Mardi Himal Trek - 5 Days

3 reviewsMardi Himal Trek: Embrace the Adventure
Trip Fact:
  • Duration 5 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • DestinationNepal
  • Max Altitude4200m
  • AccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, Tea house during trekking
  • MealsBreakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara, All meals during trekking
  • Trip Start/EndKande/Lumre
  • Group Size1-30
  • Best SeasonMarch, April, May, September, October and November are the best months.

Mardi Himal trek, which can be completed in 5 days, is a well-known shorter trek within the Annapurna region of Nepal. It's of moderate difficulty and covers about 45 kilometres, reaching up to 4,500 meters at its highest point.

This 5-day trek begins in the scenic city of Pokhara, leading trekkers through vibrant green forests, valleys filled with rhododendron flowers, and villages inhabited by the Gurung people. The pathway is less busy than other popular Annapurna region treks, offering a serene experience for those looking for a peaceful environment.

The shorter Mardi Himal trek allows one to experience the Himalayas' majestic beauty without the bustling crowds found on more frequented routes. Travellers get to traverse remote villages, gaining insights into the local cultures and lifestyles.

The journey to the base camp involves walking through forests of rhododendron, crossing bridges, and navigating small streams, presenting a rewarding physical challenge with its steep ascents and descents.

One of the highlights of the Mardi Himal Short Trek is the awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas, including views of renowned peaks like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The surrounding landscapes are rich with diverse plant and animal life, including the Himalayan Monal, Nepal's national bird, fluttering through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine.

The Mardi Himal short trek is an excellent choice for those desiring to witness the grandeur of the Himalayas. It provides a unique combination of remarkable landscapes, challenging terrains, and rich cultural experiences, allowing one to explore Nepal's natural splendour in a limited time frame.

Mardi Himal Short Trek Highlights

  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring Annapurna range and numerous Himalayan peaks
  • Embark on a trek amidst lush forests abundant with rhododendron, fir, pine, oak, and more
  • Immerse yourself in the unique experience of tea house trekking
  • Discover serenity and rejuvenation while exploring the captivating Annapurna region
  • Ascend to the remarkable Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you can witness a stunning sunrise and captivating landscapes
  • Gain insights into the mountain lifestyle as you descend from your adventure.

Permits for Mardi Himal Trek 5 Days

You need some permits to go trekking at Mardi Himal in Nepal.

TIMS Permit: Everyone must have a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card. You can get it from the tourism office in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and it costs USD 20 for one person or USD 10 each if you're in a group.

ACAP Permit: If you're trekking in the Annapurna region, like Mardi Himal, you also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is USD 30. You can get it in Kathmandu or Pokhara at the tourism or ACAP office.

Remember, you can't trek here alone; you need at least one other person with you. So, it might be easier to use a trekking agency. They can get the passes for you and help with other stuff you need.

Important Tips For 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek

Here are a few things to remember before you start your hike to Mardi Himal to make your journey more enjoyable and worry-free.

  • Drink lots of water. You’ll sweat more when you walk, and if you don’t drink enough, you can get dehydrated.
  • Carry water purifying tablets or devices. This way, you can make sure the water you find along the way is clean to drink.
  • If you're hiking in the summer or during the rainy season, don’t forget bug spray and table salt to keep bugs and other creepy-crawlies away.
  • Going with a guide is a great idea. They can show you the way, keep you safe, and help you find places to eat and sleep.
  • Bring enough money with you. Since Mardi Himal is a newer trekking route, you might not find many ATMs, so it’s good to have cash on hand.

Itinerary

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Today, you'll drive from Pokhara to Kande. It will take about an hour. Kande is high up, at 1,770 meters (580 feet). From Kande, you can start walking to Deurali.

Walking from Kande to Pothana, and then to Deurali is not too hard and should take 2-3 hours, based on your speed. The path is clear, through pretty forests and small villages. You'll see local trees and birds along the way.

When you get to Deurali, you can stay in a tea house. They are simple places with basic food, where you can rest and enjoy the views of the mountains.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 2232m

You begin the walk in Deurali, which is pretty high up, at 2,100 meters. First, you walk downhill through forests of bamboo, rhododendron, and oak trees. You will go over some streams, and you can hear waterfalls as you walk.

After walking for some hours, you get to Dovan, a tiny town up at 2,500 meters. This town is a good place to stop, rest, have some tea or coffee, and talk to the people living there.

Leaving Dovan, you walk uphill through more thick forests of rhododendron and bamboo. The walking path is clear and has signs. There are some open spots in the forest where you can see the snowy mountains really well.

A few more hours of walking brings you to Low Camp, up at 3,050 meters. This is a great place to stay overnight, with amazing views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South mountains. It gets very cold at night at Low Camp, so bring warm clothes.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 3050m/1005ft

On the third day, you'll hike from Low Camp to High Camp, at 3,700m (12,140 ft). It's a hard, steep walk, lasting 7-8 hours, but the beautiful views make it rewarding.

The trek starts early, with the first part being relatively easy through dense, serene forests of rhododendrons and bamboo. As you progress, the path becomes more challenging with steep and rocky sections, but the inspiring views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre mountain will keep you going.

Along the way, you’ll stop at teahouses for refreshments and interaction with the friendly locals, learning about their culture. Eventually, you'll reach High Camp, where the sight of snow-capped mountains is awe-inspiring. Although the facilities are basic, they are comfortable, providing a warm place to relax and acclimate to the altitude.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 3,540m/11,615ft

On day four, it's an adventurous trek to Mardi Base Camp and then a descent to Sidding. You'll start early, head through steep, rocky paths, and as you go higher, you'll see beautiful mountains and experience thinner air but the surrounding beauty keeps you motivated.

Upon reaching Mardi Base Camp, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of snowy peaks and take some time to appreciate the beauty before heading down to Sidding. The descent is more relaxed, passing through forests, villages, and encountering friendly locals.

The scenery gradually changes from snowy peaks to green valleys as you descend, reaching Sidding by late afternoon, feeling both exhausted and exhilarated.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
  • 4,500 m/ 14764 ft

Today marks the end of our trekking adventure. We'll move down from Sidhing to Lumre, the final point of our trek. Once we reach Lumre, we'll catch a local vehicle back to Pokhara. We’ll spend the evening in Pokhara, taking it easy and checking out the bustling Lakeside market.

  • Hotel/Lodges
  • Breakfast
  • 920m / 3018 ft

Trip Map

Mardi Himal Trek - 5 Days map

Cost Details

Includes

  • 4 nights accomodation ( tea house) in the mountain
  • Meals for 5 days ( 5 breakfast, 5 lunch, 4 dinner)
  • Professional/experienced english trekking guide
  • Strong trekking porter to carry your baggage ( 1 porter for 2 traveler will be provided)
  • Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card for the trek
  • First aid kit will be provided
  • Equipments for field staff
  • Usage of Equipments ( Duffel Bags and Walking Poles)
  • Necessary ground transport ( private tourist car)

Excludes

  • Hotel in Pokhara
  • Travel insurance for your trek
  • Personal expences

Good to Know

Weather and Temperature conditions for Mardi Himal Trek

When preparing for your adventure on the Mardi Himal Trek, it’s crucial to consider the varying weather and temperature throughout the year, as they differ with each season. This short trek to Mardi Himal provides unique experiences and challenges in each season.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is an ideal time for the Mardi Himal Short Trek due to its pleasant atmosphere and clear skies. You’ll be gifted with stunning mountain views and the beautiful blossoms of vibrant Rhododendrons, painting the forests in lively colors. Average temperatures range around 17°C during the day and can go up to 20°C, while mornings and evenings are cooler, but not extremely cold.

Summer (Monsoon Season)

Summer brings warmer weather along with heavy rainfall, making the paths muddy and visibility poor due to cloud cover. Nevertheless, after the rains, the skies clear up, unveiling the stunning landscape. Day temperatures fluctuate between 10 and 23°C and can dip to around 5°C at night and in the mornings.

Autumn (September to November)

Post-monsoon, Autumn offers crystal clear skies and spectacular, sun-bathed mountain views. It’s one of the most suitable times for trekking with less likelihood of rain. Day temperatures are usually around 20°C, and nights can get quite chilly, dropping to around 5°C.

Winter (December to February)

Winter brings cold and harsh conditions to the Mardi Himal region. The routes may be difficult due to heavy snowfall and snow-covered trails. Day temperatures are usually between 9 to 13°C, and it can get as cold as -10°C in the mornings and at night.

Difficulty and Requirements

The trek to Mardi Himal is of moderate difficulty due to the terrain, elevation, and limited facilities. Adequate physical fitness is needed for daily treks of 6 to 7 hours through rugged and forested trails. Two essential permits, the TIMS Card and the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit, are required, obtainable in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Accommodation, Meals, and Modern Comforts

During your journey, you will stay in cozy tea houses offering basic amenities, and you’ll be served three nutritious meals a day, including a traditional Nepali lunch, Dal Bhat. Due to lack of Wi-Fi and unreliable mobile network access in the Mardi Himal Base Camp area, withdrawing enough cash in Pokhara and paying for charging facilities in tea houses is recommended. Hot showers are usually available for an additional fee.

Travel Insurance

Given the remoteness of the locations and the absence of healthcare facilities on the route, having travel insurance is strongly recommended for emergencies and unforeseen circumstances.

Preparing and Planning

By planning meticulously for the Mardi Himal trek and paying heed to the seasonal changes, permit requirements, accommodation types, and available facilities, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trekking experience to the beautiful Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Client Reviews

  • Cheong Weng
    Cheong WengSingapore |March 13, 2018
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    Mardi Himal Trek in March

    My two sisters and I did Mardi Himal trek with Shyam. It was very amazing. We start our trekking on March 02 and ends on 11 March. First day we felt quit hard due to very bad weather and a bit tired as we directly fly from Kathmandu. But second day we saw very nice view from Deurali. We all enjoyed every day with our guide and porters. DHA gave us good guide, porter & good hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We advise to anyone traveling Nepal to book all activities with this company. Thank you Suman and Hari for making our trip memorable!!!

  • A
    Alana MchenryUnited States |September 05, 2017
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    Wonderful Mardi Himal Trek

    We travelled to Himalayan reason in Nepal. We did Mardi Himal 9 days trek with Dream Heaven Adventure. Our trek was very nice, our guide was very helpful, he managed everything in mountain very well and, in Kathmandu Suman organized everything. Our trek was brilliant; guide and porter both were very outstanding and have great information about the mountains route. We will definitely come back to travel to EBC with DHA next time.

  • Yukio Shigetomi
    Yukio ShigetomiJapan |May 10, 2017
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    Amazing Time in Mardi Himal

    We had amazing time in Nepal. Everything was great on the trek. Mardi Himal is best trek for those who want to go through forests. The whole trip was very well organized, and both guide and porter provided excellent service and were friendly and helpful. Suman and his agency is first class and best in Nepal.

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