Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek

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Recommended by 99% of travelers
At a Glance
Duration5 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4500m
Group Size1-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsPokhara
Travel StyleTea House Trek
Best TimeSpring/Autumn

Mardi Himal Trek - 5-day Trip Overview 

The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for those seeking a short and rewarding hike in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This trek is one of the most popular short-day hikes in Nepal. Stunning mountain views and beautiful landscapes fill it. You’ll pass traditional villages and lush green forests. The dramatic high alpine landscape is impressive in its grandeur. Annapurna, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli loom in the background with an impressive presence. 

This trip usually requires about 5 days from Pokhara. If you're short on time, we can adjust it to fit a 3 to 4-day plan. If you want a longer trek, we can mix it with other popular routes. These include Ghorepani Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge, and the Annapurna Base Camp trek. 

The trek to Mardi Himal is great for beginners and families. The task varies in difficulty from easy to moderate. The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those who want to see the beauty of the Himalayas. You can enjoy the scenery and mountain life without tough hikes. The well-maintained trails and gentle slopes add excitement. Reaching the stunning Mardi Himal base camp makes this journey unique. 

The journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then, you take a taxi to Kande. Once you arrive, the trek begins and ends for the day at Pitam Deurali. Your journey takes you through thick rhododendron forests. You'll see bright flowers and experience the traditional way of life of the local people. Giving you a striking introduction to the region and what to expect on the following day of the trek. 

The Forest Camp is the last stop for the day. This quiet waypoint inspires you. It opens up to ridgelines, joining village paths and rich woodlands. Enjoy the sunlit views as you explore. The next day, we keep hiking up from Low Camp. We head to High Camp and then to the Mardi Himal base camp. On this hike, the stunning views of the Annapurna range will amaze you. A close-up of sacred Machhapuchhre offers a unique view of the area's nature and culture. 

Trekkers in good shape are perfect for this trip. This is great for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas in a shorter time. The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for everyone, from beginners to experts. See amazing views, enjoy the lively culture, and make lasting memories on Nepal’s hidden paths. 

Highlights of Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek 

  • Watch the golden sunrise from High Camp (3,550 m) and Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). Enjoy the stunning sights of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchhre.
  • You’ll be close to Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
  • Explore different landscapes. In a few days, you’ll see rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and rugged ridgelines. You’ll also explore lowland forests.
  • Enjoy fewer crowds than on other Annapurna trails. This makes your nature experience more tranquil.
  • The paths from Badal Danda to High Camp offer 360° views of the landscape.
  • Discover ridge flora and fauna. You might see langurs, musk deer, and Himalayan monals along the way.
  • Gurung villages and terraced farms enrich your mountain trip. Then, you can head back to the comforts of Pokhara.

Why choose Mardi Himal Base Camp Short Trip? 

The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region. It offers a fantastic trekking adventure in less than a week. This journey lets you explore the wild beauty of Nepal's Himalayas. The rugged trails and bright rhododendron flowers offer stunning views. They mix adventure with calm.

Here are some reasons to consider trekking to Mardi Himal Base Camp:

  • The trek presents a significant challenge while remaining manageable. It combines challenging trails with beautiful scenery. This makes it great for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike.
  • Cozy tea house stays: Along the trail, local tea houses and guest houses await you. They offer basic but cozy amenities. Enjoy warm meals and rest well to recharge for the next day.
  • Try authentic local cuisines! The tea houses in the Annapurna region offer many food and drink options. There are plenty of options to match your tastes.
  • Experience the unique cultures of the Gurung and Magar communities on the trail. Trekkers can discover their traditions, meals, and festivals. You might even see traditional music and dance performances that showcase local culture.
  • The trail offers stunning mountain views and diverse wildlife. In spring, bright rhododendron forests add vibrant color to the landscape. You’ll walk through lush oak, hemlock, and maple forests, as well as alpine meadows. Look for a variety of birds and butterflies. You might also see larger animals like musk deer and langurs.
  • Pleasant temperatures and weather conditions: Autumn and spring offer stable weather for trekkers. These seasons are the best times to visit Mardi Himal.

Mardi Himal is great for trekkers who want nice weather and stunning views. It's perfect for those looking for an easier hike. This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of nature, culture, and adventure.

In 5 days, you will have an unforgettable journey. It’s a must-do for anyone visiting Nepal, whether you’re new to trekking or an expert.

What is the best season for The Mardi Himal Trekking?

Autumn and Spring seasons are considered the best time to visit the Mardi Himal since the weather is clear and stable. But expect crowdedness during these seasons because there will be a huge traffic on the route. To avoid this, make sure to visit some weeks before or after the best season starts. i.e, before or after mid-February to early March and mid-September to early October. 

December is also considered the best time to trek Mardi Himal as the weather is in favour for viewing the beautiful mountain views. It might be cold in the morning and evening outside the tea houses; however, the temperature might be suitable during the daytime, which is perfect for hiking hours. 

September/ early September can also be a good time to trek Mardi Himal, but it mostly depends on the weather due to the Post-Monsoon. There are higher chances of you seeing the best view of Annapurna and the fishtail around mid-September, and also being able to avoid crowds. The local tea houses provide extra hospitality services during these times. 

Table Representation of Average Temperatures by Seasons
Seasons Temperature at Daytime Temperature at Night time
Autumn 10° c to 20° c 5° c to 10° c
Spring 15° c to 25° c 0° c to 10° c
Winter 5° c to 10° c -5° c to 0° c
Summer 20° c to 25° c

10° c to 15° c

The Mardi Himal Trek offers an unparalleled adventure in the heart of the Nepalese Himalayas. Even though it cannot be enjoyed throughout the year, Autumn emerges as the prime season, enhancing the pleasant weather, increasing the quality of majestic Mountain views, vibrant flora and fauna and cultural festivals. 

Ammonite Adventure recommends that you take on this nature's grandeur during this season and embark on an extraordinary journey to Mardi Himal, where you create a memory of your lifetime

How difficult is the Mardi Himal Base Camp trekking? 

This trek presents a challenge of moderate difficulty. The highest overnight stay is at High Camp, which is 3,660 m. Novice trekkers may struggle in some areas. Let's break down the difficulty level for each day of the Mardi Himal trek:

  • First Day: This is the easiest day. Trekkers walk for 4 to 5 hours from Kande to Pitam Deurali. It's a great warm-up, featuring gentle inclines and a series of stone steps. Novice trekkers with good fitness will find it manageable.
  • Second Day: This day presents a moderate level of challenge. Trekkers will hike for 5 to 6 hours, gaining 500 m in altitude. There are no major stops along the forest trail, so refreshment breaks will be few. While the trail isn’t steep, the isolation makes it a long and mentally tiring day.
  • Third Day: The difficulty experiences a slight increase. Trekkers hike from Forest Camp to High Camp Ridge for 6 to 7 hours. The steady uphill climb and higher altitude make it tough. The narrow ridge trail in the final sections adds to the effort and exposure.
  • Fourth Day: This is the most challenging day. The hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and then to Badal Danda takes about 6 to 7 hours. You'll climb 950 m up and descend 1,300 m. The early cold start and steep, exposed route raise the difficulty. The risk of altitude sickness is present, making the trek challenging. The long descent at the end adds to the fatigue.
  • Fifth Day: This day is less challenging as trekkers descend to around 1,500 m. The trek from Badal Danda to Siding takes 4 to 5 hours. Hiking downhill through the forest can be tough on the knees. Slippery conditions during the monsoon or early morning dew can make it thrilling. After arriving in Siding, a scenic drive to Pokhara marks the end of the trek.

How should I prepare for the Mardi Himal trip?

Proper preparation is key for a successful and memorable trek. Concentrate on physical training. Also, get used to the environment. Pack with careful consideration and maintain awareness of required permits and safety rules.

Physical Training:

  • Cardio: Engage in activities like cycling, running, or swimming to boost your stamina.
  • Strength Training: Build your leg, core, and back muscles. This helps you handle the trail's ups and downs while carrying your backpack.
  • Hiking: Train on various terrains while wearing a weighted backpack. This helps you prepare for real conditions.
  • Gradually raise your exercise intensity to avoid injury and adapt.

Safety Measures:

  • Stay Updated: Research the trekking route and potential obstacles.
  • Emergency Contacts: Keep emergency contacts handy for quick help.
  • Avoid solo trekking: Trek with a group of 3 to 4 people, or hire a professional guide.
  • Respect the Host Community: Manage waste responsibly and show appreciation for the local culture.

Acclimatization:

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the trek.
  • Rest Days: Plan acclimatization days to help your body adjust to altitude changes.
  • Incorporate balanced diet meals during the trek.

Itinerary

The Mardi Himal Trek - 5 Days Itinerary Breakdown 

The journey starts from a scenic drive with our guide via bus to Pokhara. The distance traveled is approximately 210 km, and typically it takes about 7 hours to reach the destination. The bus will make frequent stops for breakfast, lunch and toilet breaks along the way. 

Upon reaching Pokhara, you check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening exploring the lakeside. 

Pokhara Lakeside ABC Trek

Max. Altitude: 1,400mMeals: Not includedAccommodation: Hotel in PokharaDuration: ~ 6–8 hours by tourist busDistance: ~200 km by roadMode of Transport: Tourist bus

On this day, we start our journey by driving to Kande and initiate the first day of trek upon reaching. We hike for about 4 to 5 hours covering a 6 km distance through terraced fields, small water streams and traditional villages to reach the Australian camp. After continuing to walk, we reach Deurali, which is located with the enchanting views of the Annapurna South (7,219m), Mardi Himal (5,553m) and sacred Machhapuchhre (6,997m).

Mardi Base Camp Trek

Max. Altitude: 2,100mMeals: Breakfast in Pokhara; lunch & dinner at teahouseAccommodation: Teahouse in Pitam DeuraliDuration: ~1.5 hoursDistance: ~8 km / 4–5 hours trekMode of Transport: Private taxi or jeep to Kande

On the third day, our tracking destination to the low camp takes the trail that goes right from the Deurali. We will be able to see a sign posted as “low camp” which will lead through an Alpine forest covered with blossoming red rhododendron and lush jungles. The trail involves uphills and downhills, which makes it more interesting to walk. 

We finally stop by the Low Camp and overnight stay at Forest Camp, where we prepare for the following day. 

Mardi Himal Base Camp

Max. Altitude: 2,100mMeals: All meals at teahouse (breakfast, lunch, dinner)Accommodation: Basic teahouse in Forest CampDuration: 5–6 hoursDistance: 9KM

On the 4th day we start from the forest camp for about 6 to 7 hours until we cover a 10 km distance. As we follow the trail, the trees start to get thinner with shrubs and after about 1 hour of hiking we reach an open ridge with spectacular views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,997m) ahead and Annapurna Range to the other side. 

The road provides an alluring scene of the isolated blossoming rhododendron forests and a wide biodiversity until we reach High Camp at 3,580 m. We stay here for the night and prepare for the next day. 

View from Highcamp Mardi Himal Base Camp

Max. Altitude: 2,600mMeals: three course meals at teahouseAccommodation: Basic Teahouse in High CampDuration: 6–7 hoursDistance: 10KM

This is the day that marks our successful arrival at Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500m after trekking along the ridge for about 4 to 5 hours and following up the hill to the viewpoint and enjoying the golden sunrise. We can enjoy tea offerings at a small bamboo hut located at the viewpoint.

After enjoying the mesmerizing view, we travel onward to the base camp site and follow the ascending and descending narrow ridges. This is the place that treasures the landscape view of the whole Annapurna region and other neighboring peaks like Mt. Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu range, Mardi Himal and various surrounding peaks of the region. 

At the end of that trek, we return to Badal Danda after relishing the views. We stay here overnight and reminisce about the wonderful journey to the Annapurna region.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

Max. Altitude: 4,500mMeals: Three course meals at teahouseAccommodation: Teahouse in Badal DandaDuration: 6–7 hoursDistance: 11–12 km

This day marks the end of our journey to the Mardi Himal Trek. We start our hike from Badal Danda to Siding while being enchanted by the viewpoint of the magnificent mountain peaks, the landscapes, and nature. After a 5-hour-long day of hiking, we reach Siding village. This is one of those isolated villages away from the busier trails and reflects its tranquil beauty.

After we have our lunch, we reach our pickup spot for our scenic drive to Pokhara by Jeep/bus. After 2 hours of a scenic ride, we reach Pokhara and check into the hotel. 

View from Badal Danda Mardi Himal Base Camp

Max. Altitude: 3,200mMeals: Breakfast & lunch at teahouses, dinner in PokharaAccommodation: Hotel in PokharaDuration: 2–3 hoursDistance: ~8 kmMode of Transport: Local shared jeep
Customize Trip

Route Map

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Altitude Chart
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What is Included?

Hotel in City

  • One night Twin-sharing hotel accommodation at Pokhara following a trek on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Transportation

  • Airport Transfers - Pick up and drop services from the airport to/from your hotel are provided by the agency. 
  • Trek drives - A sharing vehicle transfer is scheduled for all of your scenic drives in the trekking journey.
  • Staff transport - Transportation for all of the guides, assistant guides, porters and other supportive staff are covered by the agency. 

Accommodations

  • Accommodation during trek - Overnight local Tea House accommodations on a twin sharing basis are provided. Single rooms can also be arranged for a small surcharge, subject to availability.
  • Total Accommodation Nights - 2 nights in Pokhara and 4 - nights in Local Teahouses of standard twin sharing accommodation during trek. 

Food

  • Full Board Meals - 3 course meal, Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner including hot drinks are provided during the entire trek. 
  • Special Inclusions - Water purification tablets for safe drinking water are provided from the agency. 

Guide

  • One government-licensed English speaking guide is provided. The assistant guides will join the group, depending on the size of the group. 
  • All the cost for guide fees, food, insurance, salaries, accommodation, transportation and all equipment will be covered. 

Porter

  • Every two trekkers are given one porter and each trekker’s personal luggage weight limit is 9 KG. 
  • All the cost for Porter fees, food, insurance, salaries, accommodation, transport and all equipment will be covered. 

Trek Permits and Expenses

  • TIMS Permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

All the necessary permits including special area permits are pre-scheduled to make your trek a bit easier and trouble free.

Medical Assistance

  • Emergency provision - A first aid medical kit and emergency oxygen supply will be available at any point on the trek. 
  • Rescue Arrangements - professional rescuers are available in case of an emergency evacuation or rescue. All of these are included in your Trek Travel Insurance.

Souvenir

  • All the participants of the trek will be given an Ammonite Adventure Cap and t-shirt as a gift. 
  • Certificate of completion - Accomplishment certificate for all the successful participants are provided. 

Gear and Trekking Equipments

  • The company provides you with sleeping bags and down jackets, 1 duffle bag for every two trekkers ( if you don't have your own)
  • Annapurna region map for navigation. 

Additional Services

  • Luggage Storage - A secure storage for your luggage throughout the trek free of cost with us.
  • Full coordination - Our Ammonite Adventure team will fully coordinate to take care of all logistics, planning, and requirements necessary for your journey. 

What is Excluded?

International Flight

  • Fairs for international flights to and from Nepal are not included.

Accommodations

  • Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu before and after the trekking starts. 
  • Extra nights in Kathmandu on early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek due to any cause.

Food

  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek are at your own expense
  • Extra meals required due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek are not included.

Guide and Porter

  • Tips for guides, porters and local support staff is excluded and appreciated on a service basis. 

Visa

  • Nepal entry visa fees (to be paid in cash upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport) are the traveler's responsibility.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance of the traveler is mandatory and must include high-altitude medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation and treatment costs.

Personal Expenses

  • Cost for snacks, beverages (alcoholic/hot/cold), hot water/boiled water, hot showers, Internet/ Wi-Fi, mobile/phone calls, charging batteries, laundry, and additional porter fees are not included.
  • Personal clothing and trekking gear. 

Other Expenses

  • Extra baggage surcharge i.e. a trekker can carry only 9 KG. 
  • Unpredicted additional costs due to natural calamities, adverse weather, modifications to the identity for safety reasons, political unrest, government policies, illness or other forcing circumstances beyond our control are excluded. 

Add-ons & Options

The team of Ammonite Adventure warmly welcomes you to make your ideal Mardi Himal trek an unforgettable experience with our additional customizable services and amenities. We offer a variety of additional choices and benefits to make sure your needs and preferences are met to the fullest.

 We aim to meet the standards of our guests by providing luxury, ease, and pleasant facilities to satisfy different kinds of interests. Here are some of the customizable services to make your trip more delightful. 

Porter services: 

We offer professionally hired porter services so that you don't have to deal with heavy loads during your trip and make the most of your trekking journey with us. We provide one porter for every two trekkers for an exchange of $250 for the whole journey. Your porter can carry up to 20 to 25kg of your personal belongings and equipment. This allows you to take only the items you need for the trek from the rest of your belongings, which would be taken care of by us in a professional manner. 

Convenient transportation options:

By land: 

Private Jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara (USD 200)

  • Comfortable ride for up to 5 passengers 
  • Smooth transition to the gateway of trek

Private Jeep from Siding to Pokhara (USD 100)

  • Comfort while returning from memorable journey 
  • caters up to 5 passengers 
  • Flexible destinations 

By Air: 

One way flight or two way flight 

  • You can choose to book either One-way (USD100 or a round-trip ticket (USD 200) for easier transition to the starting point of the trek. 

Additional Information

Essential documents necessary for The Mardi Himal Trek:

Travel Insurance- Don't forget to take your travel insurance documents as its policies cover any unexpected accidents, emergencies and helicopter evacuations during the trek.

Passport- Some checkpoints require checking the trekker’s passports, so consider carrying an original or a copy in your packing list for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek. 

Nepal visa- A visa is essential for every foreigner staying in Nepal. You can acquire it in Kathmandu or in advance at your nearest Nepali embassy for just $40 per month. 
 

Permits required for Mardi Himal Trekking

Annapurna Conservation Area project permit (ACAP) - It is a mandatory permit required for all trekkers entering the Annapurna region. It costs NPR 3000 for foreigners and NPR 1000 for SAARC countries. 

Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card - This card is useful for tracking trekkers in the Annapurna region and managing their information for safety and security purposes. It costs about NPR 2000 for foreigners and NPR 300 or 600 for SAARC countries trekkers. 

Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit- It costs about NPR 1000, which is approximately 8 US dollars. 


Note: Trekking agencies include the cost for these permits in the package; you just have to provide your passports and photos so that they can obtain them for you. If you want to attain these yourself, then you can go through a trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) office.

Food and accommodation during Trekking to Mardi Himal
 

Food Options: 

In your journey to Mardi Himal, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious food along the base camp trail. During trekking in the Himalayas, you should focus more on what your body requires rather than your favorites. The quality and quantity of food as well as water you consume during the trip determine the amount of stamina and your body, so it is essential to take a balanced diet to make your trek pleasing and worth it. 

You will come across some small shops along the trail where you can buy some light snacks, chocolates and bottled water. However, we suggest you take your reusable water bottle and fill it at the tea houses before you begin to hike. 

Here are some of the food options you can find during the Mardi Himal trek: 

Breakfast 

  • Tea (milk/black)
  • Coffee
  • Tibetan bread  (with Yak cheese and milk)
  • Porridge (with milk and honey)
  • Pancakes 
  • Aloo Roti
  • Chapati 
  • Eggs 

Meal / Lunch

  • Dal Bhat Tarkari (veg/non-veg)
  • Pasta 
  • Mo:mo (veg/non-veg)
  • Chow-mein (veg/non-veg)
  • Noodles soup (veg/non-veg)
  • Nepali-style pizza
  • Fried Rice (veg/non-veg)

Dessert 

  • Puddings 
  • Chocolate rolls 
  • Sneaker rolls 
  • Curd 

Alcoholic beverages 

  • Beer 
  • Chhyang
  • Tongba
  • Fermented Millet alcohol 

Note: Alcoholic drinks are not recommended for trekkers during the trek because they can increase the risk of dehydration and altitude sickness. 

Safe Drinking Water: 

Despite the number of local water resources you come across on the route, such as taps, wells or rivers in the trekking region, it is not safe for drinking and I do not recommend doing so. 

For safe drinking water, you can certainly buy packaged water bottles from en-route shops and tea houses. But please consider carrying your water bottle and refilling it with purchased bottled water to minimize plastic waste. You can also use water purifying tablets or filters as other alternatives. 

Accommodation:

The accommodation units on the Mardi Himal Trek usually consist of basic to moderate facilities such as tea houses, simple rooms, meals and shared bathroom facilities. Some home stays and guest houses might have more amenities like hot showers or Wi-Fi for an extra charge. 

During peak season, it is recommended to book before to avoid any problems. 

Here are some of the types of accommodation you can find during the Mardi Himal trek: 

Tea Houses: They offer basic but comfortable rooms with moderate services. These rooms come with twin beds with basic bedding and blankets, shared bathrooms and meal facilities. 

These tea houses consist of communal dining areas where trekkers can enjoy their savory meals and form connections with locals and fellow trekkers. 

I recommend you to carry a sleeping bag for more comfort and warmth at higher altitudes. 

Home stays: In some villages, you can find tea houses, offer a small group of trekkers or an individual trekker basic food and lodging services in their own home. They allow you to immerse yourself in traditional Nepali culture and form special bonds. You will get to experience their local lifestyle, the terrain and how climate affects daily life in the mountains. 

Guesthouses: These are usually found in larger villages offering slightly more amenities than tea houses such as hot showers and Wi-Fi. 

Wi-Fi, mobile networking and electricity during Mardi Himal Trekking

Mobile Networking:

The Mardi Himal trekking route has a far better network and connectivity than other routes in the Annapurna region. Both NTC and NCELL SIMs offer proper coverage along the trek. However, the signal may be intermittent, especially at higher elevations. 

Wi-Fi: 

Wi-Fi is available at various points throughout the trek. Places like Australian camp, Dhampus, Pothana and Pitam Deurali. Places like forest camp have no Wi-Fi or reliable signal, and connectivity becomes interfered with and slow after passing Badal Danda

Electricity: 

Most of the tea houses and guest houses have electricity, but to use it, you have to pay a certain amount to charge your devices. There might be frequent power cut-offs as you go to higher altitudes. 

Here are some recommendations for power management during Mardi Himal Trek:

  • Consider getting a high-capacity power bank with at least 20,000 mAh. 
  • Remind yourself to put your phone in battery saver mode and turn off wi-fi as well as mobile data services when it is not in use to conserve battery. 
  • Make sure to turn off any background apps and location services except while using these services. 
  • If possible, bring a solar charger for sustainable power backup.
  • Make sure to put your charged items, such as power banks and mobile phones, close to your heart so that the cold temperature in the surroundings does not drain the battery rapidly. 

Tipping in Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek 

While not being mandatory, tipping culture is prominent and very much appreciated in the trekking community. There aren't any specifically fixed rules regarding tipping, but usually it is common to tip around 10 to 15% of the total cost of the trek. 

Tipping also depends on your experience and satisfaction with the guide’s and porter’s services, which is acceptable. 

Here are some of the guidance to make fair tipping decision: 

  • Longer duration treks may require a slightly higher amount of tips.
  • As the challenges and risks increase with trekking in difficult terrain or higher altitudes, a high amount of tipping is justifiable. 
  • If you were able to make a special bond with your guide or porter who went above and beyond to satisfy your needs, feel free to tip more. 
  • Overall, you can tip however you feel is appropriate and  according to your budget. 

Both Nepali rupees and US dollars are acceptable for tipping. Collective tips are also acceptable, but if you want to give them individual appreciation, you can give them a separate or personal tip as well. 

Just consider balancing the ratio of tipping by the overall cost of the trek and the level of service you received. 

Booking trek to Mardi Himal with Ammonite Adventure 

Ammonite Adventure is a registered trekking agency bonded by the Nepal Government, members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN), and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). So be sure that you are in good hands, and you can trust us to book your dream adventure. 

A 10% advance payment by bank transfer is required to secure your Short Mardi Himal Trek with Ammonite Adventure so that we can confirm and start with your travel arrangements. Once that is done, you can pay the rest of the balance in Nepal with cash, credit card or transfer.

After your successful booking, send us an email with a copy of your passport, which can also include dependent children, photos, travel insurance, and flight details within a week. 

Is last minute booking possible for the Mardi Himal trip? 

Yes! We do accept last-minute bookings for the Mardi trek. However, you should make sure to pay for the trip in full within 24 hours before your trek starts. 

Although we try our best to run treks at any time according to the demand of our guests, last-minute bookings will most likely face some challenges in confirmed flights and weather. 

Is travel insurance required for Mardi Himal Trekking?

Ammonite Adventure recommends that you have travel insurance as it is considered mandatory for anyone willing to trek Mardi Himal. But if you decide to do so, make sure you choose the one that covers high-altitude trekking, medical crisis expenses, emergency evacuations, trip cancellations and repatriation. 

Since the medical facilities in the Annapurna region are limited it is necessary to make sure that it includes coverage for trekking activities above 4000 m. In the event of a serious medical emergency, helicopter evacuation is covered by insurance, which might save you a lot of bucks. 

Final Words,

Trek to Mardi Himal is one of the most rewarding short treks that is suitable for all age groups and experience level trekkers. This is one of the must-do treks during your visit to Nepal. 

Feel free to reach out on www.ammoniteadventure.com  where we arrange your dream trek to the Mardi Himal, Annapurna region. 

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat/cap for daytime 
  • Warm wool/fleece hat for morning and evening 
  • Headlamp with spare bulbs/batteries (very useful for starting early and when there is no light) 
  • Sunglasses (with UV protection) 
  • Buff/scarf to protect from dust and the cold 

Upper Body

  • Lightweight t-shirts/quick-drying shirts (2-3) 
  • Fleece/warm jacket 
  • Waterproof, windproof jacket 
  • Thermal base layers for cold nights 
  • Down jacket (recommended for high altitudes)   

Hands

  • Light gloves for daytime hiking
  • Insulated gloves for cold mornings and higher elevations
  • Waterproof gloves if available​Lower Body
  • Hiking pants (2 pairs)
  • Thermal leggings/long underwear for cold days
  • Comfortable shorts for lower elevation (optional)
  • Waterproof over pants for rain.

Lower Body

  • Hiking pants (2 pairs)
  • Thermal leggings/long underwear for cold days
  • Comfortable shorts for lower elevation (optional)
  • Waterproof over pants for rain.

Feet

  • Hiking boots 
  • A pair of shoes 
  • Rubber sandals
  • Socks 4 to 6 pairs 

Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Quick dry towel
  • sunscreen (high SPF)
  • Lip balm (with SPF)
  • soap and shampoo (small size bottle)
  • toilet paper or tissues
  • hand sanitizer
  • nail clippers and a small mirror
  • regular personal medications
  • wet wipes (good when showers aren't an option)

Backpacks

  • Large duffle bag (shared space with your partner)
  • A day backpack (25-35 Litres) (for your daily water, snacks, and layers)
  • Rain cover for your pack
  • Packing cubes or large plastic bags to organize your gear and keep it dry.

Accessories

  • Water bottles (capacity of at least 2 liters) or hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets or filters are recommended.
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Power bank
  • Travel adapter
  • Notebook and pen (optional for journaling)
  • Snacks and energy bars are highly recommended.

Extra Items

  • Light book or card game to kill time
  • Safety pins and a small sewing kit
  • Ziplock bags to protect electronics
  • Passport-size photos (2) and/or a copy of your passport (in case we need to obtain permits, etc.)

FAQs

No hiking experience is necessary, and it is suitable for beginner trekkers. This is an easy to moderate difficulty trek. I recommend you walk for around 5 to 6 hours a day before the trek, which should be enough. 

The duration for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek can range from 3 to 7 days, depending on the itinerary and the pace of hiking.

Yes, you do require a permit to track in the Mardi Himal Area. Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card are necessary, which are easily attainable from the Nepal Tourism Board or with the help of trekking agencies.

Hiring a guide is not compulsory for the Mardi Himal Trek, but it is highly recommended, especially for novice trekkers. A guide can assist with navigation, provide valuable insights, and ensure your safety throughout the journey. Even for experienced hikers, a guide can make their trip more enjoyable and safe. So, we suggest hiring a guide for trekking.

Yes, it is possible to extend or shorten the itinerary. This means we can modify the Mardi Himal trekking itinerary according to your preferences. To extend the trek, you can choose to add side trips, such as the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Khopra Ridge Trek, or the Poon Hill Trek. We can also shorten the trek to 3 days, which is a very short itinerary.

No. You don't need to carry any food because you will be provided with full three-course meals a day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek, which is more than enough to provide the necessary minerals and carbohydrates to your body. 

However, it is a good idea to carry some protein bars, cereal bars, are any high-energy food with you for little snack breaks during the journey. 

The Mardi Himal is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal, close to Pokhara, i.e., Mardi Himal Base Camp is 31km (19 miles) away from Pokhara in a straight route. But the total hiking distance is around 57km (35 miles) because of the geographical layout of trekking routes. 

No. There are no ATMs available on the trekking route to Mardi Himal Base Camp. So we suggest you prepare local cash (NPR) beforehand when you are in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Yes, it is possible to trek the Mardi Himal route during the Monsoon Season, i.e., June to August, with proper planning and preparation. However, we do not suggest you do so because the trails get slippery, muddy, frequent heavy rainfall and even higher risks of landslides too at the lower parts of the trail.

The mountain views are interrupted by clouds and rainfall so you might not be able to enjoy the stunning scenery as well. 

There are lots of things that could go wrong when the weather is not in our favor. So it is best to travel when the weather is stable. 

Yes. You can either buy or rent a checking account in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. Several stores and shops provide trekking gear and clothing items for both sale and rent. Gears such as sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking pants, trekking poles and other items are necessary for a successful mountain trek. 

However, for boots, it is best if you bring your own well-fitted and comfortable hiking boots.

Even though the maximum altitude of the trek reaches 4,500m (14,764 ft) which is significantly high, it is still considered safe and acclimatization is usually not necessary. But it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and preventive measures at the same time. 

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