The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new and less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) peaks.
The trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli mountain ranges. You'll pass through lush forests of rhododendron, oak, and bamboo, and there's a chance to spot various wildlife, including colorful birds and perhaps even some larger animals. Along the way, you'll encounter several Gurung and Magar villages, providing opportunities to experience the local culture and traditions.
The high point of the trek is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits at an elevation of around 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). From here, you'll get up-close views of the Mardi Himal and its stunning surroundings.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek, suitable for trekkers with some prior hiking experience. The highest point, Mardi Himal Base Camp, is at a relatively high altitude, so acclimatization is essential.
Scenic Beauty: Mardi Himal Trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain ranges, providing trekkers with stunning landscapes throughout the journey.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: This trek is less crowded compared to some popular routes in the Annapurna region, offering a more secluded and peaceful trekking experience. Trekkers can enjoy the tranquility of nature without the hustle and bustle of larger trekking routes.
Cultural Encounters: Along the trail, trekkers can interact with local communities and experience the region's unique culture. Villages like Siding and Lwang are known for their warm hospitality, and trekkers may have the opportunity to learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups.
Base Camp Experience: The trek takes you to the high-altitude Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you can witness panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare. Upon reaching the base camp, the sense of accomplishment is a trek highlight.
Diverse Landscapes: Mardi Himal Trek offers a variety of landscapes, including lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high-altitude wilderness. This diversity adds to the allure of the trek, providing trekkers with ever-changing scenery as they ascend to higher elevations.
Fly to Pokhara (25 minutes) - Drive to Kande (1 hour) - Trek to Australian camp (1800m, 2 hours)
Trek to Rest camp (2860m, 6-7 hours)
Trek to High camp (3550m, 6-7 hours)
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500m, 8-9 hours)
Trek to Kalimati (1600m, 6-7 hours)
Drive to Pokhara (2 hours)
Group Size | Price |
What is included:
Kathmandu to Pokhara flight
Ground transportations in private vehicles
Accommodation in mountain lodges on twin sharing during the trekking days.
Breakfast everyday
Experienced trekking guide
First aid kit carried by the guide
Required permits for trekking
Staff salaries and insurance
What is excluded:
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Meals: Lunch, dinner/ alcoholic drinks/ bottled drinking water/ personal snacks.
Personal expenses like battery charging, Wi-Fi, laundry, hot showers, etc.
Porters service
Tips and gratuities to staff
Anything not mentioned on price inclusions
Stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara:
There are a wide range of hotel and hostel options available, you can let us know your budget and we will find the best possible deal in the market for your price range. We would advise you to arrive in Kathmandu at least two days prior to the beginning day of your trek. We can also arrange airport transfer service on your arrival at Kathmandu international airport.
Money and budget:
It is best to bring some amount of cash along with you to avoid any problems that might occur due to technical issues. Our representatives will assist you with money exchange. You are required to carry Nepalese currency during the trek to cover your expenses. Please be aware to carry some extra funds for tipping, emergency scenarios like flight cancellations or rescue and extra personal expenses.
Meals during trek:
There are a wide variety of food items available in the mountain lodges menu. We have not included the cost of lunch and dinner in the package, so that you have the freedom of choosing what you want to eat and how much you want to spend on food. Food items range from USD 5-10 and drinks range from USD 1-5 on the mountains. You can see the price of food increase as you go higher. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
Health and safety:
If you have any health conditions, please do let us know in full detail before the trek starts. Our expert experienced team of guides will be monitoring your health on the trek. Make sure to follow the instructions of guides to avoid any health and safety issues. Please communicate with your guide on a daily basis about the changes you have been experiencing in your body or if you have any problems to avoid the chance of getting altitude sickness as much as possible.
Insurance:
All of our clients should have travel and rescue insurance. Please make sure it covers high altitude trekking and helicopter rescue if you choose to do any of our treks.
Support staffs:
Cost for porters service will be USD 25 per day if you wish to take one. A trekking porter will support you with carrying 25 kg maximum. If you are in a group, two people can share the cost of one porter if their luggage is less than 30 kg in total. We will provide you duffle bags to pack your belongings which are to be carried by the support staff.
Tips and gratuities:
It is customary in Nepal, especially in the tourism industry, to tip the guides, porters, drivers and other service providers after the service is received. It's up to you to tip as much as you want if you are happy with their service.
Single supplement:
Extra charges will be applicable if you choose not to share rooms during the trip. There will be certain areas where the option is not available to have a single room during high season time.
Change and adaptations:
Our trek leaders will make changes and adapt the itinerary upon your best interest if any unavoidable circumstances like bad weather, natural disaster, political activity, health issues, change of rules etc. occurs.
What to pack:
Head and Hands:
Upper body:
Lower body:
Other items:
Paragliding in Pokhara: USD 60