The Mardi Himal Trek has rapidly become one of Nepal's most sought-after short treks, offering spectacular Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) views without the crowds of traditional routes. This hidden gem in the Annapurna region delivers an authentic Himalayan experience in just 4-7 days, making it perfect for travelers with limited time but unlimited appetite for adventure.
Whether you're a first-time trekker seeking an accessible introduction to the Himalayas or an experienced hiker looking for a quick mountain fix, Mardi Himal rewards with pristine rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and a stunning alpine meadow viewpoint at 4,500 meters. The trek's relatively recent opening to tourism (2012) means trails remain uncrowded and teahouses retain their authentic charm.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your Mardi Himal adventure—from detailed cost breakdowns and multiple itinerary options to month-by-month conditions and insider tips that competitors don't share.
How Much Does the Mardi Himal Trek Cost?
The Mardi Himal Trek cost ranges from $300-$700 per person for a complete guided package, depending on duration, group size, and comfort level. This makes it one of Nepal's most affordable Himalayan treks, delivering exceptional value for the spectacular views and experiences offered.
Here's what you can expect to pay:
Mardi Himal Trek Cost Per Person by Group Size
Group size significantly impacts your Mardi Himal Trek cost per person. Larger groups share fixed costs like guide fees and transportation:
Complete Cost Breakdown for Independent Trekking
If you prefer arranging components separately, here's the detailed Mardi trek cost breakdown:
Fixed Costs (One-time):
- ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 (~$23)
- TIMS Card: NPR 2,000 individual / NPR 1,000 group (~$8-15)
- Transportation (Pokhara-Kande-Pokhara): $15-30
- Total Fixed: ~$45-70
Daily Costs:
- Guide (mandatory): $25-35/day
- Porter (optional): $20-28/day
- Accommodation: $5-15/night
- Meals (3 per day): $18-30/day
- Miscellaneous (showers, charging, WiFi): $5-10/day
- Daily Total: $55-90/day
5-Day Independent Trek Total: $320-520
Mardi Himal Trek Cost from Pokhara vs Kathmandu
From Pokhara (Recommended): Starting from Pokhara saves both time and money. The trailhead at Kande is just 45 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or local bus.
- Taxi to Kande: NPR 2,500-3,500 (~$19-27)
- Local bus: NPR 150-200 (~$1.50)
- Total package (5 days): $400-600
From Kathmandu: If starting from Kathmandu, add transportation costs:
- Tourist bus to Pokhara: $15-25 (6-7 hours)
- Flight to Pokhara: $100-130 (25 minutes)
- Total additional cost: $30-260 round trip
- Total package (5 days): $450-850
Recommendation: Fly to Pokhara if time is limited; bus if budget is the priority. Most trekkers spend 1-2 nights in Pokhara before and after the trek.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary Options
We offer multiple Mardi Himal Trek itinerary options to match your fitness level, available time, and trekking experience. Choose the duration that suits you best:
3-Day Mardi Himal Trek (Experienced Trekkers Only)
The Mardi Himal Trek 3 days option is demanding and suitable only for fit trekkers comfortable with long days and rapid altitude gain.
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Forest Camp/High Camp
- Drive: 1 hour to Kande (1,770m)
- Trek: 7-8 hours to High Camp (3,580m)
- Altitude gain: 1,810m
- Key stops: Pitam Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp
Day 2: High Camp → Mardi Base Camp → High Camp
- Trek: 6-8 hours round trip
- Summit Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) for sunrise
- Return to High Camp for overnight
- Altitude gain/loss: +920m / -920m
Day 3: High Camp → Siding → Pokhara
- Trek: 5-6 hours descent to Siding (1,700m)
- Drive: 1.5-2 hours to Pokhara
- Altitude loss: 1,880m
3-Day Mardi Himal Trek cost: $200-400
⚠️ Warning: This itinerary doesn't allow proper acclimatization. Risk of altitude sickness is higher. Only attempt if you have recent high-altitude experience.
4-Day Mardi Himal Trek (Standard)
The Mardi Himal Trek 4 days itinerary balances time efficiency with reasonable daily distances. Most popular among fit trekkers.
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Low Camp (2,970m)
- Drive: 1 hour
- Trek: 5-6 hours, 8 km
- Trail: Through rhododendron forest via Pitam Deurali
- Highlights: First mountain views, forest immersion
Day 2: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m)
- Trek: 4-5 hours, 4.5 km
- Altitude gain: 610m
- Trail: Steep sections through upper forest, treeline crossing
- Highlights: Panoramic Annapurna views open up
Day 3: High Camp → Base Camp → Badal Danda (3,210m)
- Trek: 8-9 hours total
- Pre-dawn start for sunrise at Base Camp (4,500m)
- Descent via alternative route through Badal Danda
- Highlights: 360° Himalayan panorama, Machhapuchhre close-up
Day 4: Badal Danda → Siding → Pokhara
- Trek: 3-4 hours to Siding
- Drive: 2 hours to Pokhara
- Highlights: Gurung villages, terraced farmland
4-Day Mardi Himal Trek cost: $280-500
5-Day Mardi Himal Trek (Recommended)
Our most popular Mardi Himal Trek itinerary provides ideal pacing for acclimatization and enjoyment. Suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Pitam Deurali (2,100m)
- Drive: 1 hour to Kande
- Trek: 3-4 hours, 5.5 km
- Gentle introduction through mixed forest
- Overnight: Basic teahouse with mountain views
Day 2: Pitam Deurali → Low Camp (2,970m)
- Trek: 5-6 hours, 7 km
- Trail enters dense rhododendron forest (spectacular in spring)
- Altitude gain: 870m
- Overnight: Forest Camp or Low Camp
Day 3: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m)
- Trek: 4-5 hours, 4.5 km
- Cross treeline into alpine meadow
- First dramatic views of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre
- Acclimatization walk recommended in afternoon
Day 4: High Camp → Base Camp → High Camp or Badal Danda
- Wake: 4:00 AM for sunrise trek
- Summit: Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) by sunrise
- Spectacular 360° panorama includes:
- Annapurna I (8,091m)
- Annapurna South (7,219m)
- Hiunchuli (6,441m)
- Machhapuchhre/Fishtail (6,993m)
- Mardi Himal (5,587m)
- Descent to High Camp or continue to Badal Danda
Day 5: Descent → Siding → Pokhara
- Trek: 5-6 hours through Gurung villages
- Drive: 2 hours to Pokhara
- Celebration dinner in Lakeside!
5-Day Mardi Himal Trek cost: $350-600
7-Day Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary (Relaxed/Beginner-Friendly)
The Mardi Himal Trek itinerary 7 days option is perfect for first-time Himalayan trekkers, families, photographers, or anyone wanting a leisurely pace with maximum acclimatization.
Day 1: Pokhara → Kande → Australian Camp (2,060m)
- Drive: 1 hour
- Trek: 2-3 hours, easy gradient
- Famous sunset viewpoint
- Comfortable teahouses with hot showers
Day 2: Australian Camp → Forest Camp (2,500m)
- Trek: 5-6 hours through Pothana village
- Enter rhododendron forest zone
- Altitude gain: 440m
Day 3: Forest Camp → Low Camp (2,970m)
- Trek: 3-4 hours
- Shorter day for acclimatization
- Explore surrounding forest trails
Day 4: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m)
- Trek: 4-5 hours
- Cross treeline, enter alpine zone
- Afternoon acclimatization hike essential
Day 5: High Camp → Base Camp → High Camp
- Trek: 5-7 hours round trip
- Sunrise at Base Camp (4,500m)
- Full day to enjoy summit views
- Return to High Camp (better facilities than Badal Danda)
Day 6: High Camp → Siding (1,750m)
- Trek: 5-6 hours descent
- Pass through Badal Danda
- Traditional Gurung hospitality
Day 7: Siding → Lumre → Pokhara
- Trek: 2-3 hours to Lumre
- Drive: 1.5 hours to Pokhara
- Optional: Visit Tibetan refugee camp at Hyangja
7-Day Mardi Himal Trek cost: $450-750
Is Mardi Himal Trek Difficult?
The Mardi Himal Trek is rated moderate difficulty (Grade 2-3) and is suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. You don't need previous trekking experience, but you should be comfortable walking 5-7 hours daily on mountain trails.
What Makes It Moderate (Not Easy)
- Daily elevation gains of 600-1,000 meters on ascending days
- Steep sections between Low Camp and High Camp
- High altitude at Base Camp (4,500m) can cause mild symptoms
- Long summit day (8-9 hours) requires stamina
- Basic facilities at higher camps (no hot showers, limited electricity)
What Makes It Accessible (Not Hard)
- Well-marked trails with no technical climbing
- Teahouses every few hours (no camping required)
- Flexible duration (5-7 days allows proper acclimatization)
- Moderate maximum altitude compared to EBC (5,364m) or ABC (4,130m)
- Short approach (reach mountains quickly from Pokhara)
Fitness Requirements
To enjoy the Mardi Himal Trek comfortably, you should be able to:
- Walk 5-7 hours on consecutive days
- Climb 500-1,000 meters elevation in a single day
- Carry a small daypack (5-7 kg) while trekking
- Handle uneven terrain including rocks and tree roots
- Sleep in basic accommodation at altitude
Recommended Preparation (3-4 Weeks Before)
Cardiovascular training:
- Walk/jog 45-60 minutes, 4-5 times weekly
- Include hills or stairs in your routine
- Build to 2-3 hour weekend hikes if possible
Strength training:
- Squats and lunges for leg strength
- Step-ups for climbing power
- Core exercises for stability on uneven terrain
Altitude preparation:
- No specific training possible at sea level
- Hydration habits (3-4 liters daily)
- Understanding symptoms of altitude sickness
Mardi Himal Trek Map and Route Overview
Understanding the Mardi Himal Trek map helps visualize your journey through diverse landscapes from subtropical forest to alpine meadow.
Route Overview
The trek follows a relatively straightforward out-and-back route with an optional alternative descent:
Ascent Route (Most Common):
Kande (1,770m) → Pitam Deurali (2,100m) → Forest Camp (2,500m)
→ Low Camp (2,970m) → High Camp (3,580m) → Base Camp (4,500m)
Descent Options:
- Same route return — Retrace steps (familiar, faster)
- Badal Danda alternative — Different scenery, visits Gurung villages
Trail Terrain by Section
Kande to Forest Camp (Subtropical/Temperate Forest):
- Well-maintained stone steps and dirt paths
- Dense rhododendron forest (blooms March-April)
- Occasional steep sections with tree root obstacles
- Shaded throughout—cooler even in peak season
Forest Camp to High Camp (Upper Forest/Treeline):
- Trail becomes steeper and narrower
- Transition from forest to scrubland
- Rocky sections require careful footing
- Exposed to wind above treeline
High Camp to Base Camp (Alpine/Rocky):
- Steep, rocky terrain
- No shade—sun protection essential
- Snow possible October-March
- Trail markers less visible—stick with guide
Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek: Month-by-Month Guide
Choosing the right season dramatically impacts your Mardi Himal experience. Here's the most comprehensive month-by-month breakdown you'll find:
Peak Season: October-November
October:
- Weather: Clear skies, minimal rain, 10-20°C days
- Visibility: Excellent—best mountain views of the year
- Crowds: Moderate (increasing toward Dashain/Tihar festivals)
- Trail conditions: Dry, well-maintained
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Best month)
November:
- Weather: Crisp, clear, cooling temperatures
- Visibility: Excellent
- Crowds: Moderate-high (post-festival surge)
- Trail conditions: Dry, possible frost at High Camp
- Special: Fresh snow on peaks enhances photography
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spring Season: March-May
March:
- Weather: Warming, occasional afternoon clouds
- Visibility: Good-excellent (clearer early month)
- Crowds: Low-moderate
- Special: Rhododendron blooms begin—spectacular red/pink forests
- Trail conditions: Dry, some dusty sections
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April:
- Weather: Warm days (15-25°C), cool nights
- Visibility: Good (haze possible late month)
- Crowds: Moderate
- Special: Peak rhododendron season—forest trails ablaze with color
- Trail conditions: Excellent
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May:
- Weather: Hot at lower elevations, pre-monsoon clouds build
- Visibility: Fair-good (morning clarity best)
- Crowds: Decreasing
- Trail conditions: Good but warming
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shoulder Season: December-February
December:
- Weather: Cold but clear, 5-15°C days, below freezing at High Camp
- Visibility: Excellent (clearest skies of year)
- Crowds: Low
- Trail conditions: Dry, possible ice/snow above 3,500m
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
January:
- Weather: Coldest month, -5 to -15°C at High Camp
- Visibility: Excellent when clear, occasional snowfall
- Crowds: Very low
- Trail conditions: Snow likely above Low Camp
- Special: Dramatic snow-covered landscapes
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (cold but stunning)
February:
- Weather: Cold but warming, snow still possible
- Visibility: Excellent
- Crowds: Low
- Trail conditions: Variable—check recent reports
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monsoon Season: June-September (Not Recommended)
June-August:
- Weather: Heavy rain, leeches, landslide risk
- Visibility: Poor—mountains obscured 80% of time
- Crowds: Very few
- Trail conditions: Muddy, slippery, potentially dangerous
- Rating: ⭐ (avoid)
September:
- Weather: Monsoon ending, still unpredictable
- Visibility: Improving late month
- Crowds: Low
- Trail conditions: Wet but improving
- Rating: ⭐⭐ (late September only)
What's Included in Our Mardi Himal Trek Package
Our comprehensive packages are designed to provide hassle-free trekking with transparent pricing. Here's exactly what you get:
Standard Package Inclusions
Transportation:
- Airport/hotel pickup and drop-off in Pokhara
- Private vehicle Pokhara-Kande-Pokhara
- All ground transfers as per itinerary
Permits:
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- All permit processing handled by us
Trekking Staff:
- Experienced English-speaking guide (1 guide per 1-4 trekkers)
- Porter service (1 porter per 2 trekkers, 15kg allowance each)
- Staff meals, accommodation, and insurance included
Accommodation:
- Best available teahouse lodges throughout trek
- Twin-sharing basis (single supplement available)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara (pre/post trek if needed)
Meals:
- All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tea/coffee with meals
- Safe drinking water provisions
Safety & Support:
- Comprehensive first aid kit
- Oximeter for altitude monitoring
- Emergency communication equipment
- 24/7 Pokhara office support
What's NOT Included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Travel insurance (mandatory—must cover helicopter evacuation)
- Meals in Pokhara (except where specified)
- Hot showers at teahouses ($2-4 each)
- Device charging ($2-3 each)
- WiFi ($2-4 per day)
- Alcoholic beverages and personal snacks
- Tips for guide and porter
- Personal trekking gear
- Emergency helicopter evacuation (covered by insurance)
Accommodation and Food on Mardi Himal Trek
Understanding what to expect at each stop helps you pack appropriately and set realistic expectations.
What Teahouses Provide
Rooms:
- Basic twin beds with mattresses
- Blankets provided (sleeping bag still recommended)
- Wooden walls (sound travels)
- Shared bathrooms on each floor
Common Areas:
- Dining room with wood stove (gathering point evenings)
- Menu posted on wall
- Basic seating
Bathrooms:
- Squat toilets most common
- Western toilets at lower elevations
- No hot water for washing (except paid bucket showers)
Food Options and Prices
Teahouse menus are surprisingly varied. Expect to pay more as altitude increases:
Breakfast ($4-8):
- Tibetan bread with honey/jam
- Porridge with fruit
- Eggs (fried, scrambled, omelette)
- Pancakes
- Toast with peanut butter
Lunch/Dinner ($6-12):
- Dal bhat (unlimited refills)—best value and most nutritious
- Fried rice/noodles with vegetables
- Momos (dumplings)
- Pasta dishes
- Soup varieties
- Pizza at lower elevations
Beverages ($1-4):
- Black tea/milk tea
- Instant coffee
- Hot lemon/honey
- Soft drinks
- Bottled water (bring purification instead)
Pro Tips:
- Order dal bhat—it's freshest and provides sustained energy
- Same dishes cost more at higher camps (porters carry supplies)
- Avoid meat above Forest Camp (refrigeration issues)
- Bring favorite snacks from Pokhara
Solo Trekker Guide: Mardi Himal Trek Alone
Solo trekking on Mardi Himal is increasingly popular, though regulations and practicalities require consideration.
Current Regulations (2025)
Since April 2023, guides are mandatory for all foreign trekkers in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas, including the Annapurna region. This means:
- You cannot legally trek Mardi Himal without a licensed guide
- Solo travelers must hire an individual guide or join a group
- Fines apply for trekking without proper permits and guide
