Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days

Trekking
Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days
Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days
Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days
Quick Overview
Duration3 Days
Trip GradeModerate
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4,500 m
Group Size1-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsPokhara
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeSpring & Autumn

Highlights of the Mardi Himal Short Trek

  • This is a short trek with big mountain views. In just a few days, you walk into the heart of the Annapurna Region, and the mountains surround you.
  • See the close-up view of Machhapuchhre, which feels closer here than in many longer treks.
  • Get a chance to see the sunrise from Mardi Himal Viewpoint when the peaks turn gold, and Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre are right in front, glowing with sunlight. 
  • The Mardi Himal short trek is less crowded than treks likeAnnapurna Base Camp andEverest Base Camp.
  • Experience the beautiful forest trails where everything turns red and pink. 
  • This is a perfect short trek from Pokhara; the mountain begins in just a short drive. 
  • Stay in the local tea house and mountain lodges, try authentic Nepali food, and experience a real trek in Nepal.

Overview of Mardi Himal Short Trek

The Mardi Himal Short Trek is considered a moderately challenging trek. This trek has fewer days, but the views are impressive. You start this trek from Kathmandu, either by a short flight or by a drive to Pokhara. From Pokhara, the jeep takes you closer to the mountains towards Pitam Deurali, and suddenly the trail begins. 

The Mardi Himal trekking trail takes you through rhododendron forests, tiny villages, and alpine meadows. Sometimes it’s quiet, sometimes it’s windy, but Machhapuchhre is always in sight, and it feels really close. The best part of the Mardi Himal Short Trek is the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. This day, you wake up early and hike up for a beautiful sunrise. Then the sunrise hits Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and all start glowing golden. This feels magical. 

This trek is less crowded, which is best for people who want peace. Tea houses along the way are small, warm, and real. They provide hot meals, local tea, and cozy rooms that feel like a hug after a long hike. You can experience the real Nepali trekking life and Gurung and Magar culture on this trail. 

If you just have limited time, want real mountains, and want to feel small in a big world, then the Mardi Himal Short Trek is for you. This 3-day trek is short, simple, scenic, and unforgettable.

Trip Facts of Mardi Himal Short Trek

  • Duration: 3 Days
  • Trek Region: Annapurna Region
  • Max Altitude: 4,500 m (Mardi Himal Viewpoint)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek Distance: ~21 km
  • Driving Distance: ~225 km (Kathmandu → Pokhara → Pitam Deurali)
  • Best Season: Spring & Autumn
  • Start Point: Kathmandu
  • End Point: Pokhara
  • Accommodation: Tea houses/mountain lodges
  • Transportation: Tourist bus or flight to Pokhara, jeep to the trailhead
  • Permits Required: ACAP & TIMS

Why Should You Choose the Mardi Himal Short Trek

If you really want to trek in Nepal but have less time, then this Mardi Himal Short Trek is for you. This trek is short and simple, but every step is full of mountains, forests, and moments that you won’t forget. Here’s why you should choose this trek: 

  • Big experience in Short Time: In just 3 days, you’ll experience the best Himalayan views. Peaks are everywhere around you, so no long treks are needed.
  • Chose-up Machhapuchhre View: You’ll see the Fishtail peak all the time on the trail. It is sharp, perfect, and its view is closer than most of the longer treks.
  • Stunning sunrise view: You’ll wake up early and hike a bit, for a golden sunrise around  Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. All these mountains are glowing beautifully. This is one of the best feelings.
  • Quiet trails: The trails are not crowded like the Popular treks. It feels so peaceful and silent, with mountains around you.
  • Real Nepali experience: Enjoy local lodges and tea houses, cozy rooms, and hot Nepali meals.
  • Beginner-friendly trails: The trails aren’t steep. Anyone can do it, but still, every step gives epic views.
  • Short but unforgettable: This trek is just 3 days, but it feels like a week. Every corner of the trail surprises you. You’ll remember this for your lifetime. 

Who is the Mardi Himal Short Trek Best for? 

Are you wondering if this trek is right for you or not? This trek is short, scenic, and perfect for many people. So, let’s find out who this trek is best for: 

  • First-time trekkers: The Mardi Himal short trek is not too steep, the trails are clear, and there are tea houses along the way. You get the full Himalayan vibe without being overwhelmed.
  • Travelers with limited time: This trek is only 3 days. Start from Kathmandu, you’ll hit the mountains and return with memories that feel like a week-long trek.
  • Nature lovers and photographers: You’ll experience the sunrise at Mardi Himal Viewpoint, Machhapuchhre is close, and you’ll walk through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. In every turn, you’ll experience something different. 
  • Peace seekers: This trek is less crowded than other treks. You’ll walk for an hour and just see mountains around you. 
  • Families and small groups: This is a short and manageable trek that includes cozy tea houses. So, kids, friends, or families can enjoy it together.
  • Adventure seekers who want a short break: A few days of fresh mountain air, tiny villages, and epic views make you feel fresh in short days.
  • Anyone who wants a real Nepali experience: Tea house meals, small lodges, locals sharing stories, feels simple and authentic.

Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days Itinerary

Trip PlanExpand all
  • Driving Distance from Kathmandu to Pokhara: ~200 km, 6-7 hours 
  • Driving Distance from Pokhara to Pitam Deurali: ~25 km, 1.5 - 2 hours 
  • Altitude: 2,100 m (Pitam Deurali)

Today, your journey starts early from Kathmandu. You can travel to Pokhara either by a scenic flight or a drive along the Trishuli River. After reaching Pokhara, a jeep ride takes you to Pitam Deurali, the starting point of the trek. The road climbs through small villages and forested hills. By the time you arrive, the air already feels cooler and quieter. Here, you’ll check into a tea house, enjoy a warm meal, and rest for the night before the trek begins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Trekking Distance: ~9 km, 5-6 hours
  • Altitude: 3,580 m (High Camp)

Today, the trek begins. The trail goes through peaceful rhododendron forests and gradually climbs higher along a ridge. As you gain altitude, the forest starts to thin, and the mountain views slowly open up. Walking along the ridge feels special. On clear days, you can see the dramatic face of Machhapuchhre right in front of you. After a steady hike, you reach High Camp, where the mountains feel very close. You’ll stay overnight here at a tea house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Tea House
  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km, 6-7 hours
  • Driving Distance: ~35 km, 2-3 hours
  • Altitude: 4,500 m (Mardi Himal View Point)

Today you’ll wake up early at 4 am and start a short but rewarding 2 hours hike that takes you to Mardi Himal Viewpoint at around 4,500 meters, the highest point of the trek. From here, the views are simply incredible. Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre stand right in front of you, glowing in the morning light. You’ll love this sunrise view. You'll also have a warm cup of tea and breakfast here. After enjoying the moment, descend to Sidding Village. You'll also have a lunch in the between. From Sidding, take a jeep back to Pokhara, where the trek comes to an end. From Pokhara, you can explore anywhere else that you want. 

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Couldn't find what you're after?Reach out to our travel experts.
Customize Trip

Cost Details

Includes

Transportation

  • Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • Private jeep from Pokhara to Pitam Deurali (trek starting point)
  • Jeep transportation from Sidding back to Pokhara after the trek

Accommodation and Food

  • Two nights accommodation in tea houses during the trek
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner during the trek

Guide and Staff

  • Professional English-speaking trekking guide
  • Guide’s salary, food, accommodation, and insurance
  • Government-licensed trekking guide

Permits and Entry Fees

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Trekkers' Information Management System Permit (TIMS)

Safety and Support

  • A basic first aid kit is carried by the guide
  • Government taxes and official service charges

Excludes

  • International airfare to Nepal
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, WiFi, charging, hot showers)
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Extra costs caused by weather delays or unforeseen circumstances

Add-ons & Options

  • Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara: If you don't want long drive and want more comfort then you can choose a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You need to add $100 per person for a flight. 
  • Porter: If you want to walk freely with out the weight of your bags then you can hire a porter. Porter carries your heavy bags. You need to add $17 per day for a porter. 

Essential Information

How to Get to the Starting Point of the Mardi Himal Short Trek

This Mardi Himal Short Trek starts from Kathmandu. From here, you can either fly to Pokhara, which is quick and simple. Or take the drive, which is long but fun. You pass green hills, rivers, and tiny villages. Once you reach Pokhara, the mountains start to come closer. A jeep takes you up to Pitam Deurali. This is the point from where our trek begins. The air is fresh, the mountains are bigger, and the forests are quieter. The city feels miles away. Getting to the starting point of the trek is simple. There is no fuss. Just you, the mountains, and the trail calling you. 

Cost of Mardi Himal Short Trek 

The cost of the Mardi Himal short Trek depends on a few things, like guides, accommodation, food, and transport. For a basic package, it costs around $400-$500 per person. That usually includes your guide, porter (if needed), tea house stays, and meals along the way. It’s simple with all the essentials, and nothing fancy is included.

If you want more comfort with private rooms, private jeeps, and upgraded meals, then the cost gets higher. If you choose flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara instead of a jeep ride, then that adds extra cost too. The best part is you’ll get huge Himalayan views, sunrises, quiet trails, and real Nepali experiences, all in a short time and at less cost. Not many treks give that in just three days. Honestly, it’s a small investment for memories you’ll never forget.

Best Time for Mardi Himal Short Trek

The best time for most of the treks in Nepal is in the Autumn & Spring seasons, with epic views. 

  • Spring Season (March to May): In this season, rhododendrons bloom, forests turn red, pink, and sometimes white. The weather is mild, days are warm, and nights are chilly, but fine with a jacket. Sunrise views are amazing. 
  • Autumn Season (September to November): This season brings crisp air. The sky is usually perfect, peaks look sharp, and trails are dry. This is the classic trekking season, and everyone loves it.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): This season comes with rain, slippery trails, and clouds hides the peaks. You can skip this season if you don’t want a wet and wild forest. 
  • Winter Season (December to February): Winter brings cold temperatures and sometimes snow too. But the views are stunning this time. Fewer people trek to Mardi Himal during winter. If you don’t mind freezing mornings, it’s peaceful. So, you can try even in Winter. 

Accommodation & Food during the Mardi Himal Short Trek

Accommodation during Mardi Himal Short Trek

The accommodation of the Mardi Himal Trek isn’t fancy and that’s exactly why people love this trek. You stay in small tea houses and mountain lodges. Rooms are simple, beds are basic and shared, sometimes private, but its a enough space to rest after a long day. Some lodges have wood stoves or fireplaces. You can also sit by the fire, dry your boots, and warm your hands. Listen to locals share stories. It feels like the mountains themselves are welcoming you.

Food during Mardi Himal Short Trek

The food during the Mardi Himal short trek is simple and filling. And honestly, it tastes better after a long day on the trail. Most tea houses serve Nepali classics, dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, etc. You can also get hot tea and coffee. The best part is food feels human. Simple meals in the middle of the mountains. After a cold morning hike, a bowl of soup or dal bhat feels like heaven. Water is mostly available in bottles. Some lodges let you refill your bottle.

Difficulty Level of Mardi Himal Short Trek

The Mardi Himal short trek isn’t hard. It’s 3 days of hiking, mostly easy to moderate trails. Some steep trails pop up near High Camp and the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. The highest point of the Mardi Himal trek is at 4,500 meters. The air feels thinner up there, legs will burn a little, but it’s not like you can’t handle it. You need to pace yourself, stop, breathe, and look around. The view will make you feel nice. 

The altitude of the Mardi Himal Trek isn’t extreme, but your lungs and legs might feel it a little. And that’s part of the adventure. But seeing Forests, villages, and beautiful mountains all around feels worth it, and your difficulty feels like nothing.

Beginners, first-time trekkers, and families can also do this trek. If you’re reasonably fit, love walking, and can handle some uphill stretches, then you’re good to go. This Mardi Himal trek is short, scenic, and challenging enough to feel proud. But it is never scary. You’ll finish the trek smiling, a little tired, and probably already planning your next Himalayan adventure.

Permits Required for Mardi Himal Short Trek

If you’re planning the Mardi Himal short trek, don’t forget permits. Always carry your permits on the trail. Keep them safe, and it will be easy to access. Here’s what you need:

  • TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System): This is your ID on the trail. It shows you’re a registered trekker. 
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): This permit protects mountains, forests, and wildlife. This permit is needed before starting the trek. 

How to Prepare for the Mardi Himal Short Trek

Getting ready for the Mardi Himal Short trek isn’t complicated. But a little preparation makes the trek even easier. Here’s how:

  • Get some basic physical fitness: Walk, climb stairs, do short hikes, jog, etc, whatever gets your legs ready. You just need to be able to hike for a few hours a day.
  • Pack smart: Pack layered clothes for changing weather. Warm jacket for early mornings, raincoat, comfortable trekking boots, socks, gloves, hat, sunglasses, etc. You can check the packing list while trekking in Nepal for extra packing related information.
  • Acclimatize a bit: You’ll start around 1,500 meters at the trailhead, going up to 4,500 meters at Mardi Himal Viewpoint. Take it slow, breathe, and enjoy the view. No need to rush.
  • Mental preparation: Trails can be quiet, sometimes muddy, and sometimes steep. It’s okay, take a break, talk to fellow trekkers, smile, and the mountains will reward you.
  • Keep Snacks: Keep small snacks handy for energy boosts during hikes.
  • Check the weather: Spring and autumn are best, but always look at forecasts. Mountain weather changes fast.
  • Keep the travel documents ready: Keep the permits and other important documents ready. Keep the copies and keep them safe and accessible.

Why Should You Book the Mardi Himal Short Trek With Us? 

Booking the Mardi Himal Short trek with Himalayan Partner makes your trek easier, safer, and way more enjoyable. Booking with us isn’t just about reaching the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. It’s about enjoying the journey, feeling safe, and making it unforgettable. 

  • Local expertise: We know the trails, tea houses, and hidden viewpoints. So, you’ll get the best of the trek.
  • Hassle-free paperwork: We’ll handle your trekking permits and other paperwork. You just show up and start hiking.
  • Reliable guides and support: You’ll get experienced guides who know the mountains and the people. They are friendly, helpful, and ready to make your trek smooth.
  • Comfortable planning: Jeeps, accommodations, meals, everything is arranged ahead. You don’t worry about logistics and focus on the adventure.
  • Flexible pace: We focus on your needs. Your itinerary can be customized. Every step, every break, and every view is at your pace. You’re not just another traveler here.
  • Safety first: We keep track of weather, trail conditions, and altitude. Even in any kind of emergencies, we’re prepared.
  • Real Nepali experience: Tea houses, local food, mountain culture. You get the authentic trekking experience of Nepal while trekking with us.

Mardi Himal Short Trek - 3 Days FAQs

Yes, the Mardi Himal Short Trek is suitable for beginners with a basic level of fitness. The trek is relatively short, but it still involves several hours of walking each day. If you can comfortably walk for 5-6 hours and handle some uphill trails, you should be able to enjoy this trek.

The highest point of the trek is Mardi Himal Viewpoint at around 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) above sea level. From here, trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range.

The trek is considered moderate in difficulty. Some sections include steep climbs and narrow ridge trails, but the route is well established and manageable for most trekkers with average fitness.

The best time to trek in this region is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is stable and the mountain views are usually clear.

Yes, trekkers need two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System Permit (TIMS). These permits are required to enter the Annapurna region.

Accommodation is mainly in tea houses or mountain lodges along the trail. These lodges provide simple rooms with basic facilities and offer hot meals for trekkers.

Since the trek reaches 4,500 meters, mild altitude symptoms can occur for some trekkers. However, the short itinerary and gradual ascent usually help reduce the risk. Walking slowly and staying hydrated is important.

The short version of the trek can be completed in 3 days, starting from Kathmandu via Pokhara and ending back in Pokhara after the trek.