The Mardi Himal trek is a beginner-friendly trek in Nepal. Its difficulty is considered moderate as per the Himalayan standards. So, can all first-time trekkers complete the Mardi Himal trek? It depends on their fitness.
You do not need to be extremely fit to do the Mardi Himal trek, but a basic fitness with willpower is needed. It is not a very easy trek, but also not an advanced trek.
If you have made up your mind to begin your trekking journey in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek could be an excellent choice for you. The Mardi Himal trek route is easy to follow, but the constant ascents and descents make it tough.
*Please note that the Mardi Himal trek is also widely known as the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek.
You will trek through dense forests for the first few days and gradually hike above the tree line. Basically, the trail goes from lush forests to alpine ridgelines in just three days of walking.
And this is what we love about the Mardi Himal trek where you get to experience all of the climatic zones in a very short time. Unlike the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks, which are also considered moderate in difficulty, the Mardi Himal trek is much more achievable.
Moreover, it also has a lower risk of altitude sickness. The highest point you hike to during the Mardi Himal trek is 4,500 meters. It is the Mardi Himal Base Camp, and you do not spend a night at this elevation.
Trekkers who are looking for an adventurous trek in Nepal, but also not so high in altitude and less risk of altitude sickness, should definitely go for the Mardi Himal trek. The experience, adventure, and natural encounters this trek offers in a very short time are impeccable.
Not to mention, the mountain views are also extremely breathtaking during the Mardi Himal trek. In fact, you will get to behold some of the finest views of the Annapurna range and Mt. Fishtail on this trek.
The cultural and mountain lifestyle part is a bit lacking on the Mardi Himal trek, but you will have an opportunity in Sidding village (at the end of the trek) to see the life of mountain people.
Overall, the 9 days Mardi Himal trek is quite an enjoyable and satisfying trek in the Annapurna region in Nepal.
Highlights
- An excellent short trek in the Annapurna region to escape the crowd of famous treks such as ABC and Ghorepani Poon Hill
- Beginner-friendly, adventurous trek
- Explore Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Witness stunning mountain views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, etc
- Experience beginner-friendly offbeat terrain
- The trail goes through dense rhododendron forests, narrow valleys, and alpine ridgelines
- Spend nights in simple teahouses along the trail
- Explore several of the vegetation and climatic zones
- Low risk of altitude sickness and high success rate
- Have a glimpse of the mountain lifestyle in Sidding village
- Witness a stunning sunrise and incredible mountain scenery from Mardi Himal Base Camp
What is it like trekking in the Western Himalayan region in Nepal?
The Western Himalayan region in Nepal houses mountains such as Annapurna, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Manaslu, etc. It is home to many incredible trekking routes, including the Mardi Himal trail.
Trekking in this region is adventurous and exciting for sure, but also culturally enriching and naturally uplifting. In case of the Mardi Himal trek 9 days, you will have a solid wilderness experience.
The Mardi Himal trek is famous as an alternative to the famous Annapurna Base Camp trek in the Annapurna region. It is less established, so the trek experience is quite authentic.
This has made the Mardi Himal trek popular, especially among the locals, which has led to crowded trails. Still, if you plan your Mardi Himal trek departure date, you can skip the crowd and enjoy a very peaceful journey.
The nights stop on the Mardi Himal trek route are not particularly villages. They are built as the demand for this trek increases. Therefore, the cultural experience is less on this trek.
The Mardi Himal trek route is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is the largest conservation area (7,629 km²). It mainly protects the Annapurna range and the biodiversity and locals in this area.
Even though the Mardi Himal trek has significantly gained popularity, it remains lacking in terms of trekking infrastructure. There are limited teahouses, so if you have not prebooked your accommodation, you may not get a room and end up sleeping in the dining area.
On the bright side, it offers an authentic trekking experience without over-commercialization. If you want to see the majestic mountains of the Western Himalayan range in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek is a great option.
Mardi Himal trek itinerary, distance, and duration
The Mardi Himal trek is a 9 days trip. The trekking part is only five days, and the remaining four days you will arrive/depart from Kathmandu, travel to/from Kathmandu and Pokhara, and travel between the starting and ending points of the trek.
The Mardi Himal trek distance is approximately 45 kilometers. You will cover this distance in five days of trekking, walking around 6 hours a day. The trek begins at 1,770 meters (Kande) and ascends to 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Base Camp).
The Mardi Himal trek route
The Mardi Himal trek starts from Kande and ends at Sidding. We have shared the trail details between these two places below:
Kande to Deurali:
A short drive from Kathmandu will take you to Kande. You will start the Mardi Himal trek from here. The trail gradually climbs to a small settlement called Australian Camp. From here, you will hike for another two hours through rhododendron forests to reach Deurali.
Mountain views: Annapurna range and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre)
Maximum altitude: 2,200 m/7,218 ft
Deurali to Low Camp:
Between Deurali and Low Camp, you will walk through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. As you ascend, the trail gets narrow and the scenery becomes mystical. In around 3 to 4 hours of walking, you will reach Low Camp.
Mountain views: Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna South
Maximum altitude: 2,900 m/9,514 ft
Low Camp to High Camp:
You will navigate high alpine terrain, Low Camp onwards. The trail goes through rhododendron forests and climbs to Badal Danda. From here, you will trek following the Mardi Himal ridge to the High Camp.
Mountain views: Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli
Maximum altitude: 3,585 m/11,762 ft
Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and descend to Badal Danda (3,210 m/10,531 ft):
From High Camp, you will ascend to Mardi Himal Base Camp before sunrise. The hike will be steep. You will witness a gorgeous sunrise from the base camp along with a spectacular mountain panorama.
After enjoying the view, descend following the same trail to the Mardi Himal Base Camp and retrace your path back to Badal Danda.
Mountain views: Annapurna, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, etc
Maximum altitude: 4,500 m/14,764 ft
Badal Danda to Sidding:
The trail descends back to Low Camp. You will walk through dense forests. From Low Camp, follow a different route to Sidding village. Spend some time exploring this village and return to Pokhara on the same day.
Mountain views: Annapurna range and Mt. Fishtail
Maximum altitude: 1,885 m/6,184 ft
Is the Mardi Himal trek 9 days suitable for beginner trekkers? What about trekking with children?
The Mardi Himal trek is short and relatively easy, so it is a good choice for both beginner trekkers and families with kids. It is a type of trek that you can do with your whole family, including kids and the elderly.
Likewise, the Mardi Himal trek is also a great option for experienced trekkers looking to have a quick adventurous trip in the Himalayas.
One thing to keep in mind if you are a beginner trekker is that you have to do some physical preparation before the trek starts. For example, go on daily walks or do cardio-intensive workouts such as swimming or cycling.
Why do the Mardi Himal trek with Adventure Magic Treks?
Adventure Magic Treks is one of the best trekking partners for the Mardi Himal trek in Nepal. They offer top-notch trek service along with the best Mardi Himal trek cost.
Trekking with them allows you to travel freely and safely as their professional team handles all logistics, permits, and transportation. Similarly, they will also provide you with a reliable trekking guide and a friendly porter for the journey.
Whether you do a private Mardi Himal trek or with your friends and family, you can expect international standard service with excellent Nepalese hospitality with Adventure Magic Treks.
Not only are there fixed departure groups for the Mardi Himal trek, but it is also a great option for travelers who want to trek with like-minded individuals from around the world.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us anytime. Our early bookings for the Mardi Himal trek 2026 are open. We are also offering a special discount to early bookings.
