Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

The trek to Mardi starts from one of the most beautiful cities of Nepal, “Pokhara”. You will start your exploration with a 2 hour scenic drive to Dhampus. It is a village set at a height of 1,640 meters.

During the path, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of terraced fields, Pokhara Valley, and the distant peaks of the Annapurna range. The 2 hours drive itself is a preview of the terrain that you’ll soon be trekking through. With this, the excitement mounts as you approach the mountains.

From Dhampus, you’ll reach out to the pathway from Dhampus to Deurali passes through beautiful villages, thick forests, and mellow inclines. After leaving Dhampus behind, you'll notice a distinct change in the environment, with the sounds of daily village life gradually replaced by the calming rustle of trees and the serenity of the high-altitude surroundings.

The forest here is populated with rhododendron trees, and if you're lucky, you might catch them blossoming, depending on the season. The best time to witness their full bloom is during the spring season, from late March to early May.

The hike to Deurali takes between 3-4 hours, and you’ll find the trail reasonably moderate. However, you might have the feeling of steadily gaining elevation as you begin to climb up. You’ll walk past traditional villages, where you can stop and talk to people and see rural life in all its glory. When you reach Deurali, you’ll spend the night at a warm & cozy teahouse.

That could be the perfect place to stop and enjoy the scenery. As the sun slowly starts to dip, you can enjoy incredible views of the rolling hills and the distant mountain peaks beyond. The evening time becomes the best time for you to relax, have some cup of tea and share words & stories, and make friends if you aren't in your group.

That quiet place is undoubtedly the best place for gearing up and making yourself ready for further days of hiking into the deep Himalayas.

• Accommodation: Lodge

After a hearty breakfast at your teahouse in Deurali, you’ll begin your trek towards Low Camp (2,985m). The trail goes north along the ridgeline, passing through a quiet forest. The air is cool and refreshing. As you hike, the dense rhododendron forests offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna Himalayas.

Along the way, you’ll get panoramic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna IV-II, and Lamjung Himal in the distance.

After some hours of hiking ( around mid-day ), you’ll stop for lunch at Forest Camp (2,600m). This peaceful settlement, nestled within the forest, offers a very satisfactory place to rest and refuel yourself before continuing the journey. You should get enough rest till this point; as we move forward, the trail gets steeper, which turns the climb into a more challenging task.

The trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp takes about 3 to 4 hours. As you ascend, you’ll surely love the expansive mountain views where the landscape begins to open. You can observe the forest thinning, aligning with the trail. Views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and the other peaks become clearer.

When you reach Low Camp, you’ll be surrounded by trees again. A few teahouses are scattered here, offering food and shelter to trekkers. The peaceful surroundings make it the perfect spot to rest and recharge before the next day’s journey.

A warm meal of traditional Nepali food will help you unwind after a long day. You’ll relax and prepare for the next adventure ahead. As the evening falls, the chirping birds' sounds make you feel calm and relax with the sound of the environment.

As evening falls, the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves create a calm and relaxing environment. The clear night sky above the Himalayas makes for a breathtaking and unforgettable view.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 2-Star Hotel
• Place: Pokhara
• Altitude: 900m

Today marks a significant change in the landscape as you break the tree line and begin trekking in more open terrain. The trail climbs steadily upward, offering spectacular views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South. The rhododendron forests give way to alpine meadows, and the views of the surrounding peaks become even more breathtaking.

The trek to High Camp takes approximately 4 hours. As you gain altitude, the air becomes thinner, and the views become more expansive. This section of the trek is where the landscape truly begins to take on a more dramatic, alpine feel, with the towering peaks of the Himalayas surrounding you.

At High Camp, located at an altitude of 3,550 meters, you’ll be treated to one of the best panoramic views of the entire trek. The 360-degree view includes snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and sprawling meadows. The Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges are in full view, creating an awe-inspiring sight.

High Camp is known for its incredible sunrise and sunset views. In the morning, you’ll witness the golden light hitting the snow-covered peaks, while in the evening, the setting sun bathes the mountains in warm hues of orange and pink. The clear skies also make it a fantastic spot for stargazing at night.

After a long day of trekking, relax at the teahouse in High Camp, enjoy a warm meal, and take in the peaceful surroundings. This is one of the most scenic spots on the trek, so be sure to take time to enjoy the views and reflect on your journey.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House

Now, the trek for the highest altitude of this journey comes in. Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated at the altitude of 4,500 meters. The climb starts in the early morning, as soon as possible. The trails here are challenging. The more you climb, the air feels thinner, and you might start feeling cold.

As the famous quote goes, ‘The best view comes after the most hardest climb.’ The ascent is arduous, trails are challenging, but the stunning views of the scenery make it worth the effort. The tree line fades, giving way to short rhododendron and juniper bushes.

The towering peaks of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna I start to dominate the horizon. Reaching the base camp is a rewarding moment. From here, you get breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The vastness of the mountains is overwhelming.

Take long breaths, rest, and thoroughly soak yourself in the beauty, capture photographs, and admire the grandeur of the Himalayas. Try making the most out of it, as no matter how much you spend here, it's still going to be less for you.

After spending quality time at Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will descend back to High Camp for a well-maintained breakfast. The journey continues downward to Low Camp. Though the descent seems more manageable but it still requires caution, especially in the rocky and slippery areas.

During the descent, the landscape gradually shifts, with greener surroundings replacing the harsh alpine terrain. At Low Camp, you can finally relax after a long, tired day. Similar to other days, a warm & delicious meal gives you time to rest and recover.

There are only a limited number of lodges that offer only the basic facilities. The well-earned break lets you prepare for the final day and the last stretch of the trek. 

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House

On the final day, the trek begins with a descent from Low Camp to Sidding. Sidding is a scenic Gurung village. The walk takes around five hours, and you’ll go through terraced fields, forests, and traditional villages, with the peaceful sounds of nature.

At Sidding, a private vehicle will take you back to Pokhara. The drive offers time to rest and reflect. In Pokhara, you can check into your hotel and enjoy a delicious meal, perhaps a local Thakali dish, to celebrate the completion of the trek.

Additionally, you can always enjoy the relaxing boat ride at Phewa Lake. Moreover, if you’re staying a bit longer in Pokhara, you can visit Sarangkot, Davis Fall, and World Peace Pagoda. The calm surroundings make it the perfect place to reflect on the journey.

Note: Acclimatization is crucial for a safe trek, so stroll, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Pack wisely with sturdy boots, warm clothes, and a waterproof jacket to handle the changing weather.

If you wish to extend your stay in Nepal, we're happy to assist in arranging more adventures or activities for you. After you depart, you’ll carry with you the memories, experiences, and the thrilling adventure from your time in Nepal.

Wishing you safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you again.

• Meals: Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner
• Accommodation: Tea House