Katmandu, dawnych stolic w Dolinie Katmandu, wyprawę do PARKU NARODOWEGO CHITWAN. Jeśli będę jeszcze w Nepalu na pewno skorzystam z opieki i pomocy tej właśnie agencji Bardzo dziękuję właścicielowi agencji, a SZCZEGÓLNE podziękowania dla pana Raja i naszych porterów, dzięki którym przeżyliśmy tak wspaniałą przygodę w Himalajach.
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Climber25632517457
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Mardi Himal Treck We are very pleased with our guide Rai and our two Porter Rai and Asis. They accompanied us on the whole Mardi Himal trek and looked after us excellently and courteously.
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Prayas D
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Event organization They helped us to organize a welcome event for our college students. They paid attention to details and helped us with the event organization with perfection.
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Thomas H profile picture
Thomas H
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A very well organized holiday. The team from Euro-Asia was perfect. They organized a good hotel in Kathmandu and sightseeing tour through Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The main part of our holidays was a trekking trip to Langtang and Goisakunde. The team from Euro-Asia made this an unforgettable event. They organized good lodges, helped us in any situation, brought us on top of Tsergo Ri and over the Laurebina pass.We were a group of five friends. We found new friends in Nepal!I was for the third time in Nepal and will come back!
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Vanessa C profile picture
Vanessa C
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An unforgettable Holliday in Nepal Their service is very good, they are avaliable for answer any doubt before your trip. The guides are very professional and gave us a lot of useadvices. I couldn't imagine to have a better time in a Holliday in Nepal. Thanks for all.
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Hilli S profile picture
Hilli S
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Nepal Nepal ist ein faszinierendes Land mit Gegensätzen. Die Natur so schön, die Menschen sind freundlich und immer hilfsbereit. Die Straßen sind noch ausbaufähig. Ich war 15 Tage dort und habe auch Armut gesehen. Das regt zu Hause zum Nachdenken an.Ich werde eines Tages wieder kommen. Danke an alle, die meinen Urlaub zu einem nie vergessendem Erlebnis gemacht haben. Alle anderen: Fahrt dort hin und erlebt die Faszination. Ich liebe Nepal.
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Akshay C profile picture
Akshay C
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Service I loved the package Nepal is beautiful Especially pokhara and chitaan. Would love to visit again and again

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