Mardi Himal Trek: an underrated adventure in the Annapurna region Nepal
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is a journey that will make you feel like you are uncovering a secret. The Annapurna region has a number of well-trodden trails, but this underrated trek in Nepal feels refreshing and undiscovered around every corner.
The path of Mardi Himal Base Camp trek wanders through dense forests and quiet ridges. As you go higher up, the route reveals to you surreal panoramic views that take your breath away. If you are searching for a journey that feels like you are aselect few to travel there, this epic journey in the Annapurna region should be your choice.
The changing landscapes while climbing higher is one of the coolest parts of this trek. The lower trails are wrapped in dense forests with amazing diversity of plants and trees, but the higher you go the fewer trees you encounter until you arrive at vast meadows and rugged, rocky terrain at around 3,300 meters.
Long ago, shepherds roamed these same trails, which still provide trekkers with a sense of raw wilderness and adventure. In recent years, tea houses have opened up along the way, bringing more accessibility to this beautiful trek. Since it holds its off-the-beaten-path charm, more trekkers appear interested in this gem of a place as words spread over the years.
Where is Mardi Himal Base Camp?
Mardi Himal Base Camp is situated beneath mount Machhapuchhre, or Fishtail Mountain, a striking peak in the Annapurna region. The Mardi Himal Base Camp trek begins in Pokhara, which is about 200 km west of Kathmandu. You will take an easy ride from Pokhara to Phedi and start your trek from there.
Then you will hike through traditional villages and dense forests to Forest Camp (2600 meters). The trek continues to High Camp (3580 meters) and culminates at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 meters). There are incredible views of the Annapurna range, mount Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal on this trek.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek 12 Days
- Depart from the crowds and trek one of the lesser-explored treks in the Himalayas.
- Enjoy a rustic and scenic trail to the incredible Mardi Himal Base Camp.
- Trek through varying landscapes with panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
- Walk through lush rhododendron forests, open pastures, and alpine meadows with beautiful flora and fauna.
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at dawn to witness a stunning sunrise above the mountains.
- Experience the local lifestyle in the mountains, enjoy warm accommodation in cozy tea houses, and live simply in the Himalayas.
- Relax on the shores of tranquil Phewa Lake.
- Also, explore ancient temples, bustling markets, and UNESCO sites on your day of guided tour.
What to expect during Mardi Base Camp Trek 12 Days
The 12-day Mardi Himal Base Camp trek offers plenty of reasons to lace up your boots, with some of its top attractions listed below.
Great Mountain Views
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek offers some of the breath-taking views of the western Himalayas, such as Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), and Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). These colossal mountains tend to grow nearer with every approach and make a striking background that will leave you speechless.
The hike starts with a tour of colorful rhododendrons up and through terraced fields with distant views of snow-capped peaks. As you ascend, the mountains begin to encroach more and more around you, and soon enough, you will feel like you are walking among the very giants that will constantly remind you of the wild and untamed beauty of the Himalayas.
Meet Locals on Mardi Himal Base Camp Trail
The people living along the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek are very friendly and give hikers an opportunity to experience their culture. The extremely welcoming people make the experience even more enjoyable. The base camp is not a large settlement itself, but the descent brings you through charming villages like Sidding (1,885 m) and Lumre, where you can truly experience the traditional lifestyles of the Himalayan communities.
As you pass through these villages, you may meet locals, observe their day to day activities, and feel the peaceful mountain life away from the modern world outside.
Rich Ecosystem
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek starts out by following the foot hill region of Annapurna. The route extends through various camps until one arrives at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
The trail is rich with natural beauty, including mountains, hills, forests, streams and waterfalls. Walking from the lush lowland to the alpine mountains in just a few days gives you a distinct experience. From Low Camp (3,210m) you will be walking through wet, dense forests.
Higher up, near High Camp (3,580 m), you are walking on rocky ridges, with powerful winds reminding you of the altitude. At 4,500 meters, standing at the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the towering peaks of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna stretch before you, making the journey feel like stepping into another world.
Less crowded trail and offbeat trekking experience
One factor that makes Mardi Himal Base Camp trek the best trekking option in Nepal is that it is less traveled than other trekking routes.
Compared to the well-known trekking routes in the Himalayas, the Mardi Himal Base Camp is quieter while you are walking and views remain undisturbed.You can take an off-the-beaten path trek without going overboard on a long trek like Manaslu Circuit or Nar Phu Valley Trek.
The most exciting part is that this trek is also a great option for beginners!
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary
In the 12-day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek, you first do the day tour of the city's important cultural and religious sites. Following this, you drive to Pokhara, and from there, you will reach Phedi, where the real trekking begins. In the next few days, you will walk through charming villages, lush rhododendron forests, and quiet ridges, gradually making your way up to High Camp.
The highlight of the adventure is the sunrise hike to the Upper View point with surreal panorama of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trek then descends through Siding village, giving a glimpse of Nepali rural life, and then returns to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu. You will get to enjoy a small farewell dinner prior your departure.
What is the height of Mardi Himal Base Camp?
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, at 4,500 meters. It is a great vantage point and offers close-up views of Machapuchare and other peaks in the Annapurna range.
At this altitude, the air is thinner, so make sure to maintain your pace to pace and stay hydrated. Most trekkers usually arrive at the base camp at dawn to catch the sunrise light up the mountains. The climb will take your breath away, both physically and visually, but once the final stretch, you will feel like you’re standing face-to-face with the mighty Himalayas.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Altitude Ptofile
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and then to Phedi, which is the starting point of the hike.
From Phedi (1130 m), you will hike through Dhampus (1275 m), cross the scenic Pothana village (1890 m), continue walking to Deurali (2100 m), and make your way to Forest Camp (2520 m), surrounded by lush mountains. From there, you will ascend to Low Camp (2970 m) and still higher up to High Camp (3540 m), from where the views really start to get panoramic.
The following day, an early walk through steep trails leads you to the Upper Viewpoint (4200 m), offering you dreamy views of the Himalayas. Then, you finally reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500m, marking the end point of the trek.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Distance
Mardi Himal Base Camp trek is approximately 81 km (47 miles) in total.
Initially, you start with a drive from Pokhara and reach Phedi, from where you will walk to Deurali on the first day, covering 12 km (7 miles) overall. The next day, you will hike another 11 km (6 miles) to reach Forest Camp.
The day after, you will cover 15 km (9 miles) along beautiful forest trails until you reach Low Camp. The following day, you will cover about 10 km (6 miles) to arrive at High Camp. Next morning, you will walk almost 11 km (6 miles) through Upper Viewpoint to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp.
While descending, you walk down about 12 km (7 miles) to reach Siding from the Base Camp. And the final day of the trek includes you walking to Lumre where a vehicle will take you to Pokhara, covering an overall distance of 10 km (6 miles).
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Cost and Booking for 2025 and 2026
Outfitter Himalaya have opened booking for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek on small group departure and private departure and fixed the cost for 2025 and 2026, the cost is as below.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Cost
| Number of trekkers |
Cost in USD/Per person |
| 1 Pax |
900.00 |
| 2 to 5 Pax |
750.00 |
| 6 to 8 Pax |
700.00 |
| 9 to 12 Pax |
650.00 |
| 13 and above Pax |
Inquire |
