Reaching the Mardi Himal Upper Viewpoint (4,200 m) at dawn was the most breathtaking moment of our lives. Standing face-to-face with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South with golden morning light was pure magic. Sagar and our Igloo team were phenomenal — paced our climb through the rhododendron forests, arranged cozy tea houses at Rest Camp and High Camp, and took care of every flight and transfer seamlessly.
Mardi Himal Trek (8 Days)
Walk through rhododendron forests and along open ridges beneath Machhapuchhre on our eight-day Mardi Himal Trek. After flying to Pokhara, you drive to Kande and walk through Pitam Deurali and Rest Camp to High Camp. An early hike follows the higher ridge towards a viewpoint or base camp, before descending through Badal Danda and Siding. The programme includes return flights, five walking days and a final Kathmandu night, with steep climbs and changing weather to prepare for.
Key Trip Facts
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
Our eight-day Mardi Himal Trek follows forest trails from Kande to the ridge beneath Machhapuchhre. You walk through Pitam Deurali and Rest Camp before reaching High Camp, the highest overnight stop. The following morning allows an upper viewpoint or higher base camp hike, depending on the agreed plan, before descending through Badal Danda and Siding.
After arriving in Kathmandu, you fly to Pokhara on Day 2 and continue by road to Kande. The walking route leads through Australian Camp and Pothana to Pitam Deurali, where you spend the first trekking night. The next day continues through rhododendron and oak forest, passing Forest Camp before reaching Rest Camp. Paths climb through wooded hills, with uneven ground and occasional openings towards the surrounding mountain slopes.
From Rest Camp, the route climbs through Low Camp towards High Camp. Trees become fewer as you gain height, and clear weather opens views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. This stage brings a substantial increase in sleeping altitude. Walk steadily, take regular breaks and discuss how you feel with your guide throughout the ascent.
The upper hike can stop at the viewpoint, around 4,200 m, or continue towards the higher base camp, around 4,500 m, when agreed and suitable. The exposed trail requires careful footing and favourable conditions. Afterwards, descend through High Camp to Badal Danda. The final walking day follows forest paths to Siding, before the road transfer to Pokhara for the night.
Five walking days and seven nights complete the programme. You fly back to Kathmandu on Day 7 for a farewell dinner and hotel stay before Day 8 departure.
Key Route Highlights & Destinations
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
Why Book the Mardi Himal Trek with Igloo Himalaya Treks?
We help you prepare in Kathmandu and support the forest and ridge trek through guiding, accommodation and medical kit arrangements.
Trek Briefing and Gear Check
Before departure, we discuss the walking route, altitude and equipment needs. Your briefing gives you time to ask about the upper hike, lodge facilities and travel arrangements before trekking.
Guide and Porter Support
Your package includes a licensed trekking guide and one porter for every two trekkers. The guide leads the route, while the porter carries your luggage. You carry a daypack with essentials.
Medical Kit for the Trek
A medical kit is included for the trek. Bring your personal medicines and suitable trekking equipment. Discuss clothing, sleeping gear and other essentials with us before preparing your main trekking bag.
Communication When Plans Change
Weather, trail conditions and health can affect the upper hike. Domestic flights may also be delayed. Our team discusses options and additional costs when changes require services outside your agreed trekking programme.
Want to know more about the Mardi Himal Trek?
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Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day
Our eight-day Mardi Himal itinerary includes flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara, five walking days and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Walking times are approximate; pace, weather and trail conditions can affect each day’s schedule.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival, airport transfer and trek briefing – Kathmandu, around 1,400 m – Airport transfer ~30 mins
Welcome to Nepal. Our representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After checking in, we discuss the route, equipment and walking schedule so you can prepare for the journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you can walk around Thamel or rest after your flight. Use the time to organise your belongings and discuss any equipment, health or dietary questions before departure.
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Kande and Trek to Pitam Deurali
Flight to Pokhara, drive to Kande and trek to Pitam Deurali – Pitam Deurali, around 2,100–2,150 m – Approximately 25 mins flying, 40 mins driving; 3–4 hours walking
We fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then drive to Kande where the trek begins. The trail climbs towards Australian Camp and continues through Pothana to Pitam Deurali for the night.
Village paths, steps and wooded slopes introduce the lower Mardi Himal route. In clear weather, there are views towards the Annapurna peaks as you gain height. Keep your daypack ready before the flight so walking essentials remain accessible. At Pitam Deurali, settle into the teahouse and rest after a day combining flying, driving and trekking.
Day 3: Trek from Pitam Deurali to Rest Camp
Walking route: Pitam Deurali–Forest Camp–Rest Camp – Rest Camp, around 2,605 m – Approximately 5–6 hours; lodge location and pace affect timing
Leaving Pitam Deurali, we follow the forest trail towards Rest Camp, passing Forest Camp along the way. Rhododendron and oak trees cover sections of this uphill walking stage.
The paths can be damp or slippery after rain, so watch your footing on roots and steps. Keep waterproof clothing and water within reach as you walk through woodland. Rest Camp, around 2,605 m, is your overnight stop. Settle into the lodge and prepare for tomorrow’s ascent through Low Camp towards High Camp and the ridge.
Day 4: Trek from Rest Camp to High Camp
Walking route: Rest Camp–Low Camp–Badal Danda–High Camp – High Camp, around 3,550–3,580 m – Approximately 4–5 hours; allow longer if conditions or pace require
From Rest Camp, we climb towards Low Camp and continue along higher ground to High Camp. Trees become fewer as the trail gains height, opening mountain views when weather is clear.
High Camp, around 3,550–3,580 m, is the highest overnight stop. The ascent from Rest Camp brings a substantial gain in sleeping altitude. Tell your guide about headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue. Prepare warm layers and your headtorch for tomorrow’s upper hike, with the destination dependent on conditions and your health.
Day 5: High Camp to Mardi Himal Viewpoint or Base Camp and Trek to Badal Danda
Viewpoint or agreed higher base camp hike, then descent – Viewpoint ~4,200 m / Base camp ~4,500 m; sleep Badal Danda ~3,200–3,300 m – Approximately 6–8 hours for the viewpoint and descent; confirm the higher base camp allowance
We make an early start for the planned upper hike from High Camp. The trail follows exposed mountain ground, with the destination chosen according to conditions and the programme.
The viewpoint is around 4,200 m; the higher base camp option reaches approximately 4,500 m. Continuing higher adds effort and time. Your guide considers weather, trail access and how you feel before proceeding along the ridge.
After the upper hike, descend through High Camp towards Badal Danda for the night. Take care on downhill sections and keep warm clothing accessible as conditions change.
Day 6: Badal Danda to Siding and Drive to Pokhara
Walking route: Badal Danda–Siding; drive to Pokhara – Pokhara, around 822 m – Approximately 4–5 hours walking; approximately 2–3 hours driving
Our final walking day begins with the descent from Badal Danda towards Siding. The trail returns through forest and village paths, with warmer lower hills replacing the exposed mountain ridge above.
At Siding, the trekking section ends and we travel by road to Pokhara. Driving time depends on the pickup point and road conditions. After checking into your hotel, rest or take a walk around Lakeside. Organise your luggage and confirm arrangements for tomorrow’s flight to Kathmandu and the farewell dinner.
Day 7: Fly to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner
Flight to Kathmandu and farewell dinner – Kathmandu, around 1,400 m – Approximately 25 minutes, excluding airport procedures
After breakfast, we fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. The return journey brings us to the city for a hotel night before tomorrow’s departure, with time to prepare.
After reaching your hotel, the remaining time is free for rest, shopping or exploring nearby areas. We share a farewell dinner in Kathmandu, bringing the trekking programme to a close. Flight timing remains dependent on weather and airline operations.
Day 8: Departure from Kathmandu
Airport transfer and departure from Nepal – Kathmandu, around 1,400 m – Airport transfer ~30 mins
Your Mardi Himal Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure time, there may be an opportunity for a short walk nearby before leaving the hotel for Kathmandu airport.
Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.
What’s Included in the Mardi Himal Trek
Airport transfers
Pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu for arrival and departure flights.
Return domestic flights
Flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara in both directions, with Kande and Siding road transfers as scheduled.
Accommodation
Two nights in a 3-star Kathmandu hotel and one night in Pokhara, plus four mountain teahouse nights. Room arrangements are confirmed in your final quotation.
Meals
City hotel breakfasts; breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek with tea or coffee; farewell dinner in Kathmandu. Your quotation confirms the meal allowance on the final walking day.
Guide and porter
A licensed trekking guide and one porter for every two participating trekkers.
Permits
The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is included; confirm TIMS arrangements and any additional documentation costs before departure.
Trekking accommodation
Four nights in teahouses or lodges at Pitam Deurali, Rest Camp, High Camp and Badal Danda along the route.
Medical supplies
A medical kit is available throughout the mountain trekking programme.
City breakfasts
Breakfast during the scheduled Kathmandu and Pokhara hotel stays.
Emergency arrangements
Coordination if evacuation is needed, with costs subject to your insurance cover.
What’s Not Included in the Mardi Himal Trek
International flights and Nepal visa
Airfare to and from Nepal and your visa fee.
Travel insurance
Your policy, including medical treatment and evacuation cover suitable for the full planned route.
Personal equipment
Boots, clothing, sleeping equipment, toiletries and electronics, plus other personal items needed for trekking.
Extra food and drinks
Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol, snacks and beverages beyond the agreed trekking and hotel allowances.
Other city meals
Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara apart from the included farewell dinner and any quoted allowances.
Personal services
Laundry, internet access, phone charges, showers and device charging where fees apply.
Tips
Voluntary gratuities for your guide, porter and drivers.
Optional sightseeing
Tours, tickets and excursions outside this itinerary.
Additional services
Extra accommodation, meals or transport required outside the agreed itinerary because of delays, personal changes or other circumstances.
Mardi Himal Trek Dates & Availability
Starting Prices
Prices are per-person starting rates in US dollars. Send your dates and group size so we can confirm availability, room arrangements and your final quotation. Ask us about your preferred dates.
Group Departures
If you would like to trek with other travellers, ask us about upcoming group departures. We’ll confirm the available dates, spaces and price for your chosen departure.
Sep 8 – Sep 15, 2026
AVAILABLESep 20 – Sep 27, 2026
AVAILABLEWhat to Pack for the Mardi Himal Trek
Pack layers for warmer forest walks, cold ridge nights and the early upper hike. Keep water, warm clothing, rain protection, medicines and valuables in your daypack. Bring suitable trekking equipment and confirm your porter’s baggage allowance before leaving Kathmandu.
Hiking Gear
Clothing
Sleeping Equipment
Toiletries & Hygiene
Electronics
Documents & Personal Items
Bring a duffel or suitable trekking bag for your main luggage. Keep valuables in your daypack and confirm the porter’s allowance and equipment arrangements before leaving Kathmandu.
Read Before You Book, Mardi Himal Trek (8 Days)
Before choosing this Mardi Himal itinerary, consider the ridge ascent, upper hike and flight journeys. These details help you prepare and decide whether the route suits your experience, fitness and travel plans.
If you are still unsure if this trek is for you, then email or WhatsApp us. We will get back to you within 24 hours to answer any more questions.
Trek Difficulty and Fitness
The trek is moderate to challenging, with five walking days involving sustained climbs, uneven paths and long descents. Rest Camp to High Camp gains substantial altitude, while the upper hike follows exposed mountain ground. Prepare for repeated uphill and downhill walking with a daypack before departure.
Previous hiking experience is helpful. First-time trekkers should build endurance before departure and become comfortable walking uphill and downhill regularly with a daypack.
Begin preparing around two to three months beforehand, allowing longer if you are starting from a low fitness level. Gradually combine regular walks, hill hikes and strength exercises. Practise in the boots you will wear on the trek.
Altitude and Acclimatisation
The itinerary has no dedicated acclimatisation day. Rest Camp to High Camp brings a substantial gain in sleeping altitude, followed by the upper hike before descending to Badal Danda.
Tell your guide about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ascend with symptoms of altitude illness. If symptoms worsen despite rest at the same elevation, descend. Good fitness does not prevent altitude illness, and the upper hike may need to change according to health.
Medical Conditions and Travel Insurance
If you have an existing medical condition, seek advice from a healthcare professional familiar with high-altitude travel before booking. Discuss the planned route and any medicines you take.
Insurance is required and excluded from the price. Choose cover for the full planned route, including trekking to approximately 4,500 metres if the higher base camp is selected. Check medical treatment, emergency evacuation, exclusions and assistance procedures. Carry policy details and emergency contacts.
Accommodation and Room Facilities
Your itinerary includes two Kathmandu hotel nights, one in Pokhara and four mountain nights. Pitam Deurali, Rest Camp, High Camp and Badal Danda each have one overnight stay during the programme.
Mountain rooms generally have twin beds and basic furnishings, with shared bathrooms common higher up. High Camp evenings can be cold. Confirm room arrangements and bring suitable sleeping equipment, warm layers and supplies for the lodge nights.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Days 2–5 include breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea or coffee. Lodge menus commonly offer dal bhat, noodles and other simple dishes.
Tell us about allergies or dietary requirements before booking so we can discuss what can be arranged along the route. Explain strict requirements clearly, including any concerns about shared cooking equipment.
Drinking Water
Carry reusable bottles and drink boiled or appropriately treated water. Stream water and untreated tap water may still contain germs that cause illness.
Boiling is the most reliable way to kill germs. If boiling is unavailable, filtration followed by disinfection offers broader protection than many portable filters alone. Follow the instructions for your water-treatment equipment or tablets.
Guide and Porter Support
Your package includes a licensed guide and one porter for every two trekkers. Confirm baggage limits and the solo porter arrangement before packing. Carry water, warm layers and personal essentials in your daypack.
Showers, Charging and Communication
Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging may cost extra, with availability varying between lodges. Services can be less reliable higher on the ridge. Carry a charged power bank and tell family that contact may be limited. Ask your guide about available facilities at each overnight stop.
Permits and Documents
ACAP is included. Mardi Himal requires an agency-issued TIMS card and licensed guide under the tourism board’s listed provisions. Confirm TIMS arrangements and costs before departure. Carry your passport, insurance details and permit copies for checking.
Travel Delays and Extra Time
Snow, wind and poor visibility can affect the hike. Rain and road conditions affect transfers, while domestic flight delays can alter the trekking schedule.
You return to Kathmandu on Day 7 and stay overnight before Day 8 departure. Discuss contingency arrangements if flight delays affect your return journey.
Altitude Profile of the Mardi Himal Trek
The route climbs from Kande through Pitam Deurali and Rest Camp to High Camp, the highest overnight stop. The upper hike visits a viewpoint or higher base camp before descending to Badal Danda. You then return through Siding to Pokhara, with no further mountain nights.
Overnight Altitudes
Elevations are approximate and follow the overnight stops in our itinerary.
Higher Places You Visit
- Day 3 — Rest Camp: Around 2,605 m, the overnight stop before continuing towards High Camp.
- Day 4 — High Camp: Around 3,550–3,580 m, the highest overnight stop before the upper ridge hike.
- Day 5 — Upper Viewpoint: Approximately 4,200 m if reached, then descending to sleep at Badal Danda.
- Day 5 — Base Camp: Approximately 4,500 m if agreed and reached, requiring a longer hike.
The upper destination depends on your agreed route, weather, trail access and health. Both options return through High Camp before the descent to Badal Danda.
Weather and Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are generally the preferred seasons for Mardi Himal. Both offer opportunities for mountain views and favourable walking conditions, although cold, wind, rain and snowfall remain possible around High Camp and the upper ridge.
Seasonal Weather Conditions
Spring
Lower forest walks become warmer, with rhododendron flowers possible. High Camp nights remain cold, and snow or ice can persist on the upper trail, particularly early in spring. The higher hike depends on current access.
Autumn
Early September can retain monsoon rain on lower paths. October and November generally favour clearer views, with colder nights later in the season. Cloud, wind and snowfall can still affect the upper ridge.
Winter
Cold nights, snow and ice may prevent the upper hike. Lodge availability and trail access need checking. Discuss the intended destination, equipment and alternatives before planning a winter departure.
Monsoon
Rain can make forest paths muddy and slippery, with leeches possible on lower sections. Clouds often hide the peaks. Road conditions and weather-related flight disruption can affect travel, so allow flexibility around the departure plan.
These are seasonal patterns; conditions can vary from year to year and during an individual trek.
How Weather Changes Along the Route
Forest walks can feel warmer in sunshine, while High Camp becomes colder after sunset. The early upper hike is more exposed, with wind adding to the cold along the ridge. Even in spring and autumn, the upper trail can hold snow and ice. Cloud and wind may affect the hike. Carry warm layers and weather protection, and let your guide assess conditions before leaving High Camp for higher ground.
Which Season Should You Choose?
Choose spring for warming days and possible rhododendron flowers on forest trails. Choose autumn, particularly October or November, if mountain visibility is your priority. Winter requires snow and access checks, while monsoon departures need flexibility around wet paths and travel.
Mardi Himal Trek Map
Book the Mardi Himal Trek
Send us your travel dates, number of travellers and questions about Mardi Himal. We’ll confirm the price, accommodation and arrangements for your group. Tell us about your hiking experience and altitude difficulties so we can discuss the upper destination and whether this eight-day flight itinerary suits your plans before you decide to book.
Use the Booking Widget in the sticky sidebar on the right or click below to submit your inquiry directly. Our lead Himalayan guide will respond within 4 hours!
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Mardi Himal Trek FAQs
General & Route
Yes, with suitable fitness and preparation. This route includes sustained climbs, uneven paths and an exposed upper ridge. Practise longer hill walks with a daypack before departure, and discuss your experience with us before choosing the higher hike.
The viewpoint is around 4,200 metres. The higher base camp option reaches approximately 4,500 metres if agreed and completed. High Camp, around 3,550–3,580 metres, is the highest overnight stop. The destination depends on conditions and health.
Yes, discuss the upper destination before departure. The viewpoint is lower than the higher base camp, which requires additional effort and time. Weather, trail conditions and your health determine how far the group can proceed safely.
No. You stay at High Camp on Day 4, visit the viewpoint or base camp on Day 5, then descend to Badal Danda for the night. The upper hike is a daytime visit, with no overnight stay higher up.
Mardi Himal climbs to a higher ridge beneath Machhapuchhre, with an optional viewpoint or base camp hike. Poon Hill focuses on forest and village trails with a lower sunrise viewpoint. Compare the walking demands, altitude and time available before choosing.
No. The itinerary has five walking days and no acclimatisation day. Rest Camp to High Camp gains substantial sleeping altitude. Walk steadily, report symptoms and discuss adjustments if the ascent or upper hike becomes unsuitable.
No. The viewpoint reaches around 4,200 metres, and the higher base camp may reach approximately 4,500 metres. Choose insurance covering your full planned route, trekking activity, medical treatment and emergency evacuation in Nepal. Check altitude exclusions before departure.
Tell your guide about headaches, nausea, dizziness or unusual fatigue. Do not ascend with symptoms of altitude illness. If symptoms worsen despite rest at the same elevation, descent is necessary. Your upper hike may need to change.
A porter carries your main luggage, with one porter for every two trekkers. Confirm the baggage allowance before packing. You carry a daypack with water, warm layers, medicines, valuables and essentials during the walking day.
Plan to bring suitable sleeping equipment and an insulated jacket for cold ridge nights and early starts. Confirm any equipment arrangements before packing. Bring your own boots, clothing and essentials, keeping warm layers accessible during the hike.
Yes. The solo starting price is from USD 905 per person. Send us your dates so we can confirm availability and your quotation, including the room arrangement, porter allocation and any supplement for your departure.
Yes. You fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu on Day 7, share a farewell dinner and stay overnight before Day 8 departure. Domestic flights can still be delayed, so allow flexibility and discuss contingency arrangements before finalising your travel.
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Enquire about your preferred package for current prices and availability.