The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest yet fulfilling Annapurna region routes that takes you to the base of Mt. Mardi Himal at an elevation of 4500 m. From guideseeing to awe-inspiring scenery from the beautiful Gurung village of Dhampus, some challenging parts in high settlements become really indelible. For trekkers searching for family-friendly, cost-effective, and enjoyable trekking within a week, this is for you.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a popular and scenic route in the Annapurna region, at the bottom of Mt. Machhapuchre (Fishtail—6997 m), which generally starts from Dhampus, Kande, or Phedi and ends at the villages of Siding or Lumre. Trails adorned with rhododendron forests, taking you to the base of Mardi Himal, are gaining popularity rapidly among youngsters. A golden opportunity for a mini mountain climbing experience and taking great pictures of mountain giants during the trek is truly incredible.
Since this route officially opened for hiking in 2012, it has been less popular than the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) and Annapurna Circuit treks but is becoming a favorite destination for people of every age and fitness level because of its short and well-marked trails. In a peaceful environment, you have broader space to enjoy the charm of nature, although its highest point is lower than that of the ABC trek.
If you are searching for a trek that can be completed in a week but is truly worthwhile, hurry up and determine your next destination, as booking for the 7 days Mardi Himal Trek 2026 and 2027 is now open.
What can you expect during the Mardi Himal Trek?
Expect boundless happiness due to surprises at every step while exploring diverse landmarks, including traditional villages. Walking above 2500 m from sea level, tackling the thin air of mountains is quite challenging but worthwhile, giving you lifetime memories.
Traditional Villages and Local Lifestyle
Several villages alongside the Mardi Himal trail are mainly dominated by ethnic groups like Gurung and Magar. While preserving cultural heritages for centuries, locals are also serving tourists with warm hospitality, fresh Himalayan cuisines, and comfortable accommodations. Terraced farmlands of crops, stone houses, animal husbandry, and their own attire present the typical lifestyle of Annapurna’s remote areas.
Learn the history of distinct places, which are significantly popular for nature and culture. Numerous families have a historic bond with popular Gurkha regiments, so listen to their stories behind bravery. Traditional agricultural practices, local folk songs, dances, sacred sites, unique rituals, and festive activities are other highlights of traditional settlements. During this trip, you will have deep insight into Buddhism and Hinduism, as you will find some Chhetri and Brahmin people in villages.
Forest Trails, Changing Landscapes, and Mountain Views
Unlike the EBC route, every Annapurna region trek offers you to walk through subtropical forests to more alpine landscapes with majestic mountain views. Mostly you will find forests of rhododendrons, oaks, and bamboos and occasionally spot rare animals such as leopards, musk deer, Himalayan langurs, Himalayan tahrs, and barking deer.
Since the trek is held inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, the chance of spotting such wildlife is high, and you can capture their photographs on your camera or enjoy observing their activities. As the terrain becomes more mountainous, you will find alpine meadows and start savoring the beauty of the Himalayas from closer.
From different vantage points like Dhampus, Low Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Base Camp, you have Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
Is the 7 days Mardi Himal Trek safe for you?
This Annapurna trail reaches up to 4500 m, higher than the Annapurna Base Camp, and is considered quite difficult due to steep ascents and descents with rapid elevation gain. However, the trek is safer for novice trekkers, all family members, and hikers with basic fitness levels with quality equipment, proper preparation, and gradual climbs.
Clear signboards, well-maintained paths, and comfortable teahouses make this trek suitable for all hikers, although some sections are demanding and the chance of acute mountain sickness is higher. For a safer trip, a guide plays a vital role, reducing unforeseen circumstances on the way.
How much does the Mardi Himal Trek cost?
The total cost of the Mardi Himal Trek depends on the chosen company, itinerary, and services (accommodation, meals, guides, and transportation) you prefer during the trek. Choosing a local trekking agency and traveling in a group is generally more affordable than booking with national or international companies as a solo trekker. Since budget planning is also a core part of this week-long trip, observe the included and excluded points below in the cost details. The trek remains affordable compared to longer trekking journeys, making Mardi Himal a budget-friendly destination in the Annapurna region.
How many km is the Mardi Himal Trek?
After a thrilling drive to Dhampus, walking distance will be counted. The total Mardi Himal trek distance is 37 to 46 km since the trekking days are only 4 days, with an average hiking distance of 9 to 11 km per day and an average duration of 4–6 hours. We have provided a table of routes, daily trek distances, and durations as follows:
| Day | Route | Daily walking Distance | Duration | Elevation |
| 1 | Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and Explore around Phewa Lake | - | 6 hours | 822 m |
| 2 | Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus, and then trek to Forest Camp | 10-12 km | 1 hour's drive and 5-6 hours trekking | 2500-2600 m |
| 3 | Forest Camp-Low Camp/Badal Danda | 8-10 km | 5-6 hours | 2970-3210 |
| 4 | Low Camp/Badal Danda—High Camp | 5-7 km | 3-4 hours | 3550-3600 m |
| 5 | High Camp—Mardi Himal Base Camp/Viewpoint and then trek to Siding | 14-17 km | 7-8 hours | 1700-1850 m |
| 6 | Drive from Siding to Pokhara. | - | 2-3 hours drive | 822 m |
| 7 | Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu | - | 6-hour drive | 1350 m |
Why is the 7 days Mardi Himal Trek itinerary the best?
For the same destination, Nepal trekking companies have distinct packages for 2026 and 2027. Our 7-day Mardi Himal trek can be the most iconic option because of its short yet more comfortable schedule, with enough time to adapt to the environment of low oxygen levels. Not only are there challenging walks, but you also have cultural immersion during the trek. While some packages are activated from Pokhara, ours starts from Kathmandu, allowing you a scenic 4WD by private vehicle or deluxe AC bus alongside the Trishuli River.
Reaching the beautiful city of Pokhara, 200 km away from the Kathmandu Valley, becomes part of the relaxation before the Himalayan trip. After resting for a while, explore Lakeside around Phewa Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Further ahead, you will climb gradually to Mardi Himal Base Camp, traversing Dhampus, Forest Camp, Low Camp, Badale Danda, and High Camp. After delving into the Himalayan environment for a few days, you will drive back to Pokhara from Siding Village, remembering the best moments at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
A sunrise view over the mountains creates dramatic scenery for photography. On the sixth day, you have a leisure day, allowing yourself time to rest after high-altitude trekking. During this period, you can also visit distinct places like David's Fall, Mahendra Cave, Sarangkot, and White Gumba for refreshment. Since the itinerary is crafted by our professional travelers, ensuring all trekkers' fitness levels, safety, and rewarding experiences, it is suitable for both first-timers and seasoned trekkers.
Can you extend the Mardi Himal Trek 2026?
Adventure seekers often search for “How long does the Mardi Himal trek take?” and "Can it be extended or combined with other Annapurna treks?” The answer is yes, it is possible to extend in different ways. While some trekkers can add more days for acclimatization or exploration at Dhampus or Australian Base Camp, others seek to enjoy extra days in Pokhara city for exploration, sightseeing, and outdoor activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, etc.
Since this 7-day trek’s route is shared with the ABC or Ghorepani Poon Hill Path, it is possible to extend towards these destinations for more natural and cultural discovery in 2026/2027. Each of our itineraries is customizable based on your choices. As a result, you have to inform earlier to manage logistics for a smoother trip.
Why Green Society Adventure for the Mardi Himal trek?
Are you a first-time traveler to Nepal and searching for the best trekking company to complete your dream trek? Then, you are in the right place, as we at Green Society Adventure have been assisting trekkers, climbers, and adventurers by sharing travel tips and conducting trekking in different regions, including the Mardi Himal trek, for thirteen years. Every traveler who connected with us had really unforgettable experiences with our experts, whether it was a challenging destination like the Manaslu Circuit or Kanchenjunga trekking or easier trekkings like the Langtang Valley or Ghorepani trek.
Booking a trip with us means ensuring safety and the best encounter since our team helps you from the payment method to planning the trekking effectively and completing it in an easier way. Our services, hospitality, and provided equipment are unmatched by other trekking agencies. We believe in sustainable tourism in Nepal and help travelers have better experiences in the Himalayas at every phase.
