Mardi Himal
6 DAY TREKKING
Discover Hidden Trails
The Mardi Himal Trek is a quieter alternative to the busier Annapurna routes, leading you through beautiful rhododendron forests, high ridges, and remote villages. This off-the-beaten-path adventure takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), offering incredible views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Ideal for those seeking a shorter yet rewarding Himalayan experience, the trek combines stunning mountain scenery with peaceful nature and warm local hospitality.
What makes this trip unique?
difficulty
Comfort
- Less-crowded trails
- Stunning close-up views
- Diverse landscapes
- Certified and experienced guide
- Ideal for shorter holidays
- Welcoming teahouses
- Fair pay and good care for all staff
From €1.025,00
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Trek duration
A beautiful trek with Sherpa Trekking! The Mardi Himal route was peaceful and had amazing mountain views. The guides and porters were kind and helpful the whole time. We felt safe and well taken care of. All by all an amazing experience! I can highly recommend to go do this trek.
P. van Haagen
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu
Elevation: 1.300m/4.264 ft
Your guide will be waiting for you upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He will bring you to your hotel in the vibrant city centre of Kathmandu; Thamel. Take your time to rest after long travels or go explore around Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara
We will take an early flight to Pokhara*
Today you will have time to acclimatize and explore beautiful Pokhara. A vibrant city at Phewa Lake. You can visit some of the museums, Devi’s fall or take a stroll by the lake.
There will be time to buy some last necessary items if you need. Your guide will check your gear to see if you have everything you need. In the evening you will have dinner together with the guide and have a full briefing of the upcoming trip.
Day 3: Drive to Kande – Trek to Forest Camp
Drive: 1.5 hours from Pokhara to Kande (1,770m)
Trek: 6–7 hours / approx. 10 km
Overnight Altitude: Forest Camp (2,550m)
Today begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to the trailhead at Kande. The trek starts through terraced farmlands and small Gurung villages. We then enter a beautiful forest of oak, maple, and rhododendron. The trail gradually ascends and becomes more peaceful as we reach Forest Camp—tucked inside a quiet woodland.
Day 4: Forest Camp to Low Camp
Trek: 4–5 hours / approx. 6 km
Overnight Altitude: Low Camp (3,150m)
Today’s trail continues through dense forest, with moss-covered trees and occasional glimpses of the mountains through the branches. The air gets thinner as we climb, and vegetation begins to change. From Low Camp, you’ll see Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) standing majestically ahead.
Day 5: Low Camp to High Camp
Trek: 4–5 hours / approx. 5 km
Overnight Altitude: High Camp (3,580m)
We ascend above the tree line today, following a narrow ridge with stunning open views on both sides. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli come into full view. The trail is narrower but truly scenic. High Camp offers incredible panoramic mountain views and a peaceful atmosphere above the clouds.
Day 6: Hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint / Base Camp – Return to High Camp
Trek: 6–7 hours round trip / approx. 10 km
Highest Altitude: Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
Overnight Altitude: High Camp (3,580m)
We start early to catch the sunrise as we hike up to Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Base Camp. The path is rocky and steep at times, but the rewards are incredible—unobstructed views of Machapuchare, Annapurna I and South, Gangapurna, and the Mardi Himal ridge. After soaking in the views, we return to High Camp.
Day 7: High Camp to Siding Village
Trek: 5–6 hours / approx. 11 km
Overnight Altitude: Siding (1,750m)
Leaving the high alpine zone, we descend steeply through forest trails and terraced hillsides. Today’s walk is off the main tourist trail, giving us a chance to experience village life and local hospitality in the quiet village of Siding. It’s a lovely, calm place to rest after the high-altitude part of the trek.
Day 8: Trek to Lumre – Drive to Pokhara
Trek: 2–3 hours / approx. 6 km
Drive: 2 hours to Pokhara
Overnight Altitude: Pokhara (820m)
A short and gentle walk through farmland and traditional villages leads us to Lumre, where our jeep will be waiting. After a scenic drive back to Pokhara, we arrive at Lakeside for a warm shower, good food, and a relaxing evening.
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Travel DETAILS
About the Accommodations – Mardi Himal Trek
In Pokhara, you will stay in a comfortable hotel with a private bathroom and breakfast included.
During the trek, you’ll sleep in small trekking lodges located in or near mountain villages. These lodges are simple but welcoming, usually made of stone or wood. Rooms are typically private with two single beds. You’ll sleep in your own sleeping bag on provided mattresses with pillows. At higher altitudes, extra blankets are available to keep warm.
Facilities are basic and shared. Showers may be available for a fee, though warm water is not always guaranteed. The dining areas are heated (often with a stove fueled by wood or yak dung), but it’s important to bring warm clothing—especially for the evenings.
Charging electronics is possible for a fee. Wi-Fi is sometimes available, but the connection can be unreliable. In some places, you can buy a data package for more consistent access.
Note: Trekking lodges generally cannot guarantee single rooms in advance.
About the Meals
Breakfast is included in Pokhara. For lunch and dinner, you can explore local restaurants in Lakeside.
During the trek, three meals per day are included and provided at the lodge where you stay. Breakfasts might include porridge, pancakes, or eggs. Lunch and dinner options include Dal Bhat (Nepali rice and lentils), pasta, noodles, soups, and more.
You can fill your thermos with tea for a small fee, which is not included. Tap water should be purified with tablets or iodine. More and more lodges offer safe refill stations for a small fee. We recommend avoiding plastic bottles due to environmental concerns.
Included
2 hotel nights in Pokhara with breakfast (before and after the trek)
- 5 nights in trekking lodges
- All meals and tea during the trek
- English-speaking guide
- Porter for luggage (max 12 kg per person)
- Transportation from Pokhara to Kande and back from Lumre
- Trekking permits (ACAP and TIMS)
- Trekking map (provided locally)
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Other meals and beverages
- Tips for guides and porters
- Insurance (must include emergency evacuation)
- Personal expenses
- Nepal visa
About the Activities
The Mardi Himal Trek follows narrow mountain paths, forest trails, and ridgelines. The first days take you through rhododendron forests and traditional villages, while the upper trails offer alpine views and open landscapes.
Trails are sometimes steep and rocky, with stone steps in certain areas. The weather can change quickly, and temperatures drop significantly at night. Trekking poles and proper footwear are highly recommended.
Altitude is less extreme than some other treks in Nepal, but still reaches 4,500 meters. Our itinerary ensures proper acclimatization with a steady pace and rest day at High Camp.
This trek is suitable for fit hikers with some mountain walking experience. You’ll walk 4–7 hours per day, covering a total distance of around 45 km over 6 days.
Additional Days
You can choose to extend your time in Pokhara or combine the Mardi Himal trek with other treks or cultural tours in Nepal. Extra rest days on the trail can be arranged at an added cost.
Special Insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation in case of emergency.
FAQ
What is the best season for trekking in Nepal?
The best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and stunning views. Spring is known for blooming rhododendrons, while autumn provides crisp air and excellent visibility. Winter and monsoon treks are possible in certain regions, but conditions can be challenging.
Do I need a permit to trek in Nepal?
Yes, most trekking areas require permits. The main ones are:
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card – Required for most treks.
- National Park/Conservation Area Permits – Needed for regions like Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang.
- Restricted Area Permits – Required for treks in Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo, among others.
When you book trekking with Sherpa Trekking Adventures the needed permits are always included.
How difficult are the treks in Nepal?
Trek difficulty varies:
- Easy: Short treks like Poon Hill or Langtang Valley (4-7 days).
- Moderate: Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit (10-16 days).
- Challenging: High-altitude treks like Three Passes, Manaslu, or Mera Peak.
Physical fitness is important, but previous trekking experience isn’t always required.
For us it is important that you will enjoy the trekking and feel safe. That’s why we can adjust your trekking to your level of fitness.
Do I need a guide and porter?
While some treks can be done independently, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended for navigation, safety, and cultural insights. Porters can carry your heavy bags, allowing you to enjoy the trek with less strain. In restricted areas (like Upper Mustang or Manaslu), a guide is mandatory.
Beyond safety and convenience, hiring local guides and porters also helps support the local economy. Trekking tourism is a major source of income for many Nepali families, especially in remote areas. By choosing to trek with a guide and porter, you are directly contributing to their livelihood, ensuring they have a fair wage and sustainable employment. Many guides and porters have years of experience and valuable knowledge of the mountains, making your trek both safer and more enriching.
What should I pack for a trek in Nepal?
Packing depends on the trek and season, but essentials include:
- Clothing: Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, down jacket, waterproof gear).
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots.
- Gear: Sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, water purification tablets.
- Health & Safety: First-aid kit, personal medications, sunscreen, sunglasses.
We always share a full packing list required for your trekking in advance.
How can I prevent altitude sickness?
To prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
- Acclimatize properly (take rest days, especially above 3,000m).
- Hydrate well (drink 3-4 liters of water daily).
- Ascend slowly (don’t gain more than 500m in altitude per day above 3,000m).
- Consider medication (Diamox can help, but consult a doctor).
- Listen to your body (descend if symptoms worsen)
Note that preventing altitude sickness is not always possible. AMS is unpredictable condition even when you take all the necessary measures.
At Sherpa Trekking Adventures, we prioritize proper acclimatization because it is the best way to prevent altitude sickness. Our itineraries are carefully designed to allow your body to adjust naturally to higher elevations, reducing the risk of AMS.
Additionally, our guides are trained to detect early symptoms of altitude sickness and know exactly how to handle the situation. They monitor trekkers closely and will adjust the pace or itinerary if needed to ensure your safety. If symptoms become serious, they will arrange for immediate descent or evacuation if necessary. Your health and well-being in the mountains are always our top priority.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
Most trekking routes offer teahouses (basic lodges with dormitory-style or private rooms).
Higher-end lodges are available in popular areas like Everest and Annapurna.
Camping is required for remote treks.
Is travel insurance necessary?
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is essential. It should cover:
- High-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m or more if climbing).
- Emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue).
- Medical expenses and trip cancellations.
Without the necessary insurance we can’t offer you our services.
How do I prepare for a trek in Nepal?
- Train in advance: Focus on cardio, leg strength, and endurance.
- Practice hiking with a loaded backpack.
- Break in your trekking boots to avoid blisters.
- Research the trek and pack accordingly.