Trip Advisor
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Meghalaya is a magical place and no better way to explore than by walk / trek. Shyam and team managed to curate some of the gems in the area with... read more 
Hema
January 4, 2024
Nepal – Mardi Himal Base Camp (MHBC)
Nepal – Mardi Himal Base Camp (MHBC)
Description
Upcoming Group Trips: –
The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is a stunning, less-crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region in Nepal that offers dramatic mountain views and a sense of solitude often missing on more popular trails. This trek takes you up to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters / 14,763 feet), offering close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Himchuli.
Starting from Kande near Pokhara, the trail winds through verdant rhododendron forests, peaceful ridgelines, and traditional villages, gradually transitioning into alpine terrain. The path is well-marked but devoid of crowds, making it perfect for trekkers seeking a more tranquil experience. The ridge-top lodges at Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp and a few other places in between provide cozy stays and striking panoramic views at sunrise and sunset.
The moderately challenging trek is suitable for both fit beginners and seasoned hikers. It typically takes 5 to 7 days and is ideal during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the skies are clear and the trails bloom with color. With a mix of raw natural beauty, cultural immersion, and dramatic vistas, the Mardi Himal trek is a hidden gem for those seeking a short yet exciting Himalayan adventure in Nepal.
Itinerary
- Day 1Your city - Kathmandu - Pokhara
- Day 2Pokhara - Kande (1.5 hour drive) - Trek to Pittam Deurali (2100 m) - 3 hour-hike
- Day 3Deurali - Forest Camp (2600 m) - 9km, 5 to 6-hour hike
- Day 4Forest Camp to High Camp (3550 m) - 4 hour hike
- Day 5High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4500 m) and back - (10km, 5-hours), return to Low Camp (5 km, 2-hour hike)
- Day 6Low Camp to Siding (1750 m) - 4.5km, 3 to 4 hour hike, 2-hour drive to Pokhara
- Day 7 Fly to Kathmandu and onwards to your city
Inclusions
- 4 nights stay in comfortable teahouses
- 2 nights in a comfortable 4-star hotel in Pokhara
- Wholesome meals starting with breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6
- Domestic flights (for Indians) – Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Ground transport – airport pickup and drop at Pokhara and Kathmandu, Pokhara – Kande, and Shiding – Pokhara by a 4WD
- Trekking permits: ACAP and TIMS
- Porterage – one bag weighing not more than 12 kgs – Kande to Shiding
- Guide charges
- Insurance for staff
Gallery
FAQ
Do I need a Nepal visa for the trip?
Indian passport holders do not require a visa. You will be able to enter Nepal with a passport or a Voter’s Id (these are the only two id’s that are accepted, Aadhar will not work).
Other passport holders will require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa can be procured on arrival at Kathmandu. If you plan to enter the country through any other border, you will need to apply for an e-visa prior to going to Nepal.
What kind of accommodations are provided during the trek?
The first and the last night will be in a boutique 4-star property in Pokhara. Accommodation will be in teahouses on all the other days.
Will we have proper toilets everywhere during the trek?
The accommodation in Pokhara will have proper attached bathrooms & toilets. Teahouses will only have shared toilets and hot showers.
Will hot water for bathing be available at all places?
Hot showers are available in all the teahouses. It is chargeable.
Do we have to carry our own luggage?
No, you will only need to carry a backpack in order to carry some water, some eats, personal medicines etc. We will have porters to move your luggage between the stops.
Do all the places where we will be staying have electricity?
Yes, all the places will have electricity (local solar/hydel plants). But please carry a torch or headlamp with extra batteries as there can be outages. Do carry a power bank for charging your phones.
Is water safe to drink in these places?
Water is safe to drink. Boiled, filter water is available at all the stops (chargeable). Please note that bottled water is banned on this route.
You can also carry personal water purifiers (Aquaguard and LifeStraw are two popular brands available online), or water purification tablets.
Do we get mobile connectivity during the trek?
All the places except High Camp have mobile connectivity. WiFi is available in all the teahouses (chargeable) but may not be 100% reliable.
Should I be concerned about altitude sickness on this trek?
Yes, MHBC is definitely a high-altitude trek where you will be ascending to an altitude of 4500 m. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of altitude sickness, the medication to carry etc.
Can the itinerary be customized to reduce the number of day?
Yes, it is possible to reduce the number of days to 5 or 6 days if you are experienced trekkers. Have a chat with us if you are looking for a custom itinerary.
We have a couple more days in Nepal. Can the itinerary be extended to cover a few more interesting places in the region?
Yes, we can surely add interesting stops such as Landruk and Ghandruk to the itinerary if you have 1 or 2 more days. Please get in touch with us for the extended itinerary.
I have heard that the trail from Mardi Himal Viewpoint to the Basecamp is treacherous. Is this true?
It is a walk along a ridge from the viewpoint to the basecamp. In snowy or icy conditions, this can be a dangerous stretch and it’s best to avoid going all the way to the basecamp. But the good news is that the views from the viewpoint are the same as what you get from the basecamp