Mardi Himal Trek - 10 Days
10
Days
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s newest and most scenic routes, a hidden gem nestled in the Annapurna region. Located just east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek, this trail offers a quieter and more intimate Himalayan experience.
Starting from Pokhara, the journey winds through peaceful villages, rhododendron forests, and ridge lines that open up to spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Unlike the more crowded trails, Mardi Himal offers solitude and serenity — perfect for trekkers seeking an authentic connection with nature.
The trek’s highest point, the Upper View Point (4,250 m), provides panoramic mountain views that rival any other trek in Nepal. For those with extra stamina, a hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) offers even closer views of the towering peaks.
With moderate difficulty and shorter duration, the Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for adventurers who want both natural beauty and cultural encounters. From colorful rhododendron blooms in spring to snow-covered landscapes in winter, every season offers a different perspective of this incredible region.
Description
Highlights
- Experience the natural beauty and laid-back charm of Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region.
- Walk through lush rhododendron forests, terraced hills, and traditional Gurung villages.
- Admire breathtaking close-up views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.
- Witness an unforgettable sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped Annapurna massif.
- Discover the rich flora, fauna, and cultural diversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
- Immerse yourself in the local Gurung lifestyle and traditions.
- Enjoy a peaceful trekking route, away from the busy trails of Annapurna Base Camp.
Itinerary
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Cost Details
The Cost Includes
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast (twin sharing).
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast (twin sharing).
- 5 nights in local guesthouses/teahouses during the trek.
Meals & Drinking Water
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek with seasonal fruits.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at the end of the trip.
- Purified drinking water during the trek (via filters or purification tablets).
Transportation
- All airport transfers via tourist vehicle.
- Tourist bus Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara.
- Private vehicle Pokhara → Kande and Syauli Bazaar → Pokhara.
Guide & Staff
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide (first-aid trained).
- Assistant guides for large groups (1 per 7 trekkers).
- Porters (1 per 2 trekkers) to carry luggage.
- All staff wages, insurance, meals, gear, and accommodation included.
Permits & Entry Fees
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card.
Special Benefits
- Complimentary trekking duffel bag, sun hat, neck gaiter (Buff), and trekking map.
- First aid kit with oximeter (to monitor oxygen levels).
- Trip completion certificate.
Administrative & Taxes
- All government taxes and administrative costs.
The Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except farewell dinner).
- International flights and departure taxes.
- Nepal entry visa (available on arrival — USD 30/15 days, USD 50/30 days, USD 125/90 days).
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude evacuation.
- Bottled or boiled beverages and water.
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers.
- Personal trekking gear and clothing.
- Any expenses not mentioned in the “Includes” section.
Required Equipment
Here is a list of what you might want to pack for the Mardi Himal Trek. Please take this as a starting point. You’ll need layers of warmer clothing during the winter months. We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for you to use during the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu, and the duffel bag is yours to keep. You can also rent a sleeping bag and down jacket with us in Kathmandu for an additional USD 35 each.
🎒 General
- Puffy down jacket (rental available for USD 20)
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (rental available for USD 35)
- Daypack (35–45 liters recommended) with rain cover
🧢 Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap (free Accomplish Holidays baseball cap provided)
- Knitted hat or beanie
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
👕 Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric shirts – 2 short-sleeve and 2 long-sleeve
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
👖 Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2 pairs)
- Comfortable pants for inside teahouses
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
- Hiking shorts
🧤 Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
🧦 Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional, such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice cleats / micro spikes (recommended from November to March)
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
- Casual shoes
👙 Undergarments
Note: Quantities can be adjusted based on personal preference.
- Technical fabric / quick-drying underwear (laundry possible during the trek)
- Sports bras (for women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
💊 First Aid Kits and Medications
Guides carry a first aid kit, but personal kits are highly recommended.
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Ointment or antiseptic cream
🧴 Other Essentials
- Passport
- Extra passport-sized photos
- Reusable water bottle
- Toiletry kit
- Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (optional)
- Hydration bladder
- Towel
- Pillowcase
- Toilet paper (2 rolls)
- High-protein snacks (protein bars, nuts, etc.)
- Waterproof/dry bags for documents and money
- Airline tickets (leave a copy at our office in Kathmandu)
- Earplugs
- Trekking poles
⚙️ Optional Items
Thamel (Kathmandu) offers a wide range of affordable trekking gear if you wish to purchase locally.
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Camera and mobile phone
- Cards or a book
- Pee bottle / pee funnel (for women)
- Whistle
- Thermos for hot water
- Comb