🏔️ 5-Day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Pokhara • Forest Trails • High Camp • Base Camp • Pokhara
Spectacular Views
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Annapurna South (7,219m), Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mardi Himal (5,587m), Machapuchare (6,993m), and other stunning peaks of the Annapurna range.
Pristine Nature
Trek through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows, and diverse landscapes. Spring season offers spectacular rhododendron blooms along the trail.
Off the Beaten Path
Discover a relatively new and less crowded trekking route that offers an intimate mountain experience away from the busy trails of the Annapurna region.
Local Culture
Experience authentic Gurung and Magar village culture, enjoy warm Nepali hospitality, and stay in cozy mountain tea houses along the route.
Why Choose This Trek?
Trek Quick Facts
Pokhara to Forest Camp (2,550m) via Kande
Duration: 5-6 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Morning: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1.5 hours, 1,770m)
Trek Highlights:
- Start trekking from Kande through beautiful Australian Camp area
- Pass through Pothana village with stunning Annapurna views
- Trek through dense rhododendron and oak forests
- Gradual ascent through Deurali Ridge
- First glimpses of Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain
- Arrive at Forest Camp surrounded by pristine forest
Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,050m)
Duration: 4-5 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 6 km
Trek Highlights:
- Continue through magnificent rhododendron forest
- Pass through Kokar village (2,500m)
- Forest trail with moss-covered trees and wild orchids
- Gradually ascending through switchback trails
- Emerging mountain views as you gain altitude
- Reach Low Camp with spectacular mountain panorama
- Clear views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Wildlife: Chance to spot Himalayan birds, monkeys, and if lucky, red pandas
Low Camp to High Camp (3,580m)
Duration: 3-4 hours trek
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Trek Highlights:
- Shorter but steeper ascent day
- Trail above the tree line with alpine vegetation
- Spectacular views of Annapurna massif unfold
- Cross through Middle Camp (Badal Danda)
- Exposed ridge walking with 360-degree views
- Arrive at High Camp perched on the mountainside
- Stunning sunset views over the Himalayas
- Acclimatization and rest afternoon
Photography: Incredible photo opportunities of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal
High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) and back to Low Camp
Duration: 8-9 hours total (4-5 hours up, 3-4 hours down to Low Camp)
Distance: Approximately 14 km round trip
Early Morning (3:00 AM start):
- Pre-dawn departure to reach Base Camp for sunrise
- Headlamp trek through alpine terrain
- Steep ascent with rocky trail sections
- Watch magical sunrise from near Base Camp
Base Camp Experience:
- 360-degree panoramic mountain views
- Close-up views of Mardi Himal summit
- Annapurna I (8,091m) towering above
- Machapuchare's sacred peak up close
- Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Gangapurna visible
- Time for photos and celebration
Descent: Return to High Camp for breakfast, then continue down to Low Camp
Low Camp to Siding Village and Drive to Pokhara
Duration: 5-6 hours trek + 1.5 hours drive
Distance: Approximately 12 km trek
Trek Route:
- Descend through familiar forest trails
- Different route via Siding village for variety
- Pass through traditional Gurung settlements
- Experience authentic village life and culture
- Visit local homes and interact with families (optional)
- Reach Siding village (1,700m)
Return to Pokhara:
- Private vehicle from Siding to Pokhara
- Scenic drive through terraced fields and villages
- Arrive Pokhara by late afternoon
- Check into hotel and celebrate completion
- Evening free for lakeside relaxation or celebration dinner
✅ PACKAGE INCLUDES
🚗 Transportation
- Private car/jeep: Pokhara - Kande (Day 1)
- Private car/jeep: Siding - Pokhara (Day 5)
- All fuel, parking, and driver expenses
🏠 Accommodation
- 4 nights tea house accommodation during trek
- Twin/double sharing rooms (mountain lodges)
- Basic but clean and comfortable
- All lodging expenses included
🍽️ Meals
- All meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Tea/coffee with breakfast
- Wide variety of menu options
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices
- Bottled/boiled water for drinking
👨🏫 Guide & Porter
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide
- Experienced porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
- Porter carries up to 20kg (10kg per person)
- Guide and porter's salary, food, and accommodation
- Guide and porter's insurance
📋 Permits & Documentation
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- All government taxes and official expenses
- Trek completion certificate
🎁 Additional Services
- Comprehensive pre-trek briefing
- Trekking route map provided
- Company duffel bag (to be returned)
- First aid medical kit
- 24/7 emergency support
- All service charges included
❌ PACKAGE EXCLUDES
International flights to/from Nepal and Nepal entry visa fee ($30-50 USD)
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara before and after trek (can be arranged at additional cost)
Lunch and dinner in Pokhara city (only trek meals included)
Battery charging ($2-5 per charge), hot showers ($3-5), WiFi ($3-5 per day), phone calls, laundry
Alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, mineral water, and extra hot beverages during trek
Excess baggage charges (porter carries max 10kg per person)
Tips for guide and porter (recommended: $50-70 total for 5-day trek)
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance (mandatory, must cover up to 5,000m altitude)
Helicopter rescue or emergency evacuation (covered by your insurance)
Extra costs due to weather delays, natural disasters, political situations, or flight cancellations
🎒 Packing List Essentials
Clothing
- Thermal base layers (top & bottom)
- Fleece jacket or down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants (2-3 pairs)
- T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves
- Trekking socks (4-5 pairs)
- Underwear and sports bra
Footwear
- Waterproof trekking boots (broken in!)
- Camp shoes or sandals
- Gaiters (optional, useful in snow)
Equipment
- Sleeping bag (-10°C rated minimum)
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Water bottles or hydration system (2L)
- Daypack (25-35L)
Personal Items
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm
- Personal toiletries and medications
- First aid kit and blister treatment
- Water purification tablets
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Camera and extra batteries
- Power bank for devices
- Passport and permits (copies)
- Cash (Nepali Rupees)
💪 Fitness & Preparation
Physical Fitness Requirements
Mardi Himal trek is rated as moderate difficulty. You should be:
- Able to walk 5-7 hours per day with a daypack
- Comfortable with uphill and downhill terrain
- In good general health with no serious medical conditions
- Capable of sleeping at altitudes up to 4,500m
Recommended Training (6-8 weeks before)
- Cardio: Running, cycling, or swimming 3-4 times per week
- Hiking: Practice hikes with elevation gain, wearing your trek boots
- Strength: Leg exercises (squats, lunges, step-ups)
- Stairs: Climbing stairs with a weighted backpack
- Endurance: Gradually increase duration of activities
Altitude Acclimatization Tips
- Ascend gradually - our itinerary is designed for proper acclimatization
- Stay hydrated - drink 3-4 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek
- Walk slowly and steadily ("pole pole")
- Inform your guide immediately if you feel unwell
- Consider Diamox medication (consult your doctor)
🌤️ Best Time to Trek
🍂 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Weather: Clear skies, stable weather, excellent visibility
Temperature: 10-20°C day, -5 to 5°C night at high altitude
Highlights: Best mountain views, perfect trekking conditions, post-monsoon freshness
Crowds: Peak season - more trekkers on trail
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Weather: Warm and pleasant, occasional afternoon clouds
Temperature: 15-25°C day, 0-10°C night at high altitude
Highlights: Rhododendron forests in full bloom, excellent for photography, clear mornings
Crowds: Moderate - second peak season
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Weather: Cold but clear skies, snow at higher elevations
Temperature: 5-15°C day, -10 to 0°C night at high altitude
Highlights: Fewer trekkers, pristine snow-covered landscapes, crystal clear mountain views
Challenges: Very cold nights, heavy clothing needed, some tea houses may be closed
🌧️ Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
Weather: Heavy rain, cloudy skies, leeches on trail
Temperature: 20-30°C day, warm nights
Challenges: Poor visibility, slippery trails, frequent rain, blocked mountain views, flight delays
Note: Only for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude
⚠️ Important Information
🏥 Travel Insurance
MANDATORY: You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Emergency helicopter evacuation up to 5,000m
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or stolen belongings
Recommended providers: World Nomads, True Traveller, IMG Global
📋 Required Documents
- Valid passport (6 months validity minimum)
- Nepal entry visa (available on arrival)
- 2 passport-size photos
- Travel insurance policy documents
- Emergency contact information
🏔️ Altitude Sickness Awareness
Symptoms to watch for:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness
- Loss of appetite, fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Shortness of breath
Important: Inform your guide immediately. Descent is the best cure. Never continue ascending with symptoms.
📱 Communication & Connectivity
- Mobile network available up to Forest Camp (limited)
- WiFi available at most tea houses ($3-5 per day)
- WiFi becomes slower at higher altitudes
- Bring power bank - electricity limited at high camps
- NTC or Ncell SIM cards work best
💰 Money & Expenses
- Bring enough Nepali Rupees cash
- No ATMs after Pokhara
- Budget extra $15-25 per day for personal expenses
- Prices increase at higher altitudes
- Hot shower: $3-5, Battery charge: $2-5
- WiFi: $3-5 per day
🍽️ Food & Water
- Tea houses offer Dal Bhat, pasta, noodles, soups, eggs, etc.
- Menu becomes limited at higher altitudes
- Stick to cooked/boiled food
- Always drink boiled or purified water
- Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits
- Vegetarian options widely available
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this trek suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! Mardi Himal is perfect for first-time trekkers in Nepal. The trail is well-marked, gradual ascent allows proper acclimatization, and tea houses provide comfortable accommodation. However, you should be in good physical condition.
Q: Can I do this trek solo or do I need a guide?
A: While solo trekking is possible, we highly recommend going with a guide for safety, navigation, cultural insights, and emergency support. Our package includes an experienced guide for your peace of mind.
Q: What if I get altitude sickness?
A: Our guides are trained in altitude sickness recognition and first aid. If symptoms occur, we'll descend immediately. This is why travel insurance with evacuation coverage is mandatory. Our itinerary is designed for proper acclimatization.
Q: How are the toilet facilities on the trek?
A: Tea houses have basic but functional toilets (mostly squat-style). At higher altitudes, facilities become more basic. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Some lodges charge small fees (NPR 20-50) for toilet use.
Q: Can I charge my devices during the trek?
A: Yes, most tea houses offer charging services for $2-5 per charge. Electricity is solar-powered at higher camps and may be limited. We recommend bringing a power bank and extra batteries.
Q: What about hot showers?
A: Hot showers are available at most tea houses for $3-5. At higher altitudes, hot bucket showers are provided. Some lower camps have gas-heated showers. Cold days and long treks make hot showers very welcome!
Q: Is WiFi available during the trek?
A: WiFi is available at most tea houses for $3-5 per day. Connection quality decreases with altitude. Don't expect streaming quality - basic messaging and email work fine. Great opportunity for a digital detox!
Q: What if weather conditions are bad?
A: Safety is our priority. If weather is dangerous, we'll adjust the itinerary, wait for conditions to improve, or take alternative routes. Extra days due to weather are not included in the package price.
Q: Can I rent trekking gear in Pokhara?
A: Yes! Pokhara has many shops renting quality trekking gear including sleeping bags ($1-2/day), down jackets ($1-2/day), trekking poles ($1/day), and boots. We can help arrange rentals.
Q: How much should I tip the guide and porter?
A: Tipping is customary and appreciated. Recommended: $30-40 for guide and $20-30 for porter for the 5-day trek. Adjust based on service quality. Tips are usually given at trek completion.
Book Your Mardi Himal Adventure
✅ Best Value: All meals, accommodation, permits, guide, porter, and transportation included!
✅ Group Discounts: Available for groups of 4+ people
✅ Flexible Dates: Departures available year-round (best: Mar-May, Sep-Nov)
Booking Information
20% deposit to confirm booking, remaining balance can be paid in Pokhara before trek start
Book at least 2 weeks in advance during peak season (Sep-Nov, Mar-May). Last-minute bookings also possible!
Minimum 1 person, maximum 10 people per group. Solo trekkers welcome with no extra charge!
Free cancellation up to 14 days before trek. 50% refund 7-14 days before. No refund within 7 days.
Itinerary may be adjusted for safety. Extra days due to weather are trekker's responsibility.
Comprehensive travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage up to 5,000m is mandatory
Why Choose Nepal Adventure Tours?
What Our Trekkers Say
"Amazing trek! The views from Base Camp were absolutely breathtaking. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking!"
"Best decision ever! Less crowded than Annapurna Base Camp but equally stunning. The rhododendron forests in spring were magical. Highly recommend!"
"Professional service from start to finish. The team made sure we were comfortable and safe throughout. Mardi Himal is a hidden gem!"