Mardi Himal Trek is a popular trek that takes you near mountain ranges like Annapurna South, Himchuli, Mardi Himal, and iconic Fishtail Mountain can be reached by trekking at an elevation of 4,000 meters above sea level. In such a short duration, Mardi offers you cultural and natural immersion. This blog has briefly described permits, Costs, accommodation, and other aspects of the Mardi Himal Trek.
Mardi Trek requires an Annapurna Conservation Area permit (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, unlike the Tsum Valley Trek, remote Upper Dolpo Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek, which require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) as well. The permit used for the Mardi trek is also used for the Annapurna Circuit, Mohare Danda, and Upper Mustang trek.
A cost breakdown helps you plan a budget according to your preferences. Find the cost breakdown for a Mardi Himal trek below.
Teahouses along Mardi Himal cost: USD 10– 15 (NPR 1500–2,500 per night) depending on the room type. Cost may change during peak season.
Most of the trekking agency includes the cost of a Guide in the packages. You are not allowed to make they carry more than 20 Kg of load. Check carefully before booking your trek to Mardi Himal.
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Cost Breakdown of Mardi Himal Trek |
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Permits |
Non-SAARC: USD 25 (NPR 3,000) SAARC: USD 8 (NPR 1,000) Nepali: No charge |
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Transportation |
USD 150 – 180 round trip ( Car, Jeep) |
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Accommodation |
USD 12-20 / night per room |
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Food/Drinks |
USD 8-15/ meal |
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Guide (Optional) |
USD 25 – 35 per day |
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Porter (Optional) |
USD 22 – 25 per day (below 25 kg) |
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Miscellaneous |
USD 10-15 USD |
BYOB (Bring your Own Bottle) with a purification tablet for drinking water.
Professional trekkers can trek without a guide. However, the guide is recommended as the sections above High Camp are quite risky. A local guide can give you a lively experience.
Purchase a customized trek package with a local trekking agency in Pokhara.
Do not buy all the gears unless you are going to use them for a long time; rent them instead.
Pack enough snacks from Pokhara for the trek.
Pro tip: Off-season ( July, August, and September) can give you a discount on all the mentioned titles.
The Mardi Himal trek is graded moderate. Friendly enough for beginners and easiest enough for professional trekkers. Often referred to as the easiest treks in the Annapurna region, it is popular among International and Nepali trekkers. The trail is safe for walking with a stone-paved route and a natural trail passing through Local villages, subtropical forest, and the alpine zone above 3,000 meters.
Physical preparation before trekking in higher altitudes is always recommended. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, a little bit of stretching, heart pumping, or any exercise that activates your lungs is helpful. Physical exercises play an important role in preventing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) or Altitude sickness.
Go for running, cycling, or any kind of physical exercise that increases your lungs and heart beats. Similarly, hike or trek to a higher altitude near your hometown. It will help to maintain the oxygen level in your body.
Practice Yoga or stretching exercises. This reduces the risk of getting injuries. Increases the flexibility of the body.
Practice breathing exercises. It improves the lungs and heart capacity.
Drink enough water. Make sure your body gets enough supply of water. Many fall victim to dehydration at high altitude because they do not drink enough water.
Involve in strength exercises. Practice squats, push-ups, and deadlifts. Strength exercise helps to strengthen the muscles' power and flexibility. Try hiking with a backpack to adapt your body.
Rest is very important. Do not push yourself during the time of injuries. It can lead to a worse condition.
Spring and Autumn (Fall) are the best seasons to trek Mardi Himal. Those seasons offer a mild climate, a picturesque scene, and a lot of trekkers on the trails. Below, get all the information Mardi trek has to provide in different seasons.
Starts from March to May. Climate transitions from cold to warm. Wildlife wakes up from hibernation. Blooming of purple Primula flowers and Rhododendron ornates the trail. The ambience is vibrant. Trail is expected to be crowded.
Starts from June to August. The weather is hot below 2,000 meters of the Mardi trek. Always cool above 3,000 m. of the Mardi Himal trek. Summer comes with rainfall in the lower region. You can witness rice cultivation in the villages of Mardi. The forest is filled with lush green vegetation. Upper region of the Mardi Himal trek seldom gets rain.
Starts from September to November. The ambience is pleasant and vibrant. Climate transitions from warm to cool. It is festival time in Nepal so, environment is lively with local interactions.
The season starts from December to March. Days are cold, nights are coldest. Possibility of snowfall above 3,000 meters. Require carefulness while trekking to Mardi Base Camp due to snow. The best feedback you will ever get while trekking in Mardi in winter is to hire a Guide. Despite the few challenges, winter is worth a try. You can read our 5-Day Mardi Himal Trek Blog for more insight.
Solo trekking without a guide to Mardi Base Camp is not recommended for safety concerns. Guide will ensure your safety and care while trekking in the wilderness of the Mardi trail. Guides are native to the region. They have abundant knowledge about local culture, traditions, and landscapes, which will make your Mardi hike full of life and memorable. The Role of Local Guides in Enhancing Your Trekking Experience cannot be ignored. However, if you are a professional hiker and travel the route frequently, Solo is perfect for you.
Get all the necessary Packing lists for Mardi Himal Trek on different seasons.
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Season |
Headwear |
Torso |
Lower Body |
Footwear |
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Winter |
Scarf or Neck Gaiter Polarized Sunglasses Fleece or wool hat |
Base layer made from merino or synthetic wool
Fleece or Down Jacket as insulating layer
Windproof Jacket as Outer layer
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Thermal leggings or long underwear Fleece-lined pants or softshell pants Waterproof and windproof trekking pants |
Pairs of thin moisture-wicking liner socks Pairs of thick insulating socks Trekking Boots with ankle support Crampons and Gaiters for snow |
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Spring |
Scarf or Neck Gaiter Polarized Sunglasses Fleece or wool hat at High Altitude Brimmed hat or cap to protect from the sun |
Pairs of lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts
Base layer made from merino or synthetic wool at high altitude
Down jacket as insulating layer at High Altitude (optional)
Lightweight Windproof Jacket in High altitude
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Thermal leggings or long underwear at high altitude Hiking Shorts or Convertible pants Softshell pants |
Pairs of moisture-wicking and breathable socks Trekking Boots with ankle support Crampons and Gaiters for snow Hiking Sandals |
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Summer/Monsoon |
Scarf or Neck Gaiter at High altitude Polarized Sunglasses Brimmed hat or cap to protect from rain and sun |
Pairs of lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts
Lightweight insulated jacket at High Altitude
Raincoat and Rain cover for backpacks |
Water-resistant hiking pants / Convertible pants Hiking Shorts |
Pairs of moisture-wicking and breathable socks Water-resistant trekking Boots and Gaiters during rainfall Hiking Sandals |
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Autumn/Fall |
Scarf or Neck Gaiter at High altitude Polarized Sunglasses Brimmed hat or cap to protect from rain and sun |
Pairs of lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirts
Lightweight insulated jacket at High Altitude |
Thermal leggings or long underwear at high altitude Hiking Shorts or Convertible pants Softshell pants |
Pairs of moisture-wicking and breathable socks Trekking Boots with ankle support Hiking Sandals |
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Skin Care/Personal Hygiene |
Trekking Support |
Miscellaneous |
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Sunscreen with SPF 30+ Moisturizer Napkin/Tissue papers (wet/dry) Mosquito Repellent Cream Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, sanitizers, etc.) |
Hiking/Trekking Poles Thick and thin Gloves, depending on the weather Medium-weight sleeping bag (rated for 0°C to -5°C) Microspikes/Crampons for ice and snow
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Powerbank Water purification device Headlights/Flashlights GPS/ Maps Basic first aid kit Energy bars Knee support (depends on the trek route) |
Travel insurance is required for Mardi Himal Trek. Your travel insurance covers the cost of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, loss, or theft of your belongings. Even though Mardi trek is labeled as a moderate trek, ascends above High Camp is quite risky. And accidents don’t come invited. It is a walk on the ridge, and a steep slope follows down into the deep gorge. The weather is quite unpredictable.
Mardi Himal trek can be started from Kande, Astam, Phedi, and Dhampus of Pokhara. Below you can find a brief description of those places.
Kande is located at an elevation of 1,770 m (5,807 ft). The trail starts uphill, passing through Lower Dhampus village and joining the bus route to Dhampus Village. The walk is on the stone-paved trail with a view of Fishtail peaks and other surrounding mountains.
Astam is located at an elevation of around 1,522 m to the north-west of Pokhara city. Astam is a beautiful village that offers the view of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South peaks.
Most of the trek of the Mardi Himal Trek starts from Phedi. Its easy and accessible starting points for the Mardi Trek as well as a short day hike to Australian Base Camp. An hour drive from Lakeside can take you to Phedi.
Dhampus is another popular starting point for the Mardi Himal trek. It is located at an elevation of 1,650 m (5,413 ft). Specifically, suitable for shorter treks of Mardi, like a 3 or 4-day trek. You can drive straight up to Dhampus village and start a trek.
Mardi Himal trek is perfect for beginner trekkers who are willing to explore the trail of the Annapurna region. Probably, the Mardi Himal Trek is the only trek that offers you the view of Machhapuchhre, Mardi, Annapurna South, and Himchuli peaks. Trekkers with a weak fitness level can also trek Mardi with a professional guide. If you are a pro trekker, you can trek Mardi Base Camp in just three days.
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