What permits do I need for the Mardi Himal Trek?

Two permits are required for Mardi Himal Trekking. One is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the other is the TIMS Card. Both can be arranged by Himalayan Spirit Adventure Treks & Expeditions . You do not need to visit the permit office yourself.

Is the Mardi Himal Trek safe for solo trekkers ?

Yes, Mardi Himal Trek is safe for solo trekkers. But, trekking with a licensed guide is strongly recommended rather than going alone. The trail above High Camp (3,580m) is rocky and unmarked in places. You might find poor visibility, it can be difficult to follow. Our guide knows the trails and also monitors your health and carries emergency equipment. This is for your safety. Solo trekkers booking with us are paired with a personal guide. The trail itself is safe with no known noticeable security concerns in the region.

Can I charge my phone and access Wi-Fi on the trek ?

Charging is available at most of the teahouses. But you have to pay certain charges . You can have access to the WIFI at some teahouses in Forest Camp and Low Camp. It might be quite slow and unreliable though. You will find no reliable WI-FI above Low Camp. NTC mobile data works off and on at Forest/Low Camp. It is quite weak or absent at High Camp and Base Camp.

What is the best month to do the Mardi Himal Trek?

Out of all the months, October is the best single month for Mardi Himal Trekking. You will see the clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable daytime temperatures at altitude. The third and fourth weeks of October are peak season. Likewise, March and April are the second-best window, with rhododendron blooms. It adds colour to the lower trail. November is colder but often the clearest month of the year. December to February is possible but High Camp and Base Camp may be snow-covered . It is suitable only for cold-weather trekkers with appropriate gear.

How cold does it get on the Mardi Himal Trek ?

Mardi Himal Trek takes you to high-altitude. At Forest Camp and Low Camp (2,500–3,000m), the daytime temperatures in October get in between 10–18°C. At High Camp (3,580m) the nights drop to 0-5°C in October . The temperature gets below zero from November onwards. Likewise, at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), early morning temperatures in October can reach -5 to -8°C. Wind chills noticeably above 3,500m. Carry a warm down jacket, thermal base layers, and a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C for nights at High Camp. This will protect you.

Do I need travel insurance for the Mardi Himal Trek ?

Yes ! travel insurance is mandatory for booking with Himalayan Spirit Adventure. This insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation and emergency medical treatment to at least 5,000m. World Nomads, True Traveller, and Battleface are among the providers commonly used by Nepal trekkers. Don’t forget to carry a printed copy of your insurance. Also your emergency contact number to us.

Is Mardi Himal Base Camp a different place from Annapurna Base Camp ?

Yes . Mardi Himal Trek and Annapurna Base Camp are two completely separate locations. Mardi Himal Base Camp sits at 4,500m on the eastern ridge of the Annapurna range, directly below Mardi Himal peak (5,587m). Annapurna Base Camp sits at 4,130m inside the Annapurna amphitheatre passing through a different trail from the Modi Khola valley. The two base camps are not connected by trail.

What happens if I need to cancel or cut the trek short ?

You can contact us directly if they have to make any changes or cancellations or cut the trek short. Likewise, if there are any medical emergencies on the trail, our guide will coordinate with helicopter rescue services. But must primarily, do inform us. Get in touch with Himalayan Spirit Adventure Treks & Expeditions Phone / WhatsApp : +977-9851112259 Email: info@himalayanspiritadventure.com

What is the best month to do the Mardi Himal Trek ?

Out of all the months, October is the best single month for Mardi Himal Trekking. You will see the clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable daytime temperatures at altitude. The third and fourth weeks of October are peak season. Likewise, March and April are the second-best window, with rhododendron blooms. It adds colour to the lower trail. November is colder but often the clearest month of the year. December to February is possible but High Camp and Base Camp may be snow-covered . It is suitable only for cold-weather trekkers with appropriate gear.

10- Days Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary and Costs

Highlights

Trek through less-crowded trails in the Annapurna region. This region was opened to foreign trekkers in 2012. It offers a peaceful alternative to popular routes.
Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and many more.
Start the journey with city exploration in Kathmandu and Pokhara. It also includes lakeside relaxation before heading to the mountains.
Hike from Phedi/Kande. It takes you through rhododendron and pine forests to Potana which is approx. 1,950m). This is a scenic Gurung village with mountain views.
Take photographs of the seen oak trees, and hemlock forests. This looks beautiful especially during spring blooms.
Experience the peaceful start at Potana village (1,950m) where you can see forest trails and mountain views.
Reach Forest Camp (Kokar, 2,550m–2,600m) which is a forested stop. It is a perfect spot for acclimatization and enjoying nature.
Experience first clear close-up views of Machapuchare (6,993 meters , 22,943 feet) at Low Camp (2,970–3,050m).
Enjoy at High Camp (3,550–3,580m) where you can see sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna massif.
Climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m . Here, you will get to see majestic views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Walk along scenic ways and open alpine forests with beautiful mountain views everywhere.
Descend through authentic Gurung villages like Siding. Here you experience local culture, terraced fields, and traditional hospitality which is a new experience for you.
Enjoy diverse terrain that is subtropical forests, alpine meadows, rocky ridges, and high-altitude viewpoints on the way.
Interact with Gurung and other local communities, learning about their traditions and daily mountain life.
Complete a moderate, beginner-friendly trek with a maximum altitude of 4,500m . It is challenging yet accessible.
Benefit from a shorter 5–7 day core trekking itinerary within the 10-day package, including travel days.
Return to Pokhara and enjoy the lakeside relaxation after the trek. There are optional sightseeings if you want to explore.

Combine natural beauty, cultural immersion, and adventure in this Himalayan journey.

Overview

The 10 days Mardi Himal Trek itinerary takes you from Kathmandu into the Annapurna region and back in such a way that works for most people .

Mardi is famous for active trekking, teahouse accommodation and adventures. You don't need technical climbing experience. This trek takes you at the maximum altitude of 4,500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp.

The route runs from Phedi through Pothana, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and Base Camp, then drops into Siding , working Gurung village, before returning to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu.

The trail is not a walk in the park. You are climbing into high-altitude terrain, and the days from Low Camp to High Camp and from High Camp to Base Camp will check your mental stability, your patience, your stamina and many more.

This guide covers everything you need to know. You will know about your plan, budget, and preparation required for the Mardi Himal Trek.

You will also have a clear map in your mind for a day-by-day itinerary, cost breakdown, permit details, difficulty ratings, the best months to go, health and altitude advice, and a clear comparison with the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

Himalayan Spirit Adventure operates this route in small private groups with licensed guides.

We will help you travel , be safe, comfortable and fun in a most mystical way.

Delve more into us !

How difficult is the Mardi Himal trekking in Nepal ?

Mardi Himal Trek is overall a moderate trek. There is not a technical challenge. Think of it as sitting between a long multi-day hike at home and a high-altitude expedition. The terrain itself is not technical.

If the challenge comes it is either from altitude or the continuous effect of five to six consecutive days of walking.

Let’s see the difficulty breakdown below :

Day-by-Day Difficulty Breakdown

Day	Segment	Grade	Notes
Day 3	Phedi → Forest Camp	Moderate	Long, steady climb; manageable pace
Day 4	Forest Camp → Low Camp	Moderate	Shorter distance but steeper section
Day 5	Low Camp → High Camp	Moderate to Hard	Altitude starts to matter here
Day 6	High Camp → Base Camp → High Camp	Hard	Earliest start, highest altitude, most demanding
Day 7	High Camp → Siding	Hard	Long descent; hard on knees

What is the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp from sea level?

Mardi Himal Trek is an unexplored beautiful destination of the Annapurna trekking region in Nepal. It is a demanding trek located at an altitude of 4,500 meters ( 14, 763 feet ) above the sea level.

This trek takes you to Upper Viewpoint situated at 4,250 meters ( 13, 943) feet above sea level. This place is a common stop for trekkers on the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.

Enjoy the beautiful view of the Annapurna Sanctuary.

This faraway destination offers the majestic views of the major mountains . Enjoy the Mardi Himal view, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail ) , Dhaulagiri , Annapurna I, Annapurna South once you are on your way to Mardi.

Most of all, don’t miss out the Sunrise from Mardi Himal Base Camp across the Annapurna Region.

What mountains can you see from the Mardi Himal Trek?

Mardi Himal Trek is also considered as one of the shorter treks in Nepal. You will see the mountain views as early as Low Camp . The view then increases in a dramatic way above the tree line near places near Badal Danda, High Camp and the Upper Viewpoint.

This trekking destination is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area. It is also one of Nepal's largest protected areas.

The trail offers you many close-up views of major Himalayan peaks throughout your journey.

Check out below :

Annapurna I is one of the highest mountains visible from the trek at 8,091 m (26,545 ft).
Annapurna South you see from here has an elevation of 7,219 m (23,684 ft).
Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) ascends to 6,993 m (22,943 ft).
Hiunchuli stands at 6,441 m (21,132 ft).
Mardi Himal reaches 5,587 m (18,330 ft).
Tent Peak has an elevation of nearly 5,663 m (18,579 ft).
Mardi Himal lies north of the trekking route, while Machhapuchhre dominates the northwestern skyline.
Annapurna South and Hiunchuli are prominently visible to the west.
Annapurna I can also be seen beyond Machhapuchhre on clear days.

Note : Don’t forget to get your perfect snaps and photographs once you are here.

Who can do this Mardi Himal trek?

Mardi Himal Trek takes you at an altitude of 4,500m at Base Camp/Viewpoint (High Camp ~3,550–3,580m. It requires some level of mental and physical preparation.

For this trek, follow the below listed points.

Fit for beginners and first-time high-altitude trekkers

This trek is ideal for trekkers who have the average fitness and prepare well for the trek.

Trekkers with moderate fitness levels.

If you are capable of walking 5-7 hours per day on uphill sections and uneven trails, you can continue the trek.

Trekkers seeking shorter Himalayan adventure

You can choose this trek if you are looking for shorter treks compared to ABC or EBC.

Trekkers who want less crowded trails

This Mardi destination offers less people , dramatic ridge views, and splendid mountain scenery without extreme challenges.

Who should be cautious or may find it challenging ?

You have to be prepared mentally and physically for Mardi Himal Trek. Do not continue this trek if you are :

Someone with very low fitness or sedentary lifestyle.
Someone who has severe heart, lung, or joint issues . Consult a doctor before joining this trek.
Those who are prone to acute mountain sickness (AMS) without proper acclimatization.
And young children under 10–12 years . This is possible with guidance but needs careful planning.

Route Map for Mardi Himal Trek

For Mardi Himal Trek , your journey starts from the Kathmandu city. This is the base of your journey. Precisely, it is not too high up in the mountains. Then you ride about 6 to 8 hours. Just enjoy the hills and rivers on the way to Pokhara.

You will enjoy the green forests when you are travelling towards a place called Pitam Deurali. Then you walk for 4 to 6 hours into the bigger trees and reach Forest Camp 5.

The next day is quite longer where you have to walk towards the steep paths to High Camp. The view of the snowy mountains is splendid. Then finally the journey will take you towards Annapurna mountains .

After the long and tiresome but worth it journey you head back to Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu.