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Pasang Sherpa (Managing Director)
+977-9851060947
Since 1998 15,000+ Happy Guests Sherpa Owned & Operated Company
*Including healthy meals
*Including healthy meals
based on 1 review(s)
The Mardi Himal Trek, located in Nepal’s Annapurna region, is a stunning short trek ideal for those seeking Himalayan beauty without a long commitment. Known for its quiet trails and breathtaking viewpoints, it's perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers looking for a peaceful alternative to busier routes like Annapurna Base Camp. The trail passes through lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages, culminating at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m / 14,764ft) with panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu.The best time to trek is in spring (mid-February to May) for warm weather and blooming rhododendrons, or in autumn (mid-September to early December) for clear skies and stunning mountain views.
Upon arrival at the airport, after clearing baggage claim and completing the visa procedures, head outside to the terminal gate. Look for our representative and driver holding a Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expeditions signboard at the entrance. As per Sherpa tradition, our guide will greet you with a warm welcome and present you with a silk scarf.
A private vehicle will then transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll check in and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink—choose from tea, coffee, cold drinks, or fresh juices. After check-in, the company manager will meet you at your preferred time to provide a detailed briefing about your itinerary and trip details.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest Nepali restaurants, where you'll savor traditional Nepali dishes accompanied by a captivating cultural performanc
After a hearty breakfast in Kathmandu, we head to the domestic airport for a spectacular 25-minute flight to Pokhara, offering breathtaking views of the Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges—your first glimpse of the Himalayan giants. At Pokhara Airport, our welcoming Sherpa crew meets you and escorts you on a scenic one-hour private drive to Kande, the starting point of our trek.
We begin our hike toward Deurali (2,100m), reaching the serene Australian Camp after about two hours. This peaceful hilltop offers stunning panoramic views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna II & IV, and Lamjung Himal. We stop here for a well-earned lunch surrounded by natural beauty.
Continuing downhill to Pothana (1,950m), we check in at the ACAP and TIMS checkpoint, then ascend gently to Deurali to end the day. Forested trails, mountain vistas, and authentic village charm make this a perfect introduction to your Himalayan journey.
Note: Starting the trek from Kande is a peaceful and scenic alternative to the busier routes—perfect for easing into the Mardi Himal trek. The trail begins with a gradual ascent to Australian Camp (2,060m) in about an hour, followed by an easy walk to Pothana (1,950m) and a gentle climb to Deurali (2,100m). Few trekkers choose this route, making it a quiet and beautiful start to your Himalayan adventure.
After breakfast in Deurali (2,100m), the trek heads east, leaving the main Annapurna trails behind as you enter a quieter, more secluded section of the Mardi Himal route. The trail turns right from the ridge and dives into a dense rhododendron and oak forest, offering a serene, shaded walk with occasional bird calls and filtered mountain views.
As you ascend gradually, the peaceful atmosphere and untouched beauty of the jungle trail make this section a favorite for nature lovers. About halfway through, the trail dips briefly before climbing again toward your destination. Expect a mix of gentle inclines and steeper sections, especially as you near Forest Camp (also known locally as Kokar).
Located at 2,520 meters (8,064 feet), Forest Camp is a small clearing in the woods with several cozy teahouses where you can enjoy mountain hospitality and rest for the night. While you don’t yet have wide Himalayan views, the surrounding forest and peaceful environment create a magical and calming trekking experience.
After a peaceful night in the woods at Forest Camp, today’s trek takes you deeper into the Mardi Himal trail and higher in elevation. The day begins with a fairly steep ascent through dense rhododendron and oak forests, rich in birdlife and shaded serenity.
Roughly an hour into the hike, you’ll reach Rest Camp, a small teahouse stop ideal for a short break and a chance to hydrate. From here, the trail gradually opens up as you climb above the tree line, and the first glimpses of snow-capped peaks begin to appear.
The name Badal Danda, meaning "Cloud Hill," truly lives up to its reputation. As you reach this scenic ridge at 3,360 meters (11,020 feet), the forest gives way to wide-open grassy slopes with breathtaking panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. On a clear day, the clouds roll beneath the ridge, creating a dramatic "above the clouds" effect.
You'll arrive in time for lunch, and the afternoon is free to relax, acclimatize, and take in the stunning surroundings. Badal Danda is a perfect spot for sunset views over the Himalayas.
After an early breakfast at Badal Danda, you’ll begin today’s ascent towards High Camp, situated at 3,540 meters (11,328 feet). The trail starts off relatively steep as you leave the grassy ridgeline and move into higher altitudes where the vegetation becomes more sparse. The once-dense rhododendron forests give way to alpine scrub, with the iconic rhododendron bushes and occasional wild shrubs adding a splash of color against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
The higher you climb, the more expansive the views become. You’ll be treated to wide panoramas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, which appear even closer as you gain altitude. At times, you might spot wildlife like Himalayan tahr or the Daphne pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, along the way.
Around the 2-hour mark, you’ll reach a small teahouse at Rest Camp, a welcome spot for a brief rest and a hot drink before continuing the final stretch towards High Camp. The trail gradually flattens out as you near High Camp, and the landscape transitions into a barren, windswept ridge, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains in all directions.
Upon arrival at High Camp, you’ll find yourself surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges, with Mardi Himal looming above. This is a perfect spot for acclimatization, and the high altitude ensures a peaceful and relatively quiet atmosphere. Take your time to explore the area and soak in the stunning scenery before resting for the night.
The first option is to push on to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) from High Camp, a challenging and rewarding full-day trek of approximately 7-8 hours, with a round-trip return. This will be an unforgettable journey, offering panoramic vistas of the towering peaks, but it’s a demanding day.
Alternatively, we can choose a more relaxed pace by hiking up to the Viewpoint (approximately halfway), enjoying spectacular views, and then returning to High Camp for a slightly easier, yet still awe-inspiring experience.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our day as the first light of dawn bathes the towering peaks of Annapurna South, Himalchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in golden hues. The ascent over the next 2-3 hours is steep, but the views keep you captivated as you look down over the trail to Annapurna Base Camp and out to the high, snow-capped giants of the Himalayas.
Reaching the top, you are treated to a 360-degree panorama that feels like stepping into the heart of the Himalayas. Annapurna South (7,219m), Himalchuli, Glacier Dome (7,069m), Gangapurna (7,454m), Machhapuchhre, and the jagged summit of Mardi Himal (5,587m) stand proud against the sky. This breathtaking vista is an experience that will stay with you long after the trek.
This day offers not just spectacular views, but a deep connection with the mountains, their grandeur, and their rugged beauty. Whether you choose the full trek to base camp or a shorter trek to the viewpoint, it will surely be one of the highlights of your journey.
After enjoying breakfast at Low Camp, we begin our descent toward Landruk, a scenic Gurung village nestled on the side of the Modi Khola valley. The trail drops steadily, winding through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, offering occasional glimpses of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South as the landscape opens up.
We first retrace our steps through Forest Camp, then continue descending through quiet woodland paths. This part of the trail is rich in biodiversity and birdsong, making for a peaceful and refreshing walk.
Eventually, the forest thins as we approach the lower hills. We pass through small settlements and terraced fields before arriving in Landruk, located at 1,565 meters. The village offers stunning views of the Annapurna Range, especially Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre, and is known for its traditional Gurung culture and hospitality.
This section of the trek is less physically demanding compared to the higher elevations, but the consistent descent can be tough on the knees—trekking poles are helpful here.
After a relaxed morning in the beautiful village of Landruk, we begin our trek toward Ghandruk, another iconic Gurung settlement in the Annapurna region. The trail initially descends steeply through terraced fields and stone steps to the Modi Khola (river), which flows from the Annapurna Base Camp.
After crossing the bridge over the Modi Khola, the trail begins a steady and sometimes steep uphill climb through forests and stone-paved switchbacks. This part can be a bit challenging but is well-maintained and shaded.
As we gain elevation, we begin to see stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). After 3 to 4 hours of hiking, we reach Ghandruk, one of the largest and most culturally rich Gurung villages in the region.
Ghandruk offers magnificent mountain vistas, traditional houses, a Gurung museum, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to explore local culture and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay with panoramic views.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast in Ghandruk, surrounded by the tranquil mountain views. Afterward, embark on a short, relaxing one-hour trek through charming villages and terraced rice fields, making your way toward Khimche. The trek provides a final opportunity to take in the natural beauty and local life of the Annapurna region.
Upon reaching Khimche, a private jeep will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive back to Pokhara, approximately a 2-hour journey. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque landscapes as you leave the mountains behind and head toward the serene lakeside city.
Upon arriving in Pokhara, you'll check into your comfortable hotel and have some time to freshen up. After lunch, we’ll take you on a relaxing tour of Pokhara, visiting iconic spots such as Devi’s Fall and the International Mountain Museum. You'll also enjoy a peaceful hour-long boat ride on Phewa Lake, with stunning mountain reflections and a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
In the evening, explore the lively Lakeside area at your own pace. Whether you're in the mood for Nepali delicacies or international cuisine, there’s no shortage of great dining options. Wrap up your day with a delightful meal, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your trek and your time in Nepal.
After a satisfying buffet breakfast at your luxury hotel, you'll be transferred to Pokhara's domestic airport, just a quick 20-minute drive from your accommodation. From there, enjoy a scenic 25-minute flight back to Kathmandu, offering stunning aerial views of the mighty Himalayas and the verdant valleys below.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll embark on a full-day guided tour of the city’s most iconic and culturally significant sites. Your first stop is the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world. Located along the Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hub of religious activity, where you can witness ancient rituals and the spiritual vibrancy that surrounds it.
Next, we’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most revered Buddhist stupas in Nepal. This peaceful monument is central to Tibetan Buddhist practices and is surrounded by monasteries, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. You'll also have the chance to enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant, where you can marvel at panoramic views of the stupa and surrounding areas.
After lunch, the tour continues to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Perched on a hill, this ancient Buddhist site provides sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley and is renowned for its tranquil environment and playful monkeys.
Lastly, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical heart of the city, home to grand temples, royal palaces, and vibrant markets. Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and discover the deep cultural and historical significance it holds, once being the center of Nepalese kingship.
After your tour, return to Thamel, the lively tourist district. Take some time to wander the colorful streets, shop for unique souvenirs, or enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many renowned restaurants. Your day ends with a restful night at your luxury hotel, where you can unwind and reflect on the remarkable experiences from your Annapurna Base Camp trek.
After breakfast, our guide and office vehicle will be on standby at our hotel to transfer you to the airport for our connecting flight home.
Serving you was an incredible joy and pleasure, we at Mountain Sherpa Trekking and Expeditions will cherish the bonds of our relationship created over the time you spent with us, and we thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and for visiting this fantastic country Nepal. We are sure that trekking in this beautiful region of the Annapurna region [ Mardi Himal trek] will give you lifetime memories of a vacation well enjoyed. Ciao friends! Till we meet again!!
If you’re looking to experience the stunning Mardi Himal Trek with your spouse, family, or a small group of friends, we offer the flexibility to customize your trek around your preferred travel dates. Simply let us know when you'd like to go, and we’ll take care of all the details to ensure a seamless, private trekking experience.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with expert local Sherpa guides who will enrich your journey with their knowledge and hospitality. Along the way, stay in comfortable, well-maintained hotels and cozy Sherpa lodges that offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Choose your ideal travel dates, and leave the rest to us. Get in touch via email to reserve your spot, and we’ll handle all the arrangements for your perfect private trek.
| Travellers | Pricing From (USD) † |
|---|---|
| 1-1 | $1670 |
| 2-4 | $1470 |
| 5-8 | $1370 |
| 9-16 | $1170 |
| † Double occupancy |
* Trip elements may be adjusted on smaller group sizes.
A Custom Mardi Himal Trek is a fully personalized adventure tailored to your exact preferences and requirements. Whether you have a specific vision for your trip or need expert guidance, we’re here to turn your dream journey into reality. Just share your ideal experience with us, and we’ll design an itinerary that perfectly matches your vision—like a custom-made suit that fits just right.
As local Sherpa experts, we specialize in creating unforgettable treks for individuals, families, or small groups, and we can adapt every detail to meet your needs, interests, and budget. From the type of accommodation to the length of the trek or even adding or skipping activities, we’ll work with you to create your perfect vacation.
Feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your unique preferences, and we’ll craft a personalized Mardi Himal Trek itinerary just for you. Simply click below to request a quote, and we’ll ensure your trip is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.The current fee for a multiple-entry visa valid for 15 days is USD $30. A multiple-entry visa valid for 30 days is USD $50. All fees are subject to change without notice and must be paid in cash in U.S. dollars. Carrying two passport-size photos is also recommended.
'On Arrival' visa procedure is very quick and simple. You can expect some queues during peak Tourist season. If you wish to skip those queues, you can also consider getting Visa from Nepalese Diplomatic Missions stationed abroad prior to your arrival. Choice is yours.
Once you arrive at the airport, please follow these simple procedures for Tourist Visa on Arrival.
Fill in ' Arrival Card '
Fill in Online Tourist Visa form (you can fill it up prior to your arrival visiting official website of Department of Immigration / fill it up using Kiosk machines upon your arrival at the airport). If you fill it from the website, you will get submission Receipt with barcode, please print it out and bring it along for acquiring visa. It works for fifteen days and becomes invalid then after. If so, you will have to fill it up again.
Make payment at the bank according to your visa requirement (15/30/90 Days) Get the receipt
While you can use different modes of payments (at visa fees collection counter), we advise you to carry some cash to be on the safe side.
Proceed to the Immigration Desk with your online form, payment receipts and your passport.Hand in your documents to immigration officer for visa processing. He/she issues visa to you upon his/her satisfaction.
15 Days – 30 USD
30 Days – 50 USD
90 Days – 125 USD
Nepal: Cash transactions can generally be made in either U.S. dollars or local currency. U.S.dollars should be recently issued bills in smaller denominations. Major credit cards are accepted mainly in the larger shops, hotels and tourist category restaurants. Access to ATM machines is available in bigger city like Kathmandu & Pokhara but limited in rural areas.
Morning Breakfast between 7:00-8:00 AM
Afternoon Lunch between 12:30 – 1:00 PM
Evening Dinner between 6:00-8:30 PM
For many of us, the perfect choice may be to go for mineral water. After all, it’s sealed and safe to drink, plus it provides an income for the local traders – right? Regrettably, things are never quite that simple. Mineral water produces a vast number of knock-on problems for mountain societies.
While it does provide an income to local people it also generates an extraordinary, heart-breaking amount of waste and spoiling. Most places simply do not have the resources to do anything with the empty plastic bottles – and they burn them, releasing toxic gases into the air, or leave them in piles just out of sight of travelers, where they take more than 450 years to decompose.
Take, for example, Mardi Himal Trek. The recommended amount of water intake on a high-altitude trek like this is 3-4 litters a day. The trek is 7 days long. That’s more than approximately 21 litter and 21 plastic bottles, which won’t decompose until the year 2466 – per person.
For a full MST group of 12 people, just one trip will result in more than 252 mineral water bottles. And the salt in the wound is that plastic doesn’t decompose at high altitudes, so those 360 or more bottles will be up there forever. But what can you do? You have to drink, so how can you get around the problem?
The Alternatives: The great news is that there are really various options that will help you out of the bottled water trap. Here are just four of the best. All you have to do is pick which one is right for you.
Striped- Steripen is the most trusted model on the market. This technique uses exactly the same process as most mineral water undergoes before it is bottled. It’s UV filtering, exactly the same treatment as the majority of bottled water undergoes to be purified, but on the go. The technology has been around for much longer than you think, but it’s only recently been competitively priced enough to be on the market. SteriPen is an American company; other UV filters are also available.
Boiled water– This isn’t always an option if you’re out and about, but boiled water is an excellent option for safe drinking water on trek. Boiling the water kills any nastiness lurking there. It is the safest and most convenient option. Most lodges serve it, and it is great to ward off the cold. Prices range anywhere between NPR 50 and 120 per liter. This means the cost of drinking water will be around $25-$30 for 7 days ABC trek. Please note that 3-4 liters of fully boiled drinkable water are provided daily. Book our all-inclusive Mardi Himal trek package for safe and hassle-free service. There is no hidden cost.
Purification tablets– Water refining tablets or chemicals like chlorine dioxide are frequently used. They are easy to carry and cheap to buy. However, they are not as effective as UV filters or boiled water and need a few hours to act. Besides these, LifeStraw and iodine-based treatments are also available but have their drawbacks. Read more about Water Safety in Nepal and Diarrhoea here.
We always provide timely airport pickup service, which is most important for hassle-free travel. Your guide & driver will meet you at the arrivals hall after you pick up your luggage and head to the exit. (Provide us with your correct international flight details). Please meet our Guide and driver who will be waiting outside the Kathmandu international airport terminal. Our Guide will be holding a welcome banner with your name and our company name Mountain Sherpa Trekking & Expedition at the Kathmandu international airport. They will take you to your hotel in a vehicle arranged by us. By booking your trip with us, you get a safe and comfortable ride without stress and inconvenience.
Flying is by far the fastest and most comfortable way of traveling between Kathmandu and Pokhara and is highly suggested if you're short on time and looking for a comfortable journey. There are several flights scheduled each day from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport and take only around 25 minutes. It's a very scenic flight, particularly if you sit on the right-hand side of the plane, so you can see the Himalayas. When flying, you're likely to arrive feeling enthusiastic and with plenty of time for activities the same day, which can't really be said if you make the trip overland.
Naturally Pokhara. The charming city has numerous beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of the Fishtail Mountain flanked by the Majestic Himalayas. Pokhara is an amazing place for natural beauty at an altitude of 827 meters from sea level and 200 km west of Kathmandu. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8,000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there are lakes, caves, and impressive falls (Patale Chhango or Devi's Fall) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. These are some of the Pokhara's heritage sites as well
We meet our Sherpa crew at Pokhara Airport then you will transfer to Kande by Private Car. Which is approximately a 45-minute drive from Pokhara, from where we'll begin the first steps of our trek. From Pokhara, we travel by a private vehicle northwest along the Baglung Rajmarg Road.
Although most of the trekkers began from Phedi, we highly advise you to drive up to Kade and start your first-day trek because the trekking route from Kande- Australian Camp to Deurali offers a spectacular view of Annapurna Range including Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna II and IV and Lamjung Himal.
We end our trek in the lower Modi Khola at Kimche. From here you will transfer back to Pokhara by private vehicle. It takes approx. 1-2 hours by private vehicle. We will arrive in Pokhara by late afternoon. The vehicles being used by mountain Sherpa Trekking during the tour will be fully sanitized before use.
The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your kit bag while trekking should be no more than 15 KG/33Lbs. Please note that this gear list is only a guide. Those are basic to bring the listed items, but you can decide from your desired brands using your expertise. Plus, you can shop the trekking gear and clothing at a good price at stores in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Additional Supplies
Basic First Aid Kit including antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea treatment (Imodium), altitude (Diamox), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite). Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:
The Nepalese are still traditional and conservative in the way they dress. Hence to avoid discomfiture on both sides we advise that you respect this and do not wear revealing clothing or sleeveless tops while visiting Nepal. Shorts are acceptable, but they should reach just above the knee and be modest and for women, it is better to wear trousers or a long skirt.
As you pack for Mardi Himal Trek remember that your gear will be separated into two packs: your daypack that you will carry each day as you trek, and your duffle bag which will be carried between tea houses by porters. All extra baggage (non- trekking items) can be stored at the hotel before you start your trek. We provide you with a free duffel bag in Kathmandu. You can use it to pack your essential trekking equipment. We provide one-porter services for two people. Porters will carry up to 25 kg - 30 Kg or 55-66 pounds of your personal items. This must include your sleeping bag and down jackets. Therefore your duffel bag should not weigh more than 12 kg-15 kg or 26 pounds to 33 pounds.
Daypacks can be any size for hiking, but we always recommend the smaller, the better. Around the 25l to 30l size is good for the Mardi trek. You need to carry your own backpack (with waterproof cover) where you can carry your daily needed items in your own backpack. For instance: Water bottle, Extra money for drinks, souvenirs & tips, sunhat, camera, important documents, toiletries, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, rain gear, music (iPhone), etc.
If you don’t have your own down jacket & sleeping bag, don’t worry. We will provide you with 4 season sleeping bags and a good down jacket with a hood for complementary use. Good quality sleeping bag and down jacket are most important for high altitude trek.
