Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek route with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna peaks in the Annapurna region.Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek route with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna peaks in the Annapurna region.

Mardi Himal Trek – 8 Days Itinerary & Cost 2026/2027

  • Duration8 Days
  • Route Grade Exploratory Travel
  • Trip Style Trekking
  • Starting City Kathmandu
  • Ending City Kathmandu
Price fromUS$675
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Mardi Himal Trek – 8 Days Itinerary & Cost 2026/2027 map

Trip Overview

This 8 Day Mardi Himal Trek is a great short adventure if you want to experience the Himalayas without spending weeks on the trail. You begin your trip in Kathmandu, travel to Pokhara, and then trek through forests, mountain villages, and scenic ridges toward Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. Along the way, you get to enjoy beautiful views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

We have planned this trek at a comfortable pace, with cozy tea house stays and experienced guides to support you throughout the journey. Whether this is your first trek in Nepal or you are returning to explore the Annapurna region again, this Mardi Himal Trek gives you a genuine mountain trekking experience with stunning views in  just 8 days.

Trip Info 

Trip Detail
Information

Trip Code

 

Starting Point / End Point

Kathmandu to Kathmandu

Accommodations

Hotel in Kathmandu, 3 Star Hotel in Pokhara, mountain tea houses during the trek

Max Altitude

4500M, Mardi Himal Base Camp

Duration

8 Days, 7 Nights

Country

Nepal

Trip Grade

Moderate to Challenging

Activities

Trekking and Mountain sightseeing

Best Season

Spring (March to May), Autumn (September to November)

Itinerary Overview

This 7 Nights 8 Days Mardi Himal Trek 2026/2027 is a wonderful short Himalayan adventure that takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and into the scenic Annapurna region. As you arrive in Kathmandu, we begin with a short trip briefing, then fly to Pokhara and drive to Kande to start the trek. Over the next few days, we will walk through forests, mountain villages, and ridge trails to Deurali, Low Camp, and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), the highest point of the trek. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. After taking in the mountain scenery, we descend through Badal Danda and Sidding, return to Pokhara for a relaxing lakeside evening, and then fly back to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner before your departure.

Here's a quick look at how your 8 day Mardi Himal Trek itinerary unfolds:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m), airport transfer, trip briefing, and welcome dinner.

  • Day 2: Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kande, and trek to Deurali (2,100 m), 6 km, about 4 hours.

  • Day 3: Trek to Low Camp (2,600 m), 7 km, about 6 hours.

  • Day 4: Trek to High Camp (3,550 m), 9 km, about 6 hours.

  • Day 5: Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and trek back to Badal Danda (3,200 m), total 8–9 hours.

  • Day 6: Trek to Sidding (1,700 m), about 3 hours, then drive to Pokhara, about 3 hours.

  • Day 7: Fly back to Kathmandu (25 min), free time, farewell dinner, and trek certificate distribution.

  • Day 8: Breakfast, airport transfer, and fly back home.

Why You Will Love This Trip

  • Mardi Himal Base Camp: Reaching 4500M and looking straight up at Machhapuchhre is a moment that genuinely stops people in their tracks, and it's one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the whole Annapurna region.

  • Short and Rewarding: At just 8 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, this trek gives you a full high altitude experience without needing a huge chunk of time off.

  • Quiet, Less Crowded Trails: Compared to some of the bigger circuits, the trail to Mardi Himal feels peaceful, with a real sense of walking through untouched forest and ridgelines.

  • Changing Scenery Every Day: You'll move through rhododendron forest, open ridges, and high alpine terrain, so the landscape keeps transforming as you climb.

  • Tal Barahi Temple by Boat: Ending the trek with a peaceful boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple in Pokhara is a lovely way to unwind after the climb.

  • A Team That Genuinely Cares: From your airport pickup to your farewell dinner, we focus on transparent communication and smooth arrangements at every step, so you can completely enjoy the mountain trekking experience. 

Altitude & Activity Chart

This is a moderate to challenging trek, with altitudes ranging from 1,350 m in Kathmandu up to 4,500 m at Mardi Himal Base Camp. The 8 day trek moves ahead at a steady pace with moderate distances. The trip schedule fits best, if you have only 8 days of total time. 

Day
Location
Altitude
Trekking Distance
Activities
Trek / Drive Time

Day 1

Kathmandu

1350M

N/A

Arrival transfer, hotel check-in, and briefing session.

Airport transfer and evening briefing

Day 2

Deurali

2100M

6 KM

Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kande, and trek to Deurali.

25 min flight, 45 min drive, 4 hrs trek

Day 3

Low Camp

2600M

7 KM

Trek from Deurali to Low Camp.

6 hrs trek

Day 4

High Camp

3550M

9 KM

Trek from Low Camp to High Camp.

6 hrs trek

Day 5

Badal Danda

3200M

Approx. 15–16 KM

Excursion to Mardi Himal Base Camp and trek back to Badal Danda.

8–9 hrs total trek

Day 6

Sidding / Pokhara

1700M

Approx. 5–6 KM

Trek to Sidding, then jeep drive to Pokhara.

3 hrs trek, 3 hrs drive

Day 7

Kathmandu

1350M

N/A

Fly back to Kathmandu and have a farewell dinner.

25 min flight

Day 8

Departure

N/A

N/A

Airport transfer and departure.

Airport transfer

Accommodation and Meals Overview

Throughout the trip you'll spend 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, 4 nights in mountain tea houses during the trek, and 1 night in a 3 star hotel in Pokhara. Meals are included generously throughout, with full board during the trekking days since tea house options are limited at altitude. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we include a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner, along with breakfast daily, while a few meals are left open so you have the freedom to explore local restaurants.

Day
Location
Accommodation
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 1

Kathmandu

The Address Kathmandu Hotel, Thamel

N/A

N/A

Included (Welcome Dinner)

Day 2

Deurali

Mountain Tea House

Included

Included

Included

Day 3

Low Camp

Mountain Tea House

Included

Included

Included

Day 4

High Camp

Mountain Tea House

Included

Included

Included

Day 5

Badal Danda

Mountain Tea House

Included

Included

Included

Day 6

Pokhara

3 Star Hotel, Lakeside Pokhara

Included

Included

N/A

Day 7

Kathmandu

The Address Kathmandu Hotel, Thamel

Included

N/A

Included (Farewell Dinner)

Day 8

Departure

N/A

Included

N/A

N/A

Cost Includes

Cost & Inclusions Overview

This 7 night, 8 day Mardi Himal Trek package includes airport pickup and drop off, the Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic flights, ground transport including the van drive to Kande and the jeep drive back from Sidding, an experienced trekking guide, and accommodation as listed above. Meals are included as noted in the meal plan, along with a welcome dinner on arrival and a farewell dinner with trek certificate on your final evening in Kathmandu. We keep our arrangements smooth and our pricing transparent, so what you see is what you get.

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

Airport arrival and departure transfers

International airfare to and from Nepal

Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu domestic flights

Nepal entry visa fee

Kande van drive and Sidding to Pokhara jeep drive

Meals not specified in the meal plan

Experienced trekking guide

Personal expenses such as snacks, hot showers, and charging fees

2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Travel insurance

4 nights mountain tea house accommodation during the trek

Tips for your guide and porters (optional but appreciated)

1 night 3-star hotel accommodation in Pokhara

Additional costs due to weather, altitude, or trail closures beyond our control

Welcome dinner and farewell dinner with trek certificate

 

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

 

Personal trekking gears including a pair of trekking poles, sleeping bag, and duffle bag. Down jacket and spikes are available on request.

 
Itinerary

Welcome to Nepal! Once you land in Kathmandu, we will meet you right outside the arrival terminal with our company name and logo board, then transfer you to The Address Kathmandu Hotel in Thamel. Take some time to settle in and rest after your flight. At 5PM, or adjusted to your arrival time, we'll hold a short introductory session with your guide, meet the rest of the group, and go through a final check of your packing list together. We finish the evening with a welcome dinner to kick things off on a good note.

Route

Altitude

Accommodation

Meals

Highlights

Arrival in Kathmandu

1350M

The Address Kathmandu Hotel, Thamel

Welcome Dinner

Airport pickup, guide introduction, packing check

    After breakfast, we take a short 25 minute flight to Pokhara, one of the easiest and most scenic ways to reach the hills. From there it's about a 45 minute van drive through the Pokhara to Naudanda road to Kande, where the trekking begins. We follow the trail up to Deurali, a gentle 6KM covering roughly 4 hours, giving you a proper first taste of the trail.

    Route

    Altitude

    Distance

    Duration

    Accommodation

    Meals

    Highlights

    Kathmandu to Pokhara flight, drive to Kande, trek to Deurali

    2100M

    6KM

    About 4 hours

    Mountain Tea House

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    First mountain views, easy introduction to the trail

      Today's trek takes you deeper into the forest as we make our way to Low Camp, covering about 7KM over roughly 6 hours. The trail winds through rhododendron woodland, and depending on the season, you might catch the forest in full bloom.

      Route

      Altitude

      Distance

      Duration

      Accommodation

      Meals

      Highlights

      Deurali to Low Camp

      2600M

      7KM

      About 6 hours

      Mountain Tea House

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

      Rhododendron forest trail

        We continue climbing today, heading to High Camp with about 9KM of trekking over roughly 6 hours. As the trees start to thin out, the views begin opening up properly, and you'll start to feel just how close the big peaks really are.

        Route

        Altitude

        Distance

        Duration

        Accommodation

        Meals

        Highlights

        Low Camp to High Camp

        3550M

        9KM

        About 6 hours

        Mountain Tea House

        Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

        Opening ridge views, closer look at Machhapuchhre

          This is the big day. We head up to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500M, the highlight of the entire trip, with an incredible close up view of Mardi Himal and the surrounding peaks. After soaking it all in, we trek back down to Badal Danda at 3200M. It's a long day, totalling 8 to 9 hours of trekking, but it's the kind of day that makes the whole trip worth it.

          Route

          Altitude

          Duration

          Accommodation

          Meals

          Highlights

          High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to Badal Danda

          4500M

          8 to 9 hours

          Mountain Tea House

          Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

          Mardi Himal Base Camp views, Machhapuchhre up close

            After breakfast, we trek down to Sidding, about 3 hours on foot, where we stop for lunch. From there, a jeep takes us back to Pokhara, about a 3 hour drive. Once settled at your lakeside hotel, we head out in the late afternoon for a peaceful boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple. The rest of the evening is free and easy, so you can relax by the lake at your own pace.

            Route

            Altitude

            Duration

            Accommodation

            Meals

            Highlights

            High Camp area to Sidding, drive to Pokhara

            1700M

            3 hours trek plus 3 hours drive

            3 Star Hotel, Lakeside Pokhara

            Breakfast, Lunch

            Tal Barahi Temple boat visit, free evening by the lake

              Enjoy a relaxed, free and easy morning in Pokhara before we fly back to Kathmandu in the afternoon, another quick 25 minute flight. In the evening, we come together to celebrate the success of the trek with a farewell dinner and the presentation of your trek certificate, a fitting way to close out the adventure as a group.

              Route

              Altitude

              Duration

              Accommodation

              Meals

              Highlights

              Pokhara to Kathmandu flight

              1350M

              Half day

              Hotel in Kathmandu

              Breakfast, Dinner

              Farewell dinner, trek certificate distribution

                It's time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you'll have some free and easy time before we transfer you to the airport, about 3 hours ahead of your flight, so you can head home with plenty of great memories from the mountains.

                Route

                Meals

                Highlights

                Departure from Kathmandu

                Breakfast

                Airport transfer, trip conclusion

                  Before You Travel

                  This itinerary gives you a clear picture of your Mardi Himal Trek journey through Nepal. Distances, travel times, accommodation, meals, and daily activities are all laid out here so you can prepare properly before arrival. As with any mountain trip, minor adjustments may be needed due to weather, trail conditions, or local circumstances, but our aim is always to keep your overall experience smooth and consistent, no matter what comes up along the way.

                  Trip Information

                  Know Before You Book

                  • Visa Requirements: All citizens of the world except Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Nepal, and most travelers can get a Visa on Arrival. A 15 day tourist visa fee is USD 30. We recommend applying online beforehand to save time at the airport.

                  • Passport Validity: Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with at least one blank page for your visa stamp.

                  • Required Permits: This trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, which is included in your trip cost.

                  • Fitness Level: This trek reaches 4500M at Mardi Himal Base Camp, with daily trekking of around 4 to 6 hours, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. We suggest at least a month of preparation, such as brisk walking for an hour daily.

                  • Recommended Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for this trek, though we recommend consulting your doctor beforehand, especially regarding altitude related health advice.

                  • Travel Insurance: Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is essential for this trip. We're happy to recommend providers if needed.

                  • Currency & Payment Methods: We accept payments in USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, and other major currencies. For international bookings, we recommend paying in US Dollars.

                  Accommodations, Meals & Transportation

                  • Typical Accommodation Used: 3 nights in 3+ star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast included, plus 4 nights in mountain tea houses in the Himalayas on a full board basis.

                  • Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners are included. Breakfast daily, and lunch and dinner during the trekking days.

                  • Availability During Peak Seasons: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the busiest trekking seasons, and tea houses can fill up quickly. We recommend booking well in advance.

                  • Guide Support: An experienced trek guide accompanies the group throughout the journey, focused on your safety, pacing, and making sure the whole trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

                  • Transportation: Airport transfers by private car or van, round trip Kathmandu to Pokhara flights, the van drive from Pokhara to Kande, and the jeep transfer from Sidding back to Pokhara.

                  Arrival Information

                  • Airport Pickup Details: We will wait to welcome you outside the arrival terminal with our company name and logo board along with your name. After you clear immigration and collect your luggage you will find us just outside the arrival terminal building. Then we transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

                  • Trip Briefing: On Day 1 at 5 PM, we'll hold a full trip briefing covering the route, altitude considerations, gear checklist, and any last minute questions.

                  • Emergency Contact Numbers: Please note, a 24 hour emergency support line will be available on +977 9841697870.

                  Seasonal & Weather Updates

                  • Best Trekking Seasons: Spring and autumn generally offer the clearest skies and most stable trail conditions.

                  • Winter Conditions: Winter brings cold temperatures at altitude, particularly in the higher sections near Mardi Himal Base Camp.

                  • Monsoon Conditions: Monsoon season can bring rain in the lower valleys and possible cloud cover up high.

                  • Weather at Altitude: Conditions can change quickly once you're above 3000M, so flexibility in your schedule is important, particularly around the final approach to Mardi Himal Base Camp.

                  Health & Safety

                  • Altitude Sickness: This trek reaches 4500M at its highest point, so a gradual ascent is built into the itinerary. Please tell your guide immediately if you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness.

                  • Drinking Water: We recommend using a reusable water bottle with purification tablets or a filter rather than buying bottled water, since bottled water becomes expensive and harder to find at higher elevations.

                  • Emergency Assistance: Should any emergency arise at altitude, our team can arrange helicopter evacuation, which is why comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

                  • Healthcare Facilities: Basic health posts exist in some villages along the route, but serious medical issues at altitude require evacuation to Kathmandu or Pokhara.

                  Packing Checklist

                  • Essential Clothing: Layered clothing is key, including a warm down jacket, thermal base layers, trekking pants, and a good pair of broken in trekking boots.

                  • High Altitude Gear: A warm hat, gloves, and sunglasses with UV protection are all essential for the higher sections of the trek.

                  • Day Trek Essentials: A daypack, reusable water bottle, water purification tablets, sunscreen, and a headlamp are all useful for daily trekking.

                  • Personal Medications: Please bring any personal medications, along with any altitude sickness medication recommended by your doctor.

                  Important Notices

                  • Travel Advisories: Before travelling, we recommend checking the latest travel advice issued by your home country. We're always happy to provide local travel updates related to this itinerary.

                  • Permit Regulations: This trek requires the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, included in your package. Your guide will carry this and explain any checkpoint procedures along the route.

                  • Trail Conditions: Trail conditions can change due to snowfall, landslides, or seasonal wear. Your guide will always choose the safest available route.

                  • Group Safety: Please follow your guide's instructions at all times, especially around high altitude sections of the trek.

                  • Responsible Trekking: We encourage all trekkers to respect local customs, avoid littering, and support responsible, sustainable tourism throughout the Annapurna Conservation Area.

                  Know Before You Go

                  • Travel Preparation Information: Before travelling, please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months, your Nepal visa arrangements are complete, and your travel insurance is active.

                  • Latest Travel Advice for This Trek: Trail conditions and weather can occasionally change depending on the season. Feel free to contact us before your departure, and we will provide the latest updates and recommendations to help you make the most of your 8 day Mardi Himal Trek.

                  Trip Preparations

                  • What is the best time of year to do Mardi Himal trek?

                    Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek, offering clear mountain views and stable trail conditions. Winter is colder but still doable for well prepared trekkers, while the monsoon months bring rain and cloud cover that can affect visibility higher up.
                     

                  • This trek reaches 4500M and involves several consecutive days of climbing, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended. It's not technical, but the altitude and daily distances make it more suited to trekkers with at least some prior hiking experience.
                     

                  • Day 5 is the toughest day of the trip, with 8 to 9 hours of trekking to reach the base camp and back down to Badal Danda. The steady altitude gain built into the earlier days is designed to help prepare your body for this push.
                     

                  • Please tell your guide right away if you notice symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness. Our guides are trained to watch for early signs of altitude sickness throughout the trek, and in serious cases we can arrange helicopter evacuation, which is why high altitude travel insurance is essential.

                  • During the trekking days, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included, since tea house dining is the main option at altitude. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast is included daily along with a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner, giving you some flexibility to explore local restaurants for the remaining meals.
                     

                  • Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation is essential for this trip, particularly given the altitude reached at Mardi Himal Base Camp.
                     

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