Mardi Himal (5587m.) is a small yet impressive mountain peak located in the midst of Mt. Annapurna Himalayan ranges. It is one of the earliest of mountains open for climbing. The honor of summiting Mardi Himal for the first time goes to Alpine climber and enthusiast Goodfellow Basil Robertson and Col. Jimmy Roberts who made it to the top in 1961.
Compared to other trekking peaks, climbing Mardi Himal is not necessary technical peak. This peak provides splendid view of the Annapurna (tenth highest mountain), Dhulagiri (seventh highest peak), Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Gangapurna, Fang peak, Himchuli etc. The base camp of Mardi Himal is situated at 4100m. and climbers can climb the summit and be back in one day. Physical fitness and stamina on the part of climbers, proper acclimatization and the guidance of Sherpa climbing guide is essential to making a successful climb.
Mardi Himal climbing combines an unforgettable cultural and natural experience of trekking through Annapurna valley and alpine wilderness. The best period for climbing Mardi Himal is either during Spring or Autumn. We organize climbing expedition every year led by experienced Sherpa climbing guides.
On your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be greeted with flower garlands/Khadas. Our representative will then take you to your hotel. If time prevails, you will visit office for paperwork.
Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Today, you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. Alternatively, you can choose Bhakatapur and Patan sightseeing. By late afternoon you will drive back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Today, you will drive to Kande and trek to Australian Camp (2060m) takes about another 2 hours. The camp offers an excellent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Maccapuchre and other peaks. You can also view majestic sunrise views.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Australian Camp to Low Camp (2990m) via Forest Camp (2,500m) takes approximately 6 hours. In the beginning, the trail passes through Pothana and Deurali. Trek will consist of ascents as well as descents in some places and passing through beautiful rhododendron, oak forests. After reaching Forest Camp, you will continue your trek to Low Camp (2990m) which requires next 2 and half hours. Along the way you will be carrying packed lunch.
Stay overnight at lodge.
En route, you will have the opportunity to watch beautiful views of Annapurna South, Annapura I, Glacier Dome, Gangapurna and Hiunchuli.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Mardi Base Camp to High Camp (4650m) that takes about 3-4 hrs. Stay overnight at camp.
Summit Mardi Himal (5587m) and return back to Base Camp that takes about 7 hours. Stay overnight at camp.
Reserve day for unfavorable weather condition. Stay overnight at camp.
Trek from Base Camp to Siding Village (1,885m) takes about 8 hours. The trail is very steep and difficult. You pass through Ghalel Village, a big village inhabited by Ghale Gurung and Magar, where you will be having lunch. This is the last village before Lwang.
Stay overnight at lodge.
Trek from Siding village to Lwang Village takes about 4 hours. Spend rest of the day exploring local culture and life style of Lwang Village (1460m). The village is inhabited by Gurung ethnic people. You will pass Ghalel village before reaching Lwang. Lwang Village also hosts the office of Annapurna Conservation Area Project and a high school.
Stay overnight at traditional home stay facility enjoying local cuisine.
Trek from Lwang Village to Bhedabari takes about 1 hour. You will then drive back to Pokhara via Hyangja takes about another 1 hour.
Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.
Mardi Himal is considered a moderate climb, both in terms of altitude and technicality. While it doesn’t require advanced alpine skills like using ice axes on steep ice walls, it does go above 5500 meters, so altitude and endurance are major factors.
The route involves trekking through lush forests and alpine meadows, followed by steeper, rockier sections near the high camp and summit. In the final summit push, you may use crampons, a harness, and possibly fixed ropes, especially if there is snow or ice on the route.
In short, Mardi Himal is a great “first peak” for those wanting to experience Himalayan mountaineering without diving into highly technical climbs.
No prior mountaineering experience is strictly required, but you should be physically fit and have some experience trekking at high altitudes. Mardi Himal is often seen as a stepping stone to more technical peaks.
That said, basic familiarity with equipment like crampons, ropes, and harnesses is helpful. Many guided expeditions include a pre-climb training day to teach you essential safety skills and how to use climbing gear properly.
If you've trekked in high altitudes before—such as to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or Langtang Valley—you’re likely ready for this climb with the right guidance.
The best seasons to climb Mardi Himal are:
A typical Mardi Himal climbing expedition lasts around 12–16 days, depending on your pace and the time allocated for acclimatization. The journey begins with a drive from Pokhara to a trailhead like Kande or Phedi, followed by several days of trekking through forested hills and open ridgelines.
From High Camp, you’ll push up to Base Camp and eventually to the summit of Mardi Himal, before returning the same way or descending via a different route. Some itineraries include a day for basic mountaineering training, which is highly recommended.
To climb Mardi Himal, you’ll need the following permits:
The total cost can vary depending on whether you're going with a group, private guide, or luxury service. On average, expect to pay around $1,500 to $2,500 USD for a fully guided expedition. This typically includes:
This price does not usually include travel insurance, international flights, tips, or personal expenses. It’s important to check what’s included in your specific package.
While Mardi Himal isn’t extremely technical, you’ll still be climbing at high altitude, sometimes in cold, snowy conditions. Here’s what you should focus on:
Aim to start training 2–3 months before your climb, or even earlier if you're starting from a lower fitness base.
Until Base Camp, Mardi Himal is a teahouse/lodge trek, meaning you’ll stay in simple guesthouses run by locals. These offer basic but comfortable rooms, local meals (dal bhat, noodles, soups), and often beautiful mountain views. Some teahouses have Wi-Fi and charging, though these become scarce the higher you go.
Above High Camp or Mardi Himal Base Camp, you’ll switch to camping, with tents set up by your expedition team. Meals are prepared by camp cooks, and all gear is usually provided by the outfitter.
Yes, altitude sickness is something to take seriously on this trek, especially since you’ll be going above 5500 meters. Even though the ascent is gradual, not giving your body time to adjust can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
To stay safe:
A good guide will monitor you throughout the trek and adjust the itinerary if needed for your safety.
Yes. Kathmandu and Pokhara both have numerous gear shops and rental outlets where you can rent or buy high-quality climbing equipment. If you're climbing Mardi Himal, you may need:
While basic trekking gear (boots, jackets, poles, etc.) is also available for rent, it’s best to bring your own well-worn boots and layered clothing for comfort and fit.
While Mardi Himal is safe and accessible, solo climbing is not permitted for trekking peaks like Mardi Himal. You must hire a licensed guide, and most climbers go with an agency that provides a full package including porters, permits, accommodation, and gear.
For solo travelers looking for a budget-friendly option, joining a group climb is a great way to share costs and meet fellow adventurers.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition ensures you to provide a well planned itinerary for Mardi Himal Peak climbing. An experienced and highly professional climbing guide will be assigned to each climbing member. All necessary logistics will be taken care from our side. However, we expect to maintain good health and physical condition as well as well good mental preparation from your side.
Mountaineering Equipments
Crampons, Ice axe, Helmet, Harness, Lock and unlock Carabineers, Shovel, Climbing pack, Rope, Ski poles, Desender/abseil device, Jummer (Asender) , Tapes, Prusik Loops, Rappel device, Hand Warmer (if possible)
Clothing and Wears
Trekking shoes with spare laces, Mountaineering Boots, Plastic or leather for mountaineering boots, Gore-Tex pants, Long shorts, Insulated Parka, Jumper, Waterproof Jackets, Down Jacket, Fleece Vest, Wool cap, Neck Gaiter, Gloves, Climbing Socks, Thermal Underwear, Sandals, Snow Goggle
Essential Gears
Backpack, Duffle bag, Sleeping Bag, sleeping pad, Tents
Gadgets
Map, Compass, Camera, GPS, Two way radios, Binoculars, Head Lamp, Flashlight
Sun Protection Items
Sun glasses, sun scream, Lip balm
Medical
First aid Kit (Brufen / Ibuprofens, Antibiotic, Diamox, Paracetamol, Handy Plaster, Crack Bandage, Tincture Iodine, etc.)
Other Essentials
Energy Bars, Water bottle, Water Purification Tablets, Toiletries, Trekking poles, Pocket knife, raincoat, Satellite Phone, Altimeter
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