Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek - 7 Days

Mardi Himal is a short-distance trek from Pokhara, which takes you to the base camp of Mardi Himal at an altitude of 4,500. During this trek, you will enjoy the panoramic views of Mardi Peak (5,587 m), Annapurna II, Machapuchare, and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

There are different flexible itineraries for the Mardi Himal trek. It can be completed in 5, 7, or 10, depending on your interest and preference.

The Mardi Himal trek is moderately difficult, making it beginner-friendly. The Mardi Himal trail includes steep ascents, a few sections of rocky/snow‑covered terrain above 3,600 m, and a final push to the Mardi Himal base (≈ 4,500 m). The main challenge for trekkers is preventing altitude sickness by following proper acclimatisation plans.

Not legally required, also the trail is well-maintained and well-marked. If you are trekking in Nepal for the first time or are beginner trekkers, we highly recommend hiring a trekking guide and porter for your safety.

Mardi Himal trekking is possible throughout the year, but for the best views, we recommend participating in Autumn (late September – November) and Spring (March – May). During these days, the weather is clear, temperatures are moderate, and the chance of rainfall is low.

The Mardi Himal trek in winter is also possible, given the snow landscape, but you need to deal with chilly temperatures and snow at high altitude. If you are trekking during the monsoon, you will encounter wet, slippery trails from heavy rainfall. Also, floods and landslides can make the trek riskier, so if possible, avoid trekking in the Himalayan mountains during the winter months.

1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – USD 30 per person. 
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card – USD 10 (individual) or $20 (group). This permit will be arranged by Namaste Nepal as it is included in our trekking package.

No extra permit beyond ACAP and TIMS. The trail is within the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is covered by those two permits.

Yes, but to make your journey smooth, we can arrange them in advance once you confirm your booking and submit your documents to us.

The highest point of the Mardi Himal trek is the base camp itself, which is at an altitude of≈ 4,500 m.

• Follow the “climb‑high, sleep‑low” principle
• Hydrate (3–4 L/day).
• Avoid alcohol and smoking if possible at high alitude.
• Keep a slow, steady pace (≈ 4–5 km/day).
• Consider a medication like acetazolamide (consult a doctor).

Small children with parents monitoring can also be accommodated, but you need a customised itinerary that fits the family, including small children.

The nearest hospitals are in Pokhara, and along trekking trails, there are only basic health posts. For a serious emergency during trekking, it is essential to have an emergency evacuation plan covered by your insurance.

As per our standard Mardi Himal trek, we will arrange a tourist bus to reach Pokhara, and from Pokhara, you will reach the trail by private vehicle, either a taxi or a jeep.  To reach Pokhara, you can either use ground transportation or a domestic flight (at an extra cost).

We provide free porter service to our customers, so our porter will carry your gear from Kande onward.

• For foreign citizen it cost: Approximately USD 130–180( one way)
• For Indian citizen it cost: Approximately INR 7,000–9,000 ( one way)
• For Nepali citizen it cost: Approximately NPR 7,000–8,000 ( one way)

Basic cozy tea houses (raised wooden platforms with shared dormitory rooms). They offer basic double rooms with blankets and mattresses, as well as shared washroom facilities.

Hot water and electricity are available, but depending on the location, you may need to pay a small fee for their use.

Standard tea‑house menu: Dal‑bhat (lentil soup & rice), thukpa (noodle soup), momos, stir‑fried vegetables, eggs, and tea/coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are common; you can request a non‑spicy version.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided in the tea house. If you want to bring your own food, you can bring snacks, energy drinks or gluten‑free items.

• Moisture‑wicking base layers (top & bottom).
• Insulating mid‑layer (fleece or down jacket).
• Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants.
• Warm hat, gloves, and a buff/neck gaiter.
• Trekking boots (broken‑in, supportive) + camp shoes.

No you don’t need this mountaineering gear for this Mardi Himal trek.

Tea houses will provide warm blankets, so a sleeping bag is usually not required, but if you wish to bring one, you can.

• Power bank (10,000 mAh or higher).
• Universal travel adapter.
• Camera (DSLR/mirrorless) + extra batteries (cold drains them quickly).
• Optional: handheld GPS or offline maps on a smartphone.

Bottled water is safe to drink; however, if you want to bring a water purification system, like tablets, you can for added safety.

• Rapid altitude gain → AMS.
• Slippery rocks/loose scree, especially after rain.
• Unpredictable weather (cloud bursts).
• Limited cellular coverage above 3,500 m.

Not compulsory but highly recommended. Choose a policy that covers high‑altitude trekking (up to 5,500 m), medical evacuation, and repatriation.

Nepal Telecom and Ncell have decent coverage up to High Camp. Above that, signal becomes spotty; you may lose service near Mardi Himal Base.

1. Contact your guide/porter or local.
2. If evacuation is required, the guide will arrange a helicopter rescue (weather permitting).
3. Keep a copy of your passport, insurance, and emergency contacts both physically and digitally.

Yes. Many trekkers add a side‑trip to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) or continue to Poon Hill for a multi‑day circuit. The trail can also be linked with the Ghorepani‑Poon Hill route for a 12‑day classic Annapurna trek.

The summit (5,587 m) requires a technical climbing permit, a certified mountaineering guide, and equipment (crampons, ice axe, ropes). It is a separate expedition, not part of the standard trekking itinerary.

When you choose the luxury Mardi himal trek option we offer:

• Private tea‑house rooms with en‑suite bathrooms.
• Free hot shower and Wifi facilities at tea house
• Daily yoga/meditation sessions.
• Airport transfers in a 4‑WD vehicle.

Yes, if you have prior trekking experience, a good map, and a reliable GPS app. However, note that remote sections have limited signage, and a guide adds invaluable local knowledge, language support, and emergency assistance.

Himalayan monal (national bird), red‑panda, musk deer, langur, and a variety of alpine butterflies. Bird‑watchers love the rhododendron forests in spring.

The trek passes through Gurung villages (e.g., Siding, Ghandruk). You’ll see traditional stone houses, prayer flags, and may be invited to a local tea house or cultural dance if you’re respectful of customs.

Yes you need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal to participate in the Mardi himal trek. You can obtain a visa from your home country or here at Tribhuvan International Airport as an arrival visa.

On average, it costs USD 400-600 per person. The exact cost depends on the number of itinerary days, the travel season, the group size, and the level of service you want during the trek.

• Pack out all non‑biodegradable waste.
• Use a reusable water bottle and filter (no single‑use plastic).
• Stick to established trails.
• Respect local customs and support the community‑run tea houses.