Mardi Himal Trek
- Duration
- 10 days
- Max altitude
- 4,250 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May) · Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $810.00
Overview
A short ridge walk above the Modi Khola with Machhapuchhre, the fishtail, directly overhead. Only opened as a lodge route in recent years, so it stays quieter than the Annapurna classics and needs no long approach.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Read our full Mardi Himal Trek guide for the day-by-day route and how it compares with Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Trip highlights
- Machhapuchhre from close range
- Rhododendron forest and a high open ridge
- Short enough for a first Himalayan trek
- Quieter than Poon Hill or Base Camp
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m) and transfer to your hotel 1,400 m Hotel
Our airport representative meets you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport with a signboard and drives you to your hotel in a private vehicle.
-
Day 2: Tourist bus to Pokhara (820 m) 820 m 7-8 hrs Hotel B
An early tourist bus for the 200 km to Pokhara, seven to eight hours past the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, small towns and villages. Transfer to your hotel on arrival.
-
Day 3: Drive to Kande (1,770 m), trek to Australian Camp (2,060 m) 2,060 m 1-2 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
About an hour by private vehicle to Kande, where the trek starts, then a steady climb of one to two hours to Australian Camp, a cluster of lodges on a grassy ridge with an open view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, and Lamjung Himal on a clear day. The afternoon is free to enjoy it.
-
Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp (2,600 m) 2,600 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
Gently down to Pothana, then up to Pitam Deurali (2,100 m), where a sign points right to Forest Camp. The trail enters quiet forest of oak, maple and rhododendron, full of birdsong, and climbs for a few more hours to the lodges at Forest Camp.
-
Day 5: Trek to High Camp (3,580 m) via Low Camp 3,580 m 5-7 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
One of the most beautiful days of the trek. Through rhododendron forest to Low Camp (3,050 m), then up to Badal Danda, where the trail leaves the trees and follows grassy ridges, getting colder as it climbs, to Mardi High Camp. Some lodges here have dormitory rooms only.
-
Day 6: Upper Viewpoint (4,250 m) at dawn, back down to Low Camp (3,050 m) 4,250 m 7-9 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A pre-dawn climb of two to three hours up the ridge to the Upper Viewpoint for sunrise on the south face of Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre right above you. Strong walkers with good weather can continue further towards Mardi Himal Base Camp. Back to High Camp for a late breakfast, then about two hours down to Low Camp.
-
Day 7: Trek to Landruk (1,565 m) 1,565 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse B/L/D
A long descent back through Forest Camp and down through forest and farmland, with a big drop in altitude, to Landruk, a Gurung village with a warm welcome.
-
Day 8: Trek to Syauli Bazaar (1,170 m), drive to Pokhara (820 m) 820 m 3-4 hrs Hotel B/L
The last walking day, an easy descent via Kyumi to Syauli Bazaar, then two to three hours by private vehicle back to Pokhara.
-
Day 9: Tourist bus back to Kathmandu (1,400 m), farewell dinner 1,400 m 7-8 hrs Hotel B/D
About seven hours back to Kathmandu by tourist bus, where our representative meets you and takes you to your hotel. In the evening, a farewell dinner with your guide and one of our office team.
-
Day 10: Departure 1,400 m B
Our airport representative takes you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $970.00 | Comfortfrom $1,144.60 | Luxuryfrom $1,406.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: Twin-sharing/double accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara for 2 nights each including breakfast (Private room accommodation can be organized at an extra cost)
- Included: Twin-sharing or dormitory guesthouse accommodation during the trek for 5 nights
- Included: All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
- Included: A farewell dinner on the last night in Nepal
- Included: Purified drinking water during the trek using water filter or water purification tablets.
- Included: All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Included: Tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Included: Private tourist vehicle from Pokhara to Kande and from Syauli Bazaar to Pokhara
- Included: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- Included: Experienced, wilderness first-aid trained, government licensed, English speaking, locally recruited trekking guide (2 guides for group size more than 7 people).
- Included: Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 clients)
- Included: Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- Included: 1 duffel/kit bag, trekking map, sun hat, Buff (Neck Gaiter)
- Included: A comprehensive first aid kit, including an Oximeter to check pulse and oxygen levels daily in the mountains
- Included: Trip completion certificate
- Included: All administrative expenses and government taxes
Not included
- Not included: Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Not included: International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Not included: Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Not included: Travel insurance along with high-altitude emergency evacuation coverage
- Not included: Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Not included: Nepal Entry Visa (Visa can be acquired easily after your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu with a fee of USD 30 for 15 days visa, USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa)
- Not included: Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Not included: Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Meeting & logistics
Getting there & back
Our airport representative meets you outside the terminal at Tribhuvan International Airport with a signboard and drives you to your hotel.
The next day an early tourist bus takes you the 200 km to Pokhara, seven to eight hours. From Pokhara a private vehicle takes you to Kande, where the walking starts. At the end, a private vehicle brings you from Syauli Bazaar back to Pokhara, and the tourist bus takes you back to Kathmandu in about seven hours.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $970.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 travellers | $810.00 | $160.00 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | $760.00 | $210.00 |
| 7 or more | $715.00 | $255.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)Cold and quiet, with the clearest skies of the year at lower altitude. High passes and very high routes are best avoided.
Questions
Asked about this trip
Is this a good first trek?
For most people, yes. It is graded moderate, takes ten days in total and needs no internal flight.
How high does it go?
You sleep at High Camp, 3,580 m, and climb to the Upper Viewpoint at 4,250 m at dawn before heading back down to Low Camp at 3,050 m. Your guide is wilderness first-aid trained and carries a first aid kit with an oximeter.
Who carries my luggage?
One porter for every two travellers carries the main bags, so you walk with a day pack.
When can I do this trek?
We run it in every season. Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
How does booking confirmation work?
Because every trip is private and arranged around your dates, bookings are confirmed by our team rather than instantly. You will get written confirmation and your private trip link once your guide and permits are secured.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation, less the bank transaction fee charged by the payment provider, which is non-refundable. Full terms are in our published cancellation policy.
Traveller reviews
What travellers say
Good to know
FAQ & policies
Is this a good first trek?
For most people, yes. It is graded moderate, takes ten days in total and needs no internal flight.
How high does it go?
You sleep at High Camp, 3,580 m, and climb to the Upper Viewpoint at 4,250 m at dawn before heading back down to Low Camp at 3,050 m. Your guide is wilderness first-aid trained and carries a first aid kit with an oximeter.
Who carries my luggage?
One porter for every two travellers carries the main bags, so you walk with a day pack.
When can I do this trek?
We run it in every season. Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
How does booking confirmation work?
Because every trip is private and arranged around your dates, bookings are confirmed by our team rather than instantly. You will get written confirmation and your private trip link once your guide and permits are secured.
Can I pay a deposit and settle the balance later?
Yes. Choose the deposit option to secure your dates, and we will send a secure payment link for the balance before departure, or you can settle by bank transfer.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation, less the bank transaction fee charged by the payment provider, which is non-refundable. Full terms are in our published cancellation policy.
Why book with us
