Accommodation during Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
- In Kathmandu and Pokhara we provide comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis.
- During the trek, we provide comfortable teahouse accommodation on a twin-sharing basis. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging are available at an additional cost.
Meals and Drinking water on The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
During the Mardi Himal Base Camp trek, you will be provided with three nutritious meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—served at local teahouses. The menu usually includes traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables), as well as options such as Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, pasta, pancakes, and eggs. Though simple, the meals are freshly prepared and offer the necessary energy for trekking in the Himalayas.
Staying hydrated is vital at high altitudes. While bottled water is available for purchase along the trail, we encourage the use of reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste. Our guide will provide water purification tablets and drops to ensure you have safe drinking water throughout the journey.
Required Permits for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
You’ll need a TIMS Card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit to trek in Mardi Himal. All permit fees are included, and we arrange them for you.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): NPR 3,000 per person
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: NPR 1,000 per person.
Best Time for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Autumn (September to November) – Most Popular Season: – Autumn offers crystal-clear views of the Himalayas, mild weather, and dry trails. This is the peak trekking season due to favorable conditions and festive vibes in Nepal.
Monsoon (June to August) – Not Recommended:- Heavy rainfall, slippery trails, and poor visibility make trekking difficult during monsoon. However, the landscape is lush and green for those seeking solitude and adventure
Winter (December to February) – Challenging but Peaceful:- Trekking is possible in winter, but it gets very cold at higher altitudes and some lodges may be closed. The views are still incredible, and the trail is quiet.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Difficulties
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a moderate trek that doesn’t require any technical climbing skills, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers. You’ll be walking around 5 to 6 hours a day, often through forest trails, stone steps, and steep ridgelines.
The main challenge comes from the altitude, as the trek reaches up to 4,500 meters at the base camp. While the risk of altitude sickness is lower than in higher Himalayan treks, it’s still important to acclimatize properly. Weather can also shift quickly, especially at higher camps, and the trail may be slippery after rain.
Overall, this trek is physically demanding but highly rewarding. With the right gear, mental preparation, and guidance from Aarohi Holiday, most trekkers find the Mardi Himal experience both manageable and unforgettable.
Altitude Sickness and Prevention on the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek reaches an altitude of around 4,500 meters, making altitude awareness an important part of your journey. At Aarohi Holiday, we prioritize your safety with a well-paced itinerary that allows for proper acclimatization. Our experienced, high-altitude-trained guides monitor all trekkers for signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), including headaches, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
If any symptoms appear, our team responds immediately with rest, hydration, or descent when necessary. In rare cases, we can arrange emergency evacuation without delay. Before the trek begins, we provide a full safety briefing and encourage open communication throughout the trek. With the right precautions, support, and guidance, Mardi Himal is a safe and rewarding adventure.
Travel Insurance for Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek
Aarohi Holiday highly advises and suggests that all its clients get to travel and medical insurance to safeguard themselves from unforeseen events that could occur while on their Himalayan holiday. Before traveling to places in the Himalayas, travel and medical insurance must be purchased. Before embarking on any trip or trek, Aarohi Holiday recommends all its customers to purchase the legally required travel and medical insurance. It should offer enough protection for treks and tours, covering and having a policy for any physical harm, fatalities, medical costs, and repatriation costs for any mode of transportation during emergency evacuations, such as helicopter rescue, air ambulance, or luggage coverage.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Itinerary
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek offers stunning mountain views and a peaceful trekking experience. Your journey begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll arrive and prepare for the adventure ahead. From Kathmandu, you’ll take a scenic drive to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The trek starts from Phedi and gradually climbs through forests and traditional villages, moving from Deurali to Forest Camp, then on to Low Camp and High Camp, gaining altitude steadily while enjoying breathtaking views.
On the highlight day, you’ll hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters, soaking in close-up views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range before returning to High Camp. The descent follows a gentle trail down to Siding and back to Pokhara. Finally, you’ll return to Kathmandu for your departure. This 11-day itinerary combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and manageable altitudes, making it ideal for trekkers seeking a rewarding Himalayan adventure.
Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek Cost
The cost of the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek varies depending on factors like trek length, travel season, and service level. Our standard 11-day Mardi Himal Trek is priced at USD 950 per person, covering all essential services from your arrival in Kathmandu to your final departure day.
This price is for solo trekkers, while group bookings enjoy special discounts ranging from 5% to 10%, and the group leader treks for free. Aarohi Holiday offers excellent value with experienced guides, comfortable accommodations, all necessary permits, and well-organized logistics to ensure a smooth and memorable Himalayan adventure.
Important Notes for Mardi Himal Base Camp
- The journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by road takes about 7 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a flight, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes and costs approximately USD 90.
- This itinerary includes travel by local bus to Pokhara. If you prefer to travel in a private jeep, feel free to inquire about the additional cost.
- Porters can carry up to 20kg, but we recommend packing under 10kg since we provide one porter per two trekkers. A duffle bag for your gear will be provided.
- There are no ATMs on the Mardi Himal Base Camp, so carry enough cash from the city before starting your trek.
- Meals are included on the trek, but extra charges apply for hot showers and charging devices at teahouses/lodges.
- Meals are not included in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
- Drones require hard-to-get permits, so it’s best not to bring.
Fitness Preparation for the Trek
Getting ready for the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek means preparing your body for steady climbs and high altitudes. Although this trek is moderate in length, it involves trekking up to 4,500 meters, so good fitness helps you enjoy the journey comfortably. Regular walking, light hiking, and cardio exercises like jogging or cycling are great ways to build stamina and leg strength before your trip.
Even if you don’t live near the mountains, consistent training will improve your endurance and reduce fatigue on the trail. With proper preparation, most trekkers can complete the Mardi Himal trek successfully while soaking in the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
A Typical Day on the Trail
A typical day on the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek involves around 5 to 7 hours of walking through diverse landscapes. After breakfast, you’ll trek along forested paths, rocky trails, and peaceful villages, steadily gaining altitude up to about 4,500 meters at the base camp. The trail offers stunning close-up views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and other majestic peaks.
Along the way, regular breaks for lunch and short rests help maintain your energy and let you fully appreciate the serene mountain scenery. The pace is moderate, allowing you to soak in the natural beauty while acclimatizing comfortably.
Arrival Instruction
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our company representatives are stationed to welcome you to the country. We request you to carefully look for your name being held by our representatives following the events upon landing. The representatives are responsible to escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will see men offering you to carry luggage and take you to your destination as you exit the airport. We request you pay no attention to these people and follow the designated representatives and follow their instructions. You will also need to keep an eye on your luggage and belongings to avoid any complications.
Nepal Visa Entry Procedure
For entry into Nepal, there are visa requirements everyone (except Indian nationals) must complete before being allowed to pass through immigration. This is for air travel as well as overland transportation. Most visitors may obtain a visa to enter Nepal, however, there are exceptions.
Three options are available for entry
- 15-day single entry: US $30
- 30-day single entry: US $50
- 90-day multiple entries: US $125
Please have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the time of entry, and have cash ready, preferably in US dollars, though there are other currencies Nepal Immigration accepts. If you are entering via overland, you must have US cash and 3 passport photos. For arrival by air, the kiosks at the airport take your picture for you.
For the most up to date list of exceptions for visa on arrival or to obtain the most current visa information, visit the Nepal Department of Immigration website
