Mardi Himal Trek - 5 Days

Quick Insights

• Duration: 5 Days
• Accommodation Type: Teahouses
• Max altitude: 4,200m (Mardi View Point)/4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
• Trip Grade: Moderately Challenging
• Walk per day: 6-7 hrs
• Permits: ACAP, TIMS
• Accommodation Type: Teahouses and Lodges
• Best Time: (March-May) and (Sept-Dec)

Introduction

Mardi Himal Trek is a beautiful trek in the Annapurna region that takes you to the Base Camp of Mardi Himal (4,500m/14,763ft). Because of its short yet rewarding nature, trekkers often prefer this hike. 

If you are looking for an alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek with fewer crowds, then the Mardi Himal hike would be a great option. The Mardi trail offers breathtaking mountain views of the Annapurna range, lush green Rhododendron forests, and high alpine meadows.

You reach the starting point of the trek with just a two-hour drive from the beautiful city of Pokhara. The Mardi trek can be completed within 5 days, starting from Pokhara and returning to Pokhara.

Mardi Himal trek rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. These mountains can be witnessed from a very close distance, making the Mardi trek one of the easiest but rewarding treks.

This family-friendly trek is suitable for beginners and kids, as the trails are well-maintained with no problem with food and accommodation throughout the trek. If you are looking to walk with ease and reduce the hiking duration each day, you can extend the itinerary up to a week.

The Mardi Himal Trek is not just a trail, it’s a journey through shifting worlds. It begins gently, with mossy trails winding through ancient rhododendron forests, where the sunlight filters in soft golden beams and the air smells of pine and damp earth. As you rise higher, the trees give way to windswept ridges, and the silence deepens. No traffic, no chatter, just the rustle of prayer flags and the crunch of your boots on the trail. 

The walk starts from the scenic village of Kande, followed by Forest Camp, Mardi High Camp, and the marvellous Mardi Base Camp/viewpoint. The daytime temperatures are very mild and perfect for walks during the peak season.

Although considered an easy-moderate trek, as you gain altitude, you can notice the drop in temperature. At the highest point (4,200m), trekkers may even feel lightheaded because of altitude sickness.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

The Mardi Himal Base Camp is the major highlight of the trek.

Located at an altitude of 4,500m in the Northern Kaski district, this remote viewpoint offers one of the most surreal panoramas in the Himalayas without the crowds. No amount of description and photos can provide justice to the beauty observed from here when the morning sun rays hit the mountains. You need to be there by yourself, along with perfect weather and timing.

Reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp is not just about elevation; it’s about transcendence. The trail climbs from mossy rhododendron forests into windswept alpine ridges. As you gain altitude, the views unfold dramatically: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) looms so close it feels like you could touch it, and to the west, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli dominate the horizon.

By the time you reach Base Camp, you’re standing on a ridge that offers 360-degree views of some of the tallest mountains on Earth, without needing ropes or crampons.

There are no tea houses at Base Camp itself, just prayer flags, rock cairns, and open silence, but that’s part of the magic. Trekkers usually spend some time there for sunrise or a packed breakfast, then descend back to High or Low Camp.

Mardi Himal 

Quick Overview

• Elevation: 5,587 meters (18,330 feet)
• Location: Annapurna region, north-central Nepal
• Range: Part of the Annapurna Massif in the Himalayas
• Coordinates: ~28.483° N, 83.956° E
• First Ascent: 1961 by a team led by Basil Goodfellow (British expedition)

Tucked quietly into the shadows of the mighty Annapurna Range, Mardi Himal (5,587m/18,330ft) is one of Nepal’s most overlooked yet mesmerizing Himalayan peaks. Mardi Himal is considered a satellite peak of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and lies just east of it. It is the southernmost peak of the Annapurna range.

Its name, “Mardi,” means “wooded hill,” a fitting tribute to the lush rhododendron forests and moss-covered ridges that lead toward its base.

Unlike its more famous neighbor, Machhapuchhre, which is off-limits to climbers, Mardi Himal has been successfully climbed and offers a technical but achievable peak for experienced climbers.

Basil Goodfellow was the first guy to summit the peak in 1961. Later, other climbers summited the peak, and the Mardi Trek route was opened by following a ridge towards the summit of Mardi Himal in 2012. The Mardi Mountain is gaining popularity because of the beautiful Mardi Himal trekking route.

While it’s not one of Nepal’s most commonly climbed peaks, Mardi Himal is classified as a "trekking peak" by the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The climb requires proper gear, glacier travel, and some technical climbing, especially in the upper sections.

Unlike Everest or Annapurna I, which attract climbers and trekkers from all over the world, Mardi Himal remains a peaceful giant—less commercialized, less explored, and deeply sacred to locals.

Outline Itinerary (5 Days Mardi Himal Trek Starting from Pokhara):

• Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, then trek to Pitam Deurali. 
• Day 2: Pitam Deurali to Low Camp. 
• Day 3: Low Camp to High Camp. 
• Day 4: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and return to Low Camp 
• Day 5: Trek down to Shiding Village and drive back to Pokhara.

Best Time for Short Mardi Himal Trek

Autumn (Sept, Oct, Nov) and Spring (March, April, May) seasons are considered to be the best times for the Mardi Himal Trek. Not only for Mardi, but these seasons are good for all treks in Nepal. These seasons tend to offer mild temperatures with clear skies. The forests are covered with green and colorful flowers.

We don’t recommend this trek during the monsoon (mid-June, July, and August), because the views are often blocked by clouds and the trails are mostly slippery. The reward may not be worth it at the end of this season.

That being said, if you love walking in the rain with cool climate and little to no crowds, you may opt for this hike during the monsoon as well.

How Difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal trek is considered to be between an easy to moderately challenging trek, depending upon the fitness level of an individual. If you are a beginner or a first-time hiker, you won’t have any problem completing this trek.

Although it’s a short and relatively easy trek, it still consists of a few technical and challenging sections, which can enhance the level of adventure during the trek. Most of the trail sections are maintained by ACAP, so you don’t have to worry safety-wise. That being said, you still need to be careful during the ascents and descents, especially during the monsoon and winter.

You’ll walk 4-5 hours per day on average during the Mardi Himal Trek. Since you’ll be reaching an altitude of 4,500m, you may encounter symptoms of Altitude sickness as well. In case of such symptoms, you need to inform your guide or the trekking agency immediately.

Your physical and mental fitness plays a vital role as well, so we recommend simple exercises, walks, and the gym before heading on the journey.

Mardi Himal Trekking from Pokhara with Hiking Bees

Hiking Bees is a registered local trekking company in Nepal, a locally-run, award-winning adventure company dedicated to crafting meaningful trekking experiences in Nepal’s majestic Himalayas.

Mardi Himal Trek with Hiking Bees, starting from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, this 5-day journey takes you through lush forests, peaceful alpine villages, and up to the high ridgelines facing the mighty Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak).

At Hiking Bees, we go beyond just organizing treks; we offer personalized service, deep local insight, and prioritize customers' safety. With our experienced licensed guides, flexible itineraries, and commitment to ethical travel, you’ll feel supported every step of the way. Our team ensures the experience is adapted to your pace and preferences.

Why Hiking Bees for Short Mardi Trekking?

• Locally based Team with extensive knowledge of the Mardi region
• Handpicked guides and porters who are friendly, professional, and fluent in English
• Transparent pricing – no hidden costs, and permits/accommodation included
• Customizable departures – trek solo, in a private group, or join our fixed departures
• Trusted by 1000+ trekkers and recognized by international platforms like the Bizz Awards
•  Sustainable tourism practices that support local communities and preserve nature

If you are looking for an adventure in the Annapurna region, then you may blindly trust this 5-day trek with Hiking Bees. Not only for bookings but you may reach out to us for any queries or information for the trek.