Kathmandu to Mardi Himal Trek

Kathmandu to Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal is a popular trekking route that offers stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range. This hidden gem provides an unforgettable adventure amidst majestic mountains, diverse landscapes, and a charming village. With its moderate difficulty level, the Mardi Himal trek suits novice and experienced trekkers.

You are in the right place if you are searching for the best Mardi Himal Trek package. On this website, you will find many itineraries that combine Mardi Trekking with other treks in the Annapurna region and a concise route to Mardi Himal. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable trekking experience of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Introduction to The Mardi Himal Trek

The Annapurna region of Nepal has a beautiful trek trail. The Mardi Himal trek is gaining popularity for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Many consider the trek short, lasting 3 to 8 days, depending on your preference and itinerary.

The Mardi Himal is rated moderately complex and suitable for first-time trekkers with a decent fitness level. The well-maintained trails and gradual ascents provide an ideal introduction to trekking for beginners, while experienced trekkers will appreciate the challenge of reaching the pristine Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Throughout the trial, you will see a stunning mountain view of Mount Macchapuchere and Annapurna. Along the Mardi Himal trip, you’ll encounter various animals, including Himalayan Thar, Himalayan Black Bear, and several bird species. 

With different traditional Nepali cuisines available in the neighborhood teahouses, the journey is a terrific way to enjoy the local cuisine. Mainly inhabited by Gurungs, this village offers a glimpse of local life and a chance to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.

The Journey Kathmandu to Mardi Himal Trek- 7 Days

Kathmandu is a starting point for different trekking destinations in Nepal. To start the trek from Ktm to Mardi Himal, you must travel to Pokhara, which is about 200 kilometers away. Once you reach Pokhara, you must arrange another transportation to reach the starting point of the trek, Kande.

Boundless Adventure offers a 9-day Mardi Himal trek at the best price. If you have limited time in Nepal, we can provide a shorter-day itinerary for this Mardi Himal route. Please let us know your preference. Below is the detailed Mardi Himal Trek itinerary:

Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara

You can catch a bus or even opt for flights to reach Pokhara. Riding takes 6 to 7 hours, and you will make a few stops to refresh and have lunch. Upon arriving in Pokhara, we will transfer you to the hotel.

As an alternative, you can take a half-hour’s journey. If you are not used to long rides and have some extra money to invest, this is one of the most convenient methods of reaching Pokhara.

Day 2: Pokhara To Kande and trek to Deurali

After enjoying breakfast at Lakeside Pokhara, you can take a bus ride to Kande. The Mardi Himal Trek starts from here. From Kande, you can enjoy the varied landscapes and the Himalayas. Your trek starts with her. You take a short trek in Nepal from Kande to Deurali, witnessing Mount Fishtail’s breathtaking view.

Day 3: Trek to Forest Camp

This 5-hour trek will take you to Forest Camp. The morning in Deurali is peaceful, and you can hear the chirping of various birds. After breakfast, you can commence your journey at 9 AM. The tranquil surroundings create a calming atmosphere that rejuvenates the mind and body with fresh oxygen.

Day 4: Trek to High Camp

The trek from forest camp ahead is challenging, but the day promises to be fantastic. After breakfast, you will continue the journey through orchid woods, alpine meadows, moss, and bracken-dotted trails. It would be best if you trekked early in the morning from the forest camp.

Day 5: Mardi Himal Base Camp

After breakfast at the lodge, you will follow a single track along the Mardi Himal ridge of the region. This track leads to a snowy path requiring caution, as some parts can be slippery. The trail takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

Once we reach the Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at an elevation of 4500m, the majestic and breathtaking Himalayan scenery will captivate our attention. Explore the pyramid-shaped peaks of Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna, Mardi Himal, and Dhaulagiri, which will appear right before you.

Day 6: Trek to Siding and drive to Pokhara

After a delicious breakfast, start descending from High Camp to Siding via Low Camp. Take a couple of breaks on the way down to refresh yourself, as hiking downhill can be tiring. Upon reaching Siding, have lunch at Sidhing and then take a Jeep to Pokhara. Spend the night in Pokhara.

Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu

On the final day of the trek, have breakfast in Pokhara and then drive back to Kathmandu through the Prithvi Highway. Take a few stops on the way for lunch and to freshen up. Enjoy the scenic landscape of the river banks and rice fields as you return to Kathmandu.

Planning your Journey from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal

Planning your journey from Kathmandu to Mardi Himal involves several key steps. These help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trekking route in Nepal.

Research and Planning

You must conduct in-depth research and planning to maintain safety and create unforgettable moments—research on durations, difficulty levels, and highlights. Always look for reliable guiding resources such as trekking websites or government-registered websites.

While doing research, you should also familiarize yourself with weather conditions in the region. This consideration helps you pack appropriate clothing and gear. Also, plan your itinerary. This enables you to give guidelines on daily total distances to cover and places to stay based on the convenience and attractions available. What to plan for:

• Itinerary
• Accommodation
• Budget

Obtaining Permissions and Permits for Mardi Himal

Taking permits for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or any other trek in the Annapurna region would be best. It would be best if you got an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and a Tourist Information Management System Permit. Without these two permits, you are not allowed to travel.

The cost for ACAP is NPR 3000, and TIMS is NPR 2000. However, for ASSRC countries, ACAP costs NPR 1000, and TIMS for the Mardi Himal trek costs NPR 300 to NPR 600. You can obtain this permit from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu or Pokhara. To get the authorization, carry two photos and Nepali currency.

Packing Essentials

If you are trekking to Mardi Himal, always pack only the necessary clothing and gear. Carrying unnecessary items may cause the burden of carrying them, while missing out on some essentials may create problems for you. Here are some significant things you can consider:

• Study Hiking boots with good ankle support
• Layering clothing (waterproof jackets and pants with fur inside)
• Trekking poles
• Sleeping bags
• First-aid kit
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed heat to protect from sunlight
• Water bottles or water-purifying tablets
• Snacks and high-energy foods
• Headlights or torch

Hiring a Guide or Without a Guide: Pros and Cons

While planning and considering the items, one major decision is whether you travel alone or hire a guide. Renting a guide is always recommended and costs approximately $25 daily. The guide helps ensure your safety and provides the best place description.

Pros of Hiring a Guide:

• Assistance with permits
• Enhanced safety and security
• Cultural insights and language transformation

Cons of Hiring:

• Additional trek cost
• Less flexibility in terms of pace

Pros of going without a Guide:

• More affordable
• Flexibility to trek

Cons of going without a Guide:

• Permits need to be self-arranged
• Limited local knowledge and cultural understanding

Transportation from Kathmandu to the Starting Point of the Mardi Himal Trek

Three significant ways exist to get to the starting point of Mardi Himal from Kathmandu. It includes tourist buses, flights, or private cars. If you are wondering how to use it here, we have made it our choice.

Tourist Bus

One of the most budget-friendly options is to get on a tourist bus. It costs around $15 to $25, and the journey is approximately 7 to 8 hours. Throughout the trek, you can notice scenic countryside views and peaks. The buses are comfortable. However, the roads are not very good.

You can book the bus from the ticket office in Koteshwor or New Bus Park. This bus will take you to Pokhara. However, for convenience, you can also get a ticket to the bus that takes you to the final destination without changing the ride.

Flight

You can take a plane to Pokhara for the shortest and most comfortable option. This Mardi Himal Trek allows you to enjoy stunning aerial views of the Himalayas. The flight’s cost starts from $ per person, depending on availability.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu. Upon reaching Pokhara, you can hire a car and reach Kande, the trek’s starting point.

Privtrek’sr

Do you have your car? If yes, then go for it. You can also hire a private vehicle. It offers a comfortable and customizable journey. The drive follows the same route as the tourist bus and takes around 7 hours to reach. You can stop at any location for lunch or to take breaks.

It costs around $100 to $200, making it one of the most expensive means of transportation. The Mardi Himal Trek provides scenic views of the Himalayas and remote villages of Nepal.

Reaching Kande from Pokhara

After you reach Pokhara using any of the above means, it’s time to hire another to reach Kande. Depending on your convenience and preference, you can take a car or jeep. This short journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs around $80 to $90.

Option Duration Advantages Tourist Bus 7-8 hours Budget-friendly Flight 25 minutes Fastest Option Car 6-7 hours Customizable Journey

Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek

• Breathtaking views of Annapurna mountain peaks, including Macchapuchere, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Manaslu.
• Explore varieties of landscapes, from lush rice fields to rhododendron forests.
• Keep an eye out for birds and animals. Have a chance to see musk deer and Himalayan tahr.
• Experience the Gurung people’s rich culture and warm hospitality.
• Witness the towering peak of Mardi Himal.
• Scenic Himalayan viewpoint at 4500 meters (Upper Viewpoint)
• Boating in Phewa Lake and superb views of Annapurna Range.

Challenges and Consideration

The Mardi Base Camp Trek offers stunning scenery and a rewarding experience, but knowing the challenges and considerations is essential before you embark on your journey. Of the significant challenges include:

• Altitude: The trek reaches an elevation over 4000 m, increasing the chance of altitude sickness.
• Physical fitness: One must be physically fit to trek with moderate difficulty. Regular exercise helps you manage the demand.
• Weather: The weather in the area is unpredictable. Be prepared and always carry clothes according to the weather’s demands.

What things do you need to consider for your trek to Mardi Himal?

• Permits: Make sure you get the permits for the Mardi Himal Trek. The two main permits required are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit and TIMS.
• Accommodation: As you climb higher, finding the required accommodation may be difficult. You will find a basic but comfortable lodging and meals option.
• Guide or Porter: Consider taking a guide or porter with you. They can enhance your safety and provide knowledge about local culture and traditions.
• Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is compulsory, especially if you are trekking towards high-altitude places.

Safety Tips and Guidelines

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind if you are trekking Mardi Himal Trek:

1. Prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trek. Engage in regular cardio exercise to increase your fitness level.
2. Always consult your doctor for any underlying medical conditions before taking the trek.
3. Research some acclimatization techniques and plan your itinerary to allow for gradual ascent.
4. Stay hydrated throughout the trail, even if you are not feeling thirsty. Drink 3-4 liters regularly.
5. Don’t push yourself too hard, especially during the initial days.
6. Pack appropriate clothing and gear for the varying weather conditions.
7. Get a travel insurance.
8. Carry a first-aid kit with essential supplies like bandages, pain relievers, and other standard medicines.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek:

The best time for the Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November ) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and optimal visibility of the Mardi Himal and the surrounding mountains.

The trail to Mardi Himal Base Camp is particularly stunning during these times. In spring, you will notice blooming rhodendron forests, and in autumn, you will have crisp, clear views.

Mardi Himal Trek Cost

The Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal offers a budget-friendly adventure compared to other Himalayan treks. Opting for a trekking package may cost around $300 to $600, including meals, accommodation, and a guide. If you are trekking solo, here is the breakdown:

• Transportation: $150-$200
• National Park Permit: $30/- Per person.
• TIMS permits US$ 20/- Per person

Conclusion

Offering the best view of the Annapurna, this trekking is the perfect choice for trekkers seeking a moderate challenge. This beautiful hill trek in Nepal is well-managed. You will get amazing views of Mardi Himal and other mountains, see different landscapes, and learn about the local culture.

While trekking can have challenges, careful planning and preparation help ensure safety and create an unforgettable experience. So, are you ready to embark on the beauty of Mardi Himal? If so, consider us. We are a government-registered company. We promise to make your journey memorable.