Mardi Himal Trek

If you have a week, do Mardi. If you have 10–12 days and want the classic Annapurna experience, do ABC. If you have 4–5 days and a low fitness level, do Poon Hill. Many people do Mardi after doing ABC or Poon Hill on a previous trip — it's the natural Annapurna follow-on.

Moderate fitness — capable of walking 5–6 hours a day for five days, with a daypack of 4–5 kg, on stone-paved or dirt trail. Day 4 (climb to High Camp) and Day 5 (climb to MBC then descend to Siding, ~10 hours total) are the hardest. Reasonable hikers in good general shape do this trek without specific training. We recommend 4–6 weeks of regular hill walks before the trip if you don't hike often.

The high point of 4,500 m is just below the threshold where altitude sickness becomes common. Mild symptoms (headache, poor sleep, low appetite) are possible at High Camp and the climb to MBC. Serious altitude sickness is rare. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter and checks oxygen saturation each evening. If anyone shows symptoms, the response is descent. Important: do not attempt the climb from High Camp to MBC if you've slept badly, have a headache, or feel unwell — you can wait and try again the next day, or descend to Low Camp.

October and November are the peak — clearest skies, stable weather, the longest-running departures. March to May is the rhododendron flowering season, especially March and early April when the forest sections turn red and pink for two weeks. December–February is cold but the trek stays open, with snow above Low Camp from January onwards (we provide microspikes if needed). June–September is monsoon — leeches in the forest, clouds covering the peaks, slippery trail. Not recommended.

Family-run teahouses every night on the trail. Twin-share rooms with simple beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. Hot showers are available for a small fee at Forest Camp and Low Camp; usually unavailable at High Camp. Standards drop as you climb — High Camp is basic but functional, with thin walls and shared squat toilets. The dining rooms are warm (wood stoves), the food is consistently good, and the social scene is part of the experience.

Less than ABC, more than the Community Trek. Mardi was almost empty until 2018; since then, it's been the fastest-growing short trek in Nepal. October–November weekends at High Camp can mean shared rooms and dinner queues. Spring shoulder-season (mid-May, late September) is much quieter. We schedule weekday departures where possible to avoid the worst of the bottleneck.

Yes. Mardi is one of the few Himalayan treks we'd genuinely recommend for families with kids 12+. The walking days are short, the trail is well-marked, the teahouses are welcoming to families, and the high point is below the altitude where children's altitude tolerance becomes a serious concern. Younger children (8-11) can do the trek as far as Forest Camp or Low Camp on a private departure with a customised itinerary.

Less than for ABC or EBC. The essentials: a 3-season sleeping bag (rentable in Pokhara), down jacket (rentable), worn-in trekking boots, layered base/mid/shell clothing for −5°C nights at High Camp, sun protection, a 25-30L daypack, headlamp, water bottles + purification, basic first aid. Worn-in boots are the single most important thing.

Yes if you have the time. Chitwan is Nepal's only major lowland wildlife park — completely different ecosystem from the trek (jungle, rivers, sub-tropical), with strong chances of one-horned rhinos and an outside chance of tiger. The extension adds 3 nights and ~$650; see our standalone Mardi + Chitwan Combo product. Most trekkers we've sent there call it the highlight of the second half of their trip.

A 25% deposit confirms your booking. Full balance due 60 days before departure. Cancellations 60+ days out: full refund minus deposit. 30–59 days out: 50% refund. Less than 30 days out: no refund. We strongly recommend trip insurance with cancellation cover.