Itinerary for the 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek: Departing from Dhampus Village
The journey from Pokhara to Dhampus Village, which takes around 1.5 hours, is the first leg of the walk. You will take the path that leads to Mardi Himal High Camp from Dhampus.
Day 1: Exploring the Natural World (Dhampus to Forest Camp)
The walk on the first day takes you through a range of scenery. The first villages you'll pass through are Pitam Deurali, Dhampus Village, and Pothana Village. Following Pitam Deurali, the path meanders through verdant rhododendron forests, providing vistas of the Himalayas before climbing to Upper Pitam Deurali. Once you reach Pothana Village and Deurali, the walk returns to the mountain views before continuing into a denser forest. You may anticipate spending the entire first day in the great outdoors. From Forest Camp, we cannot see the mountains.
- Drive duration: 1.5 hour,
- Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Trek Distance: 13 km ( 8 miles )
- Accommodation: Teahouse in Forest Camp
- Altitude: 2,600 m (8,530 ft)
Note: Instead of walking from Dhampus, we can drive up to Pitam Deurali and then trek to Rest Camp, which is 45 minutes further from Forest Camp, and from Rest Camp we can see the Mt. Fishtail and Pokhara valleys as well.
Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp: Gradual Ascent and Breathtaking Views
For those seeking a tranquil experience, an early morning wake-up allows for self-meditation in a quiet spot. Guided trek packages typically include breakfast, with your order taken the night before for prompt preparation upon waking. After breakfast, your second day on the Mardi Himal Trek begins with a gradual ascent towards Mardi Himal High Camp.
Through Forests and Meadows
The first leg of the trek to Low Camp winds through dense forest. Low Camp itself welcomes you with stunning views of Fishtail Mountain. From Low Camp, another hour of ascent through the forest leads you to Middle Camp (Badal Danda). Here, the real alpine meadows begin to unfold. Prepare to be astounded once you arrive at Badal Danda by the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli spread out before you.
The Highlight: Badal Danda to High Camp
The most spectacular section of the 3-Days Mardi Himal Trek is the walk from Badal Danda to High Camp. You'll be treated to breathtaking Himalayan vistas throughout the journey. Overnight accommodations are provided at High Camp. If the weather permits, don't miss the opportunity to capture some incredible photos by stepping outside with your camera after settling in.
- Forest Camp to High Camp Trek duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Forest Camp to High Camp Trek Distance: 9 km ( 5.7 miles )
- Accommodation: Teahouse in High Camp
- Altitude: 3,560 m (11,680 ft)
Day 3: The Big Finish: From High Camp to Pokhara
The last day of the three-day Mardi Himal Trek usually starts early; depending on the season and your pace, it may even start earlier than 4 am. Don't forget to bring a headlight for this early-morning walk. Carry water with you and take the main trail to Mardi Himal Viewpoint for beautiful views of the mountains and sunrises.
Reaching the Viewpoint
Mardi Himal Viewpoint is 4,200 metres above sea level, and some people find the climb difficult. Even if there might be other paths, it's best to follow your guide along the main track. The view of Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli is genuinely amazing and gives the impression of being incredibly close, even though some blogs could overstate the panoramic views. This is the ideal environment for taking breathtaking dawn photographs. Sip hot tea or coffee from one of the neighbourhood vendors.
Descent and Return to Pokhara
Once you've had your fill at the vista, return to the High Camp lodges for breakfast. You'll start your whole descent to Siding village after breakfast, passing via Low Camp and Badal Danda. Anticipate a relentless descent on rough ground and stairs. Hiking poles can be useful on this particular day, so bring them along if you have them; the route is safe. Your walk will come to an end when you reach Siding and enjoy a picturesque drive back to Pokhara.
- Mardi High Camp, Viewpoint, Siding Village Trek duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Mardi High Camp, Viewpoint Siding Trek Distance: 14 km ( 8.6 miles )
- Siding to Pokhara drive duration: 2 hours
Itinerary for the 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek: Departing from Kalimati Village
Beginning with a relatively easy hike route, we will drive from Pokhara to Kalimati Village, which is located directly above Siding Village. For those who walk slowly, we recommend the gentler trekking path from Kalimati. The majority of our clients, however, adore this route because it is almost as picturesque as the longer one. Instead of a detailed itinerary, we are just writing the outline of the trek plan because, from day two, the 3-day Mardi Himal trek route will be the same as the route from Dhampus village.
Day 1: Pokhara Drive to Kalimati and Trek to Rest Camp.
We don't need to rush in the morning if you want to pick this itinerary plan. Drive from Pokhara to Kalimati. After reaching Kalimati, you can have lunch here since there is nothing in between from Kalimati to Rest Camp. The view from here is also nice, with Mt. Machhapuchree (Fishtail) and the landscapes. Passing through small village and dense forest again upto forest camp. We will not stay here and walk further to Rest Camp for 45 minutes. Enjoy the beautiful hills and landscapes from here.
- Kalimati to Forest Camp Trek duration: 4-5 hours
- Forest Camp to High Camp Trek Distance: 7 km ( 4.3 miles )
- Accommodation: Teahouse in High Camp
- Altitude: 2,480 m (9,317 ft)
Day 2: Rest Camp Trek to High Camp.
Seeking tranquilly? Rise early for a peaceful meditation amidst the mountains. Savour a warm breakfast and the sunrise over Mt. Fishtail before your guided trek begins. Day two takes you through dense forests and gradually up to High Camp, where breathtaking views of Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna unfold at Badal Danda. This section, known as the highlight of the trek, offers stunning Himalayan vistas throughout your ascent. Overnight accommodations await at High Camp, and with clear skies, capture unforgettable photos before settling in.
- Rest Camp to High Camp Trek duration: 5–6 hours
- Forest Camp to High Camp Trek Distance: 8 km ( 4.9 miles )
- Accommodation: Teahouse in High Camp
- Altitude: 3,560 m (11,680 ft)
Day 3: High Camp, Mardi Himal Viewpoint, Siding, and Pokhara.
The final day of the Mardi Himal Trek demands an early start, potentially before 4 a.m., depending on the season and your pace. Pack your headlamp and water for the pre-dawn ascent on the main trail to Mardi Himal Viewpoint. Witness breathtaking sunrises and panoramic mountain vistas (including Mt. Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli), despite what blogs might say. Capture stunning sunrise photos and enjoy a warm beverage from local vendors at the 4,200-metre viewpoint. After breakfast at High Camp, embark on a continuous descent via Badal Danda and Low Camp to Siding Village. Though the route is safe, expect a challenging descent on stairs and rugged terrain. Hiking poles are recommended. Upon reaching Siding, relax on the scenic 2-hour drive back to Pokhara, marking the culmination of your trek.
- Mardi High Camp, Viewpoint, Siding Village Trek duration: 9 to 10 hours
- Mardi High Camp, Viewpoint Siding Trek Distance: 14 km ( 8.6 miles )
- Siding to Pokhara drive duration: 2 hours
Where do I start the Mardi Himal Trek?
It depends on whether you are looking for a longer route or simply an easier one. If you want to hike more into nature, especially in the spring season, we suggest the route from Dhampus Village. The monsoon and winter seasons, starting from Kalimati, are the best choices to escape the mud and snow. If you are a beginner hiker, then pick the trek tour from Kalimati.
What is the difficulty level of the Mardi Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek: A Beginner's Adventure with a Challenging Twist. The Mardi Himal Trek is a fantastic option for beginners, offering a moderate challenge. While most of the trek is suitable for those new to trekking, the climb from Mardi High Camp to Mardi Viewpoint is the most demanding section.
We haven't encountered any issues with our clients on this trek, but for those seeking a more relaxed experience, our 4-5 day Mardi Himal trek package offers a more leisurely pace.
Here's an insider tip: most tour operators won't tell you that the views from Badal Danda (Middle Camp) to High Camp are simply breathtaking. If you're not feeling up to the final ascent to the Viewpoint, you won't miss out on the trek's highlights by stopping at Badal Danda.
