Mardi Himal Trek is a newly opened popular trek in the Annapurna region. It is located to the east of the Annapurna Base camp virtually under the spectacular Machhapuchhare(Fishtail). This trek is the best destination to avoid the crowd. The trek goes through quiet stone-built villages past wonderful rhododendron forests blooming in many different colors. The forest path continues until about 3,300m. On the way, you can see astonishing mountain views and landscape. The trail takes on a rugged mountain setting with spectacular views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna South. There are simple guesthouses and Homestays along the entire route. The trail takes you very close to Mount Machhapuchhre.
Having been under the radar for many years, Mardi Himal Trek has finally started to get the recognition it deserves and the trail provides some of the best views of the picturesque Annapurna Massif and the ever-so-popular Machhapuchhre Peak. Apart from the obvious attraction of the massive Himalayan range, the possibility to witness the indigenous lifestyle, diverse biology and the serene landscape are some of the other plus points of the trek.
Highlights of The Trek:
This off-beaten trail gives you the perfect opportunity to escape from the crowd and discover the meaning of life in its serene surroundings.
The cultural and religious diversity of the region is also a major spectacle to behold.
Mardi Himal Trek is also the perfect and closest place to admire the majestic Annapurna Himalaya Range.
Destination
Mardi Himal Basecamp Trek
Duration
14 Days
Max. Altitude
4500m
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Itinerary
This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.
For Meals: Breakfast included
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 1400m
Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.
For Meals: Breakfast included
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Maximum Altitude: 1400m
After breakfast, there will be a briefing about your stay in Nepal, detailed explanation regarding the trek, and go through the checklist of all the necessary equipment for the journey.
After the briefing, we will head out for a full sight-seeing tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 1400m
Depart from Kathmandu towards Pokhara after breakfast.
The entire drive to Pokhara will be full of scenic winding roads, green hills, rushing rivers, patches of settlements, and serene wilderness.
Upon reaching Pokhara, you can check-in at the hotel and rest for a while after which we can explore the wonderful city of Pokhara.
A gentle stroll around the Lakeside in Pokhara will take all your stress away.
For Meal: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 2100m
Our day begins by taking a vehicle from Pokhara and driving for about 40 minutes on the Baglung Highway to reach Kade.
From Kade, trek in an uphill climb for around 2 hours through a clearing in the forest we have our first break at a lodge settlement known as ‘Australian camp’ with panoramic views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara valley.
Trek through a trail of bright and beautiful Rhododendron forest to reach Deurali which overlooks into the Modi Khola Valley.
Overnight in Deurali.
For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 2500m
Today, we follow the main Annapurna trekking trail and follow the forested ridge to our next destination.
It will be a gradual uphill climb through beautiful Rhododendron forest and tiny waterfalls after which we eventually reach the Forest Camp.
Overnight in Forest Camp.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 3200m
More gradual climbs through the rhododendron forest following the ridge, you’ll find yourself closer to clear blue sky with scenic views of the Himalayan foothills and the sweeping valley towards the south.
Stop for lunch in the “Low camp” then continue towards Badal Danda (Cloud Hill), above the treeline.
The panoramic view from the lodge in Badal Danda of Machhapuchhre and Mardi Himal is a sight to behold.
Overnight in Badal Danda.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 3500m
We leave the treeline ridge and follow the trail of the majestic Alpine zone to start our day.
Snow Capped peaks of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail loom in the distance above the deep valley on either side of the Alpine ridge.
After trekking through for a while, reach the High Camp. The site stands above the clouds and the snowy mountains will appear right before your eyes.
Overnight in High Camp.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 4500m
Today the trek is a steep climb and a longer walk. The trail becomes more vertiginous at some points with uneven and steep rocky steps.The first steep climb will take about two hours to the ridge top Mardi Himal Base Camp (MBC).
Our overnight base camp will take about another two hours along the ridge.
The panoramic views are amazing all along the alpine ridge.While Mardi Himal and Mt Fishtail appear right above us, the view of Annapurna I, Gangapurna, and Annapurna III also appear in the distance.
After exploring the Base Campsite, we will make a descent back to the High Camp.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 3500
Enjoy the wonderful sunrise early in the morning from High Camp and after breakfast, descend back to Forest Camp.
Overnight in Forest Camp.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 1850M
The trail climbs down steeply through the Rhododendron and Maple forest to the permanent settlements closer to the valley basin.
Gradual descent will take us to the self-sustaining village of Luwang Village.
The village farmers also grow organic tea on 50 hectares of land and offer homestay-style accommodation.The waterfall in the outskirts of the village also offers one of the most exciting canyoning adventures.
Overnight in Luwang Gurung Village.
For Meals: included BL
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 820m
Wander down to the Mardi River basin to meet up with our 4WD ride back to Pokhara. It will take about 1 ½ hrs to get to Pokhara on an adventurous dirt road track.
Overnight in Pokhara.
For Meals: Breakfast Include
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 450m
After an early breakfast, drive towards the south to reach Chitwan.
On arrival in the national park, we'll have a sightseeing trip - this is an exceptionally stunning area of a country overflowing with stunning views and wildlife.
In the evening, there's a dinner and a 'Tharu' cultural program to welcome you to this area of the world.
Overnight in Chitwan.
For Meals: included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Altitude: 150m
Today will be a day full of Canoe trips, Jungle walks, and a Jeep safari.
Explore around the lush jungle of Chitwan and experience the exotic and diverse biology of Southern Nepal.
This is going to be one of the highlights of your trip to Nepal, so make sure that you and your camera are both fully charged!
For Meals: Breakfast incloude
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Maximum Altitude: 1400m
After breakfast, return back to Kathmandu from Chitwan on ground transportation.
We will reach Kathmandu by the late afternoon. So, you can have the rest of the day to shop for souvenirs or sightseeing.
There will be a farewell dinner where we will exchange pleasantries and memories of the trek.
For Meals: Breakfast include
For Accommodation: Hotel \Lodge
Maximum Altitude: 1400m
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.
Inclusions
The Annapurna base camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the mighty
Himalayan region of Nepal and it is the most visited trekking region in Nepal.
What’s Included?
Airport pickups and dropoffs
Accommodation(BB) in Kathmandu
Lodge/Teahouse During the Trek
Ground transportation as per the itinerary
English-speaking and government-licensed trek guide/leader
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
TIMS card and trekking permits (National Park Permit)
Comprehensive first aid kit (carried by your trek leader)
Complimentary farewell dinner
All government and local taxes
Company service charges
What’s not Included?
Nepalese visa fee
International air tickets
Travel and medical insurance
Emergency evacuation costs
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu
Early arrival/late departure
Early return from the trek
Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses
Tips for staffs; guide & porter
Map
This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.
Travel Gear List
Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.
Trekking boot(1pair): well worn and comfortable with proper ankle support.
Sock(3 pairs): good and warm enough; worth spending money on quality socks.
Flip flop/Camp Shoe(1 pair): light weighted for evening use.
Water bottle(2): Nalgene/ sig style and a bladder bottle with the capacity of 1/2 liter water. Bladders are preferred.
Water Purification Drop(1): Affordable and easily available for purchase in Kathmandu (Pious Water Drop).
Lip Balm(1): Proper moisturizing containing SPF.
Sunglass(1): Actual UV rays safeguarding glasses.
Sun Cream: SPF 30+ recommended.
Bandana (1): Useful for various purpose.
Baseball Head/ Cap(1): Protects face from direct expose of sun during the hiking.
Warm Woolen Hat(1): Prevents from wind and cold above 3500m.
Flash Light / Head Torch(1): Leaves your hands free. Extra batteries are also necessary for head light.
Private First Aid Kit(1): Include prescribed medications/ personal medications. Some personal medicine might not be available in Nepal.
Travel towel(1): light weighted and compact.
Wash Kit (1): Appropriate and suitable for your skin/body
Instant Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol bases, enough for trek/on the basis of necessity.
Camera(incase you carry): Along with charger and enough battery to capture scenarios and memories.
Book/ Journal: Depending on interest.
Pack of Cards/Travel Board Games(if interested): Evening entertainment.
Trekking Snacks: Base on consumption; enough for trekking (can be purchased in Kathmandu).
Toilet Roll & Rubbish Bag: to make sure we don't leave waste materials in the mountains.
Trekking Poles(optional): recommended to anyone with knee issues.
Gloves(2 pairs): Thin in low altitude & thick warm enough in high altitudes.
Neck Warmer \Buff(1): Protection of Neck from direct wind and cold.
Walking Stick(1): Light weighted and comfortable for walking support.
Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.
Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)
Duffle Bag Pack(1): to store excess luggage at hotel. Our agency provides duffel bags during the trek. These are easier for the porters to carry.
Day pack with rain cover(1): to carry your personal items during the treks i.e. camera, private snacks, water bottles, etc.
Sleeping bags with inner: To have a warm and satisfying sleep in high altitude. Recommended for 3 season(Oct-Feb).
Some Glimpse
The Journey and the adventure has to end someday but the memories stay. Here are some of our favorite moments from previous travel experiences.
FAQs
Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek takes you at the height of 4,500 meters from sea level.
In context to the level of difficulty, the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a short moderate level trek. The maximum walking hour of this trek is about 7-8 hours a day.
Soul Himalaya Treks & Tours has well-experienced and certified guides/leaders with over 10 years of working experience in the field. All our guides are fluent in English. You can also hire guides who are fluent in French, German, and Hindi.
Everest is situated towards the eastern part whereas Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated towards the western part of the Himalayan range. Therefore, you will not be able to view Mt. Everest from Mardi Himal Base Camp. So far, you will be able to have a beautiful scenario of mount Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and various other Annapurna Ranges.
The best season for the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. Late September, October, November, and December is the most favorable season recommended for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
The weather differs with the season you choose to trek for. The maximum temperature reaches 25°C during the day and falls up to -20°C at night. Observing the overall trekking climate, the weather of Mardi Himal Base Camp is mild during the trekking seasons. Yet, the weather of the lower region is hotter than that of higher altitudes.
Altitude sickness is predictable if you are at a High altitude for the first time. However, Altitude sickness can be coped with easily since there are no major risks of it. Our itinerary is maintained in such a way that you will adapt to the altitude of this region easily. Your assigned guide/leader will slow down ascend and provide you healthy diet. You also require to be hydrated throughout the trek and avoid the consumption of alcohol/cigarettes. Most importantly, you should build a strong mindset and be prepared for the trek.
We strongly recommend you carry a reusable bottle along with water purifying tablets and agents to purify stream water. Waste disposal is not well organized in the Mountains so to maintain an environment-friendly trek we appreciate it if you can make minimum use of plastic bottles. However, if make you use plastic bottles we request you dispose of the bottles at a proper place.
Proper shower is managed for you throughout the trek. Hot /Bucket shower is made accessible in the lodges. However, a certain amount of charge for the hot/bucket shower is taken in some of the lodges. While taking showers in the natural sources, you are sincerely requested to slip into comfortable clothes to uphold social values in public space.
You will be able to recharge your gadgets in pretty much every cabin and hotel. However, at a higher altitude you will be charged with a certain amount; probably from 200 to 300 NRS (1.5 - 2, 5 €).
The organization isn't great always, and in some cases it is inexistent. You’d rather not rely on the network in some areas. However, you will have Wi-Fi in few lodges; not necessarily all of them but some lodges charge you extra for Wi-Fi.
We assure you a secured trek. Even so, we never can predict what might take place. Hence, in case of any emergencies, you will be rescued by air ambulance as long as the weather is favorable for evacuation.
You are strongly prohibited from distributing any kind of stuff to children on the way to your trek. Children stay on roads for hours waiting for tourists rather than attending schools. Hence, this has created a very bad influence on the children in the tourism areas. If you are genuinely intending to help them you can consult with respective guardians.
The people of Nepal are very religious. Hence, when you are visiting the historical and religious area in Nepal especially monasteries; you are not allowed to sit/stand on the tables since the tables are marked very scared.
You can observe many street dogs in Nepal. So, you should be aware before you approach any of them as they are not well-vaccinated. If you are followed by a pet during your trek we suggest you, not take them along with you.
You will not be allowed to take a snap of any individuals without their approval. In some specific monasteries, you are forbidden to carry a camera. However, you can freely capture the image of glamorous nature.
Tipping is not mandatory. However, it has been a common trait, so the guides and porters expect a small amount of tips from you. A small amount of tips can hold a great essence in their life and can go a long way to help them and their families. Feel free to ask us for a suggested standard amount.
Reviews
Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.
marry
25 November 2020
uk
Best trip of life
I did the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek with Sarki and his crew in March of 2018. It was absolutely amazing! Being in my 50’s and not in top shape had me a bit worried about the trek, but Sarki and his crew made sure that I was safe and not rushed as I made my way up! The terrain was tough in areas, especially on the way down, but there was always someone at my elbow if I needed a hand to navigate a steep or slippery spot. Sarki is a wonderful leader, always making sure everyone was happy, relaxed and having a memorable time. I will treasure my time on this trek forever. Thank you Sarki and crew, you all get A+++++ from me!!!
Sarron
25 November 2020
France
The Adventure is life time Experience
I recently did the Mardi Himal Basecamp Trek with Sarki and Pemba and it was a remarkable experience I will never forget. I travelled in October with a 50+ group all of us with different fitness levels but we all managed to complete the Trek and have fun doing it. Lifelong friendships were made, not only with the trekkers but with the guides as well. Fun and lots of laughter was on the agenda every day. The trek was definitely not easy and if you plan on doing it I would recommend getting in the best possible condition you can before going. The views you experience and the sense of peace brought on by the mountains is well worth the hard work to get there. Sarki and Pemba are knowledgeable, safety conscious and very responsible guides. Balu did not Trek with us but was our guide in Pokhara, Balu has a great sense or organization and of humour lots of fun to have around! These guys have a passion for Nepal that is contagious., If you are considering a trip to Nepal and a Trek to the Himalayas … don’t hesitate to do it! I highly recommend this group.
Georgie Melbourne
29 December 2020
Melbourne Australia
Best Experience in the Himalaya
I was in Nepal in April 2018. Balu and Sarki are two of the nicest and knowledgeable people I met in Nepal. Balu was our guide and he was a fantastic caring guide. Nothing was too much trouble for Balu. I’m a type 1 diabetic and the team constantly made sure I was good. Balu made us feel safe I would highly recommend and have confidence in Sarki and Balu. I can not wait to go back to Nepal again.
Georgie
Di Suthers
29 December 2020
One of the Best Destination
I travelled to Nepal in 2018 where I had the pleasure of meeting both Sarki & Balaram (Balloo). Both men have strong communication skills and displayed humour and enthusiasm for their jobs. Balloo was my group’s guide and he proved to be very knowledgeable & kept us safe and motivated. I have confidence in recommending these two men and would happily travel with them again.
Sheri Metcalfe
31 December 2020
I have many great memories from this trip
I did the Mardi Himal base camp trek in Sept 2019 with Sarki and his crew .. They were awesome, you never felt rushed or overwhelmed with the trek. They always made sure that you could do it at your own pace and that someone from the guiding crew stayed with you to help whenever you might need it Sarki was the best leader one could hope for. He anticipated all our needs and if he needed to he stayed with those who needed him most and let a junior guide step up and assume more responsibility.
They always made sure we were well informed, well fed and most of all SAFE.
I would highly recommend Sarki and his group . I have many great memories from this trip
Callum Stewart
10 May 2023
Canada
Challenging my fear of heights:
Challenging my fear of heights:
I recently travelled to the Annapurna region of Nepal with my daughter and completed an unbelievable trek with Sarki Sherpa and Pemba Sherpa. Originally I looked into going with my wife on another trek to Nepal but after reviewing and researching that trip's itinerary, I realized I could not go due to my fear of heights. Sections of that route far exceeded what I was capable of fighting through and it was obvious I could not complete it. However, I was determined to go to Nepal and experience this 'bucket list' trip of a lifetime. Long story short, after hooking up with Sarki Sherpa, I described my fear of heights (from incredibly scared at the low end to paralyzed on my hands and knees with my mind shutting down at the worst) and Sarki felt I could do a trek on the southern side of the Annapurna range. At all times Sarki, Pemba, and their team were there for me, preparing me, and helping me through some trickier parts (it is the Himalayas so there are obviously some steep parts). They were very professional, very focused on our safety (from food preparation to altitude sickness, etc.), and were some of the finest people you will ever meet. With their leadership, I was able to experience one of the most amazing places on our planet. I truly can't thank them enough and highly recommend Soul Himalaya if you have any fear of heights. Sincerely, Cal Stewart.