The Mardi Himal Trek, an adventure in the Annapurna region, has gained immense popularity over the past few years. It offers surreal views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and Annapurna South (7,219 m).
Fast trekkers can actually complete this trek within just 3 days. But for those who have come to Nepal to immerse themselves in the cultural side of things and spend more time with nature, the longer you stay, the better the trek becomes!
Honestly, it’s best that you craft your itinerary yourself. I’m just your helper, trying to guide you on what has worked best for past travellers. If you ask me, I completed the Mardi Himal Trek in 5 days from Kathmandu.
Two more days are definitely great to experience more, and I’m pretty sure you’ll have an even better time compared to what I did. So, follow this Mardi Himal Trek 7 days itinerary that also covers Australian Camp and follows the OG route, starting from Kande and ending in Sidhing.
Key Facts About 7-Day Mardi Himal Trek
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate |
| Route Overview | Kathmandu > Pokhara > Kande > Australian Camp > Pittam Deurali > Rest Camp > High Camp > Mardi Viewpoint > Mardi Himal Base Camp > Low Camp > Sidhing > Pokhara > Kathmandu |
| Best Time | March to June and October to December |
| Suitable For | All |
| Budget | USD 399 to 699 for Foreigners |
| NPR 14,000 to 15,000 for Nepalese |
Mardi Himal Trek From Kande: 7 Days Itinerary
There are honestly tons of ways you can choose to complete the Mardi Himal Trek in 7 days. You’ve got enough time!
You may even visit Dhampus too. Don’t worry, you won’t be rushing yourself. You can easily complete the hike from Dhampus to Pittam Deurali on the same day.
But I have not personally included it in this 7 day itinerary, as I believe Dhampus village is a place that deserves a complete day for cultural exploration. I’ve talked about it more in the 8-day itinerary here, so do go through that.
For now, here’s the best Mardi Himal Trek 7-day itinerary from my side:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
| Drive Distance | 200 km |
| Drive Duration | 6 to 7 hours |
| Elevation Gain | -500 m approx. |
Your first day will likely be spent reaching Pokhara itself. You have multiple options for that.
- Via bus: Day and night shifts are available.
- Via passenger van: It gives you the flexibility to choose almost any time. You can even choose an evening one, around 4 PM, which is usually the last one, and reach Prithvi Chowk. This option is best for Nepali office employees. Nowadays, even electric vans operate on this route, so if you’re environmentally concerned, you may opt for that!
- Via flight: Kathmandu to Pokhara domestic flights are the most common option. If you want more comfort, you can definitely choose this.
Even if you reach early via flight or a morning van, you can use this day to explore Pokhara city, which is also the tourism capital of the country.
Or simply hang around the Lakeside area, do the final shopping for your Mardi trek, and definitely don’t miss the sunset if the weather is alright.
Travel Tip: Those running short on time can even choose a night bus to Kande directly. This option is available from Gongabu Bus Park. There are plenty of buses that go to the Parbat and Myagdi districts. You can hop into any of them, but get the ticket only up to Kande.
Day 2: Pokhara to Kande Drive, Reach Pitttam Deurali
| Drive Distance | 30 km approx. |
| Drive Duration | 1 hour |
| Hike Distance | 5.5 km |
| Hike Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 1,337 m |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
In all the shorter itineraries, I’ve prioritised getting a drive to Pittam Deurali directly. But honestly, the Kande route is the OG of the Mardi Himal Trek. And if you’ve landed on this site after exploring other itineraries, I’m pretty sure you’ve found most of them starting from Kande.
Honestly, that’s what trekking agencies do as well. Australian Camp is one of the popular stops during the Mardi Himal Trek, and many even prefer to spend a night there. It’s from here that the mountains appear really close.
Even trekking agencies choose Kande as their starting point for the Mardi Himal trek. It allows you to properly acclimatise to the mountain atmosphere before you push towards higher altitude sections.
While trips arranged by agencies usually cover your private drive from Pokhara Lakeside (800 m) to Kande (1,770 m) in the morning, what about independent trekkers?
Well, you have multiple transportation options to reach the Mardi Himal Trek starting point.
- Take a taxi or jeep, depending on the number of people, with fares ranging from around NPR 1,500 to 5,000. If you’re taking a cab, there are plenty of ride-sharing apps available to try (a complete guide on this is coming soon!).
- Get to Hari Chowk by taxi and then take a bus to Kande. Make sure you get on one that’s heading towards Beni or Baglung.
Upon reaching Kande, you can take your trekking poles out and start your Mardi Himal Trek. It begins with mostly a straight path and then slightly elevated uphill, within 1 to 1.5 hours and covering around 2.5 km, you’ll reach Australian Camp, aka Australian Base Camp, at 2,060 m.
The beautiful 180-degree view of the mountains is going to steal your heart. The major ones include Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre. Along with these, Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal can also be seen clearly.
That makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a hearty lunch before proceeding further. Upon reaching Pothana (1,890 m), you’ll enter the Annapurna Conservation Area. There is a checkpoint where you need to show your Mardi trek permit (i.e., ACAP).
Today’s hike is only up to Pittam Deurali (2,137 m). On the way, you get to interact with the Gurung and Magar communities, along with hill Brahmins. The traditional mud houses, the way people dress, and the overall local vibes make the day special for sure.
By late afternoon, you’ll check into a local lodge in Pittam Deurali, where you’ll stay for the night. Be sure to explore this Gurung village, from where the route to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek also separates and connects towards Landruk.
Day 3: Pittam Deurali to Rest Camp
| Hike Distance | 9 km |
| Hike Duration | 5 to 6 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 563 m |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Your morning begins with beautiful mountain sights. These are the same ones that kept you company on Day 2. But as the day progresses, the views slowly disappear as you’ll be passing through mostly forested sections.
Passing via Suire Danda (2,440 m), Dhod Kharka (2,559 m), and Besal Baari (2,572 m), you should reach Forest Camp, aka Kokar (2,448 m), covering around 8 km in about 3.5 to 4 hours. Many opt for a night stay here, but in this itinerary, you’ll have lunch and move on.
Within the next 2 hours, you should easily reach Rest Camp (2,700 m). Even Low Camp is possible, but why hurry? The only place you can reach tomorrow is High Camp, and that’s easily doable within 6 to 7 hours.
There are no major attractions today. It’s entirely a forest route, with rhododendron, oak, birch, maple, and hemlock trees.
Day 4: Low Camp to High Camp
| Hike Distance | 6.5 km |
| Hike Duration | 6 to 7 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 853 m |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Wake up early today, as the sunrise from Rest Camp is spectacular. In the right season, clouds in the morning can make your experience even more memorable.
Today, you’ll head to Kamkiku (2,793 m), followed by Low Camp (2,970 m), Mid Camp (3,209 m), and Badal Danda (3,300 m). It’s a great spot to pause, and if you’re lucky, the cloud inversion makes you feel like you’re above the clouds.
You can have lunch there or go slightly higher to Low High Camp, aka Upper Badal Danda (3,357 m). These spots bring Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli even more closer!
At the end, it’s a little uphill to reach High Camp (3,553 m). If you’re following this itinerary right, you should be able to reach there before sunset to enjoy the golden views of the three mountains.
Don’t just sit inside the dining. Explore the surroundings, right beneath the mountains, where cloud inversion adds a magical touch for sure!
Once it’s evening time, stay in the warm dining area, enjoy the firewood warmth, and don’t forget to fill your thermos for the night. Staying hydrated at high altitudes is essential.
You’ll meet both local and international trekkers, so socialise! And if the weather is clear (mostly in late autumn and winter), be sure to get out for stargazing.
Sleep early, as you’ll need to wake up at 3 am for the next hike. So, for your packing list, be sure to carry a headlamp or reliable torch. Or you may drain your phone if you’re using it for light!
Day 5: Mardi Viewpoint & Base Camp Explore, Low Camp Return
| Hike Distance | 16 km |
| Hike Duration | 7 to 8 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 947 m |
| Difficulty Level | Intermediate |
This day is a little difficult compared to the others as you’ll be reaching 4500 meters!
Waking up at 3 AM is tough for many. Before starting, check signs of AMS. Don’t hike in the chilly morning if you’re showing symptoms. Rather, seek help from your guide or lodge staff.
In winter, water in drums freezes! So, my dear Nepalese and South Asian trekkers, be sure to carry wet tissues or toilet paper!
For the final hike, don’t forget to fill your water bottle full, as there won’t be refill points in between, though a few tea shops at viewpoints sell tea.
The morning hike may feel cold, but as the sun rises, you’ll be glad you’ve done the Mardi Himal Trek! Stars, sunrise, and the Milky Way make it a paradise for astrophotography lovers, too.
Passing via Lower Viewpoint (3,981 m), you’ll reach Upper Viewpoint, aka Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200 m). That’s where you get one of the best sunrise views in Nepal.
Mountains appear even closer, especially Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). You can also see distant peaks like Khangsar Kang, Tarke Kang, Tare Kang, Asapurna, and Gangapurna.
While many make a return, I highly recommend proceeding ahead. First to Lower Base Camp (4,218 m) and then to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), which happens to be the west base camp. It’s just about 1.5 to 2 hours away from the viewpoint, so definitely don’t miss it.
I only recommend spending a little time at the base camp, as you have already gained almost 950 meters by now in a short span of just 4 hours. But there’s no need to hurry if you’re all good.
That’s the advantage of doing the 7-day trek. Even during the return to High Camp, you can walk in a relaxed way, as you don’t have to reach all the way down. You’ll also realize those insane stairs you had climbed in the dawn.
Have your breakfast, pack your things, and start the downhill. Stop for a late lunch at Badal Danda, and if you wish, you can even stay here up to sunset to watch clouds gather below at that time. You’ll be on cloud nine, literally!
Today’s final downhill from Badal Danda to Low Camp takes roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour. The advantage of this 7-day plan is that you don’t have to rush and reach Low Camp at your own pace.
Day 6: Low Camp to Sidhing, Drive to Pokhara
| Hike Distance | 5 km |
| Hike Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Drive Distance | 31 km |
| Drive Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
It’s the last day of this 7-day Mardi Himal Trek, and it’s going to be completely downhill through the forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
On the way, you’ll pass small settlements like Takaichi (2,285 m) and Ratencho (2,092 m) before reaching Sidhing (1,751 m). Since you’ll be descending gradually, your knees feel less stressed compared to shorter treks. Still, I suggest wearing knee support if you think you’ll have knee issues.
The place to get a jeep is actually called Bhimjung (1,935 m), where you can share a jeep with other friends that you met on the trail.
Within two to three hours, you’ll reach Pokhara today, and this gives you enough time for sightseeing. If you have energy left, try kayaking, a trending activity in Phewa Lake!
It’s even possible to return to Kathmandu the same day. Head to Prithvi Chowk and you’ll easily find evening microvans or night buses. But let’s be honest, you’d rather want to give yourself a celebration night in Lakeside, don’t you?
Day 7: Pokhara to Kathmandu Return
| Drive Distance | 200 km |
| Drive Duration | 6 to 7 hours |
| Elevation Gain | 500 m |
Time to return to the capital city. Just like how you arrived, you can choose the same option.
I had personally gotten on an afternoon van after a good night’s sleep until late morning. You’ll reach within 6 to 7 hours if you follow my approach. But if you take the bus, you need to get on an early morning one, and it takes about 8 hours.
You can even go for a final morning stroll if you wake up early. Have breakfast in the Lakeside area itself. Totally up to you!
Mardi Himal Trek 7 Days Cost & Packages
The overall 7-day Mardi Himal trek cost or budget for international tourists varies depending on whether you’re trekking independently, with a freelance guide, or with a travel agency.
The best option is definitely choosing a registered trekking agency because you’ll be safer and everything else will be handled for you!
Packages for 7 days usually cost USD 495 to USD 699, depending on how reliable the agency is and the level of luxury you prefer. Generally, this price covers your vehicle expenses, BLD during the trek, guide fees, porter fees, etc. Overall, it’s a good deal, but I suggest tipping the guides and porters.
But which agency should you choose? Well, our TNT team is working on reviewing travel agencies through various means, and we’ll soon update it here on the site with the best ones.
But for the time being, you can fill up the form below to book your Mardi Trek, and we’ll get back to you with the best possible option:
Remember: Travel Nepal Today is not a trekking or travel agency. Our job on the internet is to provide you with actual and factual information about Nepal and also help you out in every possible way so you get to explore the beauty of this beautiful country.
For Nepalese trekkers, it’s best to opt for a 4-day itinerary from Pokhara or a 6-day itinerary from Kathmandu. You’ll still be able to pass through Kande and complete the trek comfortably.
But if you’re trekking for a more relaxing experience in this part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, taking your time and completing the route in 7 days is also a great idea.
Expect to spend around NPR 15,000. You can skip the Kathmandu to Pokhara travel day and instead opt for a direct night bus to Kande. You’ll arrive in the morning, have a light breakfast, and start the trek right away.
Bonus: Gear Needed for 7-Day Mardi Himal Trek
The packing list for any trek depends on multiple factors, such as the number of days, the season, and the teahouse conditions. You should pack things that make you comfortable, because you’ll be carrying that backpack and relying on yourself throughout the trek.
I’m going to share my own packing list and also suggest some recommended products, based on good reviews. These items should be enough for your 7-day Mardi Himal Trek in any season:
Final Words
Taking 7 days to complete the Mardi Himal Trek lets you finish the journey very easily. It’s the ultimate beginner-friendly itinerary, and even if you’ve never gone trekking before, you’ll be able to do it comfortably.
And don’t worry about walking slowly. The trek allows you to pass through cultural sections of Kande, Australian Camp, and Pittam Deurali. So, it’s an adventure plus cultural sightseeing in one place. That’s exactly what travelling in Nepal is!
Happy travelling to Kaski!
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