Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days Hiking in Annapurna

Trip Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a fabulous mountain-walking holiday trip in the Annapurna Himalayan region of Nepal, located just east of one of the most legendary trekking destinations of Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp. The Mardi Himal trek is like a delightful jewel for Himalayan walking enthusiasts. Few trekkers used to make their way to Mardi Himal just a few years ago, but the route gained popularity shortly as it provides an outstanding one-week-long trekking holiday trip to the base of Mardi Himal. The journey to its most iconic peak, Mount Machhapuchhre, meaning "Fishtail," is easy, and everyone walking along its route can enjoy and rejoice. The trail goes along small, winding paths through enchanted rhododendron forests until you climb out of the forest at a height of around 3,300 meters. The scenery changes quite dramatically into a rugged, towering peak and landscape, with amazing views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

From High Camp (3700 m; some maps incorrectly mention 3900 m), you can ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp in about 3–4 hours, which offers spectacular close-up views of the complete Annapurna massive range. There are simple mountain trekking lodges and teahouses along the entire route to the Mardi Himal trek to cater to hundreds of trekkers every day in peak seasons.

What are the best months or seasons to trek?

If this trek is on your bucket list, the best month is shortly after the monsoon is over, which is mid-September. The monsoon clears the atmosphere, but it is still all green in the lowlands and white peaks with superb blue mountains, and it is not cold. The other best month is April, when you can enjoy the widely blooming rhododendrons on the route. 

Autumn Season (mid-September, October, and November): This is Nepal's peak season and the best time to go trekking. March-May is the second-best season of the year to go trekking.
Winter Season (December–February): The sky is clear, but it can get very cold, and there is a risk of the path being closed/covered due to snowfall, so you have to check your trip planner before departure. 

May–June: This is Nepal's hot pre-monsoon season, and it can get very warm indeed. The valleys, however, are starting to bloom with flowers, and though green leaves are coming up, it is still a good time to trek. 

Monsoon Season (June–mid-September): This is the monsoon or summer season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal. The risk of leeches and downpours increases greatly. Due to the early forested areas, leeches at this time of year in Mardi Himal are quite active. Wear long trekking trousers tucked in at this time of year. Leech/mosquito repellent spray is recommended to carry with it. But it can be a good time to trek for Alpine flower researchers.

What is the main means of transportation to get to the Mardi Himal Trekking?

The Mardi Himal trek, like most other Annapurna treks except the Annapurna Circuit, starts and ends in Pokhara, which is the second biggest city and a naturally blessed place to relax after the big hikes in Annapurna. It is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. All domestic airlines run several flights daily from Kathmandu, which cost around USD 100 each way. The tourist coach ride takes about 7 hours and costs USD 15 to 25 each way. Tourist buses leave every morning at 7:00 AM. You can consider the option of hiring a private car if you are a group of 3 to 4 people; that can be very comfortable and offer a flexible departure time to Pokhara for the Mardi Himal trek. We will be happy to arrange cars at your request.

How long is the Mardi Himal trek route, and what are the distance and itinerary? 

Nepal is a country where trekking distance is measured in hours and days. The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary will last 5 to 7 days, starting and ending at Pokhara. The tentative distance is 69 km (110 miles), depending on the route you choose. We have designed a 5-night, 6-day itinerary that can be suitable for all age groups and levels of physical fitness you have.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Pick up from the hotel and drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali (2200 m, about 3 to 4 hours of hike)
Day 02: Trek from Deurali to Low Camp (2,900 m); 7 to 8 hours of walking.
Day 03: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3585 m): 5 to 6 hours of trekking.
Day 04: Early morning excursion to Mardi Himal BC (4500 m); back to Middle Camp (3200 m)
Day 05: Trek from Middle Camp to Kalimaati (1,750 m): 6 to 7 hours of walking.
Day 06: Trek from Kalimati to Lumre and drive to Pokhara: 3 hours of walking and 2 hours driving.

Other popular treks around Mardi Himal that you can combine with it.

• Annapurna Base Camp (5 to 10 days)
• Ghorepani Poon Hill
• Khopra Danda Trek
• Ghandruk Trek

We suggest a tailor-made trip as well if you don’t find our itinerary matching your needs, so please send us your details and requirements.

Is this trip to Mardi Himal for me?

This trek doesn't require super fitness, but a moderate level of fitness is necessary, though there is no direct climbing involved. The trail is a proper hike to the Mardhi Himal Viewpoint. Guide in Himalaya (Wilderness Excursion—our corporate sister agency) advises our clients going trekking to see a doctor before they go for a check-up and to talk about dealing with altitude sickness. To gauge your fitness for the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal, consider how many days you'll be trekking. Most days include 4 to 7 hours of slow hiking. If you plan to do the trek in 4-5 days, that is also possible.

Trip cost of Mardi Himal: How much does it cost?

The cost of the Mardi Himal trek depends on the type of tour, accommodation, and transportation. Our reduced cost is now USD 385.00 per adult, inclusive of the standard trek price on a double occupancy basis for 2026 and 2027. Single supplement charge if you are traveling solo. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves you time and comfort rather than taking a tiring, long bus ride, though riding the bus reduces the cost. Since the trekking journey begins in Pokhara, we do not include accommodation there, but we can arrange it at an additional cost upon request. We can arrange your transportation between Kathmandu and Pokhara if you ask us. There will be neat, clean, and simple trekking lodge accommodations on a sharing basis during the trek. 

Threats and Risks in Mardi Himal Trekking

Participants doing the Mardi Himal Trek should be aware that trekking, mountaineering, and traveling in a developing country are activities that involve a risk of personal injury or death. As a condition of booking, you must accept these risks and be responsible for your actions and involvement. Adventure travel requires an open and flexible attitude. You may experience extreme conditions, unpredictable weather, and last-minute changes to the itinerary beyond our control. The ability to work in teams is an important aspect of all of our trips. However, your guide in the Himalayas tries their best to maximize your trip, which is great fun and a lifetime experience.