The Mardi Himal trekking path, nestled beside the Annapurna Himalayan range, offers peaceful isolation in the mountains. This trek's path meanders through captivating rhododendron woodlands and lofty mountain crests. The trail is truly spectacular, capable of inspiring poetic feelings in every hiker. Throughout the journey, the picturesque view of cascading hills and mountains creates remarkable trekking adventures enriched with nature's splendor. Consequently, the popularity of this area is rising among both international travelers and Nepali hikers. As a result, there is a significant desire for details regarding the Mardi Trek.
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This blog aims to provide answers to several commonly asked questions concerning the Mardi Himal Trekking experience in Nepal.
First, let's discover several shorter trekking options available within the Annapurna region. The Mardi Trek stands out as a significant and shorter path within this area.
Below is a compilation of the primary shorter trekking routes found in the region:
Key Shorter Trekking Routes within the Annapurna Region
Nepal's Annapurna region is a keystone of the nation's trekking opportunities. This area offers numerous appealing trekking options, ranging from extended journeys to shorter excursions. While the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek represent the longer options within the region, numerous shorter treks enable hikers to gather remarkable experiences in under a week.
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Khopra Hill Trek
- Mohare Danda Trek
- 5 Days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Annapurna Royal Trek
- Dhampus Australian Camp Sarangkot Trek
Information about the Mardi Himal Trek Route
Let's dive into the finer points of the Mardi Trek Route, from its starting point to its finish.
Pitam Deurali or Kande:The Start of the Mardi Trail
At present, many people choose Pitam Deurali as their starting point for the trek. This is especially common during the drier months. The route from Pokhara to Pitam Deurali is well-kept up to Lumle, but the portion beyond is rough and unpaved. The conventional Mardi Trek begins in Kande. Trekkers can reach Kande from Pokhara in a brief 30 minutes by travelling along the Muktinath Baglung Highway. The trek begins from Kande, leading to Pitam Deurali by way of Australian Camp and Pothana.
Overnight Stays at Low Camp and High Camp
On your trek, you'll spend two nights before reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp or the Upper View Point. You can choose to stay overnight at Low Camp or Badal Danda before heading to High Camp. Some trekkers also prefer to spend a night at the Rest Camp. The trail is quite popular and doesn’t have any steep uphill climbs. Instead, it gently rises, making it easy to gain elevation without feeling too tired.
Mardi Himal High Camp is the last spot where you can find accommodation and food. It’s also a key base camp if you want to hike up to Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Sunrise Views from Mardi Himal Base Camp or Upper View Point
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Imagine the incredible moment when the sun begins to touch the snowy mountain peaks. The best part of the Mardi Trek is catching the sunrise from either the Upper View Point or Mardi Himal Base Camp. Keep in mind, hiking all the way to Mardi Himal Base Camp is a bit more challenging than heading to the Upper View Point. For that reason, I highly recommend enjoying the sunrise from the Upper View Point instead. This way, you’ll conserve your energy for the descent back down to Low Camp via High Camp later in the day.
Sample Itinerary for Mardi Himal Trek (2026/2027 Season)
- Day 01: Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, about 6–7 hours
- Day 02: Drive from Pokhara to Deurali (2100m), approx. 4 hours
- Day 03: Trek to Low Camp or Badal Danda (2970m), about 5–6 hours
- Day 04: Hike up to High Camp (3550m), around 5–6 hours
- Day 05: Climb to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4000m) and return to Low Camp, approximately 8 hours
- Day 06: Trek from Low Camp to Siding and then drive back to Pokhara, about 4–5 hours
- Day 07: Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, approximately 6–7 hours
Additional Side Trips from the Mardi Himal Trek Route
The Mardi Trek runs through Nepal’s stunning Annapurna region, offering breathtaking views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mt. Annapurna South. Along the route, you’ll find several charming villages. If you have extra days, there are some popular side trips to consider, like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and the Khopra Hill Trek. If time allows, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also a great option.
Average Cost of the Annapurna Mardi Himal Trek
The typical price for the Mardi Himal Trek usually starts around $390 per person and can go up to about $600, depending on your choices and plans. If you're joining a group, a 5-day trek might cost you as little as $390. However, if you prefer to go solo, you might need to add roughly $50 for the trek. I highly recommend hiring a local trekking guide and opting for a full package for the Mardi Himal Trek. Since the trail passes through thick forests and remote wilderness, with few villages or settlements along the way, having a guide not only keeps you safe but also makes your overall experience much more enjoyable and memorable.
Poon Hill Trek vs Mardi Himal Trek
The Poon Hill Trek is probably the most popular and commercial trail in the Annapurna area, filled with comfortable tea houses and luxury lodges. On the other hand, the Mardi Himal Trek takes you off the beaten path into more untouched, forested terrain. The main spots along the Poon Hill route are Ghorepani and Poon Hill itself (which sits at 3,210 meters). Meanwhile, the key stops on the Mardi Himal trek are High Camp and Upper View Point. If you're into combining adventures, you can even blend both treks into one trip for a richer experience.
