The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in Nepal, first opened to trekkers in 2012. It’s quickly becoming popular, offering a shorter but unforgettable trekking experience that lasts between 5 to 8 days. Starting from Pokhara, a scenic town at 820 meters, the trek takes you up to the Mardi Himal Base Camp, sitting at a height of 4,500 meters. Although not as well-known as the Annapurna Circuit or Annapurna Base Camp treks, it boasts equally stunning landscapes.
As you hike through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you'll walk through dense forests and reach higher altitudes with breathtaking mountain views. Along the way, you’ll see the impressive Mardi Himal (5,587 meters), along with the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchre (also known as Fishtail), and Gangapurna Himal.
The route passes through various scenic spots and villages such as Aastam, Kande, Australian Camp, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, Badal Danda, Kalimati, Pothana, Lwang, and Lumre. The trek offers flexibility, allowing you to choose different routes and durations based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a short adventure or a longer journey, this trek gives you a chance to explore the untouched beauty of Nepal.
Itinerary
Trek from Dhampus to Phedi and drive to Pokhara
On the final day, you’ll trek from Dhampus to Phedi. This day walk is relatively short and easy walk compared to the previous days. The trail passes through charming villages and terraced fields as you descend further towards the valley. Upon reaching Phedi, a vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Pokhara, which is a short 30-minute drive. You’ll arrive in Pokhara by midday, where you can enjoy some rest and reflect on the unforgettable journey you’ve just completed.
Drive from Pokhara to Kade and trek to Forest Camp
You'll drive from Pokhara to Kande, a small village that serves as the starting point of the trek. The drive offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and farmlands. From Kande, the trek begins with a steady ascent through rhododendron forests and charming villages. The path leads to Australian Camp, a popular viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From there, you'll continue hiking through lush, dense forests and eventually arrive at Forest Camp, where you’ll stay for the night. The peaceful surroundings of the forest create a calm and refreshing atmosphere.
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp
Day two is a bit more challenging as the trek ascends further from Forest Camp to High Camp. The trail starts by continuing through dense forests with moss-covered trees, bamboo, and ferns. As you gain altitude, the forests thin out, giving way to more open views of the Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal. The air becomes cooler and the landscape more rugged, offering spectacular mountain scenery. You’ll pass Low Camp on the way, which offers beautiful views of Machhapuchhre. After several hours of trekking, you’ll reach High Camp, where you’ll spend the night, surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks.
Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp
The third day is the highlight of the trek as you make your way from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you ascend above the tree line. The climb offers stunning, uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Machhapuchhre. As you approach the base camp, you’ll be greeted with close-up views of Mardi Himal (5,587 meters) and other majestic peaks. After spending some time soaking in the incredible panoramic scenery at the base camp, you’ll return to High Camp for the night.
Trek from Mardi Himal Base Trek to Dhampus
You will descend from High Camp to the picturesque village of Dhampus. The descent takes you through a mix of rugged terrain and forests, with the trail gradually leading to lower elevations. As you descend, the landscapes shift back to lush greenery, and you’ll pass several small villages and terraced farmlands. Dhampus is a traditional Gurung village known for its rich cultural heritage and incredible views of the Annapurna range. Here, you can relax and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, while also experiencing the peaceful countryside of Nepal.
Inclusion
- Public Bus from PKR to Kade and back from Phedi to Pokhara
- Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Pass and TIMS Card
- Experienced Himalayan trek guide for five days
- One porter for two of you for trekking for five days (prepare to give max. 15 kgs’ luggage from each of you so that it will not exceed 30 kg. for your porter)
- Basic yet comfortable accommodation for four nights on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking as per itinerary
- Staff insurance
- 4x set breakfast, 5x set lunch, and 4x set dinner while on the trek
- Purified drinking water during the entire trekking as per itinerary
- General first aid medicine kit
- Complimentary T-shirt
- Duffle bag during the trek
Exclusions
- Food and Accommodations in Pokhara
- Personnel expenses of any kind
- Excess baggage cost during your Lukla flight
- Any Travel Insurance
- Any additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
- Tips for any staff and guide
- Anything that is not listed in the “PRICE INCLUDES” section above
Reviews
By filling out this form, you’ll be sending an enquiry to Eco-friendly Treks & Expedition who will be able to provide you with more information about this expedition.
Expedition Information
$582
Mardi Himal Base Camp ,
Annapurna
Trekking
Fitness Level
3
Technical Level
1
Group Size
1-16
Ratio
1:6
Continent:
AsiaCountry:
NepalLocation:
Mardi Himal Base CampElevation:
4,500 m / 14,764 ftGPS:
28.4667 N°, 83.9167 E°