Kathmandu
Location
Kathmandu
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
14800 ft
Trekking
56 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Kathmandu
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
14800 ft
Trekking km
56 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Mardi Base Camp is one of the most breathtaking yet underrated destinations in the Himalayas. It offers a raw, natural beauty with close-up views of some of the most iconic peaks. Here, you are in such proximity to the legendary Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters or 22,943 feet) that it feels almost within reach. Its fish-tailed summit dominates the skyline with an imposing presence that is both powerful and sacred. Alongside it, the Annapurna South and Hiunchuli create the stunning Himalayan panorama.
What makes Mardi Base Camp even more special is its breathtaking sunrise and sunset. With the first light striking the peaks, the mountains turn gold, pink, and orange – an unforgettable spectacle.
It’s not just the vastness of Machhapuchhre that keeps mesmerizing you; it’s the changing colors on its face with the rising sun. Right below your feet, you witness a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys around. This is the place of pure solitude – no noise, no distractions – just you and nature.
In Mardi Base Camp, you experience the Himalayas in a more personal and peaceful way. More than just visiting this destination, you are connecting with it. In its true sense, this trek is the culmination of challenge, effort, and reward. This adventure offers you a peace that comes from being completely present in nature.
Pokhara: The Gateway to the Annapurna Region
Pokhara is a calm, beautiful, and welcoming place that sets the tone for trekkers. Surrounded by towering peaks in the backdrop, this place feels like it was designed for both peace and adventure. Also known as the gateway to the Annapurna region, Pokhara serves as the base camp for many popular treks and expeditions.
The serene Phewa Lake is the heart of Pokhara. It reflects the view of snow peaks just like a mirror does. Here, you can take a boat ride and enjoy the stunning mountain views at the same time. The other key places to visit in Pokhara are the International Mountain Museum, Tal Barahi Temple, Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and Devi’s Fall.
The Annapurna Sanctuary
It is one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the world, surrounded by some of the world's highest mountain peaks. It’s a place where nature, spirituality, and adventure blend uniquely. This sanctuary is not just geographically appealing; it is also highly sacred to the local people, especially the Gurung community. The region has a distinct biodiversity and changing landscapes with an unusual character. The lower areas contain subtropical forests, bamboo groves, and terraced farms; the mid-elevation zones have rhododendrons, oak, maple, and pine; higher altitudes have alpine meadows, glacial terrains, and snow-laden landscapes.
Badal Danda: Walking Above the Clouds
Badal Danda is one of the most captivating and memorable campsites on the Mardi Himal Trek. Badal Danda literally means “hill above the clouds” because it has a frequent mist-covered atmosphere. What makes it truly special is that standing here feels like you are floating in the sky. This place also rewards you with the finest mountain views. The Machhapuchhre peak dominates the skyline alongside Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
High Camp: A Thrilling Ridge-Top
Perched high on a narrow ridge, High Camp is a beautiful resting place on the Mardi Himal Trek. It has dramatic drop-offs on both sides of the ridge. When the adjacent valleys completely disappear under white clouds, the place turns magical. This is one of the best spots for photography during sunrises and sunsets. High Camp essentially acts like a front-row seat to the Machhapuchhre Peak. If you want to cherish silence and solitude, just stay here for a day.
Sidhing Village: A Peaceful Himalayan Settlement
The Sidhing Village is basically untouched by heavy tourism and offers a glimpse into real Himalayan rural life. Here, you will feel authenticity, warmth, and a deep connection to nature. The hills around this village are layered with unique terraced fields. It is surrounded by forests, farms, and beautiful rolling hills. Here, you can experience the traditions, food, and genuine village lifestyle.
Comforting Teahouses
Staying in traditional teahouses is an experience that is absolutely soul-enriching. Amidst the natural beauty and high-altitude adventure, these teahouses provide not just shelters but also offer warmth, nourishment, and a deep sense of human connection. The cozy atmosphere in these places provided by local families creates an immediate sense of belonging—even for first-time visitors.
Mardi Himal Trek is located at an altitude of 4500 m/14,763 ft. in the Annapurna region of Central Nepal, specifically in the Kaski District near Pokhara. It usually begins with a drive from Pokhara to Dhampus. The trek is known for its relatively quiet, less crowded, and untouched trails compared to nearby routes.
The place with the maximum altitude of the Mardi Himal trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which is located at 4,500 meters (14,763 feet) above sea level. From this spot, you can get a clear and close-up view of prominent peaks like Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Mardi Himal, and Hiunchuli, among others. This is a small area beneath towering peaks, which is marked by prayer flags and signboards.
Mardi Himal is considered a moderate trek. It is suitable for beginners with good fitness, though some sections are steep and physically demanding. The route winds through some dense forested trails, narrow ridges, rocky patches, and sudden vertical climbs. Acclimatization is easier, but in certain cases, the thin air can give mild altitude sickness.
The Mardi Himal Trek is approximately 55 km long, which takes around 6 days to complete. From Pokhara (also known as the gateway to the Annapurna region), you’ll drive to Dhampus Village, the actual starting point of this trek. From here, you’ll begin ascending upwards through terraced fields and lush forests of oak and rhododendron. After ascending further, the tree line thins out, and you enter the high-altitude ridges. The stunning ridge-walks take you to the summit.
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for beginners as well. If you are a beginner, you need to be well-prepared and in good physical shape. Before going on this trek, you can train on shorter hikes with a well-fitted backpack to improve endurance levels. Other than that, the basic fitness workouts you can indulge in are: walking, running, stair-climbing, squats, and cardio.
The Mardi Himal Trek has several landmarks and major viewpoints that are simply unforgettable long after the journey. To begin with, Pokhara itself is a scenic and breathtaking town that also serves as a prominent tourist spot for many travelers. The Annapurna Sanctuary is another major attraction of this trek that has unique biodiversity and changing landscapes.
The next viewpoint, Badal Danda, is truly special as standing here feels like you are literally floating in the sky. The High Camp offers an absolutely stunning spot for photography during sunrises and sunsets. Finally, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is the perfect viewpoint for really close-up views of iconic peaks like Machhapuchhre (fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In spring, you’ll be greeted by lush green forests and blooming rhododendrons. In autumn, the weather is pleasant, the skies are crystal clear, and the views are absolutely stunning. Thus, with clear views, stable weather, and breathtaking scenery, trekking during these months becomes unforgettable and ensures a rewarding journey.
Throughout your journey on the Mardi Himal Trek, your accommodation will be in teahouses. These lodges have basic yet comfortable rooms that have twin beds, mattresses, pillows, and shared toilets/showers.
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Tribhuvan International Airport is the only International airport located in Kathmandu, Nepal. One can fly to Tribhuvan airport and then can take an additional flight to Pokhara. The distance between Pokhara and Kathmandu is around 200 kms and can be covered in 30 minutes. Popular airlines such as Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and Simrik Air serve this Pokhara route.
There is no train option travelling to Pokhara, Nepal. The closest railway stations which one can arrive at are Jaynagar, New Jalpaiguri or Gorakhpur (INDIA). From there crossing the corresponding borders of Panitanki or Sunauli, one can take a bus to Pokhara via Kathmandu.
One can directly travel to the cities like Gorakpur or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and by crossing the Sunauli border can catch a bus or book a private car to reach Pokhara. The journey will take upto 8 hours to complete. Or one can fly to Kathmandu and then take public or private transport to Pokhara. The distance between these two cities is 200 kms which may take upto 6 to 7 hours.
For your return journey from Pokhara, you have the flexibility to choose between road or air transport options. Please note that our services extend only to the hotel, and the standard hotel check-out time is 11:00 am.
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
50% trek fee refund in cash.
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
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