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Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara – 5 days
Based on 27 reviews
Trip Duration
5 Days
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Max Altitude:
4,200m. / 13,780ft.
Group Size
2-16
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Oct
Meals
B L D
Accommodation
Hotel & Teahouse
Transportation
Tourist Bus, Jeep
Overview and Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara – 5 days
One of the shortest trekking experiences you can go for in Nepal, the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is one of the easiest as well. Requiring just 4 to 5 days, it is a great option for those with time constraints, but who want to experience the stunning countryside and the culture of the local highlanders.
A genuine flavor of the hilly and Himalayan region can be experienced by joining this trek, an off-the-beaten-path experience that features views of the great Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks. Surrounded by expansive views, the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara travels through low, dense woods and alpine forests before arriving at the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. This is one of the newest trekking routes, which debuted for visitors in 2011.
Ascending swiftly to 4200 meters above sea level, you will come across characteristic Gurung and Magar villages and many forests. Additionally, you will be able to witness authentic life in the countryside hills, a diverse range of wildlife and plants, wild nature, stunning waterfalls, and scenic views. In addition to offering rich, distinctive cultural immersion, the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara offers vistas of the magnificent Himalayan peaks, including Mardi Himal, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Fishtail, Manaslu, and Hiunchuli.
Although there are no risks associated with the Mardi Himal Trek, you should assess your fitness level before starting. Along the trek, there are hotels and guest homes with basic services. This location, which has become among the most well-liked trekking locations in the past few years, provides cozy accommodations and modern conveniences that the majority of Nepali trekking sites just cannot provide.
The key hiking highlight is reaching Mardi Himal Viewpoint, which is approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. From the viewpoint, trekkers get a close-up look at the magnificent Mardi Himal, an expansive view of the Annapurna region, and a distant view of many peaks. The excellent sight of neighboring summits like Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli adds to the breathtaking highland view.
Trip Highlights
- Experience a stunning sunrise view from the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, reaching 4200 meters above sea level.
- Trekking through less-crowded, remote trails and dense forests of rhododendron.
- Visit many Gurung and Magar villages along the way, immersing yourself in their traditional culture.
- Experience a dramatic scene of “sea of clouds” from Badal Danda.
- Encounter Yaks, Dzopkyos, and hundreds of birds throughout the trek.
Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara – 5 days Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Kande and trek to Pitam Deurali
On the first day of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, our route includes a drive to Kande, followed by a trek to Australian Base Camp, a hike to Pothana, and finally reaching Pitam Deurali.
From Pokhara, it will take us about an hour, give or take 10 minutes, to reach Kande. This tiny town serves as a starting point for a couple of Annapurna region treks.
After arriving at Kande, we will start the trek over a short series of stone steps, leading to a dirt trail. This dirt trail is short-lived as well, leading us to a long section of stone steps uphill. You can hear the roaring Modi Khola on the way.
After a tiring uphill climb to the Australian Base Camp, the trail flattens for a while, offering a great scene of Lamjung Himal, Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli peak.
Reaching 2060 meters above sea level, we will continue the trek after a short break at the camp. The trail is undulating all the way to Pothana, taking us down to 1890 meters, over a slightly descending path.
Our Annapurna Conservation Area Permit will be checked at the entrance of the village, and we will take a relaxing lunch break there before setting off to Deurali.
Post-lunch, the trail ascends a little to reach a ridgeline that leads us to Pitam Deurali. Sitting atop the ridgeline, this village reaches 2100 meters above sea level and gains us a net elevation of 330 meters.
The starting point of the trek is 1770 meters with a total trek distance of 5.5 km, taking us about 5.5 hours to reach our destination of the day.
Activity: 5-6 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,100m/6,890ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 02: Trek to Low Camp via Forest Camp
Day 2 of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara features a total trek distance of about 7 km with a net ascent of 890 meters. The estimated trek duration of the day is 5 to 6 hours, which takes us to 2990 meters above sea level, starting from 2100 meters at Pitam Deurali.
Starting off, we have to leave the ridgeline behind and go into a dense forest. The environment is much calmer there, compared to the previous sites. You will also feel the remoteness of the region as you trek through the woodlands.
Traversing a narrow path over the forest is dominated by maple, oak, and rhododendron trees. There are only a few settlements en route, and the trail can be muddy at times with a few stone steps.
After about 3 hours of trekking from Pitam Deurali, we will reach Forest Camp, reaching 2550 meters above sea level. It is a great spot for a short tea break, located amid forested sections. You will not get any scenic peak views, but you will have many birds to watch.
Leaving the Forest Camp, we have to go through another thick forest, which slightly opens up with views of the Fishtail peak. As we keep gaining elevation, the air starts getting thin, and the last part of the climb is the steepest of the day.
We have to go over a series of zigzags and reach Low Camp, a small settlement with some lodges and tea houses to accommodate travelers. The village offers a good view of the Fishtail peak.
Activity: 5-6hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,990m/9,810ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 03: Trek to High Camp
The next day on the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, we have to trek about 6 km of distance which will take us about 4 to 5 hours. The net elevation change of the day is a gain of 560 meters.
The starting point is at 2990 meters, and by the end of the day, we will reach 3550 meters. Leaving Low Camp, the trail goes through a damp forest, and after 40 minutes of trekking, the woodland becomes thin, hinting at the start of sub-alpine terrain.
At this point, we will leave the thick forests behind and reach open ridgelines. Continuing the ascent over a narrow ridge, we will soon reach Badal Danda, 3210 meters above sea level. This part of the trail has open views of many peaks in the north and the valley as well.
The name Badal Danda translates to Cloud Hill, because of the cloud sea view you often see from there. You also get to see Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, and Fishtail from the village.
Leaving Badal Danda, the trail is narrow and steep, going along a meadow. This section of the trek is probably the most scenic walk of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, as you get to see many peaks of the Annapurna Himalayan range along with the Mardi Himal ridge.
The meadows are often accompanied by Yaks and Dzopkyos. Soon after, we will reach the High Camp, a small area with a handful of tea houses. The sunset view from there is one you should not miss.
Activity: 4-5hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 3,550m/11,647ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 04: Hike to the viewpoint and trek down to Badal Danda or Low Camp
On the 4th day of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, reach the Mardi Himal viewpoint after covering 4 km of ascent.
The total trek distance of the day is around 14 km; we will cover an 8 km round-trip distance to the viewpoint and back, and another 6 km to reach Low Camp from the high camp.
The net elevation change of the day is a loss of 1200 meters, but we will gain 650 meters of elevation, reaching the viewpoint at 4200 meters above sea level. The total estimated trek duration of the day is 6 hours.
Starting off, we will leave the High Camp before the break of dawn, with headlamps on, to reach the viewpoint before sunrise.
The trail to the viewpoint is a narrow ridgeline where gusts of wind often drift side to side. The ascent is steady, very manageable, with views of Mardi Himal, Fishtail, Annapurna, Dhaulaigir, and more.
Soon after, the trail turns steeper with dramatic views of Fishtail’s double-edged summit and Annapurna I. The scene during this part of the trek is among the best scenes of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara.
Proceeding forward, the trail reaches the Mardi Himal viewpoint, sitting on the base of the Mardi Himal itself.
If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can also trek all the way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, but this will require some extra preparations, so let us know beforehand. This will add 3 more hours of trekking.
Following the visit to the viewpoint and a short photo session, we will begin the descent to Low Camp.
First off, we will return to High Camp, following the same ridgeline path that we ascended on the way up. The highland weather can change in the afternoon, so we will not be spending extended time at the viewpoint.
After a filling lunch at the High Camp, we have to descend further down to Badal Danda, followed by Low Camp.
Activity: 6hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 4,200m/13,780ft. ()
Meal: B L D
Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 05: Trek to Siddhing and drive to Pokhara
Starting the 5th day of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara at Siddhing, the day features a 6 to 7 km long trail with an estimated duration of 3 to 4 hours.
The starting point is 2990 meters, reaching 1700 meters at the end of the trek, losing 1300 meters of elevation. Leaving Low Camp, we descend sharply through a lush forest of oak and rhododendron over a rocky terrain.
Diverging from the ascending path we took, this trail skips Forest Camp and goes over a remote trail.
Crossing small streams and passing by some terraced farmlands, we will arrive at the Gurung village of Siddhing. This will be our lunch spot of the day, followed by a drive to Pokhara.
The road is initially bumpy and dusty, but soon we will reach the highway from where the ride is smooth all the way to Pokhara. It should take us about 2.5 hours to reach Pokhara on a jeep, covering just 40 km of distance.
Activity: 3-4hrs trek & 2.5hrs drive
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Trip Information
Best season and weather
The spring season is considered the best time of the year to experience the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara since it offers many great trekking conditions. During springtime, you are bound for very pleasing daytime temperatures with chilly evenings.
You are also greeted with great views all around since the air quality is great, with impressive visibility. It is also the time of lush nature and blooming flowers, adding to the already beautiful scene of hills and the Himalayas.
Difficulty
The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is not a difficult trek at all. One of the best things about this trek is the accessibility and ease. The Annapurna region is one of the most accessible trekking regions of Nepal, and most of the trekking destinations within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project are beginner-friendly. This trek is one of the easiest yet highly rewarding trekking experiences you can go for in Nepal.
Altitude Sickness
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is 4200 meters above sea level at the viewpoint. Although it is at a considerably high altitude, we will be there for about an hour only. Our highest sleeping elevation is 3550 meters at the High Camp, which is very safe from altitude sickness. The chances of trekkers getting altitude sickness on this trek are extremely low.
Preparation and Fitness
Even though the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara is an easy one, trekkers are required to be physically fit and capable of walking for hours at a time. To achieve this level of physicality, you can do cardio exercises and stamina-building exercises that will prepare you well for the physical demands of the trek. The demands are not that high, and the preparation phase is not lengthy either. You can just prepare a short 4 to 6-week training phase.
Food and Accommodation
Dal Bhat is the most popular dish you will find everywhere; it is the national dish of the country. Along with that, you can also get fried rice, soups, noodles, momo, different styles of cooked egg, basic pasta, Tibetan bread, etc.
There are many Western options for breakfast and other meals, but we recommend trying local and Nepalese meals more. The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara package covers 3 meals per day.
The accommodation arrangements are done on a twin-sharing basis, and you will be spending all your nights at local tea houses. These local accommodations are owned and operated by the local families, featuring a communal dining hall and shared bathrooms.
Usually, you will not find an attached bathroom, especially in a highland village. The tea houses are not heated, but they will provide you with warm blankets. The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara will cover all your accommodation expenses during the trek.
Transportation
At the beginning of the trek, we have to drive all the way to Kande, the starting point, and towards the end of the trek, we will have you ride a jeep to Pokhara from Siddhing. Both of these transportations are a part of the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara package. You do not have to pay separately for them.
Communication
Mobile network connectivity is always available on this trek. Although we will visit some remote villages, you will still get some level of cellular network. We recommend using NTC SIM cards if you want a stable and reliable network in the highlands. Additionally, you can also connect to WiFi at most of the tea houses in the region.
Permit
To do the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, trekkers are legally required to have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit since the route incorporates the protected region of Annapurna. The trek package will cover the expenses related to it.
Visa
After your arrival in Kathmandu, you have to get your tourist visa approved. You have to fill out a visa application form and pay your visa fees at the immigration section. This will not be covered by the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara package..
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is mandatory for this trek as it saves you from the hefty costs that might hit you in case of emergencies. It is rare that trekkers have to be rescued and evacuated on this trek, but even though the chances are slim, the possibility lives on. So, you can not join this trek without being insured. The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara package will not cover the fees.
Extra Expenses
Your extra expenses include accommodation in Pokhara, meals in Pokhara, extra meals during the trekking days, any kind of beverages, laundry bills, bar bills, etc.
Private vs. group trek
Group treks are the standard option, where you share the Mardi Himal Trek experience from Pokhara with a group of random trekkers. This is the budget-friendly option that is suitable for trekkers who are traveling solo.
They can feel accompanied and also make some friends on the trek. Meanwhile, a private trek is slightly costlier but allows you the freedom to form a group of only people you know.
FAQs for Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara – 5 days
General
Yes, you can practically do the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara in just 4 days.
The tea houses are not very crowded, and you do not have to bother booking any accommodation while trekking; we will do it for you.
Although unreliable, you will get mobile reception at the viewpoint. But it might not be good for calls and uploads.
Yes, these sites are worth adding to the trek, but it will increase the trekking hours.
Starting from Kande, you can directly reach Pitam Deurali, whereas the route from Dhampus adds more hours to the trek.
Preparation & Fitness
The exact number of stairs is not known, but an estimate suggests it is in the hundreds.
Yes, the ascent from Low to High Camp is steeper in comparison to the Poon Hill climb.
Yes, along with that, first-timers can also join this trek.
We recommend wearing trekking shoes for any trekking destinations.
No, you do not have to train for altitude at all. This trek does not reach an extensive altitude where you are at major risk of altitude sickness.
Insurance & Visa
An online visa application, aka an e-visa, is a great option for those visiting during the peak seasons.
The main point of getting insurance is to cover the expensive helicopter evacuation costs. If your insurance package does not cover it, choose another one that does.
Technically, they do not ask for such things, but they require an authentic medical report with altitude info.
Yes, you can extend your visa from anywhere via an online service.
Guides & Support Staff
You can not trek without a guide; however, the trails are pretty well-marked.
Porters should be booked in advance, just like everything else you will need on this trek.
3A Adventure’s porters are capable of carrying about 24 kg of weight in total.
Yes, guides arrange rooms at tea houses during busy seasons if required.
The Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara package covers the insurance, daily meals, and wages of the guides and porters.
Accommodation and Facilities
Yes, hot showers are available everywhere, costing about USD 2.
Yes, you can charge your devices throughout the trek, but a solar charger is great for charging on the go.
Yes, you can book rooms in advance over the phone, but they do not usually take bookings from individuals.
Food and Drinks
Aside from Dal Bhat, trekkers are often fond of momo and instant noodles.
Yes, some of the highland tea houses offer Yak cheese and butter tea.
Weather & Seasons
Snowfall at High Camp in early March is a possibility, but it is generally not heavy snowfall. No trails will be blocked.
Yes, the monsoon season can make the trails muddy and slippery. Also, leech infestation is another problem.
You do not need microspikes to reach the viewpoint; it is very manageable.
April is the best time to see fully blooming rhododendron flowers.
Although it is not that hazy, you can expect some rain at part of the trail, including Badal Danda.
Health & Safety
No, altitude sickness is not common at all at any point during the trek. We barely reach high enough for altitude sickness to induce us severely.
The nearest reliable health post is at Sidhing village.
Yes, you can buy them easily without needing a prescription at all.
Yes, leeches are abundant on the trails during the monsoon season. However, you can use a bug spray to keep them off.
You will be transported to the nearest hospital via a rescue helicopter.
Booking & Payment
Yes, every accommodation we arrange requires deposits, but we will handle the hassle of arranging rooms, transport, meals, and all the other aspects.
No, cutting the trek short will not get you any refunds.
It is a possibility, but you are highly unlikely to find vacant guides in peak seasons.
The starting date of the trek is a bit flexible, but depending on the circumstances, you might be charged a little extra for the trouble.
If you book the Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara, there are no refunds for trekking to Low Camp. But if you request a short itinerary only up to the Low Camp, the total cost of the trek package will definitely be reduced.
Transportation & Flight
From Siddhing, the initial portion of the trail is very bumpy and rough till we reach the highway. The highway is in great condition, unlike most other roads in the country.
Yes, shared jeeps are very reliable and the best option for transport to get to Pokhara. However, you can also pre-arrange a private one if you prefer.
Yes, you can rent a motorbike to reach the trailhead at Kande, but getting a reliable parking spot is a challenge, as you have to let the bike sit there for 5 whole days.
Yes, you can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and start the trek on the same day. A flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu is just 25 minutes.
You can leave the luggage at your accommodation the previous night.