Highlights
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
- Close-Up View of Annapurna Range: Stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: A quieter trekking route compared to the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest region.
- Diverse Landscapes: Trek through lush rhododendron forests, rugged ridges, alpine meadows, and high-altitude terrains.
- Panoramic Viewpoints: Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) for breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas.
- Easy Accessibility: Starts near Pokhara, making it convenient for travelers combining trekking with other activities.
- Short and Rewarding Trek: Perfect for trekkers with limited time who want a taste of the Annapurna region.
- Local Culture: Experience the Gurung and Magar communities, their warm hospitality, and unique traditions.
- Eco-Friendly Route: A less-commercialized trail promoting sustainable tourism.
Overview
Mardi Himal Trek: Description
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most scenic and less-explored trekking routes in the Annapurna region, offering a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and tranquility. Nestled to the east of the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek, this hidden gem provides jaw-dropping views of some of Nepal’s most iconic peaks, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
The trek begins in Pokhara, a vibrant lakeside city, with the initial stretch taking you through dense forests adorned with blooming rhododendrons in spring. As you ascend, the terrain transitions into alpine meadows, rugged ridges, and high-altitude landscapes, culminating at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). The trek is relatively short (5–7 days), making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-altitude experience in a limited timeframe.
Despite its growing popularity, the Mardi Himal Trek retains its charm as an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The trails are less crowded, offering serenity and a closer connection to nature. Along the way, you’ll stay in teahouses run by local Gurung and Magar communities, enjoying traditional hospitality and Nepali cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a beginner looking for an introduction to Himalayan trekking, the Mardi Himal Trek offers an unforgettable experience with minimal hassle.
Why You Should Trek to Mardi Himal
- Unique Himalayan Perspective: Experience breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), often called the “Matterhorn of Nepal.”
- Short Yet Rewarding: Perfect for those with limited time but wanting a high-altitude Himalayan adventure.
- Offbeat Trail: Escape the crowds and enjoy peaceful trails ideal for photography and introspection.
- Accessible Location: Easily reachable from Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure hub.
- Rich Biodiversity: Encounter diverse flora and fauna, especially in spring when rhododendron forests are in full bloom.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about Gurung and Magar traditions while staying in their villages.
Best Tips for Mardi Himal Trek
- Plan Your Itinerary: Most treks are 5–7 days. Ensure you have buffer days for acclimatization.
- Trekking Permits: Obtain ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card before starting the trek.
- Pack Light but Smart: Include layers for varying temperatures, a good sleeping bag, and trekking poles.
- Hydrate and Acclimatize: Drink plenty of water and take gradual ascents to prevent altitude sickness.
- Stay in Local Teahouses: Support local businesses while enjoying authentic Nepali hospitality.
- Hire a Guide or Porter: Even though the trail is well-marked, a guide enriches your experience and ensures safety.
- Respect the Environment: Practice eco-friendly trekking by avoiding single-use plastics and leaving no trace.
Best Season for Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek can be undertaken year-round, but the best seasons are:
- Spring (March–May): The forests come alive with vibrant rhododendron blooms, and the weather is mild with clear views of the mountains.
- Autumn (September–November): Known for stable weather and excellent visibility, making it the most popular time for trekking.
- Winter (December–February): Offers a tranquil experience with snow-covered trails and incredible mountain vistas, but temperatures can be freezing.
- Monsoon (June–August): While lush and green, the trails can be slippery, and mountain views are often obscured by clouds.
Key Attractions Along the Trail
- Deurali: A scenic ridge offering the first glimpses of the Annapurna range.
- Forest Camp: A peaceful stop surrounded by dense rhododendron and oak forests.
- High Camp: The gateway to Mardi Himal Base Camp, providing jaw-dropping sunrise and sunset views.
- Mardi Himal Base Camp: The ultimate highlight, offering panoramic views of Machhapuchhre and the surrounding peaks.
Looking for a more detailed experience? Discover our enhanced Mardi Himal Trek Annapurna’s Hidden Gem Adventure with deeper insights and curated highlights.
🧭Alternative Tours & Packages
- Mardi Himal Helicopter Tour – 1hr Scenic Adventure
A quick and scenic alternative for those short on time, this helicopter tour offers sweeping aerial views of the Mardi Himal and surrounding peaks without the need for trekking. - Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Perfect for beginners or time-limited travelers, this short yet scenic trek rewards you with panoramic sunrise vistas over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, plus warm village hospitality along the way. - Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Venture deep into the Annapurna Sanctuary on this iconic trek, where dramatic peaks, glacier valleys, and rich Gurung culture create a truly immersive Himalayan experience.
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle transportation from Kathmandu's airport to your hotel and back again.
- Hotels in Pokhara and Kathmandu on BB Plan according to the number of people.
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during the trekking time frame.
- Best available accommodation during the whole trek.
- An experienced English-speaking guide.
- A porter to carry your luggage while trekking, a maximum of 15-20 kg of luggage per porter, 2:1.
- All required paperwork and entry permits (ACAP fees,).
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS).
- All applicable taxes and service fees.
- International flight tickets.
- Flight ticket to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back to Kathmandu.
- Fees for Nepal entry visas.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Tips, drinks, and personal expenses.
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Travel insurance.
Itinerary
- Airport Arrival: Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,300 meters / 4,264 feet), one of our representatives will greet you and transport you to your hotel.
- Check-In and Rest: After checking in, take some time to rest and freshen up.
- Evening Exploration: In the evening, explore the vibrant Thamel Bazaar to familiarize yourself with the area.
- Trek Briefing: One of our representatives will provide a brief introduction to the Mardi Himal Trek in Nepal.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner with our team before settling in for the night at the hotel.
- Morning Flight: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a scenic 25-minute flight.
- Drive to Kande: After landing, drive to Kande, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.
- Breakfast: Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before starting your trek from Kande.
- Trek to Kande: Pass through beautiful scenery, reaching Kande in about 30 minutes.
- Start Trek to Pitam Deurali: Begin your trek to Pitam Deurali (2,125 m) immediately upon arrival in Kande.
- Forest Camp to Dhampus: After reaching Forest Camp (1,810 m), continue hiking through the lovely forest on a steep trail until you reach Dhampus. The trail becomes easier as you ascend toward Pothana.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: After approximately 4 hours of trekking, enjoy dinner and spend the night in a teahouse lodge.
- Breakfast: After a relaxing breakfast, continue your ascent to Low Camp (3,150 m).
- Trekking Through the Forest: Trek through the beautiful forest, following the rhododendron, moss, and lichen-covered trails.
- Breathtaking Views: As you approach Low Camp, enjoy stunning views of Mount Machhapuchhre and other magnificent peaks.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: After approximately 5 hours of trekking, enjoy dinner and spend the night at Low Camp.
- Breakfast: After a leisurely breakfast, begin your 4-hour trek to High Camp (3,700 m) from Low Camp, enjoying breathtaking views of Hiunchuli and Annapurna South.
- Trekking Along the Ridge: As you hike along the Mardi Himal ridge, keep an eye out for the vibrant Danphe pheasant amidst the grasslands and occasional rhododendron bushes.
- Arrival at High Camp: Continue trekking to reach the lodge at High Camp.
- Stunning Views: From the lodge, take in the magnificent views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at High Camp.
- Early Breakfast: Start your day with an early breakfast before continuing your trek to witness an amazing sunrise over the mountains.
- Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp: Hike along the ridge to reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m).
- Wildlife and Scenery: Keep an eye out for sheep, goats, Danphe pheasants, and grazing livestock, as well as grassy fields and dzo (yak/cow crossbreeds).
- Arrival at Base Camp: After another 2-3 hours of hiking, arrive at Base Camp, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna Sanctuary, its south face, Sanctuary Peak, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
- Descent to Siding Village: Continue your hike down to the traditional Nepalese village of Siding, where you’ll gain insight into village life and experience the local culture.
- Trek Duration: Today's trek will last around 6 hours.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: After dinner, spend the night in a teahouse/guesthouse in Siding Village.
- Early Breakfast: After an early breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu and check in at your hotel.
- World Heritage Site Visits: Spend half a day exploring Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including:
- Swayambhunath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Afternoon Leisure: Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing, taking a nap, or doing some last-minute shopping. You can also review the photos from your amazing trek.
- Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the successful completion of your trek with a farewell dinner.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu.
- Morning Transfer: After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport, ensuring arrival within three hours of your scheduled flight time.
- Farewell Wishes: We hope to see you again in the beautiful nation of Nepal and wish you a safe flight!
Route Map
Fixed Departure
Mardi Himal Trek Availability
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FAQs
The Mardi Himal Trek is a scenic and less-crowded trek in the Annapurna Region, known for its off-the-beaten-path experience. Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush hills, pristine forests, and traditional villages, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural immersion.
The trek passes through dense forests of rhododendron, pine, bamboo, and oak. Trekkers may encounter various species of birds, butterflies, and mammals, including endangered species like the snow leopard and musk deer. The region is also home to all six of Nepal's Himalayan pheasants.
The best times to trek are during the autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) seasons. Autumn offers clear skies and pleasant weather, while spring brings lush greenery and blooming flowers. Winter (December to February) provides stunning snow-covered landscapes but can be challenging due to cold weather, and summer (June to August) is less ideal due to the monsoon rains.
The trek offers an opportunity to experience the culture and hospitality of the Gurung and Brahmin communities. Trekkers can explore traditional villages, learn about the local Hindu and Buddhist practices, and interact with the friendly and humble local residents.
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