Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days

Max Altitude

4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)

Duration

6 Days

Group Size

2-12 trekkers

Best Season

March-May, September-November

Difficulty

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Quick answers

Cost, availability, and booking facts

Check dates

Starting price

From $ 495 per person

The final quote is checked against dates, group size, route changes, hotels, guides, permits, and transport.

Fixed departures

Checked on request

Group-joining seats, private departures, guide availability, permits, and weather windows are verified before confirmation.

Deposit terms

Confirmed before booking

Deposit, balance due date, cancellation terms, and any flight or permit conditions are confirmed in the written proposal.

Planning review

March 7, 2026

Reviewed by the Navigate Globe Kathmandu planning desk for route fit, season, safety, and local logistics.

Overview

Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days at a glance

This 6 days trekking experience is best planned around March-May, September-November. It is rated moderate and reaches up to 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp), with local support for route timing, logistics, and practical adjustments.

Discover one of the Annapurna region's best-kept secrets on this 6-day journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp. This relatively new trekking route, officially opened to visitors in 2012, offers an authentic Himalayan experience away from the crowded trails that dominate the region.

The Mardi Himal trail winds through the western Annapurna massif, positioned east of the Modi Khola river valley directly across from the striking peak of Hiunchuli. What makes this trek special is its designation as an eco-tourism route - the path traverses pristine rhododendron forests alive with color during spring, dense woodlands draped in moss and orchids, and alpine meadows that stretch toward the glaciated peaks above.

Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the adventure truly starts at Kande, where the trail climbs steadily through changing vegetation zones. Each day brings new perspectives as you ascend through Forest Camp and Low Camp before reaching High Camp, where the mighty Annapurna range dominates the horizon.

The highlight arrives at Mardi Himal Viewpoint, where a pre-dawn climb rewards early risers with an unforgettable sunrise spectacle. As golden light spreads across the mountains, you'll witness an extraordinary panorama including Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and South, the distinctive fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre, the massive bulk of Dhaulagiri, and Mardi Himal itself standing at 5,587 meters.

This trek strikes an ideal balance between adventure and accessibility, offering close-up mountain views typically reserved for longer, more demanding expeditions. The route passes through traditional villages where local communities maintain their centuries-old way of life, providing authentic cultural encounters that complement the natural beauty.

Trip planning essentials

Who this trip is for

  • Travelers looking for a guided trekking experience in Nepal.
  • Guests with 6 days available who want logistics, route planning, and local support handled.
  • Moderate travelers who are comfortable with the listed daily pacing, season, and terrain.

Route at a glance

Duration
6 Days
Style
Trekking
Difficulty
Moderate
Best season
March-May, September-November
Max altitude
4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Group size
2-12 trekkers
Starts
Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kande
Ends
Pokhara to Kathmandu

Best season

March-May, September-November is the main recommended window for this itinerary. Exact conditions can vary by region, altitude, road access, flight reliability, and the kind of views or activities you want most.

Difficulty explained

Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days is rated Moderate. This reflects the route pace, terrain, altitude profile, daily movement, and the amount of preparation most travelers should expect. The final fit still depends on your experience, travel month, health, and preferred comfort level.

Why book this trip with Navigate Globe

Mardi Himal is compact but still climbs quickly, so route pacing and weather expectations matter more than the short duration suggests.

Best for

  • Travelers who want a shorter Annapurna trek
  • Trekkers seeking Machapuchare and high-ridge views
  • Guests comparing Mardi Himal with Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp

How we plan it

  • Daily pacing is checked around forest camp, high camp, and viewpoint timing.
  • Season and visibility tradeoffs are explained before route confirmation.
  • Permits, guide support, and Pokhara transfers are coordinated locally.

Trust and review proof

Reviewed by a Kathmandu planning desk

The page is kept practical: visible pricing notes, availability checks, permit questions, and review proof are tied to the actual trip details.

Reviewed by
Navigate Globe Kathmandu planning desk
Last page review
March 7, 2026
Traveler proof
5.0/5 across 7 active Navigate Globe traveler reviews.
Local checks
Permits, guide assignment, transport timing, altitude exposure, insurance wording, and weather backups are checked before confirmation.

Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days cost and booking notes

What affects the final cost

  • $ 495 is the published starting point. Final pricing can change with private departures, upgrades, group size, season, and route changes.
  • For 6 days trips, the biggest cost variables are transport timing, guide support, accommodation level, permits, and how much flexibility you need around weather or road conditions.
  • Before booking, confirm inclusions, cancellation terms, insurance needs, and any altitude, flight, or permit constraints that affect your route.

Permits, safety, and local support

  • Local planning support for route timing, transfers, guide coordination, and realistic daily pacing.
  • Season-aware adjustments for weather, trail condition, flight reliability, road access, and mountain visibility.
  • Clear pre-trip guidance on documents, packing, insurance, emergency contacts, and what to expect on the ground.
Read Nepal travel FAQs
Cost, departure, and deposit checkpoints for Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days
Booking pointCurrent statusWhat to confirm
Published package priceFrom $ 495 per personUse this as the starting point, not the final private-trip invoice.
Private departureQuoted after datesGuide, vehicle, hotel, permit, and rooming choices can change the final price.
Group joining or fixed departureChecked on requestOnly confirmed when the route, start date, seats, and operating minimums line up.
Deposit and balanceConfirmed before bookingPayment schedule, cancellation terms, and permit or flight constraints are checked before booking.

Highlights

  • Trek an uncrowded eco-tourism trail through the heart of the Annapurna region
  • Witness a spectacular sunrise panorama from Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m)
  • Enjoy close-up views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
  • Walk through enchanting rhododendron and oak forests draped in moss
  • Experience authentic village life in the Gurung communities along the trail
  • Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp with views of the 5,587m peak
  • Perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking in Nepal
  • Diverse landscapes from terraced farmland to alpine meadows
  • Less commercial alternative to Annapurna Base Camp trek
  • Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara

Your Journey

6 Days

Your Mardi Himal adventure begins early morning with a scenic tourist bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The 8-hour drive follows the historic Prithvi Highway, winding through river valleys and terraced hillsides with occasional Himalayan glimpses. Upon reaching Pokhara, transfer to a private vehicle for the short drive to Kande, a small settlement that serves as the trek's starting point. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the journey ahead.

Duration

-

Elevation

1,770m (5,807 ft)

Meals

Dinner

Stay

Lodge in Kande

The trail begins in earnest as you climb through a patchwork of terraced fields and rural villages. Pass through Deurali, enjoying ever-expanding views of the valley below and mountains above. The path enters increasingly dense forest as you gain altitude, with rhododendron and oak trees providing welcome shade. By late afternoon, reach Forest Camp nestled among the trees - a peaceful outpost where the sounds of civilization fade and the wilderness takes over.

Duration

-

Elevation

2,600m (8,530 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Teahouse in Forest Camp

Today's trek reveals the forest's true character - trees draped in moss and lichen, orchids clinging to branches, and a distinctly cooler, more mystical atmosphere. Glimpses of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna peaks appear through gaps in the foliage, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Push through Low Camp and continue ascending as the landscape opens up, reaching High Camp where the mountains finally reveal themselves in full glory.

Duration

-

Elevation

3,580m (11,745 ft)

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Teahouse in High Camp

Rise before dawn for the highlight of your trek. Climb in darkness toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint, arriving as the first light touches the peaks. The sunrise panorama is extraordinary - Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre's iconic fishtail summit, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and Mardi Himal itself all catch fire in shades of gold and pink. After absorbing this spectacle, return to High Camp for breakfast before descending to Low Camp for the night.

Duration

-

Elevation

4,500m (14,764 ft) at viewpoint

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Teahouse in Low Camp

The descent continues through changing landscapes, retracing your steps through the forest before branching toward Siding village. This traditional settlement is known for its honey hunters - daring locals who scale cliff faces on rope ladders to harvest wild honey from Himalayan bees. Enjoy lunch in Siding before boarding a shared jeep for the scenic drive back to Pokhara. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake, reflecting on your mountain adventure.

Duration

-

Elevation

1,280m (4,199 ft) at Siding

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay

Hotel in Pokhara

Your final day begins with a comfortable tourist bus journey back to Kathmandu. The 8-hour drive offers one last chance to absorb Nepal's diverse landscapes - from the lakeside tranquility of Pokhara through the dramatic Trisuli River gorge to the bustling Kathmandu Valley. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon, transferred to your hotel with memories of misty forests, towering peaks, and unforgettable Himalayan sunrises.

Duration

-

Elevation

1,400m (4,593 ft)

Meals

Breakfast

Stay

Not included

Inclusions, exclusions, and extra costs

What's included

  • TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
  • Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Private vehicle transfer from Pokhara to Kande (trek starting point)
  • Shared jeep transfer from Siding to Pokhara (trek ending point)
  • Tourist bus return from Pokhara to Kathmandu
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Tea or coffee served three times daily
  • 5 nights accommodation in mountain lodges/teahouses
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Guide's meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance
  • Official trekking completion certificate

What's not included

  • International airfare to/from Nepal
  • Nepal tourist visa fees
  • Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Bottled water and other beverages
  • Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
  • Hot shower facilities (available at extra cost)
  • WiFi internet access (available at extra cost)
  • Battery/device charging (available at extra cost)
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Tips for guide (recommended)
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Any items not mentioned in inclusions
Extra costs to confirm before booking Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days
Extra cost or conditionHow to handle it
International airfare to/from NepalBudget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Nepal tourist visa feesBudget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Bottled water and other beveragesBudget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Alcoholic drinks and soft drinksBudget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Hot shower facilities (available at extra cost)Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
WiFi internet access (available at extra cost)Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.
Battery/device charging (available at extra cost)Budget separately unless your final written proposal includes it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days best suited for?

Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days is best suited for first-time trekkers, experienced hikers, and travelers who want a paced Himalayan walking journey. We recommend checking the duration, difficulty, season, and included support before booking.

What should I consider before booking Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days?

The main planning points are difficulty, altitude profile, acclimatisation, permits, guide support, and daily walking time. Our team can confirm what is realistic for your dates and group size.

Can this trekking package be customized?

Yes. We can customize Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days around your dates, preferred pace, accommodation style, private transport, guide support, and add-on experiences.

From

$ 495

per person

Departures
Checked on request
Deposit
Confirmed before booking
Review
March 7, 2026
Proof
Verified on request

Trusted By

Government of NepalNepal Tourism BoardNepal Mountaineering AssociationTrekking Agencies Association of NepalKEEP NepalTrustpilot