Mardi Himal Trek, 5 Days Itinerary & Cost for 2025/26

The first light of dawn spills over the horizon, painting the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna Rages in hues of gold and pink. You stand there, breathless, not just from the thin air at 4,500 meters but from the sheer majesty of the mountains towering before you. Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli loom so close it feels like you could reach out and touch them.

Below, the valleys stretch endlessly, a patchwork of emerald forests and winding rivers. This is the 5-day Mardi Himal Trek, a secret whispered among trekkers. This is the path less traveled, where the Himalayas reveal their raw, untamed beauty.

Your journey begins in Pokhara, a city of lakes, before winding into the foothills of the Annapurnas. The trail starts gently, meandering through terraced fields and traditional villages where Gurung and Magar communities live. As you climb higher, the world transforms into thick forests of rhododendrons, and vegetation surrounds you. The air is sweet with the scent of pine, and if you are lucky, you might spot a colorful pheasant or hear the distant call of a Himalayan monal.

The path narrows, the air thins, and every step feels like a meditation. But with each turn, the views grow more staggering. The Modi Khola Valley roars below, while ahead, the jagged outline of Mardi Himal waves. At High Camp, you rest beneath a sky so clear the stars seem close enough to pluck like diamonds.

The final climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp is steep; every breath is a conscious effort, but the reward is beyond words. Standing at the foot of this untouched giant, surrounded by a panorama of the Annapurna range, you realize why few places on earth feel this sacred. The mountains don’t just surround you; they speak to you in the silence of the wind and the echo of your own heartbeat.

A Typical Day on the Mardi Himal Trek

A typical day on the Mardi Himal Trek begins before sunrise, as the first light seeps through the lodge windows and the distant peaks glow in soft morning hues. After a hearty breakfast of steaming porridge, eggs, and Nepali tea, you strap on your boots. Adjust your pack and set off into the crisp mountain air.

The trail unfolds gradually, sometimes through dense rhododendron forests alive with birdsong, other times across open ridges where the Annapurna range dominates the skyline. Porters and fellow trekkers exchange cheerful "Namaste!" as you pass through tiny settlements where prayer flags flutter in the breeze.

By midday, you pause at a teahouse for a warm dal bhat or anything from the teahouse lodges. The afternoon trek brings steeper climbs, your breath deepening with the altitude, but each switchback rewards you with wider vistas.

As dusk approaches, you reach the next lodge, where a hot meal, laughter with new friends, and a cozy blanket await. The night falls silent, save for the occasional rustle of wind or distant murmur of fellow adventurers, leaving you to dream beneath a sky ablaze with stars, already eager for tomorrow’s journey.

Outline Itinerary for 15-day Mardi Trek

Jump to detailed itinerary

Permits for Mardi Himal Trek

You will need an ACAP permit for the Mardi Himal Trek. Below I have provided you the detailed information for the permit.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

• Cost:

  • SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,000 (~$8)

  • Other Foreigners: NPR 3,000 (~$26)

• Where to Obtain:

  • Kathmandu: Nepal Tourism Board Office, Bhrikuti Mandap

  • Pokhara: ACAP Office, Damside (or through your trekking agency)

• Validity: Single entry for the duration of your trek.

Important Tips:

• Carry 2 passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.

• Permits are checked at Nayapul (entry).

• No restricted area permit is needed (unlike Upper Mustang or Manaslu).

Is a 5-day Mardi Trekking Suitable for You?

The 5-day Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and accessibility, offering stunning Himalayan views without requiring weeks on the trail. But is it the right fit for you? Here’s what to consider:

Good For You If:

• You are short on time but want a rewarding Himalayan experience with breathtaking scenery in just 5 days.

• You prefer moderate trekking with an average of 5-7 hours of walking, with one challenging push to Mardi Base Camp (4,500m).

• If you want to avoid crowds unlike Annapurna Base Camp, then Mardi Himal remains quieter and less commercialized.

• If you are a first-time trekker (with decent fitness) or an experienced hiker looking for a quick, scenic getaway.

Key Fitness Considerations:

• Endurance: Expect 5-7 hours of daily hiking with elevation gains up to 1,000m (3,280ft) in a single day.

• Altitude Readiness: Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary, but hydration and pacing are crucial.

• Packing Smart: Layers (for cold mornings/hot afternoons), sturdy boots, and a light daypack are essential.

This trek is ideal for adventurers seeking a short but immersive Himalayan journey—with proper preparation, even beginners can conquer it. If you’re fit, love mountain vistas, and crave a trail less traveled, Mardi Himal is your perfect 5-day escape!