Trip Facts:
Trek Name : Mardi Himal Trek
Trek Code: BATE NEP 006
Grade : Moderate
Max Elevation: 4500m/14760ft
Accommodation : Hotel / Lodge
Meal : Bed & Breakfast in the city & accommodation only during the trek
Transport : Flight / Private / Public
Trek Days : 07 Days
Total Days : 12 Days
Mardi Himal Trek
The 12-day Mardi Himal Trek is a scenic ridge adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region, climbing from the green foothills near Pokhara to High Camp and the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. The route passes through rhododendron forests, Badal Danda, and open alpine ridges, with close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal throughout the higher sections without requiring technical climbing skills.
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most rewarding short high-altitude treks in the Annapurna region. Starting near Pokhara, the trail climbs from Kande through Australian Camp and Deurali before entering dense forest towards Forest Camp. From here, the route rises through Low Camp and Badal Danda, where the trees begin to disappear and close views of Machhapuchhre dominate the ridge.
The higher section follows Badal Danda to High Camp at around 3,590m. An early morning hike then climbs towards the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint at approximately 4,200m, which is the main objective for most trekkers. Depending on fitness, acclimatization, weather, and trail conditions, trekkers may continue farther towards the Mardi Himal Base Camp area at roughly 4,500m.
Instead of returning along the entire ascent route, the trek descends from the high ridge towards Siding and eventually Lumre before driving back to Pokhara. Basanta Adventure’s itinerary spreads the elevation gain across Forest Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp, providing a more comfortable progression than very compressed Mardi Himal trekking itineraries.
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are generally the best times for the Mardi Himal Trek. Spring brings flowering rhododendrons, while autumn usually provides dry trails and excellent Himalayan visibility. Mardi Himal lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so trekkers require an ACAP entry permit and applicable TIMS documentation. No restricted-area permit is required.
Experience the Mardi Himal Trek with Basanta Adventure
The Mardi Himal Trek is a scenic journey from Pokhara’s green foothills through dense rhododendron forest and open Himalayan ridges to viewpoints above 4,000m beneath Machhapuchhre.
Basanta Adventure has been organizing Himalayan journeys since 1998, giving our team decades of experience leading treks throughout the Annapurna region. This experience helps us understand how to manage the rapid changes in elevation, weather, accommodation, transportation, and trail conditions found on shorter high-altitude routes such as Mardi Himal.
Our 12-day itinerary avoids unnecessarily rushing from the Pokhara foothills directly towards High Camp. The route uses Deurali, Forest Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp to create a more sensible progression before the excursion above 4,000m. Our operations team also coordinates hotels, transportation, permits, teahouses, guides, porter arrangements, and the return from the trail.
Basanta Adventure is ISO 9001:2015 certified and follows sustainable tourism practices across its trekking operations. On the increasingly popular Mardi Himal trail, we encourage responsible waste management, reduced single-use plastics, respect for established trails, responsible treatment of trekking staff, and support for locally operated lodges and communities.
Our expertise also extends beyond Nepal as one of the established companies operating tours and expeditions in Tibet. Decades of managing Himalayan journeys across Nepal and Tibet have strengthened our systems for permits, transport, remote-area logistics, altitude management, and changing mountain conditions.
What is included in the tour
Kathmandu Portion:
- 3 nights in reputed 3 star Hotel on BB basis as per the itinerary in Kathmandu
- Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu
- 1 professional English speaking guide
- Private transportation during sightseeing
- All entrance fee during sightseeing
Pokhara Portion:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in twin sharing BB basis (Bed and Breakfast) in reputed 3 star hotel in Pokhara
Transportation:
- Private vehicle to and from trek initiation point.
- Kathmandu – Pokhara by private vehicle.
- All the necessary airport transfers as per the itinerary
- Air fare: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Trek Portion:
- Twin sharing accommodation as per the itinerary in lodge en-route
- ACAP National park fee
- TIMS Card
- Professional licensed holder Trekking guide
- Assistant Guides as per number of clients
- Necessary Porters (weight max. 12 kg per clients)
- Insurance for Nepali staffs
- Necessary equipment for trekking staff
- Guide and porter daily allowance
- Emergency medical kit box
- Trekking kit bag
What is NOT included in the tour
- Nepal Visa fee
- Any meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Tea/Coffee) during trek
- Travel insurance (must cover expenses of rescue service including helicopter)
- Personal Gears: ( all trekking gears are easily available on rent and buy in Kathmandu)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Liquor beverages (soft and hard drinks)
- Expenses of personal nature e.g. laundry, phone call etc.
- Gratuity for staff
- Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances
- Services not mentioned herein
- Reach the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint at approximately 4,200m, with the option to continue toward the Base Camp area around 4,500m when conditions permit.
- Enjoy remarkably close views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
- Follow the spectacular open ridge from Badal Danda to High Camp beneath the Annapurna Himalayas.
- Trek through rhododendron, oak, maple, bamboo, and mixed forests between Deurali and the higher camps.
- Spend a night at High Camp around 3,590m before the main high-altitude viewpoint hike.
- Experience a gradual change from subtropical foothills and dense forest to alpine grassland and rocky mountain terrain.
- Descend through Siding instead of retracing the complete route back towards Kande.
- Complete seven trekking days on a short Annapurna trek without technical climbing or crossing a major Himalayan pass.
Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu, Elevation: 1,300m / 4,265ft
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Arrival in Kathmandu, Elevation: 1,300m / 4,265ft
A Basanta Adventure representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the nearby area, and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2Trek Briefing and Kathmandu Sightseeing
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Trek Briefing and Kathmandu Sightseeing
After breakfast, meet your trekking guide for a briefing covering the route, walking hours, altitude, weather, accommodation, clothing, permits, porter arrangements, and the high-altitude section above High Camp. Later, visit selected Kathmandu heritage sites before completing final trek preparations.
Day 3Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Elevation: 820m / 2,690ft, Distance: Approximately 200 km / 124 miles, Duration: Approximately 7 Hours
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Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Elevation: 820m / 2,690ft, Distance: Approximately 200 km / 124 miles, Duration: Approximately 7 Hours
Drive west from Kathmandu to Pokhara through river valleys, terraced farmland, green hills, and rural settlements. After reaching Pokhara, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a free evening around Lakeside.
Day 4Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali, Elevation: Approximately 2,100m / 6,890ft, Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
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Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali, Elevation: Approximately 2,100m / 6,890ft, Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
Drive from Pokhara to Kande and begin trekking uphill towards Australian Camp. Continue through Pothana and forest trails to Deurali, with views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli when conditions are clear.
Day 5Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp, Elevation: Approximately 2,540m / 8,333ft, Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
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Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp, Elevation: Approximately 2,540m / 8,333ft, Distance: Approximately 8 km / 5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
Leave the busier trail and enter dense rhododendron, oak, maple, and bamboo forest towards Forest Camp. Repeated climbs and descents make the walk active before reaching the quiet settlement for the night.
Day 6Trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda, Elevation: Approximately 3,210m / 10,531ft, Distance: Approximately 10 to 11 km / 6.2 to 6.8 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 Hours
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Trek from Forest Camp to Badal Danda, Elevation: Approximately 3,210m / 10,531ft, Distance: Approximately 10 to 11 km / 6.2 to 6.8 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 Hours
Climb through rhododendron forest towards Low Camp as the trees gradually thin and the mountain views open. Continue to Badal Danda, with close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Day 7Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp, Elevation: Approximately 3,590m / 11,778ft, Distance: Approximately 4 to 5 km / 2.5 to 3.1 miles, Duration: Approximately 4 Hours
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Trek from Badal Danda to High Camp, Elevation: Approximately 3,590m / 11,778ft, Distance: Approximately 4 to 5 km / 2.5 to 3.1 miles, Duration: Approximately 4 Hours
Follow the open ridge from Badal Danda towards High Camp as dense forest gives way to alpine grassland. Reach High Camp by early afternoon and spend the rest of the day resting and preparing for the next morning’s high-altitude hike.
Day 8Hike to Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint and Towards Base Camp, Return to High Camp, Upper Viewpoint: Approximately 4,200m / 13,780ft, Base Camp Area: Approximately 4,500m / 14,764ft, Distance: Approximately 8 to 12 km / 5 to 7.5 miles, Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 Hours
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Hike to Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint and Towards Base Camp, Return to High Camp, Upper Viewpoint: Approximately 4,200m / 13,780ft, Base Camp Area: Approximately 4,500m / 14,764ft, Distance: Approximately 8 to 12 km / 5 to 7.5 miles, Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 Hours
Leave High Camp early and climb along the exposed ridge towards the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint. Enjoy close views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. If conditions and group fitness allow, continue farther towards the Base Camp area before returning to High Camp.
Day 9Trek from High Camp to Siding Village, Elevation: Approximately 1,700m / 5,577ft, Distance: Approximately 10 to 12 km / 6.2 to 7.5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
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Trek from High Camp to Siding Village, Elevation: Approximately 1,700m / 5,577ft, Distance: Approximately 10 to 12 km / 6.2 to 7.5 miles, Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 Hours
Begin a long descent from High Camp towards Siding. Alpine terrain gradually changes to rhododendron forest, streams, farmland, and village paths before reaching Siding for the final overnight stay on the trekking route.
Day 10Trek from Siding to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara, Distance: Approximately 8 to 9 km / 5 to 5.6 miles, Walk: Approximately 2 to 3 Hours, Drive: Approximately 2 Hours
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Trek from Siding to Lumre and Drive to Pokhara, Distance: Approximately 8 to 9 km / 5 to 5.6 miles, Walk: Approximately 2 to 3 Hours, Drive: Approximately 2 Hours
Follow lower trails through cultivated countryside and small settlements towards Lumre. Meet your vehicle at the road and drive back to Pokhara, where the remainder of the day is free.
Day 11Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Flight: Approximately 25 to 30 Minutes
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Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, Flight: Approximately 25 to 30 Minutes
Transfer to Pokhara International Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, a Basanta Adventure representative will transfer you to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or sightseeing.
Day 12Holiday Extension or Final Departure
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Holiday Extension or Final Departure
Your 12-day Mardi Himal Trek concludes today. According to your international flight schedule, a Basanta Adventure representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for departure.
