Drive Duration: 1.5 hours / Trek Duration: 4-5 hours
After breakfast in Pokhara, you will start your journey with a scenic drive to Kande, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Kande, you will begin your trek towards Forest Camp. The trail gently ascends through dense rhododendron forests, offering glimpses of the surrounding mountains as you make your way higher. The path is relatively quiet and peaceful, with nature all around you. As you continue up, the towering peaks of the Annapurna range begin to come into view. The trek to Forest Camp takes about 4-5 hours, and once you arrive, you will enjoy a restful evening in this secluded spot, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Overnight: Forest Camp
Duration: 4-5 hours
Today’s trek takes you from Forest Camp to Low Camp, a gradual ascent that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As you trek higher, the dense forests start to thin out, giving way to more open spaces and dramatic mountain views. The towering peak of Machapuchare (Fishtail) becomes more prominent as you approach Low Camp, which offers some of the most spectacular views of this iconic peak. You will also be able to see other nearby peaks like Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. The trek will take around 4 to 5 hours, and you will have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Overnight: Low Camp
Duration: 3-4 hours
Today, the trail takes you higher, as you trek from Low Camp to High Camp. The ascent is steady, but the views open up more as you reach the higher altitudes. The environment begins to change, and you’ll start to feel more of an alpine atmosphere. The surrounding forests give way to meadows, and the stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare become even more dramatic. The trek to High Camp is about 3-4 hours, and upon arrival, you’ll enjoy panoramic views that make the effort worthwhile.
Overnight: High Camp
Duration: 7-8 hours’ round trip
Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek. After an early breakfast, you will set off on a challenging, but incredibly rewarding hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trek to base camp is steep, but the stunning views make it all worthwhile. Once at Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and several other peaks. The sunrise over these mountains is a truly memorable sight. After spending some time at the base camp, you’ll retrace your steps back to High Camp for a quick rest, then continue your descent to Low Camp for the night. This will be a long, but fulfilling day of trekking.
Overnight: Low Camp
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours / Drive Duration: 2 hours
On your final day of trekking, you will descend from Low Camp to Siding Village, which takes about 3-4 hours. The trail winds down through beautiful villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Along the way, you’ll pass by small local settlements and get a glimpse of traditional rural life in the Annapurna region. Once you reach Siding, you will take a scenic drive back to Pokhara, which takes around 2 hours. The drive offers wonderful views of the surrounding hills and rivers, and once you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll be able to relax and reflect on the incredible trek you’ve completed.
Handwear:
The Mardi Himal Budget Trek is a budget-friendly trek located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you to Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), offering spectacular views of the Annapurna range, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. The trek is ideal for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the Himalayas without the high costs often associated with trekking in Nepal. It’s a short and relatively easy trek compared to more challenging treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, making it accessible for trekkers with a moderate level of fitness.
The Mardi Himal Budget Trek is considered a moderate trek, which means it’s suitable for trekkers with a basic level of fitness and some previous trekking experience. The trek does not involve technical climbing, but it does include some steep ascents and descents as you go through villages, forests, and alpine meadows. The highest point is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). Due to the moderate altitude, altitude sickness is typically not a major concern, but trekkers should still be mindful of their acclimatization. The trek is manageable for most trekkers and can be completed within 5 to 7 days, depending on your pace and fitness level.
The best times to do the Mardi Himal Budget Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is stable, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The spring season offers the added beauty of blooming rhododendron flowers, while autumn brings crisp air and excellent mountain views. Winter (December to February) can be cold, especially at higher altitudes, while the monsoon season (June to August) is not ideal for trekking due to heavy rains and slippery trails.
The Mardi Himal Budget Trek generally takes 5 to 7 days, making it a great option for those with limited time. The trek begins with a drive from Pokhara to Kande, and then you start your journey through charming villages like Pothana, Forest Camp, and Low Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp. The trek can be completed in a shorter or longer time frame, depending on your preferences and fitness level. Himalayan Forever Treks can tailor the itinerary to suit your schedule.
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Budget Trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, which sits at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). From this vantage point, trekkers are treated to panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) peaks. It’s a spectacular spot for photographs, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the base camp is a major highlight of the trek.
On the Mardi Himal Budget Trek, you will stay in tea houses or guesthouses along the route. These are simple, family-run accommodations that provide basic facilities, including a bed with blankets, shared bathrooms, and communal dining areas. As the trek progresses to higher altitudes, the accommodations become more basic, but you will always find a warm meal and a place to sleep. Himalayan Forever Treks ensures that you stay in comfortable, budget-friendly accommodations throughout your journey.
Meals provided during the Mardi Himal Budget Trek are hearty and nutritious, designed to keep you energized throughout the day. Typical meals include dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), fried rice, noodles, soup, and omelets. Breakfast usually consists of porridge, toast, or pancakes with tea or coffee. Since this is a budget trek, the focus is on affordable, locally-sourced food, but it’s still well-prepared to meet the nutritional needs of trekkers. Snacks like chocolate, biscuits, and energy bars are also available for purchase along the trail. Himalayan Forever Treks ensures that the food is safe, fresh, and energy-boosting.
Altitude sickness is less of a concern on the Mardi Himal Budget Trek compared to higher-altitude treks, as the highest point reached is Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). However, trekkers should still take necessary precautions. To manage altitude sickness:
Ascendslowly to give your body time to acclimatize.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Avoid alcohol and smoking, which can exacerbate symptoms.
Listen to your body and rest if you feel unwell. Himalayan Forever Treks ensures that the itinerary allows for proper acclimatization, with gradual ascents and rest days when needed. If you feel symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, dizziness, nausea), let your guide know, and they will take appropriate action, which may involve descending to a lower altitude.
The weather on the Mardi Himal Budget Trek is moderate, with temperatures ranging from warm in the lower regions to colder as you ascend. At lower altitudes (e.g., Pothana), the weather is typically warm and pleasant during the day, with temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F). As you climb higher to Mardi Himal Base Camp, temperatures can drop, especially at night, where it may fall below freezing. In spring and autumn, you can expect clear skies and stable weather, making these the best times to trek. Winter can be very cold, and monsoon season brings heavy rain, which can make trekking conditions difficult.
The cost of the Mardi Himal Budget Trek with Himalayan Forever Treks includes:
Permits (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, TIMS card)
Experienced trekkingguide and porter services
Tea house accommodation along the trek
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
Private transportation (bus or jeep) from Pokhara to Kande and back to Pokhara
First aid kit and safety equipment
Emergency evacuationarrangements if required
Personal expenses like snacks, bottled water, tips for the guide and porter, and extra services (such as hot showers or charging electronic devices) are not included in the trek price.
While previous trekking experience is helpful, it is not necessary for the Mardi Himal Budget Trek. The trek is designed for beginners and moderate trekkers. If you are in good health and have a basic fitness level, you will be able to enjoy the trek. It’s helpful to train by walking or hiking on uneven terrain, and wearing comfortable footwear will make the trek more enjoyable. Himalayan Forever Treks provides an experienced guide to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the journey.
If you are unable to continue the trek due to altitude sickness, injury, or other issues, Himalayan Forever Treks has emergency protocols in place. We have trained guides who can assess the situation and make the decision to descend to a lower altitude or arrange for an emergency evacuation if necessary. We also ensure that you have emergency helicopter evacuation coverage in case of serious health issues that cannot be treated on the trail.
Yes, after completing the Mardi Himal Budget Trek, you can extend your trip to explore other areas in the Annapurna region or visit Pokhara for sightseeing activities such as boating on Phewa Lake, visiting Sarangkot for a panoramic view of the Himalayas, or even trying paragliding. If you are interested in longer treks, you can opt for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek or Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, which are nearby. Himalayan Forever Treks can customize your itinerary and make arrangements for any additional activities you’d like to explore.
