About Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike is a spectacular short trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It climbs from Pokhara’s foothills up a ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 meters.
This hidden gem offers close-up panoramic views of Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal Peak itself. Because it’s far less crowded than the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek, you’ll enjoy quiet forest trails, local tea houses, and serene sunrise vistas.
Mardi Himal itself is a 5,587m peak below Machhapuchre. The trek to its base camp was opened in 2012 and leads to a high viewpoint at 4,500m.
Mardi Himal Trekking is an easy-to-moderate trek suitable for beginners. Though the main challenge is the high altitude. You will sleep at 3800 meters at High Camp and hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters. As long as you are reasonably fit and go at a comfortable pace, then the Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike is doable without any problems.
How to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp?
Most trekkers start in Pokhara, the lakeside gateway to the Annapurna region. From Kathmandu, you can take a 7–8-hour tourist bus or a 25-minute flight to Pokhara.
From Pokhara, drive to Kande and start the trek through the Australian Base Camp, Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and lastly High Camp. From High Camp, you will hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp to complete the trip to the foothills of the Annapurna Ranges. For the return, many hike via Siding to Lumle and take a vehicle, or retrace to Phedi and drive out.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Mountain Eco Trails offers flexible itineraries for Mardi Himal.
4-Day Mardi Himal Itinerary from Pokhara
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (about 1 hour) and trek to Forest Camp (2,500m, 5–6h).
Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,400m, 5–6h)
Day 3: Early hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and descend to Bandal Danda (3,200m, 7–8h).
Day 4: Descend from Bandal Danda to Siding (1,750m, 4–5h) and jeep to Pokhara.
5-Day Short Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive Pokhara → Kande; trek to Forest Camp (2,500m, 6h)
Day 2: Forest Camp → High Camp (3,580m, 5–6h).
Day 3: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) → Low Camp (7–8h)
Day 4: Low Camp → Siding (1,700m, 8–9h).
Day 5: Jeep from Siding to Pokhara (850m). After breakfast, hike or jeep 3–4h back to Pokhara. Enjoy another mountain panorama on the drive as you descend.
Most of the trekkers prefer the Short Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days as the best itinerary from Pokhara.
7-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary (Kathmandu Round-Trip)
Day 1: Kathmandu → Pokhara (7–8h). Travel by tourist bus with Himalayan views along the Prithvi Highway.
Day 2: Pokhara → Kande → Pittam Deurali (2,150m, 5–6h). Drive to Kande, then trek through lush forest to Pittam Deurali. Pittam Deurali (~2,150m) provides the first mountain panorama of the trek.
Day 3: Pittam Deurali → Low Camp (2,990m, 6–7h). Hike steadily uphill through oak and rhododendron forest to Low Camp. Low Camp lodges often have sunrooms to enjoy a panoramic sunrise.
Day 4: Low Camp → High Camp (3,500m, 6–7h). Above the treeline, climb a rocky ridge to reach High Camp. If it's clear, enjoy spectacular sunsets here as clouds drift below.
Day 5: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) → Bandal Danda (3,200m) (7–8h). Early morning start. Arrive at Mardi Himal Base Camp at dawn, then descend to Bandal Danda.
Day 6: Bandal Danda → Siddhing (850m) → jeep to Pokhara (6–7h). Descend through forest trails to Siddhing. Siddhing village is small and scenic; its lodge offers a hearty dal bhat farewell meal. Transfer by jeep down to Pokhara.
Day 7: Pokhara → Kathmandu (7–8h).
9-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Days 1–2: Same as above (travel to Pokhara and trek to Deurali).
Day 3: Pokhara → Deurali (2,100m, 6–7h)
Day 4: Deurali → Low Camp (3,000m, 6–7h)
Day 5: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m, 4–5h)
Day 6: High Camp → Base Camp (4,500m) → Bandal Danda (3,200m) (7–8h)
Day 7: Bandal Danda → Siddhing → jeep to Pokhara (6–7h)
Day 8: Rest day in Pokhara or short sightseeing.
Day 9: Drive or fly from Pokhara → Kathmandu.
From the above itinerary, you can choose the Best Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary that suits your time and budget.
Combining Mardi Himal with Poon Hill or ABC
Mardi Himal is close to the popular Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. With just a couple of extra days, trekkers can continue from Siding to Lumle, then hike over Poon Hill (3,210m) for a famous Annapurna sunrise. From there, you can descend to Ghorepani village and either fly back to Pokhara or loop via Ghandruk to join the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Mountain Eco Trails can customise your trek to include Poon Hill or an Annapurna Base Camp extension, giving you a rich variety of landscapes and cultures in one trip.
Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Feature | Mardi Himal Trek | Annapurna Base Camp Trek |
Starting Point | Kande or Phedi (near Pokhara) | Nayapul or Siwai (near Pokhara) |
Maximum Altitude | 4,500 m (Mardi Himal Base Camp) | 4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp) |
Trek Duration | 4–9 days (flexible options) | 7–12 days (depending on route) |
Difficulty Level | Moderate – shorter with gradual climbs | Moderate – more ascent and descent |
Route Type | Ridge trail through forests and rhododendron zones | Valley trail leading to the glacial amphitheatre |
Major Highlights | Close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and Annapurna South | Panoramic 360° views from the Annapurna Sanctuary |
Crowd Level | Quiet and less crowded, ideal for solitude | Popular and busy, especially in peak seasons |
Best For | Trekkers seeking a short, peaceful trek with raw beauty | Trekkers wanting a classic Himalayan base camp experience |
Scenery | Forested ridges, alpine meadows, and ridge-top viewpoints | Terraced farmlands, waterfalls, and glacier landscapes |
Accommodation | Teahouses, fewer in number but cosy | Well-established teahouses and lodges |
Accessibility | Shorter drive from Pokhara; easy to customise | Slightly longer approach; well-marked trails |
Best Season | March–May & September–November | March–May & September–November |
Overall Experience | Off-the-beaten-path adventure with tranquil trails | Legendary base camp trek with a dramatic mountain amphitheatre |
Views of Mountains from Mardi Himal Base Camp
At Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and nearby viewpoints, you get breathtaking 360° Himalayan views: - Machhapuchre (Fishtail, 6,993m): The star of the show, seen in perfect symmetry. High Camp and Base Camp offer front-row views of its fluted south face. - Mardi Himal (5,587m): Right above you at Base Camp. - Annapurna South (7,219m) and Hiunchuli (6,441m): These peaks rise to the southwest and glow at sunrise. - Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m): On a clear day, the distant highest peaks in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges can be seen. - Other peaks: Nilgiri and Annapurna III also appear. As you ascend, new peaks emerge on the horizon.
Even from High Camp (3,500m), you already see Fishtail and Mardi Himal clearly. Every step up the ridge reveals more of the Annapurna panorama, making the trek visually rewarding at every turn.
Difficulty & Preparation during the Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike
The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is generally considered moderate difficulty. On many days, you will hike 5–7 hours, with elevation gains of 500–800m per day. The final push from High Camp to Base Camp (4,500m) is challenging due to the thin air. It is important to be in good cardiovascular shape before attempting this trek. Prior hiking or running 3-5 times per week will help build endurance.
Basic preparation tips:
- Do practice hikes or stair-climbing sessions in the weeks before your trip.
- Carry layered clothing: days can be warm (sunny afternoons), but nights at altitude are very cold (near or below freezing).
- Pack rain gear – afternoon storms are common in summer. - Bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen) for the clear mountain sun.
- Use trekking poles to ease knee stress on steep descents.
- Stay hydrated and eat well. Altitude can cause headaches; consider Acetazolamide (Diamox) if you’ve had sickness before.
FAQs
What is the altitude of Mardi Himal Base Camp?
Mardi Himal Base Camp is at about 4,500 m (14,760 ft) above sea level.
How many kilometres is Mardi Himal Base Camp from High Camp?
From High Camp (3,500m) to Base Camp (4,500m) is roughly 5 km one-way (around 10 km round-trip).
Is the Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike best for beginners?
Yes. The Mardi Himal trek is moderate and beginner-friendly. It can be done without prior trekking experience, as long as you have good fitness. Daily stages are generally 4–6 hours.
What is the cost of the permit for the Mardi Himal Trek?
Foreign trekker fees are approximately NPR 3,000 for ACAP and NPR 2,000 for TIMS (about $45 USD total). There is also a local entry permit (NPR 500).
When is the best time to hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov). These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable temperatures.
Do I need a guide or porter for Mardi Himal?
Yeah, hiring a trekking guide is required as the Government has announced a regulation to take a guide or porter during the high altitude trek in Nepal.
How much does it cost to hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp?
The Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp costs around USD 499 to USD 899 per person, depending on the group size and the itinerary.
Final Takeaway on Mardi Himal Base Camp
Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike is an easy Hike from High Camp of the Mardi Trek Route. However, it takes at least 4-5 days to reach the base camp. Therefore, Mountain Eco Trails has designed several Mardi Himal Base Camp Itineraries with an inclusive package. Whether you want to join the trip from Kathmandu or Pokhara, we are committed to leading you to the Mardi Himal Base Camp using our experienced guide and porter.
Feel free to contact us via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153 for more information regarding the Mardi Himal Base Camp Hike or the entire trek.
Check our Several Mardi Himal Trek Packages:
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