Mardi Himal trek- 7 Days

The Mardi Himal Trek is a perfect short Himalayan adventure ideal for those with limited time. Nestled in the eastern Annapurna region, it offers close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli, while avoiding the crowds of popular trekking routes.

The journey begins with a scenic drive (or optional flight) from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a trek starting from Dhampus and Deurali. The trail takes you through lush rhododendron forests, peaceful villages, and up to Forest Camp, High Camp (3,550m), and finally the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m).

Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning ridge-line views, vibrant sunrises, and firsthand experiences of local village life. The return route through Jhinu Danda offers a relaxing soak in natural hot springs.

Best for: Moderately fit trekkers seeking a rewarding 1-week Himalayan trek filled with nature, culture, and panoramic mountain views.

Note:
We recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least one day before the trek, by 3:00 p.m., for last-minute preparations.
The 6–7 hour tourist bus ride to Pokhara is included, or you can choose a 20-minute flight at an extra cost.

Online Trip Briefing

Once your booking is confirmed and essential documents are sent, we’ll schedule an online trip briefing. This virtual session will cover your day-by-day itinerary, packing checklist, and trekking expectations. You’ll receive the briefing schedule via email after confirmation.

Depending on the trekking season, you may need to adjust your clothing and equipment. However, this is a necessity list we have compiled. Please bring only the essentials as the luggage limit is 9 kg per trekker. We assign one porter to carry no more than 18 kg of luggage. Hence, team up with a fellow trekker and pack your things in a duffle bag of over 60 liters capacity.

Head

• Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  
• Beanie (for warmth)
  
• Buff or neck gaiter (for sun protection and warmth)
  
• Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  
• High SPF sunscreen
  
• Lip balm with SPF
  
• Sunglasses with UV protection
  
• Face wipes
  

Upper Body

• Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  
• Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  
• Fleece jacket and down jacket **
  
• Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  
• Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  
• Raincoat
  
• Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  
• Polypropylene underwear (four pairs)
  

Hands

• Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  
• Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
  

Lower Body

• Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  
• Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  
• Lightweight cotton pants
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear (for colder weather)
  
• Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
  

Feet

• Thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks (4 pairs)
  
• Waterproof, ankle-supportive broken-in full hiking boots (with good traction)
  
• Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  
• Gaiters (for protection against mud, water, and debris)
  

Toiletries

• Biodegradable bar soap
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-size drying towel
  
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
  
• Toilet paper (in a Ziplock bag)
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clippers
  
• Small mirror
  

Backpacks

• Duffle bag (capacity of over 60 liters) for porters** (One duffle bag for two trekkers)
  
• Backpack or daypack (capacity 20-30 liters) for yourself
  

Accessories

• Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  
• Water bottle or bladder with a capacity of at least 2 liters (insulated for cold weather)
  
• Water purification system (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
  
• Sleeping bag (-10 to -15 degrees is best) **
  

Extra Items

• Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  
• Extra batteries or rechargeable power bank (for charging devices)
  
• Two-pin charging plug
  
• Basic first aid supplies (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, Diamox)
  
• Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  
• Few passport-size photos
  
• Passport photocopies
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Binoculars
  
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool (with scissors, can opener, etc.)
  

We can provide you with a (used, nonwaterproof) duffle bag, (used) down jacket, and (used) sleeping bag if you do not have your own.

Arrival, Welcome, and Trek Start

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Everest Destiny Trek will warmly welcome you with a traditional marigold garland and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle. Our complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off service is included for your convenience.

Please plan to arrive at least one day before your trek departure to attend the pre-trek briefing and complete final preparations. On the morning of the trek departure, around 7 am, you will board a tourist bus heading to Pokhara. Alternatively, you may opt to fly or hire private transport at an additional cost.

Accommodations

Your trek package includes five nights’ stay in comfortable lodges on a standard twin-sharing basis, and two nights at a hotel in Pokhara. The accommodations feature attached bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, and laundry facilities.

Lodges at higher elevations such as Forest Camp, High Camp, and Low Camp provide standard rooms, while Deurali and Jhino Danda offer rooms with attached bathrooms. Most lodges have electricity for charging devices, Wi-Fi access, and hot showers, though some services may incur extra charges.

Please note that accommodations and meals in Kathmandu are not included in this package. You will need to arrange at least two nights in Kathmandu separately.

Meals

Meals during the trek are provided on a full-board basis—breakfast, lunch, and dinner (main course). The package includes seven breakfasts, seven lunches, and six dinners, featuring nutritious and delicious options like oatmeal, pancakes, dhal bhat, momos, soups, pasta, burgers, and more.

While non-vegetarian dishes are available, we do not recommend them due to hygiene concerns. Meals in Pokhara are not included in the package.

To support better acclimatization, we recommend avoiding meat, dairy products, alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and hot chocolate during the trek.

Please note that hot drinks (tea/coffee), cold beverages, and alcoholic drinks are not included in the package.

Luggage

Porters will carry up to 18 kg of luggage for every two trekkers, so you only need to carry essentials in your daypack. We recommend partnering with another trekker to share a duffle bag of over 60 liters capacity.

Please pack only what is necessary for the trek. Any excess luggage can be stored safely either at our store or your hotel in Kathmandu.

Facilities and Essentials

Water

Although bottled water is available for purchase, we discourage its use for ecological reasons. You can bring a reusable water bottle and buy boiled or filtered water from tea houses and lodges. Please do not drink directly from local taps, wells, or rivers. We recommend using water purification tablets or filtration devices before drinking water.

Communication

We maintain regular contact with our trek teams via phone through the trek guide to ensure safety and provide updates.

Travel Essentials

Visa
All foreign nationals, except Indian citizens, require a visa to enter Nepal. Most nationals can obtain an on-arrival visa at Tribhuvan International Airport. To apply for an on-arrival visa, you will need:

• A valid passport (at least six months validity)
  
• A passport-size photo
  
• Visa application fee (varies by length of stay)
  

The current cost is USD 50 for a 30-day stay. For more details, visit Nepal Immigration Portal.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering health care costs and emergency helicopter evacuation up to the highest trek altitude (up to 4,500m) is mandatory. We reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone without proper insurance.

Currency Exchange
The local and legal currency is Nepalese Rupees (NPR). (1 USD ≈ 133 NPR)
You can exchange major currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR at banks or licensed money exchanges in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
ATMs are available in Kathmandu with fees and restrictions.
If carrying Indian Rupees (INR), note that only INR 100 notes are legal in Nepal.

Extra Expenses

This package includes major costs during the trek. However, you should budget for:

• Snacks and beverages
  
• Personal expenses (hot showers, device charging at higher altitudes)
  
• Tips and souvenirs
  

Optional private transport or flights for more comfort

The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November), offering clear skies, mild temperatures, and vibrant landscapes.

• Winter (December–February) treks are possible but require extra preparation for cold weather.
  
• Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain and muddy trails, making trekking challenging.
  

Temperature Overview:

• Spring: Mean daily temperature in higher elevations ranges between 0°C and 15°C; lower regions are warmer.
  
• Summer/Monsoon: Daytime temperatures at high elevations range from 15°C to 25°C, with cooler nights around 5°C to 10°C. Afternoons may be cloudy.
  
• Autumn: Daytime temperatures can reach up to 20°C at higher altitudes; nights drop to around 5°C.
  

Winter: Quite chilly with temperatures as low as -10°C at higher trek elevations, appealing to adventurous trekkers.

• Your day begins early with a warm breakfast around 7 am.
  
• Trekking usually lasts 4–6 hours before a midday lunch and a one-hour rest.
  
• Afterward, you continue trekking to your day’s destination.
  
• Evenings are free for exploration or relaxation.
  
• Dinner is served around 7 pm, followed by a briefing from the guide for the next day.
  
• Before bed, you can socialize, play games, or learn Nepali words.

Farewell Dinner and Feedback
After your trek, we organize a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your journey and share feedback. You will receive a trek achievement certificate. If you enjoyed your experience, we encourage you to post a review on the travel portal.

Departure
We provide complimentary airport drop-off services. Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport on your departure day. We hope you enjoyed your trek and return for more adventures.

Private Treks
We only organize private treks for a personalized experience. No strangers will be added to your group. We accommodate all group sizes and offer discounts for larger groups. For groups of 12 or more, an assistant guide is added.

Safe Trek Bookings
Everest Destiny trek is a Nepal government-licensed trekking company with over 12 years of experience. We are members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). Book your trek with confidence.

• A 10% deposit of the trek cost is required to confirm your booking.
  
• Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, Western Union, or Wise.
  
• The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Kathmandu and can be paid in cash.
  
• We will email payment details and request your essential documents within one week of booking.

Last-Minute Bookings
Last-minute bookings require 100% payment 24 hours before the trek departure. Although we arrange treks at any time, we are not responsible for delays caused by uncontrollable factors like weather or lodge availability.

Flexible Schedule
If the scheduled departure date does not suit you, let us know. We can organize the trek on a date convenient to you.

Trip Extension

After your trek, if you have extra time in Nepal, we can arrange additional activities such as rafting, sightseeing, paragliding, or another trek based on your interests and schedule.

At Everest Destiny Trek, we value our clients as family, placing safety, satisfaction, and cultural connection at the heart of every trek. Our team members come from the high Himalayas, bringing authentic local knowledge.

Our guides are officially licensed by the Nepal government, highly experienced, and trained in rock climbing and wilderness first aid to ensure your safety throughout the journey.

We believe that only happy people can make others happy. Therefore, we strive to keep our staff well-supported by providing fair wages and covering their meals, accommodations, and insurance during treks.

Sustainability guides all our operations. We actively minimize waste, support local communities, and promote environmentally friendly trekking to protect Nepal’s natural beauty for future generations.

We also partner with the Kathmandu Environmental Education Project (KEEP) to organize ecology-focused treks that foster awareness and care for the environment

Tipping is a traditional way to show appreciation to your guides and porters. We recommend tipping as a group at the trek’s conclusion. The amount should fairly reflect the quality of service, the duration of the trek, and the overall trip cost.