An incredible hike with an amazing group of people. Badri managed to get us in and out of Lukla on days when we thought flights may not be possible and he tried his very best to accommodate the needs of the group. The team of porters supporting Karen Darke were out of this world and did an incredible job, with big smiles. Wonderful people. The trek itself was incredible and we had fantastic weather during the whole trip. Although the ‘B Team’ snail ed it, we had an excellent adventure thanks to Badri and his very supportive team.
Travel Nepal
Himalayas Treks Pvt. Ltd.
Mardi Himal Trek: The Hidden Gem of the Annapurna Region
Experience breathtaking ridge-top views and untouched trails on this perfect short-duration trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an exquisite 10-day journey that takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Annapurna region. Officially opened in 2012, this trail offers a quieter alternative to the busier Annapurna Base Camp route. You will traverse through magical rhododendron forests and climb rugged ridges to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), where you are rewarded with an “eye-to-eye” view of the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the entire Annapurna Massif.
Trip Highlights
- Stunning Panoramas: Unrivaled views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.
- The “Cloud Walk”: Trekking along the ridgeline at High Camp, often walking above the clouds.
- Lush Flora: Wander through vibrant rhododendron forests (especially spectacular in March–April).
- Cultural Immersion: Stay in traditional Gurung villages like Lwang and experience authentic local hospitality.
- Quiet Trails: A peaceful experience away from the massive crowds of more famous routes.
Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrival: Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (1 300m/4 260ft)
- Day 02: A Day in the City: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing OR A Day at Leisure
- Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (880m/2 900ft)
- Day 04: Pokhara -Dhampus Phedi – Pothana -Pitam Deorali (2100m/6 890ft),
- Day 05: Pitam Deorali – Kokar, Forest Camp (2 550m/8 500ft)
- Day 06: Forest Camp – Low Camp (2 970m/9 750ft)
- Day 07: Low Camp – High Camp (3 900m/12 800ft)
- Day 08: High Camp – Mardi Himal west Base Camp (4 500m/14 750ft) – High Camp,
- Day 09: High Camp – Sidhing village (1 750m/5 800ft)
- Day 10: Sidhing – Lumre (1 150m) – Pokhara (880m/2 900ft)
- Day 11: Pokhara – Kathmandu (1 300m/4 260ft)
- Day 12: Final departure
Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,345m)
Transfer to your hotel. Group briefing and final trek preparations in the heart of Kathmandu.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: welcome Dinner
Day 02: Drive to Pokhara (860m)
A scenic 6–8 hour drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake.
- Lodging: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 03: Drive to Kande & Trek to Deurali (2,232m)
A short drive followed by a climb to Australian Camp (2,060m) for panoramic views, ending the day at Deurali.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 04: Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m)
Leave the main trail for a quiet, forested path. A day of gradual uphill walking through dense greenery.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 05: Trek to High Camp (3,550m)
Climb above the tree line. The trail offers increasingly dramatic views of Mt. Fishtail and Mardi Himal.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 06: Explore Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m)
The climax of the trek. A steep ridge-walk to Base Camp for incredible close-up views of the mountains, returning to High Camp.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 07: Trek back to Forest Camp (2,600m)
Descend through the alpine landscape, enjoying the shifting perspectives of the Annapurna range.
- Lodging: Stay at Lodge
- Inclusions: Full board meals (B/L/D) on trek
Day 08: Walk to Lwang & Drive to Pokhara
Walk through the beautiful Gurung village of Lwang (famed for its organic tea gardens) before driving back to Pokhara.
- Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Return to Kathmandu
Drive back to the capital. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant in the evening.
- Lodging: Hotel in Pokhara
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Final Departure
Airport transfer for your homeward bound flight.
- Lodging: Breakfast
Final departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight to your next destination. If you have time, consider adding a trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary or a more leisurely trek to Poon Hill. The Mardi Himal trek can also be done can in a shorter time if you are really fit.
Food: Breakfast
- Lodging: Breakfast
Cost Details
What’s Included
- Airport Pick-up and Drop Service during international
- 2-night Standard Hotel in Kathmandu on BB Basis
- 2-night Standard Hotel in Pokhara on BB Basis
- Tourist Bus Ticket from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Private Transportation During the Trek
- Accommodations during the treks
- Meals while on the treks (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tea/Coffee and Seasonal Fruits Everyday
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and his Salary, food, equipment, and insurance
- All applicable permits
- To be returned after trek: Sleeping Bag
- Souvenir: Company Trekking map, and T-shirt
- Water purification tablet
- Official expense and government tax and VAT
What’s Excluded
- Travel and Health Insurance, which covers emergency Rescues and evacuations
- During trekking time, personal expenses, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, coke, juice, bottled and hot water, hot shower, WI-FI, battery charging, etc.
- Tipping: For guide and porter
- Flight to or from Pokhara
FAQ
Cost & Date
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Route Map
Gallery
Client Reviews
Mitchedberg
Vicky S
Date of experience: March 2025
Clare B
Date of experience: March 2025
An amazing experience – went trekking with 14 others in March / April 2025 and had a wonderful time. A big thank you to Badri and his crew for taking care of every logistical detail; flights, hotels, transportation in Kathmandu, transportation to and from the airport, money exchanges, restaurant reservations, sightseeing, optimal route pacing, gear transportation, and 100 other small details that would have left me flummoxed.
He and his team allow for a trek that’s as simplified as possible, you can focus your energy on getting to base camp, and they do everything else. They even bring you hot towels and lemon ginger tea at the end of each day (every morning too). I can’t say enough good things about the porters / guides, they were unbelievable, true heroes of our trip. We had some very unique challenges in our group, and without expert guides and porters we would absolutely not have had the same high quality experience. When I go back to Nepal for a second trek, I’m calling Badri. Badri is the guide you want – generous, personal, and you can tell he and his team deeply care about the well-being of their clients.
One more thing: Not once, but twice, Badri got our entire group flown from Kathmandu to Lukla (and back) on days when the weather was uncooperative. Both times, there was only a brief window when the clouds cleared — just enough for a single plane to make the journey — and guess whose plane was first in line? Even more impressive: while we were waiting at the airport, Badri already had a backup helicopter option lined up, just in case the planes didn’t fly. This kind of foresight and preparation gave us total peace of mind.