Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek- 9 Days

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Trip Facts
  • Country Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy
  • Duration 9 Days
  • Maximum Altitude 4,500 m
  • Group Size 1-20
  • Starts Pokhara
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Activities Trekking, Driving
  • Best Time Spring and Autumn

The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is one of the finest short Himalayan treks for those looking for a less crowded, lesser-traveled path in the Annapurna area. In only 7 days, this alternative path leads you deep into unspoiled rhododendron forest, over high ridges, and to stunning vista points with close-up glimpses of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Even though the trail lies only to the east of the busy Annapurna Base Camp route, Mardi Himal remains relatively off-the-beaten-path, perfect for trekkers who want to be alone and in nature as unspoiled as possible. 

From Kande or Phedi after a short drive from Pokhara, the trek passes through vibrant villages like Australian Camp and Forest Camp, ascending steadily through dense subtropical forest before coming out onto alpine ridges with hair-raising views. Compared to more busy treks, you'll often be the only individual on the trail with the only noises the soft wind and birdsong echoing through the woods. By the time you actually get to High Camp and then ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), the scenery of white Himalayan peaks appears so close that it feels like you can practically reach out and touch them.

High altitude is no barrier on this moderately graded Mardi Himal Trek, made easy for time-conscious and fit trekkers or first-timers. Well-engineered trail, gentle gain of altitude, and the coziness of friendly teahouses create a pleasant experience, and with warm welcomes from the Gurung and Magar locals, trekkers get authentic tastes of rural Nepali mountain life.

For a short but rewarding Himalayan adventure with stunning mountain views, peaceful trails, and minimal crowds, the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a good bet. It's a new classic for anyone who wants to venture slightly off the path, without getting too far off track.

Highlights of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

  • Walk on a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path trail lying hidden along the famous Annapurna routes.
  • Enjoy close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from spectacular high ridges.
  • Trek through rhododendron forest blooms, rock staircases, and vast alpine meadows.
  • Arrive at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and feel the sheer scale of the Himalayan giants at your doorstep.
  • Recline in cozy, family-run teahouses along the trek with warm hospitality and home food.
  • Witness Himalayan wildlife like Danphe (Lophophorus), yaks, and mountain goats in their natural setting.
  • Rejoice in heavenly sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna range from High Camp.
  • Ideal for beginners with average fitness, no climbing, no flights required, and readily accessible from Pokhara.

Best Time to Visit Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

The best trekking seasons to Mardi Himal Base Camp are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).

During spring, the path is lined with blooming rhododendrons, greenery, and temperate climate, perfectly ideal for nature lovers and photographers. The weather is predominantly clear in the morning and evening, and wonderful glimpses of the mountains along with perfect trekking weather.

Autumn, after the rains of the monsoon, experiences cool, settled air. It is high season, with fine visibility, dry trails and sunsets over the Annapurna range, stunning and spectacular. Daytime temperatures are comfortable but can drop at night near High Camp.

Although December to February is possible for experienced trekkers, snow and cold weather can shorten itineraries from the High Camp. June to August monsoon is not recommended, as torrents of rain fall, trails become slippery, and mountain terrains remain obscured.

    Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek- 9 Days Itinerary

    We’re happy to help you make your journey truly yours! You can enhance your adventure by adding a Kathmandu sightseeing tour, exciting outdoor activities, or day trips around Nepal before or after your trek. Simply get in touch, and we’ll arrange it for you.

    Please note that the itinerary may occasionally require changes due to factors beyond our control, such as flight delays, unpredictable weather, or natural events. In such situations, we’ll do our utmost to provide the best possible alternatives to keep your trek safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. We deeply appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and flexibility in these circumstances.

    Day 01Kathmandu Arrival and Transfer to Hotel

    Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will receive and transfer you to Kathmandu hotel. Rest after check-in or take some time to roam around the nearby streets of Thamel. In the evening, meet your trek leader as he introduces you to the Mardi Himal Trek, itinerary, equipment checklist, and safety precautions.

    Overnight in Kathmandu | Altitude: 1,400m

    • Max Altitude:1,350 m
    • Meals:Welcome Dinner
    • Accommodation:3 star accommodation

    Day 02Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)

    After an early breakfast, begin your scenic overland journey to Pokhara. The 6–7 hour drive winds alongside rivers, small villages, and green hills. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at a lakeside hotel. Pokhara is a peaceful city known for its relaxed atmosphere and views of Machapuchare. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Phewa Lake or sip coffee in one of the lakeside cafés.

    Drive Time: 6–7 hours | Overnight stay at Pokhara

    • Max Altitude:820 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:3 star accommodation
    • Duration:6-7 hour
    • Mode of Transportation:Private Vehicle

    Day 03Drive to Kande & Trek to Pitam Deurali (2,100m)

    Your trekking adventure begins today. Drive after breakfast for almost 1.5 hours to Kande—the start point of the trek. The trail first ascends to Australian Camp, with a wide view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Go on from there through dense forest and rhododendron-lined paths to Pitam Deurali, small ridge-top village providing your first genuine Himalayan views.

    Trek Time: 3–4 hours | Path: Forest paths and stone steps | Overnight at Pitam Deurali

    • Max Altitude:2,100 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:Local Teahouse
    • Duration:3-4 hours hike

    Day 04Trek to Rest Camp (2,600m)

    Leave Pitam Deurali and continue through thick forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron. The trail is serene, with very few trekkers, allowing a peaceful walk surrounded by nature’s soundtrack. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and mountain wildlife along the way. Reach Rest Camp by afternoon, where you’ll enjoy a quiet night in a forested setting.

    Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Trail: Wooded, easy grade | Overnight stay in Rest Camp

    • Max Altitude:2,600m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:Local Teahouse
    • Duration:4-5 hours

    Day 05Trek to Mardi High Camp (3,580m).

    Today’s trek offers dramatic changes in terrain and scenery. You’ll gradually leave behind dense forests and enter alpine grassland and ridgeline paths. Stop at Low Camp for tea and continue upward to High Camp, where the towering peaks of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli feel incredibly close. Sunset views from High Camp are magical and unforgettable.

    Trek Time: 5–6 hours | Trail: Forest to alpine ridge | Overnight at High Camp

    • Max Altitude:3,580 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:Local Teahouse
    • Duration:5-6 hours

    Day 06Hike to Mardi Viewpoint (4,200m) and Mardi Base Camp (4,500m), Back to Low Camp

    Early morning is the best time to begin the crown jewel of your trek—a trek along an alpine ridge to Mardi Himal Viewpoint and then to Mardi Base Camp. Sunrise from the viewpoint is golden on the snow-capped mountains, producing a landscape of near-surreal beauty. The Base Camp path is tight but safe with fantastic glacier, cliff, and deep valley views. Take some time at the base of Mardi Himal, then return to High Camp for lunch and back to Low Camp for overnight.

    Trek Time: 7–8 hours | Path: Narrow ridgeline, exposed and rewarding | Overnight at Low Camp

    • Max Altitude:4,500 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:Local Teahouse
    • Duration:7-8 hours

    Day 07Trek to Siding Village (1,750m) & Drive Back to Pokhara

    Begin your final day on trail with a stunning downhill bike ride along pine forests, open grasslands, and rural mountain towns. You will reach Siding Village in time for lunch—an alternate village where time moves slowly and villagers greet you with a smile. Finish with a private car to Pokhara and return to your lakeside hotel. You will be back late afternoon, in time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere of the city.

    Trek Time: 4–5 hours | Drive Time: 2 hours | Pokhara Overnight

    • Max Altitude:1,750 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:Local Teahouse
    • Duration:4-5 hours

    Day 08Return Drive to Kathmandu

    Breakfast, then take a tourist bus back to Kathmandu, via the same highway. Enjoy the views of Himalayan foothills and rivers once more. Arrive in Kathmandu and check into the hotel. Your farewell night, go shopping for souvenirs or have a traditional Nepali dinner.

    Drive Time: 6–7 hours | Overnight in Kathmandu

    • Max Altitude:1,350 m
    • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation:3 star accommodation
    • Duration:6-7 hours
    • Mode of Transportation:Private Vehicle

    Day 09Final Departure from Kathmandu

    After breakfast, depending on your flight departure schedule, we drive you to the international airport for your departure home. With memories of serene trails, majestic peaks, and warm hospitality, your Mardi Himal adventure concludes on a sweet note.

    Still Confused
    Every adventurer is different- that’s why we customize each Nepal trek or tour to match your requirements, time, budget, fitness level, and group size. Contact us today and let’s design the Himalayan journey that’s right for you.
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    Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek- 9 Days Cost Details

    Includes

    • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
    • 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, breakfast included)
    • 1 night hotel stay in Pokhara (twin-sharing, breakfast included)
    • 3 nights in standard teahouses/lodges along the trekking route (twin-sharing)
    • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
    • Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus or domestic flight (based on package)
    • Private vehicle transport from Pokhara to Kande and from Siding to Pokhara
    • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide (government certified)
    • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (max 15–20kg per porter)
    • Required trekking permits: TIMS Card & ACAP
    • Sleeping bag and down jacket (to be returned after the trek)
    • First aid kit carried by guide
    • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
    • All government taxes and applicable service charges

    Excludes

    • International airfare to/from Nepal
    • Nepal visa fee (available on arrival at the airport)
    • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except welcome dinner)
    • Personal trekking gear (boots, jackets, poles, daypack, etc.)
    • Travel insurance (must include trekking up to 4,500m and helicopter evacuation)
    • Tips for guide, porter, and drivers
    • Hot showers, charging, and Wi-Fi on the trek (extra at some teahouses)
    • Bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic/soft drinks during trek
    • Any costs not mentioned under "Inclusives"

    Essential Information

    Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

    Comprehensive travel insurance for high-altitude trekking (max 4,500 meters), medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue is mandatory for every trekker. The insurance must be submitted prior to embarking on the trek.

    Altitude and Acclimatization

    Though Mardi Himal Base Camp climbs to 4,500m, the trek is moderate since it's a gradual rise and the schedule is properly balanced. Trekkers acclimatize naturally most of the time, but your guide will be monitoring for signs of altitude sickness and providing support if needed.

    Drinking Water on the Trek

    Teahouses serve boiled water for a nominal additional fee. We encourage you to bring refillable bottles and use purification tablets or filters to cut back on plastic use and hydrate yourself.

    Toilets and Hot Showers

    Common squat or western toilets are standard in the majority of teahouses. Low camps have hot showers for a small fee (NPR 200–500). There are minimal facilities at higher camps like High Camp, and you cannot expect hot water to be available at all times.

    Electricity & Wi-Fi Availability

    There is electricity in most of the teahouses to recharge batteries (for a small charge). Wi-Fi is limited but available at some lodges—mostly at Low Camp, Rest Camp, and Pitam Deurali. There can be poor or no connectivity at High Camp.

    Trail Food

    You will be given plain, healthy food such as dal bhat, noodle soup, pasta, fried rice, pancakes, and momos. Vegetarian and vegan options are available easily. Food is freshly cooked and has sufficient carbs to maintain trekking energy.

    Responsible Trekking

    We follow sustainable tourism. Do not use plastic bottles, carry all litter with you, and do not damage local communities, traditions, and nature. We're a Leave No Trace company and have close collaboration with local guides and teahouses to ensure fair wages and responsible actions.

    Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek- 9 Days FAQs

    Mardi Himal is a moderately tough trek. It does not require any technical expertise or climbing, yet the path has steep rising and falling slopes—especially near High Camp and Base Camp. It's less populated and remote than ABC or Ghorepani, yet still comfortable for active novices with good stamina.

    This trail is less crowded, more peaceful, and features unrestricted ridge-line views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli throughout the trek. Mardi, unlike most other treks traversing around the base of mountains, follows along the spine of the ridge, with expansive, movie-like views throughout.

    Yes, this walk can be taken alone with ease, and many first-time trekkers choose Mardi for its relaxed altitude acclimatization, well-run teahouses, and stunning views without crowds. A guide is only required for safety, and the route is well marked but not so close to civilization that you don't get the peaceful Himalayan experience.

    Yes, if the weather and your health permit, you'll hike to the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m. Based on conditions, part of some groups remain at Mardi Viewpoint (4,200m), but we plan a full Base Camp hike, then back down again to Low Camp the same day for more acclimatization and comfort.

    Weather is normally serene in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Days are warm and sunny, especially at lower elevations, while nights around High Camp are sub-freezing. In spring, one sees rhododendron flowers; in autumn, cool breezes and blue skies prevail.

    Mardi Himal is less accessible than Ghorepani or ABC. Teahouses are less common and simple, especially at Rest Camp and High Camp, but offer the basic comforts of blankets and hot food. Few shops or facilities exist after Low Camp, so it's best to bring personal snacks and essentials.

    Yes! Another advantage of Mardi Himal is that it's entirely road-accessible. You drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then up to the trailhead at Kande. The return from Siding Village to Pokhara is taken by jeep as well, no domestic flights required unless you want.

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