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Trip Duration
5 Days
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
4,500 m.
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
1-12
Transportation
Private Vehicle
Accommodation
Hotel/Teahouse
Activity
Trekking
Meals
All Inclusive
Start / End
Kathmandu
Region
Annapurna
Best Season
Spring & AutumnUS$ 350
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+977 9764792172There are many trekking paths in Nepal, but few of route actually take you close the Annapurna range without weeks of walking. This Mardi Himal Short Trek takes only five days to admire the breathtaking view of the Annapurna mountain. It is located within the Annapurna Conservation Area, in the middle of Annapurna Base Camp and Poon Hill Trek.
Mardi Himal Trek route is visited by fewer trekkers than other route, which provide a opportunity to enjoy the untouched forest and unseen views. Trekkers will walk through rhododendron forest, small teahouses, as well as climb narrow ridges with steep hills. Most of the days, you will be moving with the view of Machhapuchhre also known as Fishtail Mountain.
A 5-day Mardi Himal Short Trek itinerary can be very helpful when you do not have a lot of time. This trek offers breathtaking mountain landscapes in just a couple of days, and you don’t even have to spend an entire month in Nepal for that.
Before reaching your final destination, you will have to stop by Kande, Forest Camp, Low Camp and High Camp. They are located on various altitudes, which will give your body enough time to adapt gradually to changing conditions without haste.
There is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to climbing because it does not require any special skills or equipment like ropes or crampons. Trekkers only concern should be basic physical preparation. It the change which make this trek unique. It begins in a forest where it is quite warm, and end right in front of snowcapped mountains. There are few places in Nepal, where trekkers can feel so diverse atmosphere so quickly.
So, Mardi Himal Short Trek is ideal for beginner trekker who don’t have enough time to spend
The Mardi Himal Trek Route begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande, which is the starting point of the entire 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek. As it moves further, the route goes up through a quiet forest trail.
Most of the trekkers chooses spring season to start their trek where wildflowers, multiple color of rhododendron flowers and oaks. This makes the entire trail look more alive and vibrant. As the trails continues and you get a little higher, the vegetation starts to decrease, and the trail becomes narrow turning into a ridge with a steep descend from both side with nothing but the blue sky above.
During your entire Mardi Himal Short Trek, the Machapuchare remains always visible with its sharp and iconic fish-shaped summit always looking down at you. As we approach the High Camp, everything about the landscape changes drastically. No signs of trees, and rock dominate the landscape which make the hike up to the base camp of Mardi Himal difficult, but the reward is spectacular view of Annapurna South, Hiunculi, and Machhapuchhare peak.
Different from the crowded hiking trails, this particular path is quiet the entire way through. There will be no crowds of hikers on your route; it will only consist of peace and beautiful views.
Mardi Himal Trek Route provides an interesting mix of different types of scenery in a single trek.
So, why should you choose Mardi Himal Short trek above all others? Well, simply because you will get to see great mountain view without spending much time and having to spend weeks on high altitude and rough area and doesn’t even require special experience or training. You will see the Himalayan view, feel a connection between you and mountain, walk through quiet trail, all within five days. Those travelers, who do not have time for trekking for three weeks but still dream about having an impressive mountain experience will find everything they need here.
As for people who can choose and actually do it, the answer is: more people that you would think. There is no requirement for trekking experience or mountaineering skills. No ropes to use, no glacier to cross, none of the dangerous things What trekkers needs is good physical fitness, as we as some strength in their legs to walk for several consecutive days on rough paths.
And it’s also great for travelers who don’t have much time. For those who have only one week in Nepal, this Mardi Himal Short trek can be easily done under 5 days. Families who have children have completed this trek without any difficulties. Photography lover will love this since there is lots of nature to see on this 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek.
For people who do not want to go through crowded treks, this can be the ideal option since there are not many trekkers here as compared to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.
Those who are preparing for future treks can take this trek as an opportunity to get themselves ready for larger and higher altitude treks.
The journey to Mardi Himal begins early in the morning when you start your journey by road from Pokhara to Kande, a drive that will take about one hour, depending on traffic conditions.
After arriving in Kande, you will now begin walking through forested terrain with oak and rhododendron trees. Today’s route is relatively flat, and will serve as a gentle introduction to the more difficult trekking routes that lie ahead. Along the way, you will cross a few small villages until you arrive at Pitam Deurali.
Activity: Drive and Trek (4 hours)
Max. Altitude: 1920m./6,299ft. (Pitam Deurali)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
This one is slightly longer, so take your time right from the beginning. You will be going up further into rhododendron forest on the trail and if you are trekking in spring, I can assure you that this section is beautiful with all its red and pink flowers that are scattered everywhere. As you go higher, the trees begin to fade away, providing you with a chance to see some of the mountains ahead. There are also parts when the trail gets narrower, but not technically difficult.
Activity: Trek (6 hours)
Max. Altitude: 2985m./9,793ft. (Low Camp)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Today’s day is shorter compared to the previous days in terms of distance, but the climb gets a little bit harder because of its steepness. The forest will gradually fades away, and you finds yourself climbing on open rock with exposed ridges that have made this journey famous.
The peak of Machapuchare appears even closer now as its pointed fishtail shape fills one’s horizon all along the trail. You must move slowly at this point since the altitude starts becoming important. The High Camp is set in an amazing location with many surrounding mountains everywhere around it.
Activity: Trek (4 hours)
Max. Altitude: 3550m./11,647ft. (High Camp)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
This is what it’s all about, the main reason you are here. You will set out at dawn or even before, trekking on a steep rock path to the base camp of Mardi Himal. This last part will not be easy, low oxygen and difficult terrain, but what you will gain will be enormous: the three peaks, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare, all visible up close. After enjoying the scenery, you will return back down, descending from High Camp to Low Camp.
Activity: Trek (7 and 8 hours)
Max. Altitude: 4500m./14,764ft. (Low Camp)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tea house
Last day, and you’ll be doing most of it downhill, which is going to delight or dismay your knees based on their state of mind by then. The track takes you down through the trees, slowly warming up as you descend. Siding Village is a good place to end things, being actually a real village located amidst the hills. You then catch a ride back to Pokhara, taking the time out to think about the entire trek while watching the mountains melt away from view.
Activity: Trek and Drive (2.5 hr trek +drive)
Max. Altitude: 822m./2,697ft. (Pokhara)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Standard Hotel
If you are traveling in a private group, we can arrange a fully customized trip based on your preferences, group size, and travel dates, available any day you choose.
Epic Trek Nepal’s focus on flexibility ensures that every traveler can make the most out of their Himalayan experience. For this reason, we offer carefully selected add-ons to increase comfort, reduce stress and maintain control over your own trek. This flexibility will enable you to be fully immersed in the experience of traveling through the mountains of Nepal.
Our porters can accompany you to carry heavy loads (a maximum of 25 kg for two trekkers) to reduce your physical burden while hiking and keep you focused on taking in the scenery, snapping photos and immersing yourself in the rich local culture.
This package usually includes the transportation by shared tourist buses to reach destinations. In case you want to travel faster and comfortably, we recommend you the option for domestic flights. Domestic flights will provide you with amazing scenic sights of Nepal while saving much of your time. This is a very effective choice for those having less schedule or who want to travel more comfortably but it will add extra cost to your package depending on your size of group and destination point.
After completing your trek, travelers have the option to return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by domestic flight instead of a long road journey. This upgrade offers a faster, more comfortable, and time-efficient travel experience, making it ideal for those who prefer convenience after the trek. The flight provides a final opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna region offering a memorable conclusion to your journey.
We include 2 complimentary nights in our packages but if you wish to stay longer in Kathmandu after or before your trek, it will cost USD 40 per night (twin-sharing) at a 3-star hotel with daily breakfast.
Step 1: Choose your preferred trekking departure dates.
Step 2: Select the number of travelers
Step 3: Click on “Book Now” or “Reserve Your Trip”
Step 4: Add your preferred optional upgrades and services
Step 5: Complete your booking and payment process
Epic Trek Nepal added these extras to give you the flexibility to customize and add the best option to create a more memorable and enjoyable trip. This trip is designed to your trekking wishes.
This 5 Days Mardi Himal Trek is not the easiest trek but then again, it’s also not a brutal one like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. It is considered a moderate trekking, which mean every trekker with basic fitness can comfortably complete this trek. Most of the days involve 4 to 6 hours of walking, sometime even more depending on the route condition and trekkers pace.
Altitude is the main problem in this case. The highest altitude on 5 Days Mardi Himal Short Trek is at 4,500 meters and therefore you can feel the air getting thinner as you climb. This can cause headache, nausea, breathing problem which are the symptoms of altitude sickness and if not treated immediately it can lead to emergency evacuation.
There are also some stretches where the trail narrows down to ridges that have steep falls on both sides, which might be haunting if you fear heights. However, there is no technical climb here whatsoever. Nothing like rope-climbing or crampon-climbing.
Even a single day hike experience will be enough for the trail, but even if you have none, you should be fine. Just perhaps you will have to train yourself by climbing stairs or going for long walks.
Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated, but it will definitely help. Start with physical preparation with some easy cardio exercise a few weeks ahead. Walking, running, climbing stairs and other exercise helps develop leg strength for long walk in rough landscapes. Training does not have to be intensive like in gym, simple enough to walk comfortably for entire trek.
Packing essential gear and equipment is important too. The layer will come in handy because the temperature changes quickly from warm days to instant cool when the sun goes down. The hiking must be in good condition, and another essential thing is having a good sleeping bag since teahouse get very cold.
Remember to bring the basics items such as headlamp, water purification tables or water filter, sun protection, sunglasses and a first aid kit. A trekking pole will be extremely helpful on the rugged terrain around the High Camp.
Mentally, be prepared for challenging uphill sections and uncomfortable night because of high altitude. This is quite normal when trekking in mountains. If you have your old trekking equipment, then bring that one instead of buying new one. Finally, purchase a good travel insurance policy that cover high altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
Getting a visa for Nepal is not that difficult and most tourist can obtain their visa on arrival at the airport of Kathmandu, where all you have to provide are passport photo, visa fee and filled application form.
For the Mardi Himal Trek, you will need two permits. The first permit is ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit), as Mardi Hima lies within this area. The second permit is the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
No need to worry about this permit, as Epic Trek Nepal will handle all the permit and logistics part. You just provide with extra passport size photo because they are needed for your permit. Before starting your trek make sure to carry your permit digitally and physically to show them at certain checkpoint along the Mardi Himal Trek Route.
It is actually easier to communicate during Mardi Himal Short trek than what people assume. The official language is Nepali of course, but English is widely understood among people along the trail, including the guides, porters, and the tea house owners that interact with the trekkers. Therefore, there are rarely any language problems along this trek.
If you choose to be guided during Mardi Himal Short trek, then the guide does most of the communicating. They translate when necessary and help with ordering food or asking directions. Menus in teahouse are also translated in English as well, so there should not be any difficulties with choosing what to order.
Even when not guided, basic English would work fine because tea houses along the route deal with many foreign trekkers. The signs on the trekking route may be confusing sometimes as they are sometimes written only in Nepali, so having a guide or at least a detailed map will come in use.
Learning some Nepali words also doesn’t affect you, as people will appreciate the effort you make in communicating with them. Phrases like “namaste” (hello), “dhanyabad” (thank you), etc. will be very useful during the journey.
To conclude, the language issue should not worry you because it is not an obstacle for trekking along this Mardi Himal Trek Route.
When trekking in high altitude, there is no point in looking for fast and table network connection because that is how thing go in the mountain. In the lower villages of Kande, the mobile network works fine using local SIM card of NTC and Ncell. But as you move higher, the signal get weaker and weaker and at High Camp it doesn’t even exist.
Wi-Fi is provided in most of the tea houses on the trail. However, it comes at a price around $1 to $3 because tea houses do not provide internet service for free. Besides it is quite slow and unreliable.
Charging your electronic devices is also available in most tea houses, although as usual, it comes with a price that tends to increase as the altitude increases. Having a portable charger would be the best way to do things, as not all tea houses will always offer you charging facilities, especially during the peak seasons.
Overall, just expect little connectivity. Make sure you let your loved ones know that you might be unreachable for a few days because it’s quite enjoyable up there.
Here are some of the things that should be avoided when planning for Mardi Himal Short trek.
Don’t hike fast. There is no need to hike fast, it only lead to altitude sickness and therefore it would be wise to keep things calm on this journey.
Don’t ignore any signs of altitude sickness. Its symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness etc. If any of these symptoms appear, inform your guide and listen to his instructions accordingly.
Do not pack five different outfits or extra pair of shoes, take only what you need – some layers, necessary toiletries.
Do not dump garbage along the way. This rule is very important because you have to make sure that you discard your waste in a proper manner using garbage cans as much as possible.
Do not drink water directly from the streams because it should be purified before drinking and don’t waste any food in tea houses. Supplies are very limited up there and all of them have to be carried there.
There are some options to make your Mardi Himal Short Trek experience even longer and more enjoyable via some side trips and extensions to the itinerary. If you have spare days to spend and would like to explore a bit more, then you could choose to visit Australian Camp or Poon Hill. The place is famous for its stunning view of the sunrise over the Annapurna mountain range. Of course, this will take a bit of extra time, but believe me, the view is definitely worth it!
In addition, you should try to make a combination of Mardi Himal Short Trek and some short trail in Annapurna Base Camp area, as the starting point for these two hikes is almost the same.
If you want something a little less intense, you could continue on to the Sarangkot area, which is located near Pokhara, and famous not only for its serene atmosphere but also for amazing mountain sunrises that you can see from above the lake.
Whereas when it comes to extension, it’s also worth considering adding some days in Pokhara city before or after the trek just to relax and enjoy the lakeside a bit. Your Mardi Himal Short Trek route can actually take whatever shape you want it to have.
Travel Insurance is required for Mardi Himal Short Trek, no matter how healthy and experienced trekker you think you are. In the mountains, anything can happen, weather changes rapidly, altitude sickness strikes unexpectedly and getting out of there when you’re injured can end up costing you a lot.
When purchasing travel insurance, make sure that it covers high-altitude trekking and in particular up to at least 5,000 meters because Mardi Himal Base Camp is around 4,500 meters. Some standard travel insurance plans do not cover things related to altitude by default, so make sure you have checked that.
Also, it is important to have helicopter evacuation coverage because this will be the only way to leave if anything happens at High Camp or Base Camp. Look out for insurance plans that include cancellation, lost luggage, and general medical expenses to play it safe. You may want to keep a physical copy of your plan with you during your hiking adventure, including emergency numbers, and perhaps give a copy to your tour guide as well.
It is one of those things you hope you will not need, but you will definitely be glad you got it when something unexpected happens.
Your well-being and safety will rely mostly on good decision and paying attention to your body. The biggest challenge you may face during this trek will be altitude sickness due to rapid ascent at a relatively high altitude. Therefore, any symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea and other should not be taken lightly and reported to the guide immediately.
Hydration is very important, so make sure to drink enough water during the whole day. Alcohol consumption is not recommended while trekking since it interferes with acclimatization process. Moreover, eating healthy food is also crucial because your body need energy to climb.
The weather may change rapidly, so proper clothing is necessary as well as the rain gear. There are some narrow ridge sections along the way, so be careful as the track may become wet due to rainfall.
Having a licensed guide offers a great deal of security, as they will know how to recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness and respond accordingly. First aid training is important too, and packing a first aid kit with blister pads, painkillers, and personal medications is simply common sense.
In general, just take it easy and be conscious of your surroundings and your well-being.
For Mardi Himal Trek, the best time is spring (March to May) for blooming rhododendrons and stable weather and autumn (September to November) for clear blue sky and better mountain view.
No, there is no legal requirement, but hiring a guide is highly advisable due to the lack of trail markings. Guides will be helpful in terms of navigation, altitude tracking, emergency decision-making, and knowledge of the terrain, and make the entire process much easier.
It is possible and even common that trekkers go through the route solo. Still, the help of a guide is very useful for your safety in cases of altitude sickness, bad weather, or getting lost in the route.
There will be simple tea houses that provide twin-share room accommodations with wood-beds and thin mattresses. Blankets would be given although it is advised to bring a sleeping bag, especially when staying at the high camp.
Teahouses offer quite typical trekking food menu: dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), noodles, soup, momos and other basic meals such as eggs, porridge, pancakes.
There is no age requirement as fitness is more important than age. There were many young people and older trekkers who made it, and all of them were in good shape.
Yes, this trek is suitable for families that have fit teenagers or people who can walk for several days in a row.
Maintain a slow and steady pace while hiking and always ensure that you have enough water. It’s also important to note the symptoms of altitude sickness like headaches and dizziness.
US$ 350
Confirm your trip with a secure 10% down paymentNeed Help? Talk to Expert
+977 9764792172
Price starts
US$ 350
