3 Days Mardi Himal Trek

3 Days Mardi Himal Trek

The 3 days Mardi Himal Trek is among the best short treks in Nepal. It takes place in the popular Himalayan trekking destination of the Annapurna region. The Mardi Himal Trek has been gaining immense popularity in recent years as a quick escape to the mountains. It is a preferred adventure for a less crowded, tranquil trekking experience in the renowned and busy Annapurna region.

The Mardi Himal trekking trails are in proximity to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek routes. However, this hidden gem was less known to anyone. The best-kept secret of the Mardi Himal Trek is an excellent experience of journeying in the untouched parts of the Annapurna region through less-beaten routes. A 3 days Mardi Himal Trek, which begins and ends in Pokhara, is the ideal adventure for trekkers seeking to be at breathtaking mountainous elevations within a few days. You will be surrounded by the marvelous scenery that transforms quickly from flat lands and enchanting greenery to steep, rugged terrains with sparse vegetation and jaw-dropping close-range Himalayan views.

Mardi Himal is 5,587 meters/18,330 feet high beside the gigantic Mount Macchapuchre. Our 3 days Mardi Himal Trek journeys you up to the Mardi Himal High Camp and its Upper Viewpoint. If you are short on time but still want to explore the core of the mountains, the 3 days Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect option for you. It is also ideal for a diverse range of trekkers, from families with kids and elders to a friend group and working professionals, etc. Additionally, people of every age group can enjoy this Himalayan journey equally. So, do not be late to embark on an unforgettable short Mardi Himal Trek with us, where the breathtaking scenery unfolds at every step.

Key Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek 3 Days

mardi himal trek

  • Beginning the trek from the beautiful lake city of Pokhara, walking alongside the picturesque and serene lakes
  • Trekking across the off-the-beaten and pristine mountainous trails and soaking in the wilderness and tranquility of the region
  • Solitary trekking experience with only a few people on the trail
  • Accompanied by the majestic panorama of the gratifying snow-covered Himalayas such as Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Singu Chuli, Tukuche Peak, and many more neighboring peaks at the backdrop during the journey
  • Traversing the Annapurna Conservation Area with deep insights into its diverse flora and fauna
  • Immersing in the heartwarming welcome and kind hospitality of the local Magar and Gurung people
  • Staying at traditional teahouses and enjoying the variety of delicious local dishes
  • Opportunity to learn and understand about the unique and rich culture, costumes, tradition, religion, architecture, and lifestyle of the native communities
  • Covering varied Himalayan landscapes such as forests, villages, farmlands, hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, pastures, and alpine meadows within a very short time
  • Witnessing the magnificent sunrise view over the snow-clad Himalayas from different points of the trek

Mardi Himal 3 Days Trek Itinerary

mardi himal trek difficulty

Day 1: Trek From Pokhara to Rest Camp

Pokhara Elevation: 820 meters/ 2,723 feet

Rest Camp Elevation: 2,500 meters/8,202 feet

Trek Distance: 13-14 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6-8 hours

Our Mardi Himal 3 days trek itinerary begins from the beautiful Pokhara city. We will commence this exhilarating adventure by trekking directly from Pokhara to the Rest Camp of Mardi Himal. With the backdrop of the magnificent Annapurna range, we will set off on the route towards the Rest Camp.

As we ascend gradually from Pokhara, we will pass through many villages dotted with terraced farmlands. Next, we will make our way through the lush forests, and after some walks in nature, we will reach the picturesque village of Kande. From Kande, we will continue to trek further into the Annapurna region, traversing the stone staircases. The steady walk across the vibrant mountainous trails and small rural villages marks your way toward another popular stop, Pothana Village.

As we move forward, we will venture deep into the serene and remote mountain areas with no sights and sounds of vehicles or big city crowds. With the sharp sound of our own footsteps, the birds chirping, and the whistles of the wind, we will navigate the deep, dense forest of rhododendrons and oak trees. We will reach out to Pitam Deurali and continue. Taking in the breath of the fresh air, observing the marvelous green vegetation, and catching the rare glimpses of precious wildlife of the place, we will ascend further through the forested trails and reach the Forest Camp (Kokar).

We will pass through thick bamboo grooves and a few small settlements with charming, smiley people. With the stunning view of the towering peaks in the background, we will make our final move toward the Rest Camp. As we ascend more towards the destination, the views of the Annapurna range become more prominent and are seen up close. On the final stretch of the trekking day of the Mardi Himal 3-day journey, we will traverse colorful rhododendron forests and walk past wide alpine meadows. We will finally reach the Rest Camp for an overnight stay in a teahouse.

Day 2: Trek From Rest Camp to High Camp

mardi High Camp

High Camp Elevation: 3,600 meters/ 11,811 feet

Trek Distance: 7 kilometers

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

On day 2 of our three-day Mardi Himal Trek, we will ascend towards the Mardi Himal High Camp. After waking up in the Rest Camp to the melodious sound of the birds chirping, we will enjoy a delectable breakfast with incredible Himalayan views. Then, we will set off toward the trail to resume our adventurous and exciting Mardi Himal trekking journey.

Initially, we will follow slightly uphill trails and pass through the vibrant forests of rhododendron trees. After a few hours of walking on the captivating trails, we will arrive at the Low Camp of Mardi Himal. We will take a brief rest at the Low Camp for snacks and hydration. We will also enjoy the enthralling views of the Macchapuchre (Fishtail) from here. Then, we will continue to trek, heading towards the Mardi Himal High Camp.

We will ascend steeply through the rhododendron forest and reach a notable viewpoint of Badal Danda. From this vantage point, you can marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the gigantic mountains in the Annapurna region, its deep valleys, and the villages below. Thereafter, we will traverse vast alpine meadows and enter into more rugged terrains as we approach the Mardi Himal High Camp. With the amazing transformation of landscapes from lush greenery to sparse vegetation and rocky barren areas, we will reach the small settlement of High Camp.

It will be dawn time when we reach our destination, so you can see the mesmerizing golden-red sunset over the horizon of pristine white peaks. Far off, the picturesque Pokhara Valley seems vibrant with city lights. You can acclimatize to the altitude while soaking up the spellbinding views leisurely. We will settle in for the night at one of the cozy teahouses in the High Camp and dip into the delicacy of a mouthwatering dinner.

Day 3: Trek From High Camp To Upper Viewpoint and to Siding. Drive on a Jeep From Siding to Pokhara

Upper Viewpoint Elevation: 4,200 meters/13,780 feet

Siding Elevation: 1,750 meters/ 5,741 feet

Trek Distance: 12-13 kilometers

Trek Duration: 6-7 hours

Drive Distance: Around 15 kilometers

Drive duration: 1.5 hours

The major highlight of our 3 days Mardi Himal Trek is during the final day of the adventure when we will hike to the spectacular viewpoint of the Mardi Himal. We will wake up early in the teahouse at the Mardi Himal High Camp and have a hot cup of tea/coffee. Then, we will pack our bags to set off on the trail one last time.

We will ascend gradually from the high camp towards the upper viewpoint of Mardi Himal. While the routes are steep and narrow, the expansive panorama of the surrounding Himalayas on all sides will make the hike worthwhile. After around 2 hours of trek, we will reach the upper viewpoint. The magical sunrise view over the Annapurna ranges and Macchapuchre will captivate your senses. There are small teahouses around the viewpoint where you can have a light breakfast.

After magnificent views from the top, we will start to descend. Passing through the rocky terrains, meadows, forests, and several mountainside villages, we will arrive at more cultivated and greenery areas of Siding Village. This small village at the base of the mountains has a road connecting to Pokhara. Bidding farewell to the Himalayas, we will drive towards Pokhara. Our remarkable 3 days Mardi Himal Trek ends with a scenic drive back to the vibrant Pokhara city.

How Difficult is 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?

How Difficult is 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?

The Mardi Himal 3 days Trek is a straightforward journey. It follows well-marked trekking trails with no technical skills required to traverse. The trek is considered as easy to moderate in terms of the difficulty level. Everybody from beginners to experienced trekkers can join in this fantastic Himalayan adventure. The 3 days Mardi Himal Trek is doable if you are prepared with a basic level of physical fitness and sound health conditions.

The only 3 days of Mardi Himal Trek will make it a fast-paced adventure. This means you have to complete long walking hours (around 5-7 hours) during your trek days to cover the trek’s total distance. Ascending quickly to the altitudes, on the other hand, can lead to the possibility of altitude sickness. The short Mardi Himal Trek is a piece of cake for experienced trekkers. However, amateur hikers who are not used to walking for extended hours over rugged mountainous terrains and unaware of altitude symptoms and its effects can find this Himalayan endeavor a bit challenging.

While the trekking routes throughout the journey are well-established and easy, the ones leading to the upper viewpoint are a bit challenging, with steep descents and long climbs. So, you need to upgrade your physical strength and endurance capacity to deal with the complex routes encountered during the jotuney. The unpredictable weather conditions and remoteness of the region further add to the difficulty of the trek. However, if you are well-equipped with layers of clothes and other required amenities, it would certainly raise your comfort level and well-being in case of weather or resource challenges.

How to Prepare for the Mardi Himal 3 Days Trek?

How to Prepare for the Mardi Himal 3 Days Trek?

Though the Mardi Himal Trek is a short and easy mountain adventure, you should have good physical and mental preparation to complete this journey smoothly and successfully. Physical preparation involves upgrading your strength, stamina, and endurance. You can get into proper shape and enhance your capabilities by engaging in cardiovascular exercises and strength training. Consider incorporating the fitness and endurance exercises into your training regime a few weeks before the start of the journey.

Cardiovascular exercises such as Jogging, Rowing, Swimming, Running, Cycling, Jumping rope/skipping, Brisk walking, Stair climbing, Dancing, etc improve your heart and lung health, increase endurance and sleep quality, and more. Similarly, strength training like Push-ups, Plunges, Bicep curls, Deadlifts, Squats, Shoulder presses, Pull-ups, Planks, etc., strengthens your muscles and bones and promotes flexibility, balance, and coordination.

Your mental preparation begins through detailed research of the upcoming adventure and the destination where it takes place. If you are well-known about the diverse aspects, such as location, terrains, routes, weather patterns, infrastructures, etc., of the trekking region beforehand, you can have an as-expected experience during the journey. Mental preparedness and readiness help you to keep up with a positive attitude and be resilient to ever-changing mountain conditions. It makes you focused, determined, flexible, and capable of passing through potential obstacles during your wilderness adventure.

When to Go for 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?

How to Prepare for the Mardi Himal 3 Days Trek?

The best time to embark on the 3 days Mardi Himal trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. Spring and autumn are considered the peak seasons for high-altitude Himalayan treks and mountain climbs in Nepal. They provide ideal and optimum conditions for trekking in remote alpine mountain locations.

The stable weather and moderate temperature during these seasons will make your Mardi Himal trekking journey easy, smooth, and comfortable. The sky is clear, deep, and less cloudy at this time. The exposed views of the colossal mountains in a transparent sky are magical. The sun is bright with gentle warmth. You will not sweat with heat or freeze with cold. The weather is dry and clear, with reduced precipitation. There is no chance of heavy snowfall, downpours, snow storms, or high winds at this time. The clarity of the mountains and mountainous surroundings by the excellent lighting conditions of bright sunshine and clear weather will greatly enrich your Mardi Himal trekking experience.

Moreover, trekking in spring and autumn elevates the problem of muddy, slippery, or snow-covered trails, which will contribute to easy and convenient walks. Likewise, the long days of these seasons will allow you to enjoy a slow and relaxed journey while thoroughly exploring marvelous scenes along the way. Besides, trekking in spring and autumn also has cultural advantages. At this time, the rural villages alongside the Mardi Himal trekking trails are filled with a vibrant festive atmosphere. You can explore or even participate in the celebrations of festivals and have a fun time in between your trek.

Note: Off-trekking seasons like winter and summer/monsoon are not recommended for the Mardi Himal Trek. Summer/monsoon brings sweltering temperatures and heavy rainfall, whereas winter is extremely cold with heavy snowfall. Such unfavorable weather and temperature conditions will make your mountain vacation challenging.





    Food and Accomodation During Mardi Himal Trek

    Food and Accomodation During Mardi Himal Trek

    The food and accommodation during your remote Himalayan adventure of Mardi Himal Trek are provided by the traditional teahouses in several cultural villages along the trekking routes. You will enjoy all three meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner in teahouses throughout the journey. In teahouse menus, you can find a variety of local and international food options. Dal bhat is the main meal served at the teahouse. It consists of rice, lentils, and pickles. Besides, you can make your choices from a range of dishes such as noodles, momo, chowmein, thukpa, mushroom soup, gundruk and dhindo, flatbreads, yak steaks, jam and bread, etc.

    Some popular Western food items available in most teahouses are sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and pizza. You can get vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options in teahouses and place a special order for food per your specific dietary plan.

    The accommodations provided by the teahouses are basic and simple but comfortable. You will have an ordinary shared sleeping room with twin beds. A bed will come with a mattress, pillow, and blanket. Toilets will also be communal and mostly traditional squat styles. The bathroom and dining area are too available for shared purposes. While teahouses provide advanced facilities such as hot showers and WiFi connections, they will charge an extra amount for using these. Moreover, charging for electronic devices will also cost you certain fees.

    You may also like:

    FAQs on 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek

    What Permits Are Required for Mardi Himal Trek?

    You need to get the following permits for the Mardi Himal trekking journey.

    • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit. This permit will cost NRS 3,000 per person.
    • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) Card. The cost of a TIMS Card is NRS 2,000 per person.

    What is the Highest Altitude Reached During 3 Days Mardi Himal Trek?

    The maximum elevation reached during your exhilarating journey of 3 days Mardi Himal trek is 4,200 meters/13,780 feet at the upper viewpoint. From the wonderful height of this vantage point, you are treated to the 360-degree eye-filling vistas of Macchapuchre, Annapurna, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Gandharva Chuli, and several other adjacent mountains.

    Do I Need a Guide for Going on a Short 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek?

    Yes, you need to hire a government license holder professional guide for your trek to Mardi Himal. As per the rule of the Nepal Tourism Board, it is now compulsory to hire an experienced guide for remote high-altitude adventures in Nepal. Besides the rule, guides are essential to enhance your travel experience by safely navigating you through the unfamiliar Himalayan trails and by providing deep insights into the natural wonders and rich culture of the trekking region.

    What About Altitude Sickness During Mardi Himal Short Trek?

    A short 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate altitude trekking journey that does not take you to breathtaking elevations in the mountains. However, since it is a Himalayan adventure, you can expect some considerable altitude points during the journey. You will be at 3,600 meters in Mardi Himal High Camp at 4,200 meters in Upper Viewpoint. While not extensive, there is still a slight chance of being affected by altitude sickness, which shows its symptoms after exceeding over 2,500 meters of altitude.

    What Are the Symptoms of Altitude Sickness and its Preventive Measures?

    Symptoms

    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Lack of appetite
    • Sleeplessness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue
    • Rapid heart pound
    • Breathing difficulty

    Preventive Measures

    • Staying far from cigarettes and alcohol
    • Taking a slow and relaxed pace by allowing ample time for the body to acclimatize to the changing altitudes
    • Hydrating yourself regularly with enough water and other fluids
    • Eating healthy and nutritious food
    • Taking proper rest and sleeping well





      Is Travel Insurance Necessary for Mardi Himal Trekking Journey?

      Yes, travel insurance is a crucial document that you need to obtain before going on adventures in Nepal, including the Mardi Himal Trek. Travel insurance provides financial protection against any unforeseen incidents during the journey. You will have immediate access to medical care in case of unexpected illness, injuries, or accidents. It also takes care of delayed/lost/stolen baggage, trip delays, and cancellations so that you can focus on and enjoy your endeavor without any stress.

      What to Pack for a Mardi Himal Trek 3 Days?

      The 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is one of the shortest Himalayan journeys that doesn’t require extensive packing. Keep your backpack weight light by packing only the most required trek items, such as a layer of clothing to accommodate weather and temperature variations, a sturdy trekking boot, trekking poles, UV-protected sunglass, flashlights, rainproof and windproof outer shells, a first aid kit, general medicines, toiletries, personal care items, travel documents, camera, smartphone, and chargers.  

      avatar

      Prakash Devkota

      Meet with Prakash Chandra Devkota, Managing Director and Team Leader

      Mr. Devkota hails from the beautiful hilly region of Gorkha District. He started his career as a guide in 1997 and quickly became a reputed figure in the Tourism Industry because of his extensive experience. He has gathered impressive experience in all Trekking and Climbing Routes, such as Mera, Island, Lobuche, Ama Dablam etc.

      His success also lies in his brilliant mind and hospitable nature. He is fully dedicated to providing excellent services and introducing innovative concepts. With more than 15 years of experience in trekking and expedition operations in Nepal, Tibet, India, and Bhutan, he has earned a reputation as a renowned leader in the field. He understands the importance of personalized service for creating memorable experiences for his clients and constantly seeks innovative company operation methods.

      Mr. Devkota has always been an avid practitioner of eco-friendly tourism and has always promoted environmental conservation throughout his career. He motivates his staff to embrace eco-friendly tourism through responsible tourism practices.

      Post Your Views

      ×