Mardi Himal Trek - 9 Days

Mardi Himal Trek Distance from Kathmandu

According to the distance, the Mardi Himal Trek route covers a distance of 57 to 70 km, coming back and forth for the route and side trails chosen. You are going to walk for about 5 to 7 hours a day. There are short days, there is less uphill climbing, and other days that are long with more uphill climbing. As there are several trailheads and starting points, the total distance simply depends on how your itinerary has been set, or whether it is combined with any other treks within this region, or not, which individuals usually opt for.

Starting from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal Base Camp - 4500 meters, the route demands at least 1 week of hiking if you are a pro hiker; otherwise, with gradual ascent, it requires 9 complete days following the route of Deurali- Forest Camp-High Camp- Base Camp and descends to Badal Danda and Siding after taking a drive from Pokhara. 

Meanwhile, if you are starting the trail from Pokhara, then the distance is relatively low, comprising only 31 km from Kande, or Pitam Deurali, which can be completed within 5 days, at a slow, moderate pace. To cover every highlighted aspect, this trek is set for 9 days, which blends the fusion of local cultural encounters, diverse fauna and flora of rhododendrons, and clear views of mountains and landscapes through a distinct perspective. To know more in-depth, you can take a deep dive into our new blog entitled: Distance and Elevation full guide.

Transportation Facilities

Our Mardi Himal Trek package simply covers everything, including the transportation fees required for the expedition. To start this Mardi Trek from Kathmandu, and to reach Pokhara, another main section of the trip, there are several options available, like private car, standard tourist bus, flight, and many other ways.

To explore the roadway view you can opt for, a standard luxury tourist bus ride, being AC facilitated, starting from Kathmandu - Nayabazar (Balaju), the guide will come to pick you up, so please do not feel any hassle to reach the bus point. Likewise, we can also include the air transportation option (25 to 30 minutes), just so you can reach Pokhara within a day from the very day the hike starts. Hence, the choice is yours! If you go for a bus ride, then the price will be minimised.

As already mentioned, the route, a walking trail, starts with a drive from Pokhara to Dhampus with a jeep ride ensuring comfort and feasibility at the same time. However, as we are familiar that everyone has their own choice and comfort, you can either go for a private car, jeep, or bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. With us at Destination Himalaya Treks, we are open to crafting the adventures as per your wishes! 

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trekking

The ideal seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are Spring and Autumn, as during this span of the year, the temperature is generally mild, and the weather is clear, offering an optimal season to venture out for a long expedition with the undisturbed views of the mountains and landscapes at the same.

Meanwhile, this trek to Mardi Himal can also be done in the other two seasons of monsoon and winter, if the seasonal times don't fit your holiday duration. However, there are ample preparations that are compulsory to do beforehand, and appropriately packing the gear, while it might sound a bit challenging to complete this trek, with proper guidance, it can be successfully done.

Every four season has something distinct and captivating to offer you; hence, no matter what season you are heading to this journey for, it will surely reward you with a breathtaking panorama of highlands and a unique perspective of landscapes.

Spring (March to May)

Spring stands out as one of the finest seasons for the Mardi Himal Trekking, as the temperature doesn't go beyond 12 degrees Celsius, so you can expect a mild climatic condition with a spark of chill cold weather, making the hike easy to begin with. As this season comes after just the end of winter, if you are a snow lover and want to build a snowman in Mardi Himal View Point, then from the beginning to mid-May, one can still feel the crispness of winter, but yes, with clear trailheads.

Well! But this is not the end yet! One of the enchantments about making our way to the Mardi Himal is that, as this trek comprises several forested sections, the whole pathway is covered with red, pink rhododendrons and white orchids that bloom just right in front of the clear views of mountains and landscapes, making it one of the most loved sections amongst all.

Autumn (August to October)

Autumn tends to be another season for the Mardi Trek, perfect for cultural enthusiasts and for someone who loves to thrive with other fellow hikers, cracking jokes and boasting at festivals. As this season comes after the end of the high precipitation monsoon, the weather gets clear with a high chance of no rainfall throughout the Annapurna region, offering safe ascent. Besides, the major festivals - Dashain and Tihar fall in this timeframe - Sep to Oct, so you have a perfect opportunity to gain a cultural insight with the undisturbed view of the Himalayas and six climatic zones here. 

What to expect in winter and monsoon?

To be honest, trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp during the monsoon is not highly suggested, as, due to the rainfall, the simple route becomes completely a nightmare to complete due to the slippery sections. As this trek begins right after a drive through a forest camp, dense forested section, in monsoon, the trails are muddy, slippery, and completely hazardous to navigate with disturbing leeches en route.

Whereas, you can complete the Mardi Himal Trekking in winter if you are prepared well enough and have some experience of high-altitude treks. Just be mindful of booking the rooms before 1 month, as many areas remain closed due to snow blockage. Even though trekking in winter might sound like a hassle, the peaks covered with snow and the forest decorated with snowflakes will surely reward your efforts, giving a sense of accomplishment.

Nonetheless, despite the season of the year, making sure you explore the best out of this trek, we arrange treks at any time of the year!

Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty

Even though this trek reaches an altitude of 4500 meters, the trek to Mardi Himal falls under easy to moderate treks in Nepal that open the gate to any age group, beginners, and pro hikers. Trekking the entire route spans 40-45 kilometres over 5-7 actual days of hiking. The daily hiking duration lasts between four and seven hours throughout the trek, while elevation gains increase from 500 to 900 meters on the toughest days.

The challenging level rises from Low Camp to Base Camp due to its steep and rocky terrain. Meanwhile, while making our way through Forest Camp to High Camp, the trail passes by thin ridge sections along the side of the landscape. But, there's nothing to worry about as it has poles set to walk by carefully for an uphill ascent walk.

Nonetheless, Mardi Trekking is one of the easiest and safest trails, which doesn't demand any long-duration hike and highly rugged sections. Just make sure to trail carefully while navigating to Mardi Himal Base Camp as it contains slippery terrains en route, and acclimatise properly without rushing. Other than that, it is good to go!

In conclusion, even if you are a first-time traveller, you may easily finish this journey without worrying about altitude sickness since our Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is well-designed. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is unlikely on our adventure as we ascend gradually, gaining 400–500 meters every day. On top of that, our trekking guides are always there to assist you throughout this odyssey, making sure that you are doing okay and safely ascending without experiencing AMS effects. 

Can a beginner complete the trek to Mardi Himal?

Soaring at an elevation of 4500 meters, the highest point, a trip to Mardi Himal Base Camp can be easily completed by a newbie or beginner, no matter whether you have prior experience or not. The route is simply well-maintained and facilitated with ample tea houses, hence you won't find any difficulties in adjusting while settling down for the key stop.

Even though some trailheads do include rugged terrains, especially while ascending from Forest Camp - Low Camp to High Camp, it has side bars and is marked with signboards in the forested section as well. Apart from that, it doesn't include several ascents and descents, and is considered easy as the route has only a few steep sections, so anyone with basic physical fitness can easily make it through.

Is the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Family and Kids Friendly?

If you are willing to head over to Mardi Himal Trek with family, including the kids, and want to introduce yourself to the world of the Himalayas, then you are absolutely in the right place! It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for enthusiastic hikers like you who want a quick escape with their loved ones, without feeling any hassle of prior preparations, as the route is comfortable enough, demanding just 3-5 hours of hiking per day. With the perfect blend of cultural encounter, mystic vista of mountains and landscapes, and cosy tea house, Mardi Himal Trekking falls under one of the family adventure trails in the Himalayas.

On the other hand, if you are wondering about the possibility of altitude sickness during this trek, then do not panic, as already mentioned, this Mardi Himal Trek itinerary is carefully crafted, keeping in mind that anyone can easily succeed in this trip - that is why, we've created for straight 9 days from Kathmandu, so you take an gradual ascend with families and kids enjoying the view.

As this trek also meets the Pokhara - the city of lakes, and also the starting point of any Annapurna region treks, you can engage in some kind of extra activities like boating, kayaking, canoeing, which create everlasting memories. From the bustling city of Kathmandu, to the wetlands of Pokhara, to the varied landscapes and highlands, this trek is more than just an expedition, but boosts your love for mountains and cherishing people.

Food and Accommodations 

Local Nepalese dishes join various international food options available throughout the Mardi Himal Base Camp route. High-calorie breakfasts like Tibetan bread, chapati, porridge, pancakes, and eggs energise us before each day of trekking. Lunch and dinner consist of Dal Bhat, momos, soups, noodles, pasta, and fried rice. We highly recommend you have "Dal Bhat", which is served with 5 other side dishes such as veg/ non-veg curry, lentil soups, pickles, and rice that can be refilled as much as you can.

The Mardi Himal Trail offers basic lodging, which features simple, cosy rooms with basic amenities. You will find two types of rooms that consist of single or twin rooms with minimal furnishings, with thin mattresses, pillows, and blankets. It is best recommended to bring your sleeping bags for additional warmth at higher altitudes.

Most tea houses have shared bathrooms, with some providing hot shower facilities for an additional charge, except at Higher camps because of limited water. For other amenities such as hot showers, laundry, charging, and WiFi, there's nothing to worry about. With the best views, this Mardi Trek caters to everyone's preferences, serving well-maintained facilities. Here are the key details regarding what kind of accommodation to expect during the Mardi Himal Trek, so you can get prepared accordingly. 

Communication, Charging Facility, and Internet Services

Throughout the Mardi Himal Trekking, communication facilities won't be a problem, as the trailhead is well facilitated with telephones in every tea house along the WIFI Facilities by paying some pennies. However, it is highly suggested to buy an NTC SIM card in either Kathmandu or Pokhara with identification validation from the shops, so that, in case of an emergency on the route, you can use it immediately. Just buy 1 SIM card and insert it in a phone, and get a data pack for 1 week, which costs only NRS 120/- and works amazingly in the lower section. Meanwhile, in tea houses, the wifi can only be connected at the dining area after crossing Low Cap via Forest Camp, so make sure to buy a SIM.

Also, take note that electric sockets aren't attached in the room itself, and are only available in the dining area, waiting for a queue to recharge your gadgets, so please bring at least 1 power bank to quickly recharge your phones and cameras when needed. Nonetheless, the communication accessibility won't be a hassle on this trip.

Guides and Porters 

During the Mardi Trek, right from the very beginning, you will be assisted by an experienced, top-notch guide who has served hundreds of hikers in this Annapurna region. They aren't only licensed but also medically guided to respond promptly, in case any uncertainties occur. Hiking with a guide means that you are not just gazing at mountains and local lifestyle, but also looking thoroughly at the historical and meaningful significance they carry.

Our guides are free-minded and know how to provide safety and maintain privacy as well. While finding tea houses is quite hectic in peak seasons, they will accommodate you with the best lodging possible. Being on the route every day, they know every highlighted corner and safe route, avoiding avalanches and staying safe at the same time. Our package also covers an experienced guide, with all his meals, salary, lodgings, insurance, and gear, hence you do not have to pay extra.

Whereas our trekking packages do not include porter services, as it is a moderate trailhead, however, having a porter to take care of your gear is always a great idea, as you can ascend the uphill with ease without any draining journey. So, if you want one, then we can include 1 strong porter at an additional cost that can be shared between 2 hikers with a maximum weight of 22 kgs in total.

Required Permits

Two permits are needed to do this trek to Mardi Himal, which must be obtained from the authorised local trekking agency.  Don't worry!  As soon as the booking is confirmed with us, we at Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition will arrange all the permits required for the trek, which are included in our package. Here are the permits and it's fess required to trail along this route, which must be considered beforehand

• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):  NPR 3,000 (approximately $27) for foreigners. NPR 2000 (approximately $18)for SAARC countries.
• Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NPR 2,000 (approximately $18) for foreigners. For SAARC nationals, NPR costs 300 TIMS Permits (through an agency), and NPR costs 600 per person without an agency.

Is Travel Insurance required for this adventure?

Although the Mardi Himal Trek represents a moderate-pace level easy hike, the Himalayan journey remains an uncertain adventure. High elevation, uncertain weather, dense forests, and steep rocky terrain can cause unexpected events or accidents. Travel insurance comes into action to support you during unexpected situations on your trip and also helps us to arrange immediate rescue on short notice.

Travel insurance is a safety net that comes to your rescue in case of medical emergencies, the cost of lost gear, and most crucial of all, emergency evacuation. It makes sure that your budget does not go over the expected amount. Sometimes you may not be able to make it to the trip, or flights may be cancelled; at such a time, your travel insurance can reimburse your expenses too! You may rest easy knowing that the bothersome aspect of planning has been handled, and concentrate on other fun parts of the journey.

Packing Lists

Even though this adventure simply falls under one of the easy treks within the Annapurna region, when it comes to some tips and tricks to tackle the challenges, the first and foremost thing that obviously comes the packing essentials to consider during any trek in the Himalayas. For sure, you do not have to go head over heels for packing, but there are some considerations that you must include in your packing list before undertaking this 9-day Mardi Trek from Kathmandu, hence here is the suggested gear list.

Clothing Essentials: What to Wear and Bring?

• Dry Fit T-shirts and Breathable Hiking Pants or shorts - that can easily soak up the sweat and are lightweight to wear
• 3 to 4 pairs of light t-shirts - to wear on alternate days, maintaining hygiene 
• Windproof jackets and Down Jacket or 2 if it's winter
• Fleece jackets and T-shirts
• A wide, wide-brimmed hat or just a normal cap
• Touch screen gloves and thermal socks
• Comfortable hiking shoes or just normal shoes 
• Scarf or wool knitted mufflers

Footwear: Hike with Ease

• Flip Flops or Slippers - to wear while staying at the tea houses
• Hiking Boots - having a strong grip for ascent and avoiding slippery terrains
• Woollen socks and cotton socks (both)

Other Miscellaneous Items

• Travel Documents, including passports, permits, and travel insurance photocopy (if you have one)
• 1 waist bag to fit the important gadgets
• Powerbank, Charger, and Batteries
• Basic First Aid Kit and Sleeping Bag - if required, it will be provided by us
• Backpack (60 litres) and Day backpack - 15 to 25 L

Note: These are the only suggested packing gear lists that we highly suggest estimating the weather and the trailheads; however, it is totally up to you what to include and exclude. Just do not go overboard, while packing, just pack something that's required, as packing tons of loads can be strenuous to take an ascent if you are opting for the porter option.

Tips for Mardi Trek: Things to Consider for a Smooth Adventure

• Make sure to bring filtered water bottles and water purification tablets to enjoy safe drinking water in the mountains without creating plastic waste. 
• Start preparing your body 6-8 weeks before the Mardi Trek with stair climbing, hiking nearby hills, swimming, and cycling to increase your strength and endurance.
• En route, try to consume hot fluids like sherpa stew or garlic soup that help you to warm up the body and avoid the coldness that could potentially lead to altitude sickness.
• The daily intake of 3-4 litres of water maintains proper hydration because it enables better adaptation to altitude changes and prevents headaches that may occur at higher elevations.
• Withdraw sufficient Nepali rupees from banks in Kathmandu or Pokhara ahead of your trek because ATMs are not available during the trek.
• Get a local SIM card from Ncell or NTC in Kathmandu or Pokhara to use during emergencies, as these providers supply sufficient network coverage throughout the trek.
• Use a power bank to recharge your devices because electricity is minimal at higher elevations. The teahouses will charge you extra for electricity usage.
• It is highly suggested not to overpack the bag, even if you hire a porter, as the ascent section might be too strenuous for beginners with 10-12 kgs of backpacks. So, pack smartly but in the right way! That becomes useful along the trail and also makes the trip easy.

Booking Procedure

Do not delay any longer if you wish to book a spot with us so that we can fully support you for your adventure to the iconic Annapurna region! To make things easy, we provide everything you need for the trip, including food, lodging, transportation, permits, and expert guides (all of their permits, food, insurance, and so on), which are included in our package itself.

You can email us at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com for the booking confirmation, or you can phone or message us on WhatsApp at +977 9851016814 with any questions. To manage everything, we just deduct 20% of the entire fee; the remaining sum may be paid after you get to Kathmandu. Please do not hesitate to contact us, as we are here to assist you at all times.