Express Mardi Himal Trek
Embark on the Ultimate Adventure
3 Days Express Mardi Himal trek
Most people think you need weeks to touch the gem of the Himalayas. We’ve spent 35 years proving that isn't true. For the traveler who is short on time but hungry for high-altitude grit, our 3-Day Mardi Himal Express is the definitive answer.
Trip Summary
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Included
- Private Transport: Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Pokhara to the trek starting point (Pitam Deurali) and back from the finish point (Siding) in a private 4x4 Jeep.
- Mountain Accommodation: 2 nights of the best available teahouse/lodge accommodation on the trail (Low Camp and High Camp).
- Full Board Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek, including a cup of tea or coffee with each meal.
- Professional Leadership: A government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide with years of experience on the Mardi ridge.
- Staff Welfare: Full insurance, salary, food, and accommodation for our guides and porters.
- Permits & Paperwork: All necessary permits, including the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) fees.
- Safety Kit: Comprehensive first aid kit carried by the guide and oximeter to monitor oxygen levels at High Camp.
Not Included
- Personal Gear: Trekking boots, sleeping bags, and down jackets (though these can be rented in Pokhara).
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation and medical expenses.
- Snacks & Luxury: Bottled water, aerated drinks (soda), alcoholic beverages, and personal snacks (chocolate/protein bars).
- Teahouse Extras: Hot showers, Wi-Fi charges, and battery charging fees (these are usually $2–$5 extra at higher altitudes).
- Gratitude: Tips for your guide and porter (a traditional way to show appreciation for their hard work).
- City Stays: Accommodation and meals in Pokhara before and after the trek.
Dates and availability
Get started on your journey
Detailed itinerary
Into the Cloud Forest (Drive to Pitam Deurali & Trek to Low Camp)
Your journey begins with a scenic private jeep drive from Pokhara, bypassing the lower dusty roads to reach the trailhead at Pitam Deurali. Starting here allows you to skip the foothills and plunge directly into the ancient rhododendron and oak forests that define the Annapurna region. This first day is a 5 to 6-hour steady climb through what locals call the "Cloud Forest," a moss-covered wilderness that feels worlds away from the city. By bypassing Forest Camp, you push higher to reach Low Camp by late afternoon. Spending the night here positions you perfectly for a shorter, more scenic climb the following morning, ensuring you beat the mid-day mist often found on the Mardi Himal trail.
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Above the Tree Line (Low Camp to High Camp & Sunset Hike)
The second day is a shorter but physically demanding 4-hour ascent as you break through the tree line and enter the high alpine zone. As you climb toward Badal Danda, the ridge narrows, offering some of the most dramatic views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli found anywhere in Nepal. You will arrive at High Camp in time for lunch. While most trekking agencies wait for the morning, we recommend a special sunset hike to the Lower Viewpoint. Watching the golden hour light hit the face of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) in total silence is a transformative experience, offering a perspective of the Himalayas that the sunrise crowds often miss.
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Day 03: The Sanctuary Summit (Base Camp, Siding Descent, and Pokhara Return)
The final day is the "Grand Finale." An early 4:00 AM start takes you on a rugged ridgeline hike to reach either the Upper Viewpoint or the Mardi Himal Base Camp just as the sun breaks over the peaks. After soaking in the 360-degree Himalayan panorama, you’ll descend back to High Camp for a well-earned breakfast. Instead of retracing your steps, you will take the direct, steep trail down through the lush valley to Siding Village. This traditional settlement offers a glimpse into local life before your private 4x4 Jeep picks you up for the 3-hour drive back to Pokhara. This 3-day express loop is the most efficient way to experience high-altitude trekking in Nepal without sacrificing the depth of the experience.
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Ready to start your journey?
Start planning your dream trip today. Enquire now for more information or customize this trip to tailor it to your needs and make it truly unforgettable.
