What if someone told you there is a trek where cows, clouds, and huge mountains are your only company? You wouldn’t believe it right? That is what the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is like. You walk up to High Camp and the base camp while seeing Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli all around you. Every turn gives you a new view and a reason to stop for a moment.
The trek is full of little surprises that make it fun. One minute you’re walking under a sky full of clouds, the next you’re seeing peaks that look straight out of a postcard. Mornings at High Camp are worth waking up early for, with the changing light making the mountains look completely different each day.
You don’t have to rush or worry about anything. Go at your own pace, pause where it feels right, and follow the trail wherever it leads. The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is one of those Nepal trekking adventures that sneaks up on you and sticks in your memory. You get to explore the Annapurna region trekking trails, see mountains like Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South up close, and enjoy an adventure trek in Nepal that’s quiet, fun, and totally different from the usual crowded paths.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Overview
If you are looking for one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal that is short, easy, and not crowded, Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect pick. The trail starts near Pokhara and goes up to Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters. It opened for international trekkers in 2012, so it is still quieter than other popular trails in the Annapurna region.
The trek passes through small villages where locals are friendly and welcoming. The path changes as you climb, from green forests to alpine areas. Keep your eyes open for the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s colorful national bird.
At the base camp, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri rise right in front of you. Machhapuchhre looks so close it almost feels like you could touch it. There is also a viewpoint before the base camp where the mountains line up perfectly for photos.
Most trekkers complete this route in five to seven days or even more. The trails are peaceful, the villages are welcoming, and the scenery is some of the best in Nepal without the crowds. If you want a short, easy trek with amazing views near Pokhara, Mardi Himal is definitely worth it.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- A short and easy trek that’s perfect if you don’t have a lot of time.
- Quiet trails, so you won’t run into crowds like Annapurna Base Camp.
- Small villages with friendly locals along the way.
- Chance to see the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s national bird.
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters with amazing mountain views.
- Get close to Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.
- A viewpoint before the base camp gives a perfect spot for photos.
Mardi Himal Trek 9 days Itinerary from Kathmandu
The Mardi Himal Trek is a stunning 9-day journey that starts with your arrival in Kathmandu, where you can explore the city and its famous cultural landmarks like Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. After sightseeing and preparing for the trek, you travel to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, either by a scenic 6-hour drive or a 35-minute flight.
The trek begins from Pokhara and takes you through Kande, Australian Base Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and finally Mardi Himal Base Camp. Along the way, you pass through forests and charming Gurung villages like Deurali and Siding, where you can experience the local Buddhist culture and hospitality. Low Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Base Camp offer unreal views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and surrounding peaks.
After reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp and enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery, the trail descends back to Siding, and you return to Pokhara to relax. The journey concludes with your drive or flight back to Kathmandu.
Pokhara to Mardi Himal Base Camp – 5 Days Itinerary
This 5 day journey will take you from Pokhara up to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back. You will pass small villages, maybe see Nepal’s colorful national bird, and get amazing views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna mountains. Each day is easy to follow and full of great scenery.
| Day | Itinerary | Elevation | Duration |
| 1 | Drive to Kande and trek to Deurali | 2,100 m | 6 hours |
| 2 | Trek to Low Camp | 3,050 m | 6-7 hours |
| 3 | Trek to High Camp | 3,580 m | 5-6 hours |
| 4 | Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek back to Siding | 4,500 m to 1,750 m | 8-9 hours |
| 5 | Drive back to Pokhara | 820 m | 4 hours |
How much does it cost for Mardi Himal Trek 2026/2027
The cost of the Mardi Himal Trek depends on how long you want to trek, the level of service, and whether you go solo or with a group. Nepal Trekking Routes offers a 10-day package for $690 per person. If you go with a bigger group, the price goes down because you can share expenses.
You can trek solo to save on costs, or join a guided Mardi Himal Trek for extra comfort and support. We are also happy to offer private tours where you can set your own pace, add cultural stops, or customize your itinerary.
For those who want the easiest option, our luxury Mardi Himal Trek includes premium lodges, private transport, and guides and porters taking care of everything. We are one of the best operators for Mardi Himal Trek and can even arrange last-minute bookings, though it’s always better to book in advance to get the best price and availability.
Mardi Himal Trek Package
If you’re thinking about trekking to Mardi Himal, we’ve got a package for every style. You can go solo to save some money, join a guided Mardi Himal Trek package for extra support, or choose a private Mardi Himal Trek package to set your own pace and add cultural stops. For those who want comfort without compromise, our luxury Mardi Himal Trek package includes premium lodges, private transport, and guides and porters taking care of everything so you can just enjoy the views.
We are one of the best operators for Mardi Himal Trek packages and can handle groups or fully customized trips. Prices depend on how long you trek, the type of package, and whether you’re going solo or with friends. No matter which package you pick, you’ll get an easy, fun, and unforgettable experience with some of the best mountain scenery Nepal has to offer.
Permits required for the Mardi Himal Trek
If you’re doing the Mardi Himal Trek, you’ll need a couple of permits. One is the ACAP permit, which stands for Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. This lets you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area and supports local communities along the trails. The other is the TIMS card, short for Trekkers’ Information Management System, which registers all trekkers in Nepal so authorities know you’re on the trail.
You can get both in Pokhara before you start your trek, or if you’re going with our guide, they’ll usually take care of it for you.
What can travelers expect from the Mardi Himal base camp trek?
If you take the Mardi Himal trek, you start from Pokhara and head up through small villages where people are super friendly. The trails aren’t packed with crowds, so you can stop, take photos, or just look around whenever you want.
Keep an eye out for the Himalayan Monal, Nepal’s colorful national bird. By the time you hit Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, you’re right in front of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri. Each day has its own little adventure, and it’s short enough to do in a few days without feeling rushed.
Who is the Mardi Himal Trek suitable for?
If you want to see incredible mountains without the crowds, the Mardi Himal Trek is a great choice. You do not need to be a hardcore trekker, just reasonably fit for a few days of walking. Solo travelers, friends, or small groups will have a lot of fun. Along the way you will pass small villages and enjoy up close views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna mountains.
Why choose Nepal Trekking Routes for your Mardi Himal journey?
We are a local travel company and we know Mardi Himal inside out. Our team offers authentic service, personalized guidance, and extra add-on services so your trek is exactly how you want it. We also care about the communities we work with and give back through local projects, and above all, your safety is our top priority. Choosing us means you get a real Nepal experience, support local people, and can enjoy the trek without worrying about anything.






