Mardi Himal Trek - Annapurna's Hidden Gem Adventure
Book Your Package4.9 out of 5.0, US$ US$ 700 Per person
About This Package
Experiences
Overviews:
Let me tell you why I love guiding travelers on this special trek. Unlike the crowded Everest and Annapurna routes, our Mardi Himal adventure feels like discovering Nepal’s best-kept secret. Just last season, I watched a group of f irst-time trekkers gasp when we rounded a bend and suddenly saw Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) towering before us - that’s the magic of this trail!
We begin in Pokhara, where I’ll meet you with a warm smile and a steaming cup of chiya (Nepali tea) before we drive to the trailhead. Those first steps through villages like Dhampus always remind me of my childhood - the scent of woodsmoke mixing with mountain air, the rhythmic sound of farmers working in terraced fields, and children giggling as they practice their "Hellos!" with trekkers.
As your guide, I can’t wait to show you my favorite spots:
● The ancient oak forest near Pothana where sunlight filters through the leaves like liquid gold ● That one perfect viewpoint where rhododendron blooms frame Annapurna South perfectly (I’ll take your photo there!)
● The cozy teahouse in High Camp where the owner, my friend Gopal, makes the best garlic soup to help with altitude
What makes our Mardi Himal trek different? It’s the little things we’ve perfected over years:
→ We time each day’s walk to catch the best light for photos
→ Know which teahouses have the warmest blankets on chilly nights
→ Stop at hidden clearings most groups miss for quiet moments with the mountains
At 4,500m, when we reach Base Camp together, you’ll understand why I’ve spent 15 years guiding here. Last October, guest Mark from Australia told me, "I expected great views, but not this feeling of connection to every village and landscape." That’s what we aim for - more than a trek, but a true experience of Nepal’s heart.
The mountains are calling - let me show you why this trek captures mine. When you’re ready, my team and I will be here to make your Himalayan dream come true, the Vyas Trek way.
Best Seasons for Mardi Himal Trek
• Spring (March-May) - Nature's grand spectacle with vibrant rhododendron blooms painting the forests red and pink, offering perfect sunny days for photography and wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds), though trails are busier (book early)
• Autumn (September-November) - Crystal-clear post-monsoon skies reveal breathtaking mountain vistas, combined with festive village energy during Dashain/Tihar celebrations and golden harvest scenes, with the advantage of fewer trekkers on peaceful trails
• Winter (December-February) - A magical snow-dusted wonderland for adventurous souls seeking solitude (often empty trails), cozy teahouse stays with ginger tea warmth, though requiring serious cold-weather gear for freezing high-altitude nights
• Monsoon (June-August) - Not recommended due to slippery trails, persistent leeches, frequent landslides, and obscured mountain views behind constant clouds and rain
Why Choose Vyas Trek Nepal for this trek?
1. 5-Star Rated Service
● Consistently top-rated on TripAdvisor & Google (check our reviews!)
● 98% customer satisfaction rate over 15+ years
● Many trekkers return for multiple adventures with us
2. Local Connections That Matter
● Family-run teahouses that treat you like family
● Village elders who share stories you won't find in guidebooks
● Reliable transport partners (no breakdowns or delays)
3. Service That Goes Beyond
● Pokhara airport pickup with fresh juice/snacks
● Free gear storage for items you don't need on trek
● Emergency support 24/7 (we're locals - we know everyone!)
4. Honest Pricing
● No hidden costs (we include what others charge extra for)
● Flexible payment options
● Best value for quality (not the cheapest, but the best)
5. Responsible Tourism
● Fair wages for guides/porters
● Eco-friendly practices (we carry out all waste)
● Supports local schools along the trail
6. Personal Attention
● Direct access to our team pre-trip (no call centers)
● Small groups (max 8 people) for personalized experience
● Owner-operated (you'll meet our family in Pokhara)
Preparation Guide for this Trek
1. Permits & Documents - We handle all necessary permits (ACAP & TIMS) - just bring 2 passport photos and your passport copy. Don't forget travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking up to 4,500m.
2. Fitness Training - Begin preparing 2-3 months prior with:
● Daily 45-minute cardio (walking/jogging)
● Strength exercises (squats, lunges, stair climbing)
● Weekend practice hikes with a loaded backpack
Pro Tip: The better you prepare, the more you'll enjoy the views!
3. Essential Clothing - Pack smart layers:
● Moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool ideal)
● Insulating mid-layers (fleece/down jacket)
● Waterproof/windproof outer shell
● 4-5 pairs of quality trekking socks
● Warm hat, gloves, and buff for cold nights
4. Must-Have Gear - Your adventure toolkit:
● Well-broken-in hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
● Sleeping bag rated to -10°C (we can arrange rentals)
● Headlamp with extra batteries
● Two 1L water bottles or hydration bladder
● Trekking poles (saves knees on descents)
5. Health Preparation - Pack:
● Personal medications + basic first aid (blister care, pain relievers)
● Altitude medication (consult your doctor about Diamox)
● Electrolyte tablets/solution
● Sun protection (SPF 50+, lip balm, sunglasses)
We Provide: Comprehensive first-aid kit + emergency oxygen
6. Weather Preparedness - Expect:
● Daytime temps: 10-15°C (perfect hiking weather)
● Nighttime temps: -5 to 5°C (teahouses have blankets)
● Possible sudden weather changes (pack accordingly)
7. Our Full Support - Includes:
● Porter service (carries 7kg of your 10kg allowance)
● Daily health monitoring by experienced guides
● Emergency evacuation plans
● Pre-trek briefing in Pokhara
8. Smart Packing Tips - From our experts:
● Break in new boots thoroughly before trek
● Use packing cubes/zips for organization
● Bring favorite snacks (energy bars, chocolate)
● Download offline content (limited connectivity)
9. Final Checks - Before you go:
● Photocopies of important documents
● Extra camera batteries/power bank
● Journal and pen for memories
● Small duffel for items to leave in Pokhara
Looking for a faster way to witness the mountains? Soar above the Annapurna range with our Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour , a thrilling 1-hour flight offering breathtaking aerial views of the peaks.
🧭Alternative Tours & Packages
- Mardi Himal Trek – Annapurna’s Hidden Gem Adventure
A lesser-traveled trekking route offering close-up views of Machapuchare and the Annapurna range, perfect for those seeking solitude and striking alpine beauty. - Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
A short yet rewarding trek known for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, ideal for beginners or those on a tight schedule. - Annapurna Base Camp Trek
A classic Himalayan adventure leading to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, this trek offers dramatic landscapes, glacier views, and rich cultural encounters.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Important Info:
- Unforgettable Mountain Vistas - Wake up to Machhapuchhre's iconic Fishtail peak filling your window, enjoy 360° Annapurna views from secret viewpoints our local guides know, and watch sunrise paint the Himalayas golden at 4,500m
- Authentic Cultural Immersion - Stay in family-run teahouses cooking traditional meals over woodfires, learn to make Nepali tea with villagers, and observe traditional basket-weaving in Pothana - experiences mass tourism routes miss
- Perfectly Paced Adventure - Our 11-day itinerary (just 5-6 trekking days) blends manageable daily hikes (4-6 hours) with ample acclimatization, suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers
- Nature's Hidden Paradise - Trek through mystical rhododendron forests (vibrant red in spring), spot playful langur monkeys in ancient oak canopies, and identify rare Himalayan wildflowers in alpine meadows
- Exclusive Vyas Trek Advantages - Small groups (max 8) led by guides born in these mountains, stays at our personally vetted teahouses with hot showers, and included safety gear (oxygen + medical kits) for peace of mind
- Cultural Connections - Evening storytelling sessions about Himalayan legends, optional participation in seasonal harvests with locals, and visits to hidden monasteries off the standard trail
- All Comforts Covered - Enjoy hearty, fresh-cooked meals (including our famous dal bhat), private rooms when available, and seamless logistics from permits to transport
- Smart Seasonal Timing - Spring (March-May) for breathtaking rhododendron blooms or autumn (Sept-Nov) for crystal-clear mountain vistas - we'll advise the perfect dates for your priorities
Itinerary:
Route Map:
Faqs:
1. How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderate in difficulty, making it suitable for both beginners with good physical fitness and experienced trekkers. You'll typically hike 4-6 hours each day through varied terrain that includes some steep sections. We strongly recommend preparing with 2-3 months of cardio and strength training before your trek to ensure you can fully enjoy the experience.
2. When is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?
The ideal seasons are spring (March-May) when the rhododendron forests bloom spectacularly and autumn (September-November) when the weather is most stable and you'll encounter fewer crowds. Winter (December-February) offers snowy trails and solitude but requires preparation for colder temperatures. Monsoon season (June-August) is generally not recommended due to heavy rains and potential landslides.
3. What permits are required?
We take care of all necessary trekking permits for you, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card. You'll just need to provide us with 2 passport-sized photos for the paperwork.
4. What's included in the package?
Your package covers all accommodations from 3-star hotels in Kathmandu to cozy teahouses along the trail, all meals during the trek, required permits, experienced English-speaking guides and porters (with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers), all ground transportation including airport transfers, and your domestic flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.
5. What's NOT included?
The package doesn't cover international flights, Nepal visa fees (approximately $30-50), travel insurance (which must include high-altitude coverage up to 4,500m), meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara, personal trekking gear, or tips for guides and porters.
6. What should I pack?
Essential items include sturdy broken-in hiking boots, layered clothing for varying temperatures, a quality sleeping bag rated to -10°C, headlamp with extra batteries, reusable water bottles, personal medications, and sun protection. We'll provide you with a detailed packing list after booking to ensure you're fully prepared.
7. How cold does it get?
Daytime temperatures are typically pleasant for hiking at 10-15°C, while nights can drop to -5 to 5°C at higher elevations. Teahouses provide blankets, but bringing proper cold-weather gear is essential for comfort during the chilly nights.
8. Is altitude sickness a risk?
While the maximum altitude of 4,500m at Base Camp poses some risk of altitude sickness, our carefully designed itinerary includes proper acclimatization days. Our guides are trained to monitor your health daily and know how to respond to any altitude-related issues that may arise.
9. Can I charge my devices?
Most teahouses offer charging facilities for a small fee . We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank as backup, as electricity availability can be limited in some locations along the trail.
10. How much should I tip guides/porters?
While entirely optional, tipping is customary in Nepal. We suggest budgeting
11. What if I need to cancel?
We offer flexible rescheduling options and partial refunds depending on cancellation timing (specific terms apply). We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation to protect your investment.
Pax Discount:
| No. Of Persons | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 0 - 1 Pax | US$ 0 |
| 2 - 2 Pax | US$ 0 |
| 3 - 5 Pax | US$ 0 |
| 6 - 10 Pax | US$ 0 |
| 11 - 15 Pax | US$ 0 |
| 16 - 25 Pax | US$ 0 |
Fixed Departure:
Availability
| # | Date | Cost | Status | Action |
|---|
US$ 875.00
US$700 Per person
Customer Reviews And Rating:
You May Also Like &
Love
Showing Verified Reviews