Mardi Himal Trek Insights
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trip
- A day in Pokhara - the tourist capital of Nepal
- Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
- Relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda
- Suitable for all age groups
- Mardi Himal High Camp (3,600m), Low Camp, Forest Camp (2,600m)
- First-hand experience of rural Nepali village life
Trek Package
The Mardi Himal Trek is a newly explored trip in the Annapurna region, offering a route that captures what Nepal offers—rural villages, incredible terrain, snow-capped mountains, and changing flora and fauna, ultimately leading you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,763ft).
The trek route provides up-close views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchre, and Hiunchuli. Though Mardi Himal (5,587m / 18,330ft) is smaller compared to Annapurna I (8,091m) or Dhaulagiri (8,167m), it carries a unique charm. Mardi Himal is one of Nepal’s least-climbed and visited peaks.
This is a short trek suitable for first-timers and experienced trekkers alike. The trek starts with a six-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a drive to Dhampus and a trek from there. The journey passes through small ethnic villages and scenic landscapes.
The trek continues through rhododendron and oak forests, offering views of Machhapuchre and Mardi Himal. The trail ascends steeply to High Camp, and finally, to Mardi Himal Base Camp, where spectacular views await. The descent is easier, and the trek ends with a visit to Jhinu Danda’s hot springs.
Mardi Trek begins with a 6-7 hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which is included in the package. However, you can choose to fly to Pokhara for an additional cost. We request clients to arrive in Kathmandu by 3 pm the day before departure for last-minute preparations.
Mardi Trek Itinerary
1. Day 1: Drive to Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara, west of the Kathmandu Valley.
Itinerary Facts
Driving Hours: (200 km /124 miles) 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast, we take a tourist bus to Pokhara. The bus ride takes six to seven hours, passing the picturesque Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Pokhara, set on the banks of Phewa Lake, is known for panoramic views of Annapurna ranges, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal.
Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
Included standard meal (Breakfast)
2. Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus and Trek to Deurali
Itinerary Facts
- Driving Hours: 2 hours
- Trek Distance: 9 km / 5.5 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2,100 m. / 6,889 ft.
We drive to Dhampus, then trek through ethnic Brahmin, Magar, and Gurung villages with panoramic views of the Annapurna peaks. The trail continues through rhododendron forests to Deurali (2,100m), where you will see the Annapurna South glacier looming in the distance.
Overnight stay in a Lodge
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
3. Day 3: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp
Itinerary Facts
- Trek Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Highest Altitude: 2,600m / 8,530 ft.
- Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hrs
The trail ascends through rhododendron, birch, oak, maple, and hemlock forests. Wildlife sightings include leopards, deer, monkeys, and various bird species. We spend the night at Forest Camp.
Overnight stay in a Lodge
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
4. Day 4: Trek to High Camp
Itinerary Facts
- Trek Distance: 8.5 km / 5.2 miles
- Highest Altitude: 3,600m / 11,811 ft.
- Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hrs
We trek from Forest Camp to High Camp via Low Camp. The trail steepens, offering breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) and Annapurna Range. After walking for several hours, we reach High Camp (3,900m) for the night.
Overnight stay in a Lodge
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
5. Day 5: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Descend to Low Camp
Itinerary Facts
- Trek Distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
- Highest Altitude: 4,500m / 14,763ft
- Trek Duration: 7 hrs
We wake up early to enjoy a spectacular sunrise before trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). After taking in the views, we descend back to Low Camp for the night.
Overnight stay in a Lodge
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
6. Day 6: Trek to Jhinu Danda
Itinerary Facts
- Trek Distance: 12 km / 7.4 miles
- Highest Altitude: 3,050m / 10,006ft
- Trek Duration: 7 hrs
We descend to Jhinu Danda through a steep trail, passing through villages like Siding and Landruk. Jhinu Danda has natural hot springs where we can relax and rejuvenate.
Overnight stay at Hotel Park Himalaya (room with attached bathroom)
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
7. Day 7: Trek to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi and Drive Back to Pokhara
Itinerary Facts
- Trek Distance: 4 km / 2.4 miles
- Highest Altitude: 1,780m / 5,839ft
- Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs
- Driving Hours: 2-3 hrs
We make a pleasant hike to Siwa/Ghandruk Phedi and then drive back to Pokhara, completing our trek. The return journey offers picturesque views of the countryside.
Overnight stay at Silver Oaks Inn (room with attached bathroom)
Included meals (Breakfast + Lunch)
What is included in the Mardi Trek package?
- Transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara by tourist bus
- Private transportation from Pokhara to Dhampus and from Ghandruk Phedi to Pokhara
- Accommodation with breakfast at Silver Oaks Inn in Pokhara
- All standard meals during the trek
- Experienced trek leader and porters
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee
- Rescue operation arrangements if needed
- Souvenir T-shirt & cap
- Discovery World Trekking trek achievement certificate
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
What is excluded?
- International flight costs
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Personal expenses like shopping, snacks, bar bills, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and porters
- Additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control