Mardi Himal Trek – 6 Days

For the Mardi Himal Trek, you need only one permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The permit is compulsory because the entire route lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The fee collected through ACAP supports trail maintenance, protects the area’s biodiversity, and benefits local communities.

The cost of ACAP:

You can apply for the ACAP permit both online and offline. The online process is simple. Just visit the official National Trust for Nature Conservation website, fill in the online application form, provide the required information, upload a recent photograph, and make the payment online. Alternatively, you can collect the permit in person from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Trekking agencies like ours can also assist trekkers in obtaining the permit.

There are some important things to know about the ACAP permit:

• The ACAP permit is issued in your name and cannot be transferred to another person.
• The permit is valid for a specific trekking duration. If your trip extends beyond the approved period, you will need to renew it.
• You must register at the entry checkpoints and present the permit at both entry and exit points.
• A guide is not mandatory, but hiring one makes your trek safer.
• The permit fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel your trek.

Note: The TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card is no longer required for the Mardi Himal Trek.

The 6-day Mardi Himal Trek starts with a drive from Pokhara to Deurali, where the trek begins. From Deurali, you will continue on foot through forests, ridges, and alpine terrain until you reach Mardi Himal Base Camp. After reaching the base camp and experiencing the majestic mountain views, the return journey follows a different route. Instead of going back the same way, you descend to Sidhing Village, a traditional Gurung settlement. From Sidhing, you take a drive back to Pokhara, where the trek concludes after about a week of adventure.

Take a look at the table below to learn about the transportation options for the Mardi Himal Trek, along with cost details:

Pokhara to Kande

Sidhing to Pokhara

Extra: Before starting this trek, many trekkers first travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, private vehicle, or a short 25-minute flight.

The route that starts in Kande is the most popular for the Mardi Himal Trek. However, the itinerary can be customized depending on the trekker’s time, fitness, and trekking goals. This means trekkers can also shorten, extend, or connect the trek to other trails, such as the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Below are the main route variations:

• Standard Route (Kande → Sidhing): Best for first-time trekkers who want the most well-marked trail, easiest teahouse access, and a straightforward 5–6 day itinerary. The route is Pokhara → Deurali → Forest Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint / Base Camp.
• Connection Route (Ghandruk/Kyumi → Sidhing): Best for trekkers already doing Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill who want to add Mardi Himal without backtracking. The route is Ghandruk/Kyumi → Forest Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint / Base Camp → Sidhing.
• Short Route (Landruk → Sidhing): Best for time-limited trekkers who want the fastest possible way to Base Camp, though it carries higher altitude-sickness risk due to the compressed schedule. The route is Landruk → Forest Camp → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint / Base Camp → Sidhing.
• Long Route (Ghandruk → Kande): Best for trekkers who want more village time, better acclimatization through a gradual ascent, and the option to combine with ABC or Poon Hill. The route is Ghandruk → Kyumi → Landruk → Forest Camp → Low Camp → Middle Camp → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint / Base Camp.

You will not need to carry a tent or any camping gear on this trek because it follows a classic teahouse route. On the lower trails around Kande, Deurali, and Forest Camp, rooms have twin beds with foam mattresses, pillows, and a thick blanket, and some of the newer lodges even have private bathrooms with running water. Once you climb past the tree line toward Low Camp, Badal Danda and High Camp rooms here are basic and separated only by thin plywood walls. Running water, electricity, and private bathrooms are no longer available, and instead you will use a shared squat toilet down the hall or in an outdoor outhouse.

The food on the Mardi trail is simple and perfect fuel for long days of walking. Breakfast includes Tibetan bread or chapati with jam or honey, warm oats and porridge, eggs cooked in different styles, and sometimes pancakes with banana or apple. For lunch most trekkers order dal bhat, a full plate of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and pickles that can be refilled for free. Chow mein, fried rice, and momos are also popular choices that give you enough energy for the afternoon walk.

Whether hiring a guide and porter for the Mardi Himal trek depends on one’s preference. Yet, hiring them can be helpful as they provide support at every step. The trail to Mardi Himal is well-established; thus, if you are experienced in trekking, you don’t need to hire a guide. Also, if you are budget-conscious, you can trek independently. Moreover, you don’t need a porter if you’re carrying light gear.

Furthermore, if you’re a first-time trekker, hiring a guide can greatly enhance your journey as they take you to the right path and provide safety throughout the trek. Hiring a porter can be helpful if you carry heavy loads, as they have all your backpacks and let you walk freely. Hiring a guide costs around USD 25 to 30 per day and USD 20 to 25 per day for a porter.

One of the major highlights of the Mardi Himal Trek is the stunning views of Himalayan peaks at every spot. From viewpoints such as Badal Danda, High Camp, and Mardi Himal, trekkers can enjoy the beautiful Annapurna range. The sight of sunrise and sunset over the mountain peaks is an experience to remember for a lifetime.

As you start your trek, Mount Machhapuchhre will be visible as your first clear Himalayan sight. As you get to High Camp, the view extends to Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal. You can see Mount Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna from a single location. Here’s a quick look at the mountain views by location:

Over 300 registered trekking companies in Nepal offer Mardi Himal Trek packages. Among them, Nepal Alternative Treks (NAT) is a trusted trekking agency that designs its Mardi Himal Trek itineraries with the help of experienced travel experts. Here are a few reasons to choose NAT:

• Many of our clients from the UK, USA, Singapore, Switzerland, India, Thailand, and Canada return for future adventures because they know we are experienced hands.
• We offer flexible itineraries. You can choose our standard 6-Day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary or customize the trip to match your interests and schedule.
• Every trek has one experienced, well-trained, fluent English-speaking, government-authorized trekking guide.
• We include assistance for emergency rescue and evacuation.
• We provide 24/7 support, guidance, and assistance throughout your trekking journey.
• Guide and porter insurance is also covered, so support staff are protected too.

The Mardi Himal Trek and the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are often compared because both are located in Nepal’s Annapurna region. Both offer spectacular Himalayan views without requiring technical climbing skills, but they differ in terms of crowd levels, difficulty, duration, and overall trekking experience.

Here’s a quick comparison table:

Now, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek.

Route

• Mardi Himal Trek: The Mardi Himal Trek follows a quieter, less-crowded trail through a remote part of the Annapurna region. It leads to the scenic ridge below Mardi Himal, offering panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The Annapurna Base Camp Trek passes through diverse landscapes, including dense forests, terraced farmlands, alpine valleys, and glacial terrain before reaching Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

Terrain

• Mardi Himal Trek: The trail is moderately challenging and generally well maintained. It becomes steeper near High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp, and sections may become slippery during the monsoon season.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: The ABC Trek involves longer ascents, rugged trails, steep stone staircases, higher elevations, and occasional snow-covered sections, making it slightly more demanding than the Mardi Himal Trek.

Duration

• Mardi Himal Trek: Usually completed in 4–6 days.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Typically takes 10–14 days.

Difficulty Level and Acclimatization

• Mardi Himal Trek: Although Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) is higher than Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m), the shorter itinerary provides less time for acclimatization, making the altitude more challenging for some trekkers.
• Annapurna Base Camp Trek: While the itinerary usually does not include a dedicated acclimatization day, the gradual ascent helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness, making the trek more comfortable for many beginners.

Scenery and Experience

Both treks feature spectacular Himalayan scenery, rhododendron forests, and cultural encounters in Gurung and Magar villages. The Mardi Himal Trek offers a quieter and more secluded experience, while the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is more popular and provides the iconic Annapurna Sanctuary along with a greater variety of landscapes.

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Khopra Danda Trek are all popular short treks in the Annapurna region, each offering a unique experience. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is famous for its easy trails and spectacular sunrise views. The Mardi Himal Trek is quieter and provides closer views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). Meanwhile, the Khopra Danda Trek is more remote and includes a visit to the sacred Khayer Lake.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek vs. Mardi Himal Trek vs. Khopra Hill Trek:

The Mardi Himal Trek costs USD 460 per person. However, the total cost is not fixed and can vary depending on several factors. Trekkers can reduce the overall cost by joining a group and managing personal expenses. On the other hand, those who prefer a more comfortable experience with a customized itinerary and private arrangements may pay more. The overall cost also depends on the trekking season, trip duration, whether you hire a guide and porter, and the group size.

Here is a general cost breakdown of the Mardi Himal Trek:

Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal for beginners. Its moderate difficulty level makes it especially beginner-friendly. While there are some steep uphill and downhill sections, the trek does not involve technical climbing or glacier crossings, making it suitable for first-time trekkers.

The trek can typically be completed in 6 days, making it one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna region. However, since it reaches an elevation of 4,500 m, beginners should still be mindful of altitude sickness due to the relatively rapid ascent. The route also features good infrastructure, including comfortable teahouses and well-marked trails, so there is no need to carry camping equipment or set up tents.

Although the Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for beginners, trekkers should have a reasonable level of fitness to walk 5–7 hours each day while gaining elevation. It is also important to pack clothing suitable for changing mountain weather conditions.

One of the best tips for beginners is to walk at a steady pace, listen to your body, and avoid rushing.

Secure your spot today and let our experienced team take care of every detail of your Mardi Himal Trek adventure. If you have any questions about the itinerary, feel free to contact us at info@nepalalternativetreks.com.

Right around Low Camp, at about 2,970 m, the thick forest comes to an end. Up to this point, you walk through giant oak, bamboo, and rhododendron trees, and the big mountain views stay hidden behind branches until you catch a glimpse here and there. Once you leave Low Camp, the change happens fast. The tall trees shrink down, and soon you are surrounded by short rhododendron bushes and small mountain grass instead of a closed canopy.

By the time you reach Badal Danda (3,210 m), the forest is gone for good, and the name itself, which means “Cloud Hill,” fits the scene perfectly. The trail now follows a bare, narrow ridge with open sky above and huge views on every side. From here all the way up to High Camp and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you stay completely above the tree line with nothing blocking your view of the peaks.

Clothing

• Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms.
• Trekking Shirts: Lightweight, breathable shirts.
• Trekking Pants: Quick-drying and durable.
• Fleece Jacket: For warmth during colder parts of the trek.
• Down Jacket: Lightweight and warm for high altitudes and evenings.
• Waterproof Jacket and Pants: Protection against rain and wind.
• Trekking Socks: Comfortable, moisture-wicking socks.
• Gloves: Insulated and waterproof.
• Hat and Cap: A warm hat for cold weather and a sun cap for daytime.

Footwear

• Trekking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof, and well broken-in.
• Camp Shoes: Lightweight sandals or sneakers for evenings.

Accessories

• Backpack: 30–40 liters with a rain cover.
• Sleeping Bag: Rated for temperatures down to -10°C.
• Trekking Poles: For stability on rough terrain.
• Headlamp: With extra batteries for early starts or evening use.
• Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: At least 2 liters capacity.
• Sunglasses: UV protection for the strong mountain sun.
• Sunblock and Lip Balm: High SPF protection against sunburn.

Miscellaneous

• First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies, including blister care.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and other essentials.
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits for quick energy.
• Map or Guidebook: Helpful for navigation, although the trails are well marked.
• Camera or Phone: To capture the stunning scenery, along with a power bank.

Gear requirements vary depending on the trekking destination and season. For a complete packing guide, visit our dedicated Trekking Gear List page.