If you are in search of a low-risk, high-reward trek, you’ve come to the perfect place. The Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful trek, perfect for beginners with no prior trekking experience. It has a less demanding route compared to other treks present in the Annapurna region, like the Annapurna base camp trek and the Annapurna circuit trek. This trek lands on a moderately difficult scale on the difficulty bar, but the difficulty you feel during the trek highly depends on your fitness and experience level. The Mardi Himal trek will present itself as quite doable and easy if you have high stamina and endurance.
You reach an altitude of up to 14 764 feet, so we recommend that you make stops between the treks and take acclimatization breaks. Staying hydrated, eating well, taking breaks, and listening to your body are all important things to keep in mind to avoid altitude sickness while on the Mardi Himal trek. While it is a relatively short and easy trek, it does contain some paths, like going to the high camps, that can be more demanding than the other paths. You will need to be more careful while ascending on these paths. Book us now! so we can connect you with a guide or porter who improves your trek experience, making it easier and more memorable.
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is generally considered well-suited for beginners. If you are interested in hiking, traveling, and exploring and possess a moderate fitness level, this trek is made for you. Compared to the other peaks in the Annapurna range, the Mardi Himal Trek is relatively short. It can typically be completed in 5-7 days, depending on your pace and fitness level. Including proper acclimatization day breaks between the treks would result in a more slow-paced and enjoyable experience.
The average daily walking hours during this trek is 4-5 hours. This trek offers beautiful scenic views of many mountains in the Annapurna Range, including the Mardi Himal, Machhapuchre Himal (Fishtail Mountain), Hiuchuli, and other Annapurna peaks. Many trekkers even prefer doing the Mardi Himal Trek without Guide for a more flexible and independent experience, as the trail is well-marked and beginner-friendly. This trek takes you through paths crossing dense rhododendron forests, which is Nepal’s national flower. This beginner-friendly trek is exactly the kind of short and sweet vacation that you are in search of. Some trails may appear to be uphill and steep while ascending to the Mardi Himal high camp. This requires you to be in good physical condition. Your fitness is key to making your trekking experience as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
A Captivating Adventure With Coretreks
I recently had the amazing chance to do the Mardi Himal Trek with CoreTreks, and it was beyond my expectations. From start to finish, the experience was incredible and gave me memories I will never forget. CoreTreks paid attention to every little detail, ensuring customer satisfaction right from the start. The arrangements for permits, accommodations, and transportation were handled smoothly, which allowed me to fully focus on the trek ahead.
The trek itself was an absolute pleasure. The Mardi Himal trail offers stunning views, rich wildlife, and landscapes that take your breath away. Even in the more remote areas, the facilities were clean and comfortable, creating a perfect spot to relax after a day of hiking.
CoreTreks also showed a strong commitment to responsible tourism and sustainability throughout the trek. They emphasized Leave No Trace principles and supported local communities and conservation efforts. It was inspiring to see their dedication to preserving the beauty of the Mardi Himal region.
I’m truly thankful to CoreTreks for making this journey so special and for allowing me to experience the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Michael Cruz
Philippines
The Mardi Himal trek is considered a moderate to easy level trek. The highest altitude you reach during the trek is 4500 m which is low enough not to cause a high risk of getting altitude sickness. The Mardi Himal trek is an 11-day trek. Extending the trek to 11 days allows people to ascend and descend at their own pace without rushing. This gives them plenty of time to take breaks in between the treks for acclimatization days. Like the Annapurna base camp trek, Mardi Himal Trek is also accessible from Pokhara, so you don’t have to walk a great distance to reach the starting point.
This trek can be done with no prior skills or experience, as it is a beginner-friendly trek. The Mardi Himal trek offers stunning sceneries of mountains to the trekker upon reaching the top. It gives a sense of achievement and reward to the trekker making your trekking experience memorable. While accommodations like lodges and tea houses may be limited as you get to higher altitudes, they are still available easily during the Mardi Himal trek as it is essentially a lower altitude trek compared to the other peaks in Nepal.
While rating moderate in the difficulty bar, there are some challenges you may face during the Mardi trek, which makes it somewhat more demanding than other shorter treks. You risk getting altitude sickness once you go above 2,500 meters. Some trails can be very rocky and uneven due to the steep terrains with uphill and downhill sections as you go.
There are many weather concerns during winter and monsoon seasons. The winter brings cold weather, snowstorms, and snowslides, while the monsoon season brings landslides, heavy rain, leeches, and other insects. The trails become muddy and slippery in the monsoon. The trek may seem physically demanding to some as you walk an average of 4-5 hours daily. Being physically and mentally fit is required to be able to trek for longer days.
To overcome all the unexpected challenges the trek may throw at you, you need to be in a good, physically fit condition. When you habitually train your body, you gain strength and endurance. It becomes easier for you to recover from exhaustion from walking long hours or any injuries or illnesses you may encounter during the trek. Being fit gives you an advantage by providing you with stamina and strength, which are crucial while trekking in the mountains of Nepal.
Your overall fitness level plays a major role in ensuring you have an enjoyable and memorable trek by helping you avoid and overcome any unwanted situations (injuries, illnesses), whether ascending on the narrow trails or walking through the dense forests. Practice gradual ascent and slow pacing to avoid altitude sickness.
The most popular trekking season to reach the Mardi Himal camp would be Autumn (September, October, and November). This season of trekking offers the perfect weather for trekking. This makes the routes usually more crowded than in the other seasons, as it is considered an ideal time for trekking. The skies are generally clear due to the monsoon season ending around September. This offers amazing visibility of the Mountains. During the day, the temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and during the night, it can dip to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
This season is the perfect time for photographers to capture the beauty of the landscape. There is less harsh sun and rain compared to other seasons making it an ideal time to grab your trekking essentials (mentioned below) and start your journey. This is the perfect weather for the Mardi Himal trek.
There is minimal difficulty for the Mardi Himal trek during the Autumn season. The main festivals of Nepal, Dashain & Tihar, are celebrated from October-November and include celebrations of other festivals like Buddha Jayanti and Indra Jatra. You will get to experience the celebration of these festivals if you coordinate the time of your trek in the autumn season accordingly. Book us for your Mardi Himal trek and get to participate in and closely experience any festival celebration of your liking.
Spring (March, April, and May) is generally the best season for the Mardi base camp trek and other treks in Nepal. These seasons offer fewer crowds than the Autumn season. The temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day. At night, they can dip to 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) at lower altitudes. The weather stays moderate even when the temperature drops at higher elevations. These seasons often possess clear skies that result in amazing mountain visibility during the trek route. These views are the primary reasons most trekkers climb up the heights.
The overall temperature is medium, resulting in moderate walking conditions during the short trek to Mardi Himal. Due to the weather being warmer than the autumn season, the spring season is slightly less crowded than the autumn season. It is still one of the most popular times for trekking. Many trekkers believe spring to be a better time to go on high-altitude treks than autumn. There are all kinds of accommodations available at both higher and lower altitudes during spring, such as lodges, hotels, and camps. Festivals like Holi, Shivaratri, and the Nepali New Year fall during this time.
The Monsoon season is considered an off-season in the traveling and trekking world. It covers the clear skies making it impossible to get scenic views of the mountains. There is less visibility compared to all the other seasons. It becomes difficult to see, let alone enjoy the journey and admire the views as the rain disrupts the walking. The rain also brings in a lot of insects and leeches that make your trekking journey less than ideal. The monsoon season (June, July, August) should be avoided due to heavy rain and slippery roads.
The monsoon season also increases the number of mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Monsoon season also brings the risk of landslides. The continuous heavy rain makes the trail slippery and unstable. The rain may also set off landslides in the high mountainous areas. This may increase the difficulty level of the trek by blocking narrow trails along the way, forcing the trekkers to find other alternative ways on their own. This increases the chances of them getting lost. There are many risks connected to going on treks during the monsoon season, and it is better advised to avoid them for the safety of the trekkers as well as overall enjoyment.
While lower altitude treks can be pleasant even during the Winter (December, January, February), It is often best advised to avoid trekking during the winter season. The winter brings in a lot of possibilities of getting sick during the journey or, even worse, altitude sickness. Beginners are suggested to avoid winter times at all costs. Bringing in guides and porters to help you during winter treks would be ideal.
An upside to this season would be the lack of people present on the trails, preferred by some trekkers. At medium altitudes, the daytime temperature typically ranges from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). During the nights of winter, the temperatures drop to around -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F). It can be very cold, and the trails may get covered in snow at night, making it difficult to complete the Mardi Himal camp trek.
It is typically advised to bring proper thermal and warm clothing, warm sleeping bags, and gloves during a winter trek. During winter, heavy snowfall can trigger snowslides and snowstorms. It is advised to be careful while trekking during the winter, preferably only trekking in lower altitudes where the risk of getting altitude sickness is lower.
When you reach Nepal, Kathmandu is typically your first location. Kathmandu is at a distance of 200 km from Pokhara. After you arrive in Kathmandu, we take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. We start our journey upon reaching Pokhara, which is a 1.5-2 hour drive from Pokhara to Kande by bus or jeep, reaching an elevation of 5,810ft. We provide you with the transportation facilities required to reach from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Khade. We now start our trek from Kande. The total distance from our starting point to the Mardi Himal base camp is 18 km.
We walk from Kande to the Australian camp, which is at a distance of 1.5-2 hours. Throughout the trek, you will pass through oak trees and rhododendron forests. The Australian camp is a short trek. This trek shows you the views of Machapuchere Mountain (Fishtail Mountain) and Annapurna peaks. Descend from the Australian camp to Pokhana, which takes about 1-1.5 hours. Pokhana is a small village along the way to the forest camp offering great views. This trek provides the experience of village life and scenic close views of Annapurna South and Machapuchre (fishtail mountain).
$USD 1,025 per person
Reach 4,500m/ 14,760 ft in 11 Days
We ascend from Pokhana to Forest camp at an elevation of 2,520 m / 8,270 ft. Gradually increase your pace to avoid falling sick due to the sudden increase in altitude. This trek is 5-6 hours long. Walk through the beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. This trek to the Mardi Himal camp offers the opportunity to spot wildlife like birds, monkeys, and other animals along the jungle path. After a day of rest, the trek will start from Forest camp and reach low camp, a 2-3 hour hike. The trail is steady and uphill. You gain access to more open views as u ascend forward.
You trek to Pitam Deurali, which is above forest camp and comes right before you reach low camp. Views of Machepuchre and Hiuchuli start to become more visible as you gain altitude. After you reach the low camp, hike for 3-4 more hours to reach the high camp. The trail runs through thin forests and meadows. Clearer views of the Mountains start to open up. Either take a rest day for the acclimatization process to adjust your body to the higher altitude of the Mardi Himal basecamp it is about to reach.
OR If you want to continue trekking, trek from high camp, passing through a slightly more challenging, rocky, and steep path. You reach the Mardi Himal camp after climbing up for 3-4 hours. The highest altitude of the Mardi Himal trek is 4500m / 14764ft. Here, from the Mardi Himal viewpoint, you get to enjoy the views of the mountains in the Mardi region like the Mardi Himal, Machapuchre, and other mountains to trek in the Annapurna region like Annapurna south and other peaks. Descend back to low camp once you’re done taking up the scenic views you get to see once you reach Mardi Himal base camp.
The duration of the descent is about 4- 6 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you come down. From there, continue descending to the Forest camp, which takes 2-3 hours. You descend through the lush forest for 3-4 hours, then reach Pothana. Your final descent to Kande is 1-1.5 hours long. We complete this trek by picking a vehicle (bus or jeep) to ride back to Pokhara, provided by us.Get back to the city and enjoy the diverse culture and nightlife Pokhra has to offer.
Altitude sickness is also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). It is a condition that can occur when you ascend to a higher altitude too quickly. This typically occurs at a height of 2500 meters or above. You get altitude sickness when your body doesn’t have enough time to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. You can see the symptoms of AMS can be seen when you ascend too quickly without giving your body time to adjust. The low oxygen available at higher altitudes due to the decrease in air pressure is what makes it difficult for your body to adjust to the change.
The process where the body takes time to adjust to these lower oxygen levels is known as acclimatization. You take time by taking break days in between your treks. These are usually performed during longer treks or treks that require you to reach high altitudes. These can usually be omitted during shorter treks or based on the fitness level and prior experience of the trekker.
High-altitude trekking, like the Mardi Himal trek, the Annapurna base camp trek, and the Everest base camp trek, requires your body to adapt to lower oxygen levels. While you can’t fully simulate altitude in training, certain exercises can help your body acclimatize better once you’re on the trail.
You can prepare for the Mardi Himal trek in many ways, especially with altitude sickness in mind. Staying hydrated, eating well, taking acclimatization breaks in between the treks, and giving your body time to adjust to the altitude are the most basic and obvious ways to prevent altitude sickness during the Mardi trek. If you are looking for a short trek that doesn’t require acclimatization days (rest days) like the Mardi trek, the Ghorepani Poonhill 3-4 day trek would be an alternative trek also accessible from Pokhara.
Practice gradual acclimatization and slow pacing during the Mardi Himal trek. Incorporating cardiovascular exercises into your routine before beginning your Mardi base camp trek journey will help you increase your endurance level. It helps you walk for longer hours with ease, which is required in the Mardi Himal trek. As oxygen levels are lower as you go to higher altitudes, indulging in these exercises lessens your chance of being at risk. Exercises like running, jogging, swimming, and other cardio increase your stamina which helps you hike for hours without exhaustion or fatigue. Building endurance will convert even the most difficult treks into an easy one, even if it’s your first trek.
| S.N | Starting – Ending points | Trek Duration | Trek Distance | Elevation |
| 1 | Pokhara to Kande | 1.5-2 hr (drive) | 25 km (drive) | 1,770 m / 5,810 ft |
| 2 | Kande to the Australian camp | 1.5-2 hr | 3.5-4 km | 2,060 m / 6,758 ft |
| 3 | Australian Camp to Pothana | 1-1.5 hr | 5 km | 1,925 m / 6,316 ft |
| 4 | Pothana to Forest Camp | 5-6 hr | 6.5-7 km | 2,520 m / 8,270 ft |
| 5 | Forest Camp to Low Camp | 2-3 hr | 4.5-5 km | 3,050 m / 10,007 ft |
| 6 | Lomp Camp to High Camp | 3-4 hr | 4.5 km | 3,600 m / 11,811 ft |
| 7 | High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp | 3-4 hr | 3-4 km | 4,500 m / 14,764 ft |
| 8 | Return: Mardi Himal Base Camp to Low Camp | 4-6 hr | 7-8 km | 3,050 m / 10,007 ft |
| 9 | Low Camp to Forest Camp (descend) | 2-3 hr | 4.5-5 km | 2,520 m / 8,270 ft |
| 10 | Forest Camp to Pothana (descend) | 3-4 hr | 6.5-7 km | 1,925 m / 6,316 ft |
| 11 | Pothana to Kande | 1-1.5 hr | 5km | 1,770 m / 5,810 ft |
The presence of guides and porters makes the trekking experience more fun and memorable. As the guides are usually experienced local people, they know about the deep-rooted history and stories of the communities and the local people present deep in these Mountains. Many guides pass onto you the lore and stories of the paths you take, and villages you cross. We can connect you with the best travel agencies and guides there, and we guarantee that your trekking experience in Nepal will be very memorable and enjoyable. Hiring guides and porters ups your entertainment during these treks whilst giving you company and making your journey easier.
The Mardi Himal trek offers various accommodation facilities, including hotels, tea houses, and camps. Hotels are usually the most convenient and preferred option for trekkers because of the comfort they provide. Tea houses are usually run by local families and are cheaper than hotels, but they do not fail to provide security and comfort after long hours of trekking. Camps are usually preferred for short treks such as 1-2 days as they would not be of optimal comfort compared to the other lodging facilities, especially during winter and monsoon. Whatever you choose that suits you best will be arranged for you.
In addition to these facilities, we provide you with a detailed daily itinerary along with the side activities that you can do during the trek and other connecting treks you can go on after completing your trek to the Mardi Himal base camp. We ensure a fun and memorable trip for you (individually or with friends and family) Book the trip now to not miss out on experiencing the wonderful treks and views Nepal has to offer!
Yes, the Mardi Himal trek is one trek that can be done solo as it is relatively short, with paths that show the directions along the way, making it easier for the trekkers to find their way on their own. You also can ask the local people you meet in the villages throughout the journey if you are confused. This trek can be completed independently. Another quick trek accessible from Pokhara would be the Ghorepani poon hill trek.
Things like passport, visa, trekking pants, trekking poles, sleeping bags, water purification tablets, sunglasses, sunscreen, t-shirts, travel permits, cash, toiletries, power bank, cellphone, solar charger, trekking poles, waterproof jackets, etc. (Refer to the list mentioned above)
Traditional Nepali food like Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, and Achar (Pickle) are mostly made in the lodges along the trails of Mardi Himal. There are several hotels, lodges, tea houses, and camping facilities in the name of accommodations found during the treks. These lodging spaces found on the path to the Mardi base camp provide traditional foods such as dal, bhat, tarkari, and achaar (pickle), along with non-traditional food like pasta, burgers, and sandwiches.
All are incredibly beautiful and challenging treks of Nepal. The Everest base camp trek is more challenging than the Annapurna circuit trek due to many factors, such as rapid altitude gain, the need for acclimatization, and the challenging path in EBC during ascent. The Annapurna base camp trek is another challenging trek in Nepal, while the Mardi Himal trek is a relatively easy trek compared to the other treks in the Annapurna region.
