Mardi Himal Trek: A Hidden Gem in the Annapurna Region

Mardi Himal Trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range without the crowd. The trek has a lot to offer and is culturally rich and ample in beauty where we will experience the beauty and remoteness as you follow the trail. During the trekking time, we pass through wonderful parts of the Annapurna region where we will pass through dazzling rivers and streams and also the forest. It seems quite popular to combine the route with one of the other treks in the sanctuary. The trail winds along small paths through ancient rhododendron forest where you will climb out at around 3300m.

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal which is an unseen gem of the Annapurna region. The landscape will change into rugged high mountains as you ascend and the landscape that offers a magnificent view of the mountain. It is a newly opened trail and becoming very popular in a short time and the trail to this trek is suitable for most people of average fitness. We will enjoy the off-pitch roads to base camp while viewing the beautiful peaks which allow exploring remote ethnic villages of this region. It is one of the easiest and shortest routes where we will walk through the newly developed trekking route gaining popularity each day.

Teahouse Trekking with Fewer Crowds

Accommodation in the Mardi Himal trek is generally a tea-house trek where you will be sleeping in a beautiful, traditional tea-house. It is one of the best short trekking in Nepal where you can finish the trekking trail within a week with a stunning view of different mountains. The available accommodations are also basic and offer limited service where the rooms are usually small with shared or private washrooms. You will find basic tea-house trekking to Mardi with the beautiful view of the tea-house makes our accommodations worthwhile. This will be simple and most of the guesthouses on this route will have facilities of WIFI, hot water shower, electricity which will be the cheaper than other trekking trails.

On this trek, accommodation was a little bit more expensive compared to the more popular route and there are couples of campsites at a lower altitude where trekkers can stay in guesthouses. This range is due to factors like your workout skill; the time of trek which is basic and offers only the essential items to trekkers. You can finish this trekking trail within a week where we will go through the rhododendron forest.

As the elevation will increase the option will get lesser and especially in the peak trekking season when the rooms are booked in advance. The tea-house will provide you with a portion of healthy and hygienic food and at the high altitude the menu will less or you get only typical Nepalese food.

Best Time to Trek Mardi Himal for Clear Skies and Comfort

For trekking in this beautiful land, you have to choose a suitable season according to your holidays. Among all these reasons, you have to choose the best season and these seasons have the most stable weather, and climate to do the trek. The weather and temperature in the Mardi Himal trek are around 20-degree Celsius in the daytime but at night time temperature will decrease to 10-degree Celsius. It offers the high alpine forest and busy lifestyle of people new to high altitude with the Annapurna ranges. The autumn season is the highest trekking season in Nepal which is the best season for the Mardi Himal trek.

Trekkers will be wowed by the sweeping landscape, towering hills, and green forests, and draw attention to when is the best time to trek to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking mountain views. These seasons will have amazing temperatures and weather where you can easily trek during the daytime with a wonderful view of mountains and a sunset view in the evening. To do this trek, we have to choose the perfect time to collect memory and a good trekking experience and to achieve the final goal of doing this trek.

The temperature and weather will be average neither hot nor too cold which is just the perfect timing for trekking on this wonderful trekking route.

Is Mardi Himal Trek Difficult? What to Expect

Nepal offers immensely beautiful places which are a must-visit place for the trekkers and travelers with a variety of routes ranging from easy to difficult and busy to more restful. It falls on the difficulty of moderate with some of the best views you can have on any trek. The trek difficulty is relatively easier than any other trekking route and where you will walk through the woods before you will be the altitude of 3300m from the sea level. This is an excellent choice for travelers who have limited time to spend but are looking for a quaint trekking experience in Nepal. The trail of this trekking is not the dynamic difficulty and challenge which is one of the shortest treks that can be done.

Short Himal Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is common at the higher elevation which is a common but unavoidable problem during the Mardi Himal trek is altitude sickness and if you can continue slowly and gradually will have less threat of altitude sickness. The different body reacts differently to altitude sickness and some may find it very difficult whereas others can adjust well. It is essential to take safety safeguards and stay hydrated while trekking which can weaken your body and can cause sickness.

Trekker needs to be extremely careful when headed for the expedition and advise you to spare enough resting time between treks to avoid altitude sickness. If you are physically healthy even physically fit people can become a victim of altitude sickness.

Trip Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and check-in to the Hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Around 8/9 hours)
Day 03: Trek to Deurali (2100m / 3 to 4hrs)
Day 04: Trek to Low Camp/Badal Danda (2970m / 5-6hrs)
Day 05: Trek to High Camp (3550m / 5hrs)
Day 06: Hike up Mardi Himal (4000m) and back to Low camp (2970m / 8hrs)
Day 07: Trek to Siding and Drive to Pokhara
Day 08: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 09: Final Departure

Details Itinerary

Cost Details

FAQ

Where is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal Trek is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It lies east of the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek and offers spectacular views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?

Typically, the trek takes 5 to 7 days, depending on your starting and ending points and your pace. Some common itineraries start from Kande or Dhampus and end at Siding or Lumre.

What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?

The best seasons are:

• Spring (March to May) – Rhododendrons in bloom and clear mountain views.
• Autumn (September to November) – Stable weather and crisp views of the Himalayas.

You can trek in winter (Dec–Feb), but trails may be snowy. Monsoon season (June–Aug) is not recommended due to slippery paths and leeches.

What permits do I need?

You’ll need:

• ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

These can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What are the accommodations like?

Lodging is available in basic teahouses along the trail. Expect simple rooms with twin beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Electricity and hot showers are available at most places for a small fee.

What kind of food is available?

Most teahouses offer a standard trekking menu, including:

• Dal Bhat (Nepali lentil-rice meal)

• Momos (dumplings)

• Noodles, pasta, soups

• Pancakes and eggs for breakfast
  Vegetarian options are widely available.

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?

The trek is considered moderate. While no technical climbing is required, there are steep sections and high altitudes (up to 4,500 meters / 14,764 feet at Mardi Himal Viewpoint). A basic level of fitness is recommended.

Is altitude sickness a concern?

Yes, especially above 3,000 meters. To reduce the risk:

• Ascend gradually

• Stay hydrated

• Avoid alcohol

• Listen to your body
  Acclimatization is built into most itineraries.

Can I do the Mardi Himal Trek without a guide?

Yes, the trail is well-marked, and many trekkers go independently. However, hiring a local guide or porter can enrich your experience, support the local economy, and provide safety in remote areas.

Is there internet or phone signal on the trail?

Cell phone coverage is available in most parts of the trek, especially at lower elevations. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi (often for a small fee), but don’t expect consistent service at higher altitudes.

How much does the trek cost?

Approximate budget per day (excluding flights):

• Independent trekker: $25–40/day

• With guide/porter: $40–70/day

• All-inclusive packages: $400–700+ for 6–7 days

Route Map

Gallery

Client Reviews

Cäoud cloudthes

Great trip! Megh and Sammy took care of everything. From food, to logistics, to accommodation. Couldn’t have been better.

Bill Steinmetz

Looking back, the entire trip was amazing but also challenging because of the altitudes and climbing involved. We all did make it.

Everything was taken care of for us in terms of arrangements and airport transfers. Our guide Megh met us at the airport in Kathmandu, arranged our lodging, meals, flights to and from Lukla, shopping for gear extras in town. All our lodging on the trips was also reserved for us. Meals were all served in the lodges. Megh was on the trek with us along with porters who took our gear. We carried day packs.You should plan 3 weeks minimum for this trip and it will require at least 2 days acclimatization. If I remember correctly, as we got higher, we may have as much as 9 days above 14,000 ft and with that, peaks still rose around us another 4-5 thousand feet if not more. You also should to be in condition for this trek. I also had mild altitude sickness at base camp but did not need intervention. So it is recommended that you learn as much as possible about how to prepare for a trek like this. But the rewards may be well worth it, as some of our photos may illustrate.Consider adding more days for touring in Kathmandu or even for a visit to India on the way home like we did (also arranged by Megh)

Nesrin B

Megh is a great guide, reliable and understanding. He was very helpful to my friend Havva and me during the Annapurna Base Camp trek. He is also fun and interesting. If you travel with Megh, you will be satisfied.

PMR5511

I had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Treks, a top-notch trekking company in Nepal that made my Himalayan adventure unforgettable! Megh and their team delivered a perfectly organized, culturally immersive, and awe-inspiring journey that exceeded all expectations. As someone new to high-altitude trekking, I felt reassured by their focus on safety and flexibility gave me confidence throughout the journey. Megh was phenomenal—knowledgeable, warm, and always ready with fascinating insights about Nepalese culture and the landscapes we explored. Megh’s team, including the hardworking porters, went above and beyond, ensuring we had comfortable teahouse accommodations with hearty meals and jaw-dropping mountain views. Highly Recommend!

REAL INDIA

We had an absolutely incredible experience with Kingdom Trek company in Nepal , Brother Megh is a great guide and a good leader , We enjoyed the trip with this company , always appreciate their efforts, GOD Bless them

Marissa E

As a Canadian female, I’ve trekked with Megh on two trips to Nepal. When we met the first time, I came with a trekking group, we instantly clicked and I now call him “my Nepali dad”. Which he embodies for everyone–he is kind, honest, genuine, and of course, a pro at leading any kind of trek (and making it fun). I went back again a few years later by myself and Megh went above and beyond–picked me up from the airport and helped me navigate busy Kathmandu and Mt. Everest base camp as a solo female. He’s become a lifelong friend of over a decade now, we still keep in touch! If you want a professional who’s been in the game for many years, and someone you can genuinely trust, trek with Megh!

Mustafa E

Wonderful Country and fantastic people.. You can trust Meg and his team with your life literally… I made also friends for life and will do the same journey again soon.. Many thanks Mero Sathi..

Agnes Bonne

Megh and his team were amazing!
What a great experience to climb in the Himalayas. Half way of the Mont Everest! Never though I could do it but with their wisdom, encouraging words along the way and God, I made it!
Hallelujah the Himalayas … there is a God and Megh with his team. I really suggest anyone to go even if you don’t go that high.. just tell Megh what you can and want to do and he will personalize your trip. A must do without any hesitation.

Doowder

I Enjoyed having Megh Gurung as a Guide

Megh Gurung was an excellent guide and was easy to work with on my group trek to Everest Base Camp. I recommend him to anyone interested in a guided trek in Nepal. If you are trying to decide whether or not to use a guide while trekking, my recommendation is to do so as they add a lot to the experience.