Mardi Himal Trek – 12 Days Complete Itinerary & Guide
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets in the Annapurna region. Offering dramatic ridge walks, ancient rhododendron forests, and close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South, this off-the-beaten-path trek delivers high-altitude adventure with minimal crowds.
📌 Trip Overview & Quick Facts
|
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Max Elevation |
4,500 m / 14,763 ft (Mardi Himal Base Camp) |
|
Trek Duration |
12 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) |
|
Difficulty Level |
Moderate |
|
Best Season |
Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – November) |
|
Group Size |
Min 1+ Person |
|
Accommodation |
3-Star Hotels (Kathmandu & Pokhara) + Teahouses on Trail |
|
Meals |
Breakfast in Cities; All Meals During Trek |
|
Required Permits |
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) & TIMS Card |
|
Transportation |
All Private & Ground Transportation Included |
🌟 Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
- Tranquil Ridge Trails: Unlike the busier Annapurna Base Camp route, Mardi Himal offers a quieter, undisturbed trekking experience.
- Close-Up Himalayan Panoramas: Stunning 360-degree views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna South (7,219m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m).
- Diverse Landscapes: Walk through sub-tropical forests, mossy oak woodlands, and open alpine meadows above the tree line.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience traditional Gurung and Magar hospitality in authentic mountain villages like Potana and Dhampus.
❓ Can You Trek Mardi Himal Without a Guide?
While experienced, Nepali-speaking trekkers who have hiked the trail before may consider self-guided treks, hiring a professional guide through Zenith Trek & Expedition is strongly recommended. A licensed guide ensures your safety, handles logistics and permits, manages altitude awareness, and enriches your trip with local cultural insights.
🗓️ Detailed 12-Day Mardi Himal Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m / 4,429 ft)
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), a representative from Zenith Trek & Expedition will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Rest and recover from your flight. In the evening, attend a trip briefing with your lead guide.
- Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation
After breakfast, embark on a guided cultural tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Return to the hotel in the afternoon to check your gear, finalize ACAP & TIMS permits, and make last-minute purchases in Thamel.
- Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m / 2,690 ft) – 6 to 7 Hours
Drive along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers on a scenic 6-7 hour journey to Pokhara. Enjoy views of terraced farms and rural villages along the highway. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake with views of the Annapurna range.
- Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 4: Drive to Kande (1,770 m) & Trek to Potana (1,900 m / 6,233 ft) – 4 to 5 Hours Trek
Take a 1-hour drive from Pokhara to Kande, the official trailhead. Begin walking uphill through terraced fields and rhododendron forests toward Australian Camp before reaching Potana village.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Potana.
Day 5: Trek from Potana to Forest Camp (2,520 m / 8,267 ft) – 4 to 5 Hours Trek
Ascend steadily through dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The peaceful trail follows quiet forest paths, reaching Kokar (Forest Camp) in the afternoon.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Forest Camp.
Day 6: Trek from Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m / 9,744 ft) – 4 to 5 Hours Trek
The trail continues climbing through moss-covered mossy forests. As you approach Low Camp, the tree line opens up to reveal spectacular views of Mount Machhapuchhre.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Low Camp.
Day 7: Trek from Low Camp to High Camp (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) – 5 to 6 Hours Trek
Climb past Badal Danda (Cloud Ridge) and leave the tree line behind. Walk along an open ridge with sweeping vistas of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli before arriving at High Camp.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in High Camp.
Day 8: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m / 14,763 ft) & Return to High Camp – 6 to 7 Hours
Start early for the highlight of the trip! Hike along the narrow ridge to the Upper Viewpoint (4,200m) and onward to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). Marvel at close-up views of Mardi Himal peak and Machhapuchhre before descending back to High Camp.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in High Camp.
Day 9: Trek Down from High Camp to Low Camp (2,970 m / 9,744 ft) – 5 Hours Trek
Retrace your steps along the ridge, enjoying a relaxing downhill hike with changing light across the mountain range.
- Overnight: Mountain Teahouse in Low Camp.
Day 10: Trek from Low Camp to Dhampus (1,540 m) & Drive to Pokhara – 3 Hours Trek + 1 Hour Drive
Descend through charming Gurung settlements down to Dhampus village. After lunch, take a short drive back to Pokhara. Enjoy a warm shower and celebrate your successful trek!
- Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 11: Drive from Pokhara Back to Kathmandu – 6 to 7 Hours Drive
Depart Pokhara in the morning for the scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Check into your hotel and spend the evening souvenir shopping in Thamel or enjoying a farewell dinner hosted by Zenith Trek & Expedition.
- Overnight: 3-Star Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 12: Final Departure
Enjoy your final morning in Kathmandu. Our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight.
🎒 What is Included & Excluded?
✅ Package Includes:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers in a private vehicle.
- All ground transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara (with Breakfast).
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek (All Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- All required permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit - ACAP & TIMS Card).
- Experienced, government-licensed trekking guide and support porters.
- All government taxes and service charges.
❌ Package Excludes:
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees.
- Personal travel and medical insurance (altitude evacuation coverage mandatory).
- Personal expenses (bar bills, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging on trail).
- Tips for trekking guides and porters.
📋 Recommended Packing Essentials
- Clothing: Thermal base layers, moisture-wicking shirts, fleece jacket, down/insulated jacket, windproof/waterproof pants & jacket, beanie, sun hat, and trekking gloves.
- Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in waterproof hiking boots + camp shoes/sandals.
- Gear: 30–40L daypack with rain cover, cold-rated sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp with spare batteries, power bank, and 2L water bottles/hydration bladder.
- Personal Items: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, personal medications, and water purification tablets.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The trek is rated as moderate. It requires 4–6 hours of daily walking over steep steps and ridgelines. Prior walking or cardio training is recommended.
2. What is the highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The highest point reached on this trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet).
3. What permits are required for Mardi Himal?
You need two permits: the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card and the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit). Zenith Trek & Expedition handles all permit processing for you.