11 days
4483m
2-10
Moderate
spring/ summer / autumn / winter
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Tea House
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most authentic and least crowded experiences in the Nepalese Himalayas. Far from the classic Annapurna routes, this journey follows a spectacular ridge that feels suspended between sky and mountains, offering some of the closest, clearest, and most breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre —the sacred “Fishtail Mountain”— and the impressive Annapurna massif. This journey is not just about walking. It is a deep immersion into nature, culture, and the slow rhythm of mountain life. A trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a shared human experience away from the crowds.
Personal welcome at the airport and private transfer to the hotel. In the evening, welcome dinner to meet the team and receive a full trekking briefing.
ransfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara by domestic flight or private vehicle, depending on weather and operational conditions. Arrival time may vary. Rest, hotel check-in, and free time in Pokhara.
Short transfer to Kande. Start of the trek to Pothana, an easy and scenic day to find the trekking rhythm.
4 to 5 hours of walking along quiet trails through lush forests.
Progressive ascent of approximately 5 hours. The forest begins to open, revealing the first clear views of Machhapuchhre.
Arrival at the panoramic ridge, a true natural balcony with stunning views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
High Camp Early departure to reach the highest point of the trek and enjoy sunrise. Frontal views of Mardi Himal and the Annapurna massif. Descent back to High Camp.
Approximately 6 hours of descent through forests to a traditional Nepalese village.
Easy walk of about 3 hours followed by a private jeep transfer to Pokhara. Special celebration dinner in the evening.
Return to Kathmandu by domestic flight or private vehicle, depending on weather conditions. Free afternoon for rest, shopping, or cultural visits.
Private transfer to the airport and farewell to the team.
International flights
Nepal entry visa
Mandatory travel insurance
Meals not specified in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Hot showers and Wi-Fi in Tea Houses
Charging devices and extra drinks
Tips and personal trekking equipment
VIP transportation and private transfers
Domestic flights Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Full board during the trek (Day 3 to Day 9)
Carefully selected hotels and Tea Houses
Welcome and celebration dinners
1 liter of drinking water per day during trekking
Certified guides and porters (1 porter per 2 participants)
Official permits (TIMS and ACAP)
Health monitoring and first aid kit
Difficulty level
Moderate Level – Mid-Mountain Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for travelers with a good level of fitness who enjoy walking in the
mountains over several consecutive days.
Daily trekking involves 4–6 hours of hiking on well-marked trails through forests and scenic ridges,
with stunning views of Annapurna and Machapuchare.
No technical experience is required, although some sections can be physically demanding due to
continuous ascents and narrow high-altitude paths, especially towards High Camp.
Altitude Awareness
This trek reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) at Mardi Himal
Base Camp.
Above 3,000 meters, altitude may affect the body, and some trekkers may experience mild
symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or shortness of breath.
The itinerary is designed with a gradual ascent, and our guides monitor participants throughout the
trek, ensuring proper pacing, hydration, and rest.
When needed, oxygen saturation levels may be checked using a pulse oximeter to support safe acclimatization
Guide & Sherpa support
All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.
Packing list
Below is a recommended packing list for high altitude trekking in the Himalayas (up to approximately 5,500
m). Temperatures can be very cold, especially in the early morning and at night, so it is important to bring
layered clothing suitable for cold, wind and changing mountain weather conditions.
Clothing
• Long-sleeve shirts (2–3)
• Lightweight trekking shirts (1–2) – preferably merino wool or synthetic fabrics
• Fleece jacket or warm insulating layer
• Warm down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Trekking pants (2 pairs) – at least one wind-resistant
• Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
• Thermal leggings
• Underwear (3–4 pairs)
• Warm hat or beanie
• Sun hat or cap
• Lightweight gloves
• Technical mountain gloves for cold temperatures
• Buff or neck gaiter
Footwear
• Hiking boots (already used and comfortable, Gore-Tex recommended)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers for the lodge
• Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
• Warm socks (2 pairs)
Trekking Gear
• Daypack (30–40 L)
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sunglasses (UV protection – Category 4 recommended)
• Water bottles (minimum capacity of 1 liters)
• Thermal bottle• Rain cover for backpack
• Rain jacket or waterproof shell
• Dry bags / waterproof bags for protecting clothing and equipment
• Optional: gaiters (useful in snow or muddy conditions)
Personal Equipment
• Sleeping bag (minimum rating -15°C recommended, warmer is also fine)
• Personal basic first aid kit
• Water purification tablets or portable water filter
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Toilet paper
• Quick-dry towel
• Small bag for personal waste
Personal First Aid (Recommended)
• Personal medication
• Pain relief tablets
• Blister treatment
• Diamox (only if prescribed by your doctor)
• Water purification tablets
• Rehydration salts - Electrolytes
Documents & Money
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Nepal visa
• Travel insurance covering high altitude trekking and helicopter rescue
• Copies of passport and insurance documents
• Cash for the trek (ATMs and card payments are not available in many trekking regions)
Optional Items
• Mobile phone
• Camera
• Power bank / portable charger• Earphones / headphones
• Personal journal or book
• Snacks or energy bars
Important Notes
• Each participant should carry a daypack with essential personal items during the trek
• The rest of the luggage will be transported by porters or yaks depending on the itinerary
• Weather in the Himalayas can change quickly – always keep warm layers and rain protection in your daypack
Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.
Oximetry monitoring
First aid kit
Emergency oxigen
Travel insurance requiered
Important travel information
Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Crest Summit Treks always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.
Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.
The tourist visa can be arranged:
Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.
To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.
It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.
In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.
Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.
Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.
We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:
Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.
Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.
Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.
Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.
Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.
Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.
As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:
Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.
The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.
Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.
It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.
A personal first aid kit may include, for example:
We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.
Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.
Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.
Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.
