the short mardi himal trek for 3 to 5 daysthe short mardi himal trek for 3 to 5 days

Short Mardi Himal Trekking

  • Duration5 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max Altitude 4,500 M (14,764 Ft.)
  • Group Size Max 20
  • Starts Kathmandu - Pokhara
  • Ends Pokhara - Kathmandu

Few visitors to Nepal have even heard of the Mardi Himal Trek, let alone ventured onto its path. Let its reputation of hardly being known pull you closer and not push you away. It is the least visited trail in the Annapurna region. Because of this, you will get to more closely interact with the locals and have a more meaningful experience.

The short 5 days Mardi Himal Trek has it all: mountain views, charming local villages, and lush vegetation (including Nepal’s famous rhododendrons!). The short and sweet loop trail lies in the eastern part of the Annapurna region. At its highest point, 4500 meters (14,764 feet), there are spectacular views of Mardi Himal (5587 meters (18,330 feet) and a myriad of other peaks surrounding you. After a short drive from Pokhara, the journey begins. The fresh air as we pass through the dense forests gives us energy. It is a special kind of energy that we feel during the foothill excursion. During the springtime, the sheer brilliance of the rhododendron flowers (native to Nepal’s Himalayas) will put you in awe. Between 1,400 and 3,600 meters, you can find entire forests of them!

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

  • Incredibly beautiful walk through serene landscapes
  • Breathtaking Himalayan Views
  • Amazing Landscapes, Colorful Mountain villages
  • Unbelievable elevation gain in a short time
  • Everlasting memories of a walk, nature, and Himalayan views to cherish

As we make our getaway further up, the landscape changes dramatically. From the dense sub-tropical jungles, we break out onto a ridge above the rolling plains. Now, it is just open air between us and the mountains. At Upper Viewpoint, we are overcome with a feeling of amazement. We can see Mardi Himal, Macchapucchre (6993 meters), Hiunchuli (6441 meters), Baraha Shikhar (7647 meters), Singu Chuli (6501 meters), Annapurna I (8090 meters), and Annapurna South (7219 meters).

Climb even higher through the alpine meadows to Mardi Himal Base Camp for even more astonishing views. An entire panorama of the Annapurna range fills our view. Soak in the views and shoot some photos before we begin the descent. On the way down, we take a new route, so the scene is always fresh. Upon arrival in Lumre, we drive back to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu.

Short Mardi Himal Trek Hiking Routes

Pokhara, where we start, and the trek ends. Dhampus village, Pothana village, Forest Camp, Rest Camp, Low Camp, Badal Danda, High Camp, Mardi Viewpoint, Mardi Himal Base Camp, and Siding village.

Best Viewpoints For Sunrise/Sunset—Mountains (Photography) Mardi Himal Trek

  • Pothana Village
  • Rest Camp Badal Danda—Also called Middle Camp.
  • Mardi High Camp
  • Mardi Himal Viewpoint

best viewpoints for photography in mardi himal trek

Best Time (Season) Mardi Himal Trek

Trekking is possible throughout the year, but spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the spring, there is a bit more color and the rhododendrons are blooming, and in the autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. During the monsoon season, though, there are fewer tourists. Each season has its perks. 

How Hard is the 5 Days Short Mardi Himal Trek?

The journey has been evaluated as being of moderate difficulty by our beginner hikers. Well, for most trekkers, it is a simple journey when compared to a number of other treks, such as Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Trek.  Since the Mardi Himal Trip is a teahouse trek, there are many opportunities for rest stops along the way. All people may participate in the 5-day Mardi journey because there are no vertical climbs. The route is rather simple and doesn't need any challenging climbing. The best views are only accessible by climbing higher, which requires some effort.

Travel insurance for Mardi Himal Trek

It is strongly urged that you purchase travel insurance for your safety. Your insurance should pay for your medical expenses, trip cancellations owing to anything, and emergency helicopter rescue services. Some trekkers hiked without travel insurance since they thought it was a chicken Trek. 

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Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()
Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()
Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()
Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()See all Photos
Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()Short To Days Mardi Himal Trek From Pokhara Nepal ()
Short Mardi Himal Trek Video

Itinerary

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Get ready to start the first day of the trek to Mardi Himal after breakfast. The day starts with a short 30 min drive to Phedi to embark on a trekking journey. Our destination walk for the day is to Pothana, a beautiful overnight place with a spectacular Himalayan view from the viewpoint just above the camp. The walk is short and peaceful today. Only after about four hours of walking, do you reach Pothana to stay overnight. We will be walking via Dhampus village, which is at 1,650m (5,414 ft). You will enjoy the walk through a lush forest, local village, and peaceful surroundings.

  • Max. Altitude: (1,950 m) 6,398 ft
  • You will visit: Pothana
  • Walking Hour: 4-5

Many people skip Pothana because they are not aware of the viewpoint of Pothana. Our day starts quite early because of the sunrise and panoramic mountains view from the Pothana viewpoint. A short 15-20 min walk to see the sunrise. After breakfast at Pothana, we will start our next destination Forest Camp passing through the beautiful green forest. From the Feb and end of March rhododendrons, and flowers will come along the way. If there will be room at the Rest Camp then our guide will take you there which is 30 min walk. From the rest camp, we can see fishtails and the sunrise in the morning.

  • Max. Altitude: (2,600 m) 8,531 ft
  • You will visit: Rest Camp
  • Walking Hour: 5

Our day will start around 7;30 to 8 in the morning after breakfast. If we stay at a Forest camp you will not see mountains but can see the sunrise (depends on the season) so peaceful morning where you can meditate yourself. The trail up to Low Camp is walking into the green lush forest. From Low Camp, we can see Fishtail Mountain and we will have a short break here. A gentle walk up to Badal Danda (could hill) after the break and this is the place where we going to stop for lunch. On a clear day, we can see the beautiful mountain view including Annapurna South, Heuchuli, and Fishtail. From Badal Danda to High Camp is about 1 and a half hours maximum but the landscapes are just amazing and you will be surprised by the Mardi Himal trek trail. From High camp also we can see the mountain view. Next morning needs to wake up early so better to go to bed early after dinner.

  • Max. Altitude: (3,580 m) 11,746 ft
  • You will visit: High Camp
  • Walking Hour: 5-6

Our plan is to walk early morning to the Mardi Himal viewpoint (4,200 m) at 13,780 ft to see sunrise and Mountains. The guide will tell you the time before going to bed. Bring the headlight with you because need it this morning. The trail to Mardi viewpoint and base camp is well established but also in the dark need to be careful and follow the guide's instructions. Enjoy the morning view at the Upper viewpoint and then hike back to High Camp. You can buy Tea and Coffee at the Viewpoint in the morning but we will have breakfast at the High Camp. After breakfast, we will trek back to Badal Danda where we had lunch a day before. Badal Danda is another best viewpoint on this trail so enjoy the evening watching Yaks, and sheep gazing around. The sunset view is beautiful from here.

  • Max. Altitude: (3250 M) 10663 ft
  • You will visit: Middle Camp (Badal Danda)
  • Walking Hour: 6

If you want to see the last sunrise in the Himalayas then wake up early and climb 10 minutes from the lodge where you can see the beautiful morning view. After breakfast, a 4 hours walk down to the siding village via Low Camp. Normal trek itinerary put low camp but we don't suggest people because of the view from Badal Danda. Descending all the way down to the Siding, after lunch at the siding we will drive back to Pokhara. Roads are not paved so it's bumpy! Enjoy your evening at Pokhara with the lakes and have a nice meal in meals in the restaurant.

  • Max. Altitude: (827 M) 2,713 ft
  • You will visit: Pokhara
  • Walking Hour: 4

Route Map

Short Mardi Himal Trekking map
Cost Details
Includes
  • Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) in Trekking
  • Accommodation during the trek (local lodge).
  • The government registered local expert guide,
  • Porter to carry trekking bags and duffle bags.
  • Annapurna Conservation Park and trek permit.
  • All government taxes.
  • Equipment and clothing for porters and staff.
  • Insurance for all staff and porters.
  • Transportation as per itinerary
  • First Aid Kit for Mardi Himal Trek
  • Updated Mardi Himal Trekking Map
  • Salary, allowances, expenses and insurance for all staff, including porters
Excludes
  • Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
  • Dinner during a hotel stay in Pokhara
  • Hotel accommodation in Pokhara
  • Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Table drinks, snacks, personal travel insurance, in case of an emergency.
  • Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc…

Dates & Prices

2025 Fixed Departure Dates for Short Mardi Himal Trekking

**The cost of the 5-day Short Mardi Himal Trek is per person and does not include single accommodations during the trip. The group departure dates are listed below. Please note that these are just a few examples and that there may be other departure dates available. The easiest way to learn about specific departure dates is to contact us. If you are in a group, simply write to us, and we will arrange the trip on your requested dates, which means you do not need to follow the departure dates.

**The Short Mardi Himal Trek departs from Pokhara, but if you want to join from Kathmandu, you will need to take an early flight to Pokhara. If you want us to arrange your flight tickets to Pokhara, please let us know. The flight to Pokhara takes just 25 minutes from Kathmandu. For those who will be staying in Pokhara, our guide and Pokhara representative will meet you the day before the trek or early in the morning on the same day, depending on your schedule.**

MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, cash is highly recommended for small bills during the trek.

Good to know

Festivals and Events in Nepal

We are suggesting some of the biggest and most interesting festivals of Nepal, which are celebrated in the capital city of Kathmandu and in various parts of Nepal. You can plan a Nepal vacation or the 5 Day Mardi Himal Trek accordingly so you can experience more Nepalese cultures and participate in the festive events.

Dashain Festival "Inside Nepal"

The longest and most significant celebration in Nepal is Dashain. The ten-day event honors the triumph of good over evil. Equal numbers of Hindus and Buddhists participate in the holiday. Dashain is a time for gathering with family and friends to rejoice. It's a joyful, peaceful, and joyful time. Dashain Festival Date and Tour Package

Indra Jatra Festival Kathmandu

Indra and his mother, Dagini, are honored during the eight-day joyful festival of the Newari community in the Kathmandu Valley in order to obtain their blessing for the upcoming harvest. The chariots of the living goddess Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav will be the main attractions of the festival, as will the Lakhey and many cultural mask dances around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Lord Indra is a particularly revered deity in Hindu societies where a good harvest is crucial since he has an avatar as the god of rain.

Holi Festival in Nepal

Holi is a festival celebrated for the final victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring after the festivals of Dashain and Tihar. Foreign and domestic visitors will throw colored water and dry powder at one another during this vibrant celebration to convey their heartfelt greetings and best wishes. 

Nepal Trekking season during the Festival

Food during the Short Mardi Himal Trek.

You can simply choose food from the menu. Most teahouses prepare local meals as well as Western meals like pizza, pasta, and spaghetti. If you are vegetarian or vegan, our guide will suggest food options that are available. You will get fresh vegetables and, of course, the traditional Nepali dish, dal bhat. For meat lovers, meat is available, but after a certain point, we suggest not eating it. The meat will not be fresh because it is carried from the city. However, your guide will be able to tell you if it is safe to eat.

Mardi Himal Trekking lodge or teahouse in Nepal 

Local families are in charge of running lodges or teahouses. Most lodges have either private rooms with 2 beds or dormitory-style rooms with 4-5 beds. Some teahouses have attached bathrooms, but don't expect them everywhere. Nowadays, lodges in popular trekking destinations like Mardi Himal, Annapurna Base Camp, Poonhill, Everest, and others have been upgraded with new amenities. During the peak season, it can be difficult to get private rooms, but we will do our best to accommodate you. As for toilets, some places have flush toilets, and some places have squat toilets.

How about the 4-Day Mardi Himal Trek Plan?

Here is the 4-day trek itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek

  • Day 1: Pokhara Drive to Kalimati and Trek to Forest Camp.
  • Day 2: Forest Camp Trek to High Camp.
  • Day 3: High Camp, Mardi Viewpoint, and Base Camp; trek back to Badal Danda.
  • Day 4: Badal Danda Trek to Siding and drive back to Pokhara.

You can pick 5 days, 4 days, or the shorter 3 days, and the price will be different. Write to us for more details.

Trekking Equipment List For Short Mardi Himal Trek

This is not a complete gear list, but since the Mardi Himal Trek is a short and easy trekking route in the Annapurna Region, we are suggesting some of the essential trekking gear and things to pack. The trek gear needed will depend on the time of year, especially during the winter when you need to pack warmer clothing, trekking boots, and crampons. Here is a list of trekking gear for the 5-day Mardi Himal trek:

Clothing:

  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Trekking pants
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Rain jacket
  • Down jacket or fleece sweater
  • Hat
  • Gloves

Equipment:

  • Backpack (40–50 liters)
  • Trekking poles
  • Headlamp
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit: The guide will also carry one, but bring your own.

Who will be my trek guide?

You will be walking with a local English-speaking Sherpa guide. If you want a guide in another language for the Mardi Himal Trek, such as German, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, or Korean, please let us know, but there will be an additional cost.

Tipping for Guide and Porters

There is no fixed tipping rate for guided tours or treks in Nepal. However, tipping is expected if the service merits it, and it is a nice way to show your appreciation. For guides, USD 15 per day, and per porter, USD 10.

Short Mardi Himal Trekking FAQs

  • We advise avoiding tours with large groups. It can be frustrating to encounter groups of 20-30 people on the trail. There will be people in these groups with a range of skill levels, and the pace can sometimes be demoralizing, as you may have to wait for someone else to finish up, use the restroom, or take a break. If you have prior experience, go with a guide or porter even if you are trekking solo. There will be a maximum of 15 people on this set departure date! When you pay your guide and porter's daily expenses, you are also helping their families and children live better and receive a better education.

     

  • Drinking water directly from the tap is not recommended for trekkers. Normally you can buy filtered water, mineral water, and boiled water on the trail. We request our trekkers to carry water purification tablets (if you are used to the tablets). There is a big problem of plastic bottles around the trail so it's our request that trekkers use other options. Our Guide will get fresh water from the tap if you use a purification tablet. In some places, both are not worth using in that case buying water bottles is safe.

  • The Mardi Himal Trek is absolutely appropriate for beginners, especially the 5-day trek; however, the 3-day trek is not recommended because of its difficulty. You don't need any prior trekking expertise, however, building up your leg muscles before the walk would be beneficial.

  • The hike to Mardi Himal doesn't require any special equipment, to start. As this is a short hike, choose the appropriate equipment from the list of hiking essentials on our website (scroll above). Get a good camera and lens if you like shooting images.

  • Frequently asked questions about hiking in Nepal. The danger of altitude sickness increases beyond 3500 meters since we will be climbing the 5 Mardi Himal at a maximum altitude of 4300 to 4500 meters. Altitude sickness has rarely been a problem for hikers on this trail, but headaches and daylong breathing difficulties are prevalent. The best strategies to combat this problem are to drink lots of water and give your body time to adjust. Remember that we are not on a marathon, so take it easy and have a water bottle with you at all times. You should also drink four litters of water every day.

  • The climate and temperature of the area where you are walking significantly influence how challenging the Mardi Himal trip will be. In Nepal, it is said that the best seasons for trekking are autumn and spring. 
    However, there are certain less favored seasons to hike the Mardi Himal. The monsoon and winter are two less popular times to go trekking. Trekking is normally best avoided throughout the months of June, July, and August (Monsoon), as well as December, January, and February (winter). In the winter, Mardi Himal's typical daily temperature ranges from 9 to 12 degrees. Whenever you climb 1000 meters, the temperature drops by 5 degrees. 

    The temperature drops to -5 degrees Celsius during the evenings. The majority of the Mardi Himal routes may be covered with snow during the winter months. While trekking is painful. The greatest time to hike to Mardi Himal during the snowy season is from January to March if you enjoy playing in the snow.

  • Due to the lack of a designated path and the absence of many solo trekkers, it was a dangerous hiking route until 2019. Every path is dangerous for hikers who want to explore new areas and don't want to stick to the established trails. Regarding today, this trek is entirely secure. We only need to stay on the right path and adhere to the instructions given by the guide. It poses a concern due to its limited route, which poses a risk in the winter. Beyond High Camp, it is quite dangerous if the route is covered in snow. People enjoy taking shortcuts, which is risky, but our guides are knowledgeable and familiar with every inch of the Mardi Himal trek.

  • From Kande, the hiking route leads to Australian Camp, (or from Dhampus village) Pothana, Deurali, Forest Camp, Middle Camp (Badal Danda), High Camp, Mardi Himal higher Viewpoint, and finally Mardi Himal Base Camp. After then, it turns around and goes from Low Camp to Siding Village. The 5-day Mardi Himal trek covers a total distance of 57 kilometers.

  • We strive to offer connected rooms up till Pitam Deurali (on the first day of the journey), but after that, all the restrooms are shared. There are modern restrooms around, but they are all shared. Bring your own hand sanitizer and toilet paper to be prepared for everything. There are tea shops along the route, so we'll stop for a tea and bathroom break so you don't have to hide in the bushes.

  • Yes, you can take a shower anywhere. Most of them have gas geezers, and shower prices range from 2 to 5 dollars depending on the place. The higher we go price goes higher because of the human transportation cost. Everything will be carried by Humans, Donkeys, or by Helicopters

  • Since this walk doesn't require as much gear as other long hikes, regular gear will work just fine. The most essential items are a good set of hiking boots, down jackets, and warm clothing depending on the season. You should buy from home if you have the time and the ability to do so. You may get this in Pokhara or Kathmandu if you decide to travel lightly and commence the journey unprepared. Both Pokhara and Kathmandu's Thamel are convenient places to purchase real or fake items.

  • It is preferable to first speak with your physician in your country of residence. To prevent altitude sickness, we advise individuals to utilize. You might not require diamox for the Mardi Trek, but if you do, we advise taking a half before your trek. Just take half of it each day, and don't always follow your doctor's advice to take the entire tablet. After taking a full dose of Diamox, we observed patients become lightheaded and throw up.

  • We take precautions to ensure the safety of all of our trekkers, men, and women alike. We have strong relationships with the lodges we visit and have faith in their dependability and security. The whereabouts of all the visitors are also constantly known to our guides while they are hiking. Along the route, we will be traveling alongside many other trekkers. We only want to assure you that you are in good hands. You may get a lot of feedback from female solo travelers who visited Nepal with us if you check reviews on TripAdvisor or Google.

  • The pricing of the 5-day Mardi Himal trip starts at 400 USD, however, we have set a fixed price of 520 USD per person in order to ensure the quality of our services and your investment. Get a great group offer for 2023 if there are more than 2 of you because the pricing starts at $300 USD per person. Although the Mardi Himal Trip cannot now be categorized as a luxury trek, we nonetheless give you our best.

  • Just click the "Book Now" button, fill out the form, and give us copies of your passport so we can issue the trek permits. You can send us an email with copies of your passports, arrival information, and hotel information for Pokhara, and we will inform you of the next steps. Before the hike, 20 percent of the total is due; the remaining money may be paid in Nepal using cash, a credit card, or a bank transfer.

  • The Trek lenght depends on the season as well as your physical fitness when the days are longer and the person is fit to walk about 7-8 hrs then the we have succefully completed the Mardi Himal Trek in 2 Days. But minimum 3 days requries for Mardi Himal Viewpoint Trek and we will be skipping Deurali - Pothana section.

  • The Mardi Himal Trek's Low Camp and High Camp are located on some of the most beautiful hilltops. The climb ascends even higher than Poon Hill. As a result, this area's mountain and hill scenery is a little more extensive and lovely than that in the Poon Hill part. If you have more than a week to spare, we can combine both treks into one trip starting in Pokhara or Kathmandu and lasting seven days.

4-5 Days Trek
Price Per PersonUS$599US$650(All-inclusive price)
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Private and Small groups
  • Risk-Free Booking
  • Satisfaction Guarantee
  • Last-minute booking (accepted)
  • Larger groups are on request.
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