Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal

A short Annapurna ridge trek known for teahouse hiking, steady altitude gain, and dramatic close mountain views.

Mardi Himal Trekking is one of the shorter Himalayan treks in Nepal, but it still delivers a full mountain journey. The standard route begins near Kande, passes Deurali/Pothana, and then climbs through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp before the early-morning push to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

The trek sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, west of Pokhara. Nepal Tourism Board lists the Annapurna region among Nepal's most popular trekking areas and recommends March to May and September to November for the clearest conditions and best trekking weather.

This route is generally rated moderate. It is not technical, but it does involve repeated uphill days, basic teahouse facilities, and a long summit morning above High Camp where the ridge is more exposed to wind and weather.

The highest point on the trek is usually taken as Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, while High Camp sits around 3,550 to 3,580 meters. The big appeal is how close the upper ridge feels to Machhapuchhre, with wide panoramas of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and nearby ridge lines.

Current Nepal Tourism Board guidance says trekkers in this region should carry the required TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area permit, and foreign trekkers should check the latest rule and fee updates before departure because permit rules have been revised in recent years.

Mardi Himal Trekking

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

Follow one of the quieter Annapurna routes from Kande through Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp.

Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 m for one of the closest trekking views of Machhapuchhre.

Walk through rhododendron forest, cloud forest, alpine ridge, and open mountain viewpoints in a compact itinerary.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Arrival Day

• Welcome upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
• Private transfer to hotel; comprehensive trek briefing and gear check.
• Free evening to explore vibrant local markets in Thamel and rest.

Scenic Drive

• Scenic highway drive through winding river valleys, terrace fields, and rural townships.
• Panoramic countryside views featuring rolling hills and distant snowcapped peaks.
• Arrive at Pokhara; evening dinner, team briefing, and overnight lodge stay.

Scenic Drive

• Trek route: Drive to Phedi and Trek to Pitam Deurali.
• We will continue our trip to Phedi in a vehicle for 1.5hr.
• Arrive at Pitam Deurali; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Trek to Forest Camp.
• On this day we will continue ascending toward Forest Camp.
• Arrive at Forest Camp; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Trek Forest Camp to High Camp.
• Start our trek toward high camp early as usual.
• Arrive at High Camp; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Trek from High Camp- Mardi Himal Base Camp West and return back to High Camp.
• Marvel at panoramic vistas of Himalayan snowscape from here is admiring along the trail.
• Arrive at High Camp; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trek route: Trek to Bhiujung.
• From High Camp this day we will trek to Bhiujung via low camp.
• Arrive at Bhiujung; evening dinner, relaxation, and overnight stay at mountain lodge.

Scenic Drive

• Scenic highway drive through winding river valleys, terrace fields, and rural townships.
• Panoramic countryside views featuring rolling hills and distant snowcapped peaks.
• Arrive at Kathmandu; evening dinner, team briefing, and overnight lodge stay.

Scenic Flight

• Leisure breakfast at hotel; free time for last-minute souvenir shopping.
• Optional exploration of Kathmandu's historic Durbar Squares.
• Private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international flight.

Mardi Himal Trekking

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu.
Hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.
Trip briefing, permit help, and transport coordination.
Experienced local guide during the trek.
Tea house accommodation on the trail.
Meals during the trekking days as per the program.
Porter support for the main trekking section.
Staff wages, meals, insurance, and transport expenses.
Basic first-aid support and route management.
Annapurna region trekking permits and entry fees.
Required local paperwork for the route.
Administrative costs related to the trip.

Exclusions

International flights to and from Nepal.
Nepal visa fees and personal travel expenses in Kathmandu.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara unless listed.
Travel insurance with emergency rescue coverage.
Personal drinks, snacks, hot showers, charging, tips, and extra nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits are required for trekking in the Annapurna region?

You need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) Card. Our team secures these for you in Kathmandu before the trek, and they are covered by your booking fee.

How do we travel from Kathmandu to the Annapurna region?

The gateway is Pokhara. You can either take a scenic 25-minute domestic flight or a 6-to-8 hour tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we take private jeeps to the specific trailheads.

What is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit?

The highest point is the Thorong La Pass, situated at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 ft). It is a challenging day of walking but offers unforgettable panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Are ATMs available in the Annapurna region?

ATMs are available in Pokhara, Besisahar, and Jomsom. However, on the mountain trail itself, there are no banking facilities. You must carry sufficient cash in Nepalese Rupees to cover daily personal expenses.

What is the accommodation style in Annapurna teahouses?

Annapurna teahouses are cozy, family-run mountain lodges. Most have twin-share rooms with wooden beds, foam mattresses, and blankets. Many lower-altitude teahouses now offer attached bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi.

Is altitude sickness common in the Annapurna region?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 meters. Our itineraries feature safe ascent rates and dedicated rest days. Our guides monitor oxygen saturation levels daily to ensure everyone acclimatizes correctly.

How do I access clean drinking water on the trail?

To limit single-use plastic waste, we discourage buying plastic water bottles. Instead, fill your reusable bottles with boiled water from teahouses or tap water treated with purification tablets or UV purifiers.