Trek with the breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and the iconic Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas in a short period. This scenic trail takes you through charming villages and dense forests, including Dhampus, Potana, and Forest Camp, as you weave through lush rhododendron, bamboo, oak, and various other vibrant plant species.

The trek spans 8 days, starting and ending in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll make final preparations before embarking on an adventurous drive to Dhampus via Pokhara. From Pokhara, the trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back takes 7 days. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli, and the iconic Machapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain).

If you’re new to trekking, this is an ideal trek to start with, offering both adventure and stunning landscapes in a manageable timeframe.

Trip Facts

  • Grade: Easy to Medium
  • Max Elevation: 4,500m (13,550ft)
  • Duration: 08 Days
  • Trekking Days: 05 Days
  • Distance: 64.30km/39.9Miles
  • Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara Lodge/ Tea House during the trek
  • Arrival & City: Kathmandu
  • Region: Annapurna Region
  • Best Season: February to June & September to December.

Journey Highlights

  • Experience the magical land with colorful Rhododendron forest (March to May)
  • Mesmerizing views of some of the tallest mountains in the World.
  • Massif Annapurna Mountains range with views of Mt.Dhaulagiri (8,176m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) (6,993m)
  • The unique and rich culture of the different indigenous groups such as Magar, Gurung and Thakali.
  • Experiencing the lake city of Pokhara.

Who is this trek for?

The Mardi Himal Trek, is an 8-day’ itinerary that involves 5 days of trekking. The Trek is graded as easy to moderate depending on your current levels of physical fitness.

Can a beginner do this trek?

Amateurs and first-time trekkers can definitely do The Mardi Himal Trek and having prior trekking experience is not a mandate with Adventure Pulse. This trek can, be done not only by first timers, but also children and older adults, given that is an easy to moderate trek.

Along with the above, our teams are supported with enough guides and assistant guides to help you through the journey. With the help of our staff, backpack offloading services and expert guides, you will be able to journey through the trek comfortably.

What makes this trek an apt choice for a family Adventure?

1) The trekking duration of Mardi Himal Trek is only 5 days of trekking, making it an excellent time frame to not only enjoy the beauty of the landscape yet keeping it short enough so children and adults are not exhausted.

2) The trail is well marked and is not very tricky, making it a good choice for people of any age group.

3) It gives children and older adults, an opportunity to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and experience the wilderness.

4) It is an excellent choice if this is the very first high altitude trekking  experience.

5) Since there are tea-houses everywhere and no camping is involved, it makes the perfect choice as tea houses provided much more comfort and protection.

6) The days are not long / hectic and are pretty manageable. The distances covered on a daily basis are not more than 5 to 6 kilometers and there is ample opportunity to take multiple stops through the way. The journey allows enough time-off each day and the comfort of the tea houses also allow adequate rest and protection from the outer elements.

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Brief Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu- Nepal (1,300m/ 4,265 ft)
  • Day 02: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Kande and trek to Australian Camp
  • Day 03: Trek from Australian Camp to Low Camp
  • Day 04: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp
  • Day 05: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and to High Camp
  • Day 06: Trek to Siding Village or Lumre and drive to Pokhara
  • Day 07: Fly back to Kathmandu
  • Day 08: Departure from Kathmandu

Inclusions & Exclusions

Trip Cost Includes:

  • All tea house accommodation on double sharing basis. 
  • Ground Transport: Airport pickup and drop in groups, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu (International and domestic both). 
  • Hotel Accommodation: 02 night's hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing, Bed and breakfast plan. And one night in Pokhara after the trek.  
  • Trekking Accommodation: 04 night’s in tea houses on twin sharing basis during the trek in standard rooms.
  • Staff: 1 professional, licensed and English speaking mountain guide, porter to carry your personal luggage.
  • Food during the trek (full board with breakfast, lunch and dinner and with tea/coffee | 1 order = 1 meal).
  • All necessary trekking permits: and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) fee.
  • Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu and back
  • All transportation: Pokhara – Trekking – Pokhara.
  • First aid medical kit, Oxymeter to check pulse, heart rate and oxygen saturation at higher altitude.
  • All support staff 
  • Backpack offloading upto 10 kgs. 

Trip Cost DOES NOT Include:

  • Your international flight to and from Nepal.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, internet/e-mail, etc.
  • Expenses for medical evacuation.
  • Bar and beverage bills or extra food orders in the tea houses.
  • Tips for guide, porter.
  • Single occupancy rooms in tea houses or in Kathmandu
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Any expenses arising out of change of weather / delays of Force Major, government policy / regulation by loca authorities etc. 
  • Any expenses arising out of early arrival from the trek due to medical or personal reasons. 

Things to carry

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Extreme temperature variations, high altitude, snow glare & proximity to sun are certain factors which necessitate the need to for proper mountaineering equipment. In order to enjoy your experience in the mountains, we have recommended that you carry the following with you.

Apparel

  • Thermal Inners - At least 1 pair of Top and Leggings
  • 5 to 6 t-shirts or long-sleeve shirt (cotton / dryfit)
  • 2-3 pairs of trekking pants (no denim!)
  • 1 Sweater/Sweatshirt
  • 1 Fleece Jacket
  • 1 Down Jacket
  • 1 Waterproof Layer like raincoat or wind-cheater
  • 1 pair of hiking boots
  • 1 pair of comfortable sandals/floaters/sneakers
  • 6-8 pairs of cotton socks (for day)
  • 2 pairs of thick/woollen socks (for night)
  • Gloves - liner and outer
  • Sun hat
  • Woollen cap
  • Buff

 

Accessories

  • Duffel bag / Rucksack (60L+)
  • Daypack / Backpack (20-30L capacity)
  • Sleeping bag (can be bought or rented in Kathmandu)
  • 2x 1L Bottles (to carry drinking water)
  • Torch + Batteries / Headlamp
  • Knee/Ankle/Wrist Guards
  • Trekking Poles
  • Sunblock
  • Sunglasses
  • Moisturiser
  • Hand Sanitiser
  • Personal Medical Kit
  • Personal Toiletries Kit and toilet paper
  • Snacks!

 

Fitness

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There are three main aspects of training to focus on –

Strength training, Cardiovascular training, and Trekking + trekking alternatives.
 

  • Strength training involves training different muscle groups, so that they can become stronger. There are different exercises for each muscle group, and working them all out 2x-3x a week should be enough to help you get comfortable trekking.
     
  • Legs / lower body - exercises like squats, glute bridges, step ups and leg presses with help you develop stronger muscles in the lower body. 

    Core - Exercises like planks, bicycle crunches and leg raises can help with core stability; Pilates is also a core-intensive type of workout that will help.

    Upper body - Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups and dips will help develop these muscles. You can also use resistance bands or light weights to develop them further.
     
  • It’s vital to do plenty of cardio training before your trek, so that you can get the most out of your experience
     
  • Running - This is the most recommended form of cardio activity, as it activates a lot of the same muscles as trekking. Being able to run 10km in 60 minutes will allow you to get the most out of your trek.

    Cycling / Swimming - If you have knee issues, or don’t enjoy running, you can also opt for cycling and swimming. Being able to cycling 30-50km or swim for 30-40 minutes, thrice a week, should be good to help you with treks like EBC.

    HIIT training / Crossfit - Another option to level up your cardio training is to opt for high intensity aerobic exercises like HIIT or Crossfit, 2-3 times a week
    The aim is to get your heart rate up, so you do not get winded on long days of trekking
     
  • Hiking
    Try to get outdoors and go for a hike on the weekends! Uphill trails of 4-8 kilometres are will help you get used to trekking. Make it a point to carry a loaded backpack, and walk in your trekking shoes.
     
  • Hiking Alternatives
    Climbing stairs, and using the treadmill or stairmaster on an incline, will help prepare you for treks. Make it a point to carry a loaded backpack so that you can get used to the extra weight; and use your trekking boots, so that you can break them in and walk comfortably.
     
  • If you’re confused with all this information, no need to worry! The most important thing with training is consistency, and staying injury-free. Your training week should ideally have
    Strength training - 3 sessions
    Cardio training - 3 sessions
    Hiking - 1 long session, best on the weekends
    Rest and stretching - at least 1 day

 

FAQs

Mardi Himal Trek

What kind of Physical shape do I need to be in to trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp?

This trek into the Annapurna National Park is strenuous but does not require any previous trekking, mountaineering or technical climbing experience; only that you be in good physical conditioning. The trek requires you to be able to hike for 4-5 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack for 10 days. Good cardio-vascular conditioning and exercises for muscles that are used to hiking will make your trip much more enjoyable. You will climb to a maximum height of 4160 m, where the impact of cold and thin air can definitely be felt.

What are the Entry & Exit Points for the trek?

You make your arrival to the city of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. We receive you at the International Airport at Kathmandu, spend the day in Thamel in Kathmandu. Next day, we fly to Pokhara, which is a short 25 minute flight. From Pokhara we drive to Kande from where we start trekking.

We trek through the Annapurna National Park, making our way past incredible mountains, to finally finish the trek and arrive at the city of Pokhra. After spending a day in Pokhara, we fly back to Kathmandu.

What are the accommodations like in Kathmandu and while trekking?

In Kathmandu we will be staying in a 3 star Hotel or Guest House in Thamel, Katmandu often referred to as a trekker’s paradise. On the trek we will be staying in a combination of clean and friendly Sherpa Lodges /Tea Houses. This is popularly referred to as a Tea House trek, as opposed to a camping expedition.

Do I need any special Equipment or climbing gear during this trek?

No, as the trek does not involve any technical climbs, no special climbing equipment is required. A rucksack (60-70 lts), good pair of Climbing shoes, a warm jacket and a pair of thermals are good enough. Also we will be sending you a comprehensive mail on the list of Items to be carried which will help you pack Rucksack better.

What is the Communication system available on the way?

There are different ways to be in touch with your Family. You can purchase a local Prepaid SIM Card at the International airport. If you have a Mobile with International Roaming on it, your Phone will work through most of the trek so you can easily be in touch with your Family. Post which, most of the tea Houses we stay in have the facility of purchasing Wi-Fi. You can call your family every day during the course of the trek. Although the prices for these facilities may vary from a minimum of 500 Nepali rupees to 1500 Nepali rupees per minute. Also please remember, the network connectivity can fluctuate given the remoteness and weather conditions.

Can you give an example of a typical Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on the way?

The Meals are freshly prepared in the Tea Houses that we stay in. Typical Days Meals – • Breakfast – Porridge, Two eggs, toast with jam or Butter and Hot tea/coffee/ Chocolate. • Lunch – Rice with Lentils & Vegetables commonly known as Dal Bhat Tarkari, Choice of Fried Rice or Noodles. • Dinner – Choice of Soup, Mashed potatoes, Choice of Noodles/fried Rice and Hot Drinks.

Will I be able to take showers/bath on the course of the trek?

Yes there are hot water showers available on most of these tea houses that we would be staying in. You can avail of these facilities at an average rate of 500 to 1000 Nepali rupees for a 10 minute shower. But usually after the 3rd/4th Day, you yourself would want to avoid it because of dropping temperatures and biting cold outside.

What is the medical / emergency precautions taken en-route?

Adventure Pulse requires each of its clients to provide a medical fitness document before joining the group. Our crew is well qualified for any First-Aid procedures if required on the way. In addition a comprehensive Medical & first Aid kit is carried at all times. There are Medical stations available en-route in case of an emergency evacuation can be done with Horses and guide support which can be made available on actuals. When we ascend above 2500 meters our bodies have to acclimatize to the decreasing amount of the oxygen available. To allow our bodies to adjust and to avoid any such situations, we have added acclimatization and rest days in the itinerary. Personal Adventure Travel Insurance can also be purchased, which includes helicopter evacuation in case of a medical emergency.

What would a typical day be like?

You will be woken in the morning by 5:45 to 6:00 am. Breakfast and hot beverage would usually be served in the dining room of the tea house by 6:30 am. Before breakfast you pack your gear into your duffel bags or rucksacks which are then taken by the porters and will not usually be available to you until the next teahouse that afternoon. We are usually on the trail between 7.00 am and 7.30 am to avoid the heat of the noon and to reach our destination by lunch time. Following a good morning's walk, we stop for tea at around 11 am. This is usually a 30 – 60 minute break to allow for the trekkers to relax and catch their breath. The subsequent walk is generally a little shorter and next destination is usually reached by around 2 pm to 3 pm. Once we have our next destination, tea is served. Washing water is available to wash at the end of the trek day, but it will be cold. Until dinner, there is time to rest, explore the surrounding area and villages or sit and chat with the crew and local people. Dinner is usually served around 6 pm to 7 pm. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is talking, playing cards, chatting with the crew or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people, it is always a special time.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: (1,300m/ 4,265m)

Get ready for an adventurous journey in trekker’s paradise Nepal. Experience Nepal’s tranquil
beauty and warm hospitality firsthand. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the
airport and assist transfer you to your hotel at Thamel. If arriving early, explore vibrant Thamel
for diverse dining options and prepare for the trek.

Day 2

Fly to Pokhara (25 minutes), Drive 1 hour to Kande (31 km/19 miles), and trek to Australian Camp. (2,060m/6,758ft) (3 km/1.9ft) (2hrs)

Australian Camp (2,060m/6,758ft)

We will start early in the morning from Kathmandu and takea a flight to Pokhara. It’ll take us about 25-minutes of flying time to reach Pokhara. From the Pokhara airport our team will then drive to Kande which is the start point of our trek.

We begin trekking from Kande, all the way up to the Australian Camp.
From Pokhara, a 1-hour drive takes you to Kande.  The Trek from Kande to the Australian camp is about 2 to 3 hours depending on the pace of our group. This journey offers panoramic views of the Annapurna Range.

Day 3

Trek from Australian camp to Low Camp

Low Camp (3,150m/10,330ft)

Today we will enjoy the sunrise over the Himalayan range.  We will be mostly walking through
Rhododendron, Oak, and Maple forests, we may see wildlife like deer and Himalayan thar, as
well as many birds.

Spectacular views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna range will impress you all day. After a 7-8 hour walk, we will reach Low Camp. We spend the evening in the dining, chatting, enjoying hot meals and beverages. Post dinner we spend the night around a peaceful forest dreaming about the next days adventure. 

Day 4

Trek from Low Camp to High Camp

High Camp (3,550m/11,645ft)

We will start walking through dense forests, with the occasional views of Machhapuchhre,
Hiunchuli, and Annapurna South today as well. As we progress on, we will ascend to Badal
Danda, known for its frequent clouds. Finally, we will arrive at High Camp (3900m) after
trekking along a narrow ridge displaying vast valleys.

Day 5

Hike from High Camp to Mardi Base Camp and back to High Camp

Mardi Base Camp (4,200m/ 13,779 ft)

Today, we wake early for a stunning Himalayan sunrise, then trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp
via a challenging steep ascent. After a 2-hour trek, we reach a panoramic viewpoint showcasing
Annapurna peaks. A further 1.5-hour walk leads us to our destination where we witness
breathtaking mountain vistas including Mardi Himal, Fishtail, Annapurna I, Annapurna South,
Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna. From the Base Camp, enjoy the sunrise illuminating Annapurna
South, then return to High Camp.

Day 6

Trek from High Camp to Siding Village and drive to Pokhara

Siding Village (1,280m/ 4,200ft) | 3 hours Drive

On our way back, we shall take a different route. We walk to Low Camp before lunch, then head
straight down to Siding Village, another popular tourist spot near Pokhara. The walk towards the descent is enjoyable but requires you to keep your eye on the trail and avoid any slip or falls.
After a 4–5-hour trek, we reach Siding Village, followed by a 3-hour drive to Pokhara. Pokhara,
a beautiful lake city, is the perfect place to be after the trek. Stroll, relax near Lakeside, and enjoy
live music and drinks at Lakeside pubs in the evening.

Day 7

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

We take a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu, the Adventure Pulse team will welcome you to Thamel where we shall transfer you to your hotel.

You will have the evening free to spend in Thamel while exploring the eateries and clubs around. Indulge in Thamel’s vibrant atmosphere. Have fun hanging out with good music, drinks, and dinner.

Day 8

Fly out of Kathmandu

With a heart filled with happy and adventurous memories, we bid adieu! Hoping to host you on another adventure soon!

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