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.

Including both road transfers and trekking sections, the overall journey covers approximately 184–196 km, while the actual trekking distance is around 60–65 km, depending on the route. To start the trek, you will drive about 94 km from Pokhara to Deurali. At the end of the trek, you will return from Sidhing Village to Pokhara, covering approximately 28–38 km. The trekking distances are as follows:

Although the Mardi Himal Trek is shorter than longer treks such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or the Everest Base Camp Trek, don’t let the distance fool you. The trail involves a significant altitude gain, from around 1,500 m at Deurali to 4,500 m at Mardi Himal Base Camp, so proper preparation is essential to complete the trek safely.

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.

1. Standard Route (Kande → Sidhing)

The Kande to Sidhing route is the most common way to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp and is perfect for first-time trekkers. The journey starts with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, followed by a trek to Deurali or Forest Camp. The trail then passes through Badal Danda and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp. The return journey descends to Sidhing, from where you can take a jeep back to Pokhara. The entire trek covers approximately 60–64 km and involves 5–7 hours of walking each day.

• Distance: 60–64 km
• Duration: 5–6 days
• Route: Pokhara → Deurali → Forest Camp → Badal Danda → High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint / Base Camp
• Pros: Well-marked trail, moderate difficulty, good teahouse support.
• Cons: Can be slightly crowded during peak season.

2. Mardi Trek via Pothana

The Pothana route is the most common alternative to the standard Mardi Himal Trek. It takes you through charming mountain villages, rhododendron forests, and scenic ridgelines before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp.

• Distance: 45–50 km
• Duration: 5–7 days
• Route: Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp → Pothana → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Pros: Stunning mountain views, rich cultural experience, ideal for beginners.
• Cons: More crowded during peak seasons.

3. Mardi Himal Trek via Dhampus

The Mardi Himal Trek via Dhampus is one of the most culturally rewarding routes, beginning with a visit to one of the most beautiful Gurung villages in the Annapurna region. Along with cultural experiences, the trek offers excellent views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.

• Distance: Approximately 50 km
• Duration: 5–7 days
• Route: Pokhara → Phedi → Dhampus → Pothana → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Pros: Traditional village experience, easy access from Pokhara, comfortable teahouses.
• Cons: Similar terrain to the standard route.

4. Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp Combination

For trekkers looking for more than just the Mardi Himal adventure, this combined route includes two of Nepal’s most famous trekking destinations. Trekkers first visit Mardi Himal Base Camp and then continue through the Annapurna Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp.

• Distance: 90–110 km
• Duration: 10–14 days
• Route: Mardi Himal Base Camp → Landruk → Chhomrong → Bamboo → Deurali → Annapurna Base Camp
• Pros: Explore two iconic destinations in one trip with diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
• Cons: More physically demanding and requires additional time and budget.

5. Mardi Himal Trek via Ghandruk

This alternative route includes the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk, known for its rich culture, traditional architecture, and spectacular mountain views. It is an excellent choice for trekkers seeking a deeper cultural experience alongside their adventure.

• Distance: Approximately 60 km
• Duration: 5–7 days
• Route: Pokhara → Ghandruk → Landruk → Forest Camp → Low Camp → High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp
• Pros: Cultural immersion and excellent photography opportunities.
• Cons: Includes more uphill and downhill sections.

Accommodation

Mardi Himal Trails offers twin-sharing accommodation at family-run teahouses. As you gain altitude, accommodation costs increase while facilities become more basic. Please note that there are no permanent accommodation facilities at Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp. For this reason, High Camp is the highest overnight accommodation point on the trek.

Rooms along the Mardi Himal trekking route are simple and include twin beds, blankets, and pillows. The accommodations at each stop are built using locally available materials. Forest Camp features wooden buildings with private rooms, each containing two single beds with foam mattresses. Low Camp has stone-built rooms, while High Camp has stone buildings with metal roofs.

Bathrooms are generally shared and feature Asian-style (squat) toilets in most teahouses. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging electronic devices are available for an additional fee.

Meals

During the Mardi Himal Trek, you will have three meals each day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The teahouses serve breakfast items such as tea, coffee, bread, chapati, soups, and cornflakes. Local breakfast specialties like apple custard and banana pickles are also popular with both domestic and international trekkers.

For lunch and dinner, the staple meal is the traditional Nepali dish Dal Bhat with tarkari (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry). Many teahouses also serve Western dishes such as pizza, burgers, sandwiches, dumplings, thukpa, spaghetti, and macaroni. Each teahouse also has a communal dining room where trekkers gather to enjoy their meals together.

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 turn. As you begin your trek and walk through diverse landscapes, the sights of mountain peaks start to seem closer and clearer with every passing day.

From vantage points such as Badal Danda, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Viewpoint, trekkers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range. The sight of sunrise and sunset views over the mountain peaks is an experience to remember for a lifetime.

As you begin 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. The viewpoint of Mardi Himal and the base camp offers views of other peaks and those from close by. You can see Mount Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, and Gangapurna from a single location.

Furthermore, you’ll get a farewell view of the entire Annapurna and Mardi Himal range from Sidhing on your descent journey.

Mountain Views by Location at a Glance:

Although still considered a hidden gem, the Mardi Himal Trek is becoming increasingly popular. Here are a few reasons why the trek is so well known:

1. Mountain Views

The Mardi Himal Trek is renowned for offering spectacular mountain views throughout the journey. The trail passes directly below Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), bringing trekkers closer to the peak than almost any other trek in the Annapurna region. It also offers breathtaking views of Annapurna (8,091 m), Mardi Himal (5,587 m), and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). This close proximity to the Himalayan giants is one of the trek’s biggest attractions.

2. Short Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest trekking routes in the Annapurna region, making it an excellent choice for travelers with limited time who still want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Few treks in the region offer such rewarding scenery within such a short itinerary, making it increasingly popular among time-conscious trekkers.

3. Easy Accessibility

The trek is highly accessible because it begins just a short drive from Pokhara. There is no need for domestic flights, concerns about weather-related airport delays, or complicated travel arrangements. You can drive from Pokhara to Deurali, the trek’s starting point, and begin trekking on the same day.

4. Moderate Difficulty

Another reason for the Mardi Himal Trek’s popularity is its moderate difficulty level. It is ideal for first-time trekkers who want an authentic Himalayan adventure without facing extreme challenges. While the trail includes steep sections and reaches elevations above 4,500 m, it does not require technical climbing skills, specialized equipment, or prior high-altitude trekking experience.

5. Less Crowded Trails

One of the trek’s greatest appeals is its peaceful atmosphere. Unlike popular routes such as Poon Hill and the Annapurna Circuit, the Mardi Himal Trek remains relatively uncrowded. This allows trekkers to enjoy the natural beauty of the Annapurna region and its magnificent mountain scenery in a quieter, more tranquil setting.

One of the major highlights of the Mardi Himal is the panorama of Mount Macchapuchhre, translated as Mount Fishtail in English. Located at the impressive elevation of 6,993 m (22,943 ft), the mountain is named after the fish-tail-like shape of its twin summits. The trek along the Mardi takes you closer to the sight of the peak. One of the unique aspects of Mt. Macchapucchre is that it has never been summited due to religious significance, as Gurung communities consider the peak an abode of Lord Shiva.

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

• Nepal Alternative Treks is a reputable travel agency with many years of experience and a proven track record.
• Many of our clients return for future adventures because they know they are in reliable and 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.
• Your safety is our top priority, making our trekking services reliable and trustworthy.
• Our itineraries are thoughtfully planned, and our guides are highly trained, experienced, and knowledgeable about the Mardi Himal region.
• We provide continuous support, guidance, and assistance throughout your trekking journey.

Choosing a reliable trekking agency is crucial to securely booking the Mardi Himal Trek. Choosing a reliable one allows safety and provides top-notch service. For a hassle-free booking procedure, select Alternative Nepal Trek. We offer a trusted and secure process for handling all bookings professionally. Our team ensures your safe journey as we have experienced teams. Moreover, we offer 24/7 service to assist you through the Vogaya. Contact us via email or phone to learn more about the trek and booking procedure.

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.

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.

CTA: 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.