Off the Beaten
Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

Trekking in quieter part of Annapurna Region

  • Group Size:Min 1 - Max 15
  • Duration:12 Days
  • Max Altitude:4,500m/14,760ft
  • Accommodation:Teahouse/Lodge
  • Activity:Trekking in Nepal
  • Trip Grade:Moderate
Package difficulty Moderate  

Trip Overview

Highlights

  • A hidden gem situated just east of Annapurna Base Camp
  • Off the beaten trail in Annapurna Region
  • Spectacular close up view of Fishtail and other mountain ranges
  • Recently opened trekking trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp

Mardi Himal Trek Overview

Exploring the southern skirts of the Annapurna Himalayas, the Mardi Himal Trek makes way through the isolated trails to the foothills of Mardi Himal (5553m). Offering views of the Annapurna ranges such as Annapurna South (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), and Lamjung Himal (6983m), the trek takes place in trails without traces of human settlements. This makes it best-suited for individuals who wish to explore in solitude. Mardi Himal Trek gracefully navigates through the revered Annapurna Conservation Area to offer graceful trekking experiences.

Your journey to Mardi Himal Trek formally commences as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. A drive to Pokhara takes you closer to the trails. The drive is filled with bountiful sceneries of hillsides and gorgeous landscapes. After a short drive to Kande, the trek takes off and heads to Deurali. Immediately into the company of lush forests, the trek follows the Modi River and heads to Rest Camp. As the trails are away from the human settlements, you will be completely enveloped by the magnificence of the Annapurna Conservation Area. A trek through waterfalls, streams, and enchanting woodlands follows a brief rest at Rest Camp. With the Himalayas peeking above the emerald hills, the journey takes you to the High Camp. The views of Annapurna south (7219m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), and Hiunchuli (6441m) cordially welcome you to the resting point. A trek to the Upper View Point is on the schedule as an ascent along the scenic trail pave the way towards the glorious vantage point. The panorama of Himalayas from Mardi Himal (5553m) to Machhapuchhre (6997m), and Annapurna I (8091m) allows you to relish the Himalayan majesty. Later, you retrace your steps back to the High Camp and settle for the day. A draining descent awaits as you take on a different route and head to Siding Village. Rejoicing the Gurung culture, you descend to Lumre and drive to Pokhara.

Highland Expeditions is the leading face of the tourism industry in Nepal with its array of trips and services to travelers. We ensure that our clients have access to safety, security, and comfort on the journey in Nepal. With experienced guides and professional experts at the helm of the company, we assure you of a memorable journey.

Is this trek for you?

  Grade   Moderate
  Physical Rating   3-4
  Total Duration   11N/12 Days
  Trekking Duration   06N/07 Days
  Maximum Elevation   4,500m/14,760ft at Base Camp

Duration for treks of this grade stretches up to two (2) weeks. Trails generally go above 4000 meters and on a daily basis, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. Perfect setting of introduction to moderate & challenging trekking in Nepal. Activity level/physical rating is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down.

Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Trip Itinerary

  • Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1350m/4430ft]

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

    • Meal: (D)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 02 - Fly to Pokhara and explore...[827m/2,714ft]

    After breakfast, we hop on a twenty-minute flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu airport. During the flight, the views from your window seat give you mesmerizing views of glorious Manaslu and the snow-capped Annapurna mountain range. Upon arriving Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check in, have lunch and rest of the evening is free to explore.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: -532m/1,716ft

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 03 - Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali [2,100m/6,888ft]

    Initially, we drive on the Pokhara-Baglung Highway and reach the starting point of the trek, Kande. The trail goes on top of a ridge and, after a while, we arrive at Australian Base Camp. It is basically a lodge in the middle of the forest. The route later arrives at Deurali, which is a mountain pass that overlooks the Modi Khola valley and Mardi Himal. Overnight stay at Deurali.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night:[1,273m/4,175ft]

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 3-4 hrs
  • Day 04 - Trek to Forest Camp [2,550m/8,364ft]

    From Deurali, we will walk on the trail to the Forest Camp. The journey lasts for approximately 4 hours and we shall leave the main Annapurna sanctuary trail. Traversing through forests, we arrive at Forest Camp or Kokar. After having lunch, we head to Forest Camp, which comprises of small teahouses and lodges. Overnight stay at Forest Camp.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: [450m/1,480ft]

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
  • Day 05 - Trek to Low Camp [3,050m/10,005ft]

    Today the trail sees an increase in the rhododendron forests and, later, transcends into the sparse landscape. The low camp is a clearing in the forest and contains some teahouses.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: [500m/1,640ft]

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
  • Day 06 - Trek to High Camp [3,600m/11,810ft]

    From Low Camp our trek continues to high camp today. The High Camp is pasture land and boasts of gorgeous sceneries all around. The high camp provides amazing views of Annapurna (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Machhapuchhre (6997m). Overnight stay at High camp.

    Overall elevation gain tonight from previous night: [550m/1,810ft]

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 4-5 hrs
  • Day 07 - Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp/View Point [4,500m/14,760ft] and retrace to High Camp for overnight

    Today is the major highlight of the trek which involves going to the Viewpoint or often called as the Mardi Himal Base camp. The ascent takes about 3 hours and if involves walking on the steep trail which goes through pastures and narrow ridges. The Mardi Himal base camp provides a panoramic view of the colossal mountains like Mardi Himal (5587m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna south (7219m) and, Hiunchuli (6441m). After spending some time in the viewpoint, we shall retrace our steps back to the high camp. Overnight stay at High Camp.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7 hrs
  • Day 08 - Trek to Sidhing [1,850m/6,070ft]

    We have our breakfast in the High Camp and head towards the Rest Camp for today. The trail sees a decrease in altitude and the trail is mostly downhill. Traversing these lush forests, we make us a refreshing walk with numerous streams and abundant wildlife of the region. The Siding village is the last stop in the Mardi Himal Trek and is a fairly lively settlement. The residents here are mostly of Gurung community and practice Buddhism. Overnight stay at Siding.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
    • Trekking Hours: 6-7
  • Day 09 - Trek and Drive to Pokhara [827m/2,714ft]

    The initial leg of the trek involves walking for about 3 hours to reach Lumre. From here, we catch a bus and drive to Pokhara. The drive to Pokhara is short and upon arrival in Pokhara, you will have lunch. If you have time, then you can visit the Bat Cave and the Bindyabasini temple in Pokhara. Other major attractions in the city are Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, and the World Peace Pagoda. Overnight stay at Pokhara.

    • Meal: (B,L,D)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 10 - Fly back to Kathmandu

    We catch a plane from Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu. The flight lasts for 30 minutes and is filled with mesmerizing sights of the hilly and Himalayan landscapes. After arriving in Kathmandu, you can stroll around the local markets. You can also sightsee around some of the tourist attractions as well. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

    • Meal: (B,L)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 11 - Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

    Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Day 12 - International Departure

    Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

    • Meal: (B)
    • Accommodation: None

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    • Trekking Hours:
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Dates & Price

Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.

If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.

Cost Inclusion

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 3 nights with breakfast
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Hotel Dandelion or similar category for 2 nights
  • Internal flight (PKR-KTM)
  • All required permits for trek (ACAP & TIMS card)
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts on private A/C vehicle
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private A/C vehicle
  • Comprehensive first aid kit.
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff equipment, insurance and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
  • Group welcome dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant

Cost Exclusion

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for staff

Media Gallery

Reviews

Yaw Yean Chan

I have little experience on trekking and this was my first trail and was a tough one. Without the support and help from the trek leader and the porter, i would not have made it to the high camp. Thank you Phunuru and John for the great support during the hiking

Joseph cheng

The trip was well organized, although ABC was closed, they were able to quickly recommend Alternative route, Mardi Himal Trek.

The city tour especially Shivaratri festival was very crowded but the guide was able to bring us through the queue and to the right spot. The guide was able to adapt to our requirement as we are mainly photographer. Lastly, the porter (john) was a hero, big salute to him



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