Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days: Itinerary, Cost & Guide

Key Takeaways – Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days

• Perfect Short Trek in Nepal: The Mardi Himal Trek is a 12-day peaceful adventure ideal for beginners, offering close-up views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli with fewer crowds.

• Easy to Moderate Difficulty: Suitable for anyone in good health, with daily hikes of 4–7 hours and a maximum altitude of 4,500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp.

• Best Seasons Are Spring and Autumn: Clear skies and blooming nature make March–May and September–November the best times to go.

• Affordable and Complete Package: The full trek, including permits, guide, food, and transport, costs around US$ 950, making it a great value for a full Himalayan experience.

Looking for a peaceful trek in Nepal with beautiful mountain views? The Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days journey is the perfect adventure for you. This trek is shorter than other famous treks but still gives amazing views of the Himalayas, local culture, and quiet nature trails.

This guide will give you everything you need to know a full day-by-day plan, what to pack, cost, permits, best time to go, and tips for a safe and happy trek.

Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for trekkers who want:

• A short and scenic trek
• Fewer crowds than Everest or Annapurna
• Great views of Mount Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli
• A chance to explore local culture and villages

It’s one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. You walk through forests, mountain ridges, and small villages. It’s quiet, peaceful, and truly beautiful.

Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days Itinerary (In-Depth)

Here’s a full look at the 12-day trekking plan, with each day explained in simple words:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)

You land in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. A driver may pick you up from the airport. You check into a hotel, meet your guide, and rest after your flight. You can take a short walk around Thamel, a popular tourist area.

Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (822m)

Take a 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara, a beautiful city by the lake. The ride gives you views of rivers, green hills, and villages. Pokhara is a great place to relax before the trek.

Day 3: Drive to Kande, Trek to Deurali (2,100m)

Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1.5 hours), then hike to Deurali. On the way, you’ll pass Australian Camp and Pothana. It’s a 3–4 hour walk through forest and hills. You’ll start seeing mountain views from here.

Day 4: Trek to Forest Camp (2,600m)

Walk for about 5–6 hours through thick forest filled with birds and trees. This trail is peaceful and has fewer people. You’ll stay at Forest Camp, also called Kokar.

Day 5: Trek to Low Camp (3,150m)

Today’s walk is shorter, about 3–4 hours. The forest begins to thin, and you get better views of the snow-covered Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain).

Day 6: Trek to High Camp (3,580m)

The trail is more open now. You walk along a high ridge with wide views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. You’ll reach High Camp in 4–5 hours. It’s colder here, so dress warm.

Day 7: Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), Return to High Camp

Start early in the morning to hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp the highest point of the trek. It takes 6–7 hours round trip. The views are amazing. You’ll see giant mountains up close and take lots of photos. Then return to High Camp to sleep.

Day 8: Trek to Siding Village (1,750m)

Walk down to Siding, a quiet village. It takes about 6–7 hours. You’ll go through forest, farmland, and local homes. It’s a nice place to rest after reaching the base camp.

Day 9: Drive Back to Pokhara

Take a 2–3 hour jeep ride back to Pokhara. You can enjoy good food, take a shower, and relax by the lake. It’s a great reward after days of walking.

Day 10: Free Day in Pokhara

This is your rest day. You can:

• Go boating on Phewa Lake
• Visit the Peace Pagoda
• See caves and waterfalls
• Shop for souvenirs

Day 11: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Take a 6–7 hour drive back to Kathmandu. You can enjoy your last evening with a nice dinner and maybe visit a temple or shop around Thamel.

Day 12: Departure Day

Say goodbye to Nepal. A driver will take you to the airport. You’ll fly home with memories of the mountains in your heart.

How Difficult Is the Mardi Himal Trek?

This trek is easy to moderate. You don’t need to be a mountain expert, but you should be in good health. Each day, you walk for 4 to 7 hours.

The highest point is 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), so altitude can make it harder. To stay safe:

• Walk slowly
• Drink water often
• Take breaks
• Listen to your guide

Best Time to Do Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days

The best seasons are:

Spring (March–May):

• Warm weather
• Blooming rhododendron flowers
• Great mountain views

Autumn (September–November):

• Clear skies
• Cool temperatures
• Best for photos and views

Avoid:

• Monsoon (June–August): Rain and slippery trails
• Winter (December–February): Cold and snow at high camps

 What to Pack for the Trek

Here are the basics you need to bring:

Clothes

• Warm jacket
• Raincoat
• Hiking pants and shirts
• Gloves, hat, and scarf
• Hiking boots and socks

Gear

• Sleeping bag
• Backpack (30–40L)
• Water bottle or purifier
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• First aid kit

Total Cost of Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days

The total cost for the Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days is about US$ 950. This includes:

Prices can vary based on comfort level, group size, and trekking company.

Permits You Need

You need two main permits for this trek:

1. TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
2. ACAP Permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)

You can get these in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you book through a trekking agency, they will handle them for you.

Guide or Solo: What’s Better?

You can do this trek with a guide or solo.

Guide Pros:

• Safe and easy
• They know the trail
• Help if you feel sick
• Support the local economy

Solo Pros:

• Flexible and cheaper
• More freedom

If you're a beginner, a guide is recommended. It’s safer and more enjoyable.

Final Tips for a Great Trek

• Walk slow and steady
• Drink 2–3 liters of water daily
• Bring light snacks
• Charge your devices in lower villages
• Respect nature and local culture
• Enjoy every moment

Conclusion

The Mardi Himal Trekking 12 Days journey is short, peaceful, and full of adventure. You’ll see giant mountains, stay in cozy teahouses, and enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty.

This trek is great for first-timers, solo travelers, and anyone who loves quiet mountain trails. Start planning your Mardi Himal trek today and get ready for memories that will last forever.