Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days

Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days Overview

Image: Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek 9 Days is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It is popular for its incredible mountain views, remoteness, wilderness, and less busy trails. If you are looking for the best short-duration trek in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek is one of the most suitable options. It is a 9 days trekking program that takes you east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail.

Our 9 days Mardi Himal trek itinerary starts and ends in Kathmandu. However, you can also join this trek from Pokhara, making it only 5 days long. Likewise, trekkers who wish to do two weeks or longer trek can combine places like Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge, Mohare Danda, ABC, etc, to their Mardi Himal itinerary.

During the Mardi Himal trek, you will trek inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. This protected area in Nepal houses diverse flora and fauna, many peaks and mountains, and several Nepali communities. The journey is adventurous and nothing less than a mini mountaineering trip.

On this trek, you will ascend to the base camp of Mardi Himal (4,500 m/14,764 ft). From here, you will witness the most spectacular mountain landscape and a gorgeous sunrise. If you are into backpacking and love tranquil hiking routes, we highly recommend the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek.

Mardi Himal Trek Main Attractions:

Image: Snowy Trails to Mardi Camp

1) Kathmandu and Pokhara:

Kathmandu and Pokhara are two famous tourist cities in Nepal. They are also the biggest metropolitan cities in the country. The Mardi Himal trek allows you to spend time in both of these. There are numerous historical and natural sites in both cities to explore, along with several bustling local markets. You will have ample free time in both cities to explore and enjoy your time.

2) Secluded trekking destination in the Annapurna region:

The Mardi Himal trek opened in 2012. Though it became popular for its solitude and breathtaking mountain vistas, the route still remains less crowded than other famous treks in the Annapurna Region, like Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.

Foreign trekkers who are looking for an alternative to busy trails in the Annapurna region usually opt for the Mardi Himal trek. The trek route is not commercialized, and very limited numbers of teahouses are available. This has helped maintain the wilderness and authenticity of the Mardi Himal trail.

Not only that, but the terrain is also a bit offbeat, which separates the Mardi Himal trek from other treks in the region. Finally, the vegetation, densely forested trekking route, and quaint settlements along the way make it one of the best remote treks.

3) Accessible and affordability:

The Mardi Himal trailhead is easily accessible from Pokhara. You will start the Mardi Himal trek 9 days from Kande. From Pokhara, you can reach Kande in under one hour of scenic drive. It makes this adventure trek one of the most accessible treks from a major city in Nepal.

Likewise, the Mardi Himal trek is a short trek, and the trekking permit fees are very affordable. It makes the trek package cost inexpensive and a fantastic option for budget travelers in Nepal. You can complete the Mardi Himal trek for under USD 1000 per person.

4) Adventurous and entry-level offbeat terrain:

The Mardi Himal trek is known for its adventure. From the start to the end of the trek, trekkers get to enjoy an adventurous journey. The terrain is offbeat but manageable for beginner trekkers with strong support.

The trek traverses densely forested hills, uneven hillsides, streams, suspension bridges, and exposed ridges. You will be physically and mentally challenged on this trek. It will not be extreme, but you will definitely feel the adrenaline of alpine trekking.

5) Breathtaking mountain panoramas and diverse landscapes:

Image: View during Mardi Himal Trek

The landscapes and mountain panoramas are crazy on this trek. We are talking about some of the most stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail mountains in the western Himalayan range in Nepal. Similarly, you will also see outstanding views of Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Nilgiri, Mardi Himal, and many other peaks.

Badal Danda and Mardi Himal Base Camp are two main viewpoints on the trek route. The scenery from both places is insane. Overall, you will enjoy a wide range of landscapes, from lush valleys to barren, glacial terrain.

5) The vegetation and scenery difference between Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp:

On the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will trek through three different camps- Forest Camp (2,520 m/8,268 ft), Low Camp (3,050 m/10,006 ft), and High Camp (3,580 m/11,745 ft). At Forest Camp, you will see rich vegetation and dotted lodges, and you will enjoy the buzzing sound of crickets.

From Forest Camp (Kokar) to Low Camp, the trail winds through rhododendron forests. The view of Mt. Fishtail is incredible on this part of the trail. From here onwards, the trail ascends to High Camp.

You will walk above the tree line on grassy ridges. From the High Camp, you can see Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Mardi Himal soaring high in the sky.

6) See authentic Nepali mountain lifestyle in Sidding village:

The Mardi Himal trek route is most adventurous, secluded, and wild. The cultural experience is lacking while on the way to the Mardi Himal Base Camp. However, once you descend to Sidding village, you will experience the authentic Nepali mountain lifestyle and meet with different communities.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost 2025:

Our Mardi Himal trek cost for 2025 ranges between USD 800 and USD 950 per person. The group cost is lower because the cost of transportation and guides is shared among the trekkers. You can do both group and private Mardi Himal treks with us.

In the Mardi Himal trek package, you will get accommodation with breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara, domestic transportation, trek permits, a guide and porter, accommodation and three meals a day during the trek, and a company service charge.

Other expenses like international flights to/from Kathmandu, travel insurance, tip for guide and more port, shopping, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara, bar bills, personal expenses, etc, are not covered in our package cost.

*Note that all services will be provided according to our Mardi Himal trek itinerary. Requests for any additional service will incur a charge accordingly.

Best Time for Mardi Trek:

The popular choices for the Mardi Himal trek are March to May and late September to November. These months have the best weather, climate, and trail conditions for trekking. The daytime is warm and comfortable to enjoy walking. The sky remains mostly clear, offering stunning mountain vistas.

The nights and mornings are a bit colder, adding the zest of the high altitude and Himalayan environment. Many trekkers do the Mardi Himal trekking in these months, so you will have frequent encounters with fellow trekkers. The main difference between March to May and late September to November is the vegetation.

March to May is the spring season, so the flowers bloom all over the trail. On the other hand, September to November is the autumn period. The scenery is less lush and has many muted colors. It is also festival season, so the experience will be quite divine and delightful overall.

If you want to avoid busy trails, you can plan the Mardi Himal trek for 9 days between December and February. These months are ideal for travelers who love snowfall and winter landscapes. The strong sun will keep you warm while trekking, and you can use sleeping bags for the night.

June to August is the summer/monsoon period. Rainfall ruins the trail and views. However, there are also many sunny, bright days. You just have to plan your trek properly.

Difficulty

The Mardi Himal trek’s difficulty may vary from person to person. However, it is considered a moderate trek by Himalayan standards. Both beginner and experienced trekkers will enjoy this trek a lot. For us, we see the Mardi Himal trek as an entry-level offbeat trek.

The trek is not very demanding but requires decent fitness and 6 hours of walking daily. There are a handful of steep climbing and descending that make this trek very special. The trekking route mostly goes through densely forested hills and ridges.

Unlike other treks in the Annapurna Region Treks, the Mardi Himal trek route is not very commercialized. The services on this trek are very limited, so trekkers have to adjust a lot. Likewise, you also have to be careful of altitude sickness. The Mardi Himal trek ascends to 4,500 meters above sea level.

If you have not traveled above 2,500 meters before, altitude sickness remains a big potential on this trek. To avoid it, trekkers have to acclimate and ascend slowly. While ascending, maintain your pace and drink lots of water. Some early symptoms you may see are vomiting, headache, uneasiness, nausea, difficulty breathing, insomnia, and dizziness.

If these symptoms surface, you should inform your guide and follow his guidance. Our guides are trained to provide first aid for all possible scenarios during trekking and also have numerous years of expertise. Let him help you.

Note that not every trekker suffers from altitude sickness during the Mardi Himal trek, and your age and fitness don’t matter!

Distance

Following our 9 days Mardi Himal trek itinerary, you will cover approximately 41 kilometers (25.4 miles). The distance may differ as per your itinerary.

Mardi Himal Trek FAQs:

1) How long is the Mardi Himal trek?

✓ Depending on your itinerary, you can complete the Mardi Himal trek in 9 to 10 or 11 days. If you are already in Pokhara, you can complete the trek in just five days. Likewise, the Mardi Himal trek distance is around 41 kilometers. It may differ as per your itinerary.

2) Is the Mardi Himal trek difficult?

✓ The Mardi Himal trek is moderately difficult. It is doable for trekkers of all ages and does not require previous trekking experience. Some sections of the trail are offbeat and steep but manageable.

3) Is the Mardi Himal trek for beginners?

✓ Yes, the Mardi Himal trek is for beginners. Like any other trek in Nepal, it is a high-altitude trek that takes you up to 4,500 meters above sea level. The trek is relatively short, and the terrain is manageable. If you are in good shape and can walk 5 to 6 hours a day, you can do the Mardi Himal trek.

4) Is Mardi Himal trekking safe?

✓ There is nothing to worry about while doing the Mardi Himal trek, especially with us. First, the trail is well-established. Second, our professional guide will accompany you during the trek, ensuring your safety and comfort. As a responsible trekker, you should be careful in the mountains and follow your guide’s instructions. This will eliminate any unseen risks.

5) Can you do the Mardi Himal trek without a guide?

✓ The Mardi Himal trek without a guide is possible but not recommended. You may navigate the trail without any issues, but there will be no one to tell you about the mountains, viewpoints, side excursions, locals, vegetation, and wildlife. You may experience the adventure side of the trek by trekking without a guide, but the journey will be empty.

6) What is Mardi Himal famous for?

✓ The Mardi Himal trail became famous as an excellent alternative to the very popular and loved Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek in the Annapurna region. It is a great short, doable, and scenic, like Poon Hill. The trail was definitely untouched and undiscovered when it opened, so it attracted many trekkers.

Gradually, the Mardi Himal trek saw huge popularity, making it one of the top choices for trekkers looking for a short, beginner-friendly trek in the Annapurna region.

7) Is there WiFi on the Mardi Himal trek route?

✓ Some villages have a WiFi service along the Mardi Himal trek route, but most don’t. The mobile network along the trail is not reliable. The trail mostly goes through dense forests until the valley opens up. Because of the geographical conditions, there is no network. We recommend that trekkers be ready to go off-grid during the trek.

8) Does it snow in Mardi Himal?

✓ In the winter season, the Mardi Himal trek route is covered with snow.

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes