Mardi Himal Trekking is a 9-day Himalayan adventure in Nepal's Annapurna region, combining five days of trekking with travel and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The route begins at Kande, climbs through rhododendron forests and alpine ridges, and reaches Mardi Himal Base Camp at approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). It offers close views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The Mardi Himal trek is moderately difficult and suitable for fit beginners with preparation.
Mardi Himal Trekking is a popular off-the-beaten-path trek in Annapurna. This journey takes you to the foot of Mardi Himal (5,587m), offering stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Peak), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Unlike the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, this Mardi trek is less crowded. The trail winds through rhododendron forests, landscapes, and small villages.
Mountain Eco Trails offers guided private and group departures, with package prices starting at USD 599 per person for larger groups. However, the Mardi Himal Trek cost for the solo trekker starts at USD 799.
Discover Mardi Himal: A Short Trek That Deserves a Slower Pace
Some Himalayan treks impress you with their distance. Mardi Himal surprises you with how quickly the mountains come close.
You begin among forests, hillside farms, and small settlements near Pokhara. A few days later, you are walking along an open ridge with Machhapuchhre rising almost directly ahead.
The challenge is that this change happens quickly. Many travellers choose a short Mardi Himal itinerary without realising how steep the trail becomes above Low Camp.
Our 9-day Mardi Himal Trekking package takes care of your journey from Kathmandu and spreads the mountain walk across five days. It is designed for travellers who want time to enjoy the trail rather than rush through it.
For first-time Himalayan trekkers, we can also customise the route with additional nights to allow a more gradual ascent.
Is Mardi Himal Trekking Worth It?
Yes. The Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent choice for travellers who want close Himalayan scenery without undertaking a long expedition. It combines forest walking, mountain lodges, and a spectacular ridgeline in five trekking days. However, steep climbs and an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters make preparation and a sensible itinerary essential.
Highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek
- Exotic views of Annapurna Massif, Mt. Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
- Untouched trekking trails and the unique culture of local people.
- Relatively easy trek for beginner hikers.
- Experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung ethnic group.
- Hike to the Base Camp of Mardi Himal at 4500 meters elevation.
- Walk through the off-beaten path and enjoy the tranquility of this classic trekking trail.
Why Choose Mardi Himal Trekking in Nepal?
The most memorable part of Mardi Himal is not necessarily reaching Base Camp. It is watching the landscape transform as you climb.
One morning, trees may hide the mountains almost completely. The next, you could be walking above the clouds with the sharp outline of Machhapuchhre filling the horizon.
1. A Close Encounter With Machhapuchhre
The distinctive twin summit of Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain, dominates much of the upper trail. Unlike routes where mountain views remain distant, Mardi Himal follows a ridge that brings you progressively closer to the surrounding peaks.
From Badal Danda, High Camp, and the upper viewpoints, the mountain looks dramatically different from its familiar appearance in Pokhara.
2. Forest Trails Before the High Mountains
Mardi Himal is more than an alpine viewpoint. Between Pitam Deurali and Low Camp, the trail passes through rhododendron, oak, and mixed Himalayan forests.
Spring brings flowering rhododendrons to sections of this route. During misty weather, the woodland feels quiet and atmospheric, even when the mountain views disappear. These forest sections also offer a welcome change from the exposed upper ridge.
3. A More Compact Himalayan Journey
Not everyone has two weeks available for trekking in Nepal. Mardi Himal allows travellers to experience a genuine high-altitude trekking environment in a relatively short period.
The nine-day package includes your arrival, Kathmandu–Pokhara travel, five trekking days, return journey, and final departure.
4. An Opportunity to Experience Local Hospitality
The lower trail passes through settlements such as Australian Camp and Pothana, while the upper route uses small mountain teahouses.
You can enjoy local meals, interact with lodge owners, and experience the everyday routines of communities connected to trekking tourism.
These encounters are often as memorable as the mountain scenery.
5. A Flexible Trek for Different Travellers
The Mardi Himal route can be adjusted according to your fitness, previous trekking experience, and available time.
Active beginners may prefer shorter daily stages. Couples might want a private guide and extra photography stops. Experienced trekkers can choose a more compact Pokhara-based itinerary.
Overall, Mardi Himal is a short, high-altitude ridgeline trek near Pokhara. Its main attractions are close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, together with rhododendron forests and locally operated teahouses. The nine-day package includes the Kathmandu journey, while the trekking section itself takes five days.
Mardi Himal Trek Route and Map: Where Will You Walk?
The standard Mardi Himal Trek route is a point-to-point journey rather than a complete round trip. It begins at Kande, climbs toward the Mardi Himal ridge, and returns through Siding village.
Mardi Himal Trek Route Sequence
Kathmandu → Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Pothana → Pitam Deurali → Forest Camp → Low Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp → Upper Viewpoint → Mardi Himal Base Camp → Badal Danda → Siding → Pokhara → Kathmandu
The section above High Camp is an out-and-back hike. You return along the ridge before following the lower descent trail toward Siding.
How Difficult Is Mardi Himal Trekking for Beginners?
Mardi Himal Trekking is moderately difficult, but the final section can be challenging. It does not normally require technical climbing or mountaineering equipment during favourable trekking conditions.
However, its steep ascents, consecutive walking days, exposed ridge, and high altitude require reasonable fitness.
Mardi Himal Trekking Difficulty by Trail Section
| Trail section | Difficulty | Main challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Kande to Deurali | Easy–moderate | Stone steps and gradual climbing |
| Deurali to Low Camp | Moderate | Sustained ascent and uneven forest paths |
| Low Camp to High Camp | Moderate | Steep trail and increasing altitude |
| High Camp to Upper Viewpoint | Challenging | Thin air and exposed ridge |
| Upper Viewpoint to Base Camp | Challenging | High-altitude terrain and variable conditions |
| Badal Danda to Siding | Moderate | Long downhill descent |
Can a First-Time Trekker Complete Mardi Himal?
Yes, a fit beginner can complete Mardi Himal with preparation and a suitable itinerary. However, being a beginner should not mean expecting an effortless walk. You should ideally be comfortable walking five to six hours on hilly terrain and have some experience climbing and descending uneven trails.
Mardi Himal is suitable for fit beginners, but it is not an easy walk. The main challenges are the sustained climb to Low Camp, the exposed terrain above High Camp, and the long descent to Siding. Extra acclimatisation time, appropriate hiking fitness, and flexible turnaround decisions are especially important for first-time trekkers.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary: 9 Days From Kathmandu
Day | Route | Distance | Max Alt. |
1 | Arrive Kathmandu | — | 1,400m |
2 | Kathmandu → Pokhara (bus) | 200km | 820m |
3 | Pokhara → Kande → Deurali | 7–8km | 2,150m |
4 | Trek from Deurali to Low Camp | 12km | 3,000m |
5 | Trek from Low Camp to High Camp | 5–6km | 3,580m |
6 | Trek from High Camp to Base Camp to Bandal Danda | 14km | 4,500m |
7 | Trek from Bandal Danda to Siddhing & Drive Pokhara | 7–8km trek | 820m |
8 | Pokhara → Kathmandu (bus) | 200km | 1,350m |
9 | Departure from Kathmandu | — | — |
9 - Day Mardi Himal Trek cost from Kathmandu for 2026,2027
The Mardi Himal Trek cost ranges from USD 599 to USD 799 per person, depending on group size for this 9-Day Itinerary. The standard full-board package includes Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels, trekking accommodation, meals on the trail, a guide, and specified transportation. Confirm final 2027 rates, permit inclusions, and optional expenses before booking.
However, if you want to take a half-board package that includes a trekking guide, permits, breakfast with accommodation, and transportation only, the Mardi Himal Trek cost starts from USD 450 per person.
Package | Price (USD/pp) | Includes |
Full Board — 9 Days | From USD 799 | Licensed guide, ACAP + TIMS permits, all meals on trek, 3-star hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara, all transport, trekking poles, duffel bag, SIM card, first aid kit |
Half Board — 9 Days | From USD 450 | Licensed guide, ACAP + TIMS permits, transport |
Click here to check our Mardi Himal Trek cost breakdown
Or contact us via Email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153



.webp)

