Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Mardi Himal
Stunning sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna range
Walk through blooming rhododendron forests and peaceful alpine trails
Authentic experience of Gurung and Tamang mountain villages
Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m) with close-up Himalayan views
Stay in traditional teahouses with warm local hospitality
Walk through rich biodiversity of Annapurna Conservation Area
Explore the natural beauty of Pokhara and it’s lakeside carm
Visit attractions like Phew Lake, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave in Pokhara
Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna Region of Nepal, offering a quieter and more peaceful alternative to the popular trekking routes.
Starting from the beautiful city of Pokhara, the trail slowly climbs through rhododendron forests, traditional villages, and ridge lines that open up to breathtaking Himalayan panoramas.
This trek offers some of the closest views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the Annapurna range, making it one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal. The journey combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a true off-the-beaten path experience.
At the heart of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m), where trekkers are rewarded with a breathtaking natural bowl of snow-covered peaks.
Day to day itinerary
Day 01:
Arrival Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1350m
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you may rest from your journey or explore the surrounding area at your leisure. In the evening, you will be hosted at a traditional welcome dinner at a local restaurant. During dinner, a brief orientation about the trek will be provided.
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1350m
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour includes Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This cultural introduction provides valuable insight into Nepal’s rich history, religion, and architecture.
Day 03:
Drive to Pokhara
Trek Distance
200km (124 miles)
Trek Duration
6/7 hours
Highest Altitude
800m/ 2,690 ft
Early this morning, we depart by tourist bus for Pokhara. The journey takes approximately seven hours and offers wonderful views of Nepal’s diverse countryside, including river valleys, terraced fields, and rural villages. We arrive in Pokhara in the late afternoon. Pokhara is a truly enchanting Himalayan valley, renowned for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Set against the majestic Annapurna mountain range, the city offers a perfect blend of scenery and relaxation. Upon arrival, you may explore the area at your leisure, either on foot or by enjoying a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake, from where you can admire stunning reflections of the Annapurna peaks.
Alternative possible via a domestic flight (30 minutes) from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Day 04:
Drive to Phedi and trek to Pothana
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
1,890m (6,200 ft)
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive for around an hour to Phedi by private transport, where your trek begins. Ascend through lush jungle trails and terraced rice fields, passing charming villages of Dhampus and Pothana inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetri, and Gurung communities. The adventurous stone staircases and winding paths are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, making this walk a perfect blend of culture, nature, and mountain scenery.
Driving Hours: 45 minutes
Driving Distance: 18 km (11.1 miles)
Day 05:
Trek to Forest Camp
Trek Duration
7 Hours
Highest Altitude
2,530m (8300 ft.)
After witnessing a breathtaking sunrise and soaking in the panoramic mountain views from Pothana, we enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on today’s trek to Forest Camp. The trail gradually ascends through serene rhododendron forests and along rocky sections, offering a peaceful and immersive walking experience. Along the way, we are rewarded with spectacular views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and the majestic Annapurna Himal, making this trek both scenic and memorable.
Day 06:
Trek to Low camp
Trek Duration
4 hours
Highest Altitude
3,050m/ 10,006 feet
After breakfast, we begin our trek toward today’s destination, following a scenic trail that leads through a classic Himalayan cloud forest. Draped in mosses and lichen, the forest is home to towering tree ferns and delicate orchids clinging to the sturdier trees, creating a serene and refreshing natural environment.
As the trail opens up, natural “windows” in the forest reveal breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding Himalayas, including dramatic close-up views of the sacred Mt. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna range.
Day 07:
Trek to High Camp
Trek Duration
3 hours
Highest Altitude
3,580m/ 11,745 ft
After breakfast, we set out on a short but rewarding trek toward High Camp. The trail begins with a brief, steep ascent that takes us out of the forest, after which we follow a scenic grass-covered ridge, occasionally dusted with snow. This picturesque ridge leads us directly to High Camp.
From here, the views are truly spectacular, Annapurna South appears astonishingly close, while the iconic Machhapuchhare rises so near it feels almost within reach, offering an unforgettable high-altitude experience
Day 08:
Hike Mardi Himal Base Camp and back to Badal Danda
Trek Duration
6 hours
Highest Altitude
4,500 meter (14,763 feet)
Early breakfast followed by a packed lunch as we hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The round trip covers approximately 10 km and takes about 6 hours. From Base Camp, enjoy spectacular views of blue glaciers, the Sanctuary Wall, Annapurna I, and a sweeping panorama of snow-capped peaks. After taking in the scenery, we return to Badal Danda.
Day 09:
Trek to Siding Village
Trek Duration
5 hours
Highest Altitude
1700 meter (5,577 feet)
After breakfast, we begin a scenic descent of approximately 1,600 meters from Badal Danda, following a different route than our ascent. The trail leads us downhill through cool, shaded forests and terraced farmland, offering a refreshing change in scenery. We then walk along the banks of the Mardi Khola before reaching the traditional hillside settlement of Siding Village, where rural mountain life can be experienced up close.
Day 10:
Trek and drive to Pokhara
Trek Duration
3 hours
Highest Altitude
800m
Today, we trek for approximately 4 hours before driving to Pokhara, a journey of about 2 hours. The trail from Siding gently follows the contours of the river valley, passing through open pastures and traditional Tamang and Gurung villages, offering insight into local mountain life.
Drive distance: 30 km (18.6 miles)
Drive hours: Approximately 2 hours
Day 11:
Drive back to Kathmandu
Highest Altitude
1350 m
After breakfast, we will depart from Pokhara for Kathmandu by road, which takes approximately 6-7 hours depending on traffic conditions. During the journey, we will enjoy scenic views of rivers, hills, and rural villages.
In the evening, you can spend your last night in Nepal enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show, taking some beautiful snaps, and making up your mind for the return journey. (You can also stay longer for short tours such as drives at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, mountain biking, etc.)
Drive Distance: 200km (124.2 miles)
Drive Hours: 6 hours
Day 12:
Departure
According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward destination.
Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Private transport from Pokhara to Phedi and the trekking ending point to Pokhara
Twin sharing accommodation in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara, including breakfast.
Three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) a day during trekking, including one cup of tea/coffee
Senior Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide during the trek.
Porter (1 porter for 2 clients) during the trek
Wages, meals & accommodation, insurances for all staff
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Senior Government-licensed culture guide for city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Private transport during city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
First aid kit, including an oximeter to monitor your oxygen and heart rate in the mountains.
All administration expenses and government taxes
What Is Excluded?
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal insurance and a helicopter rescue in case of emergency
International flight and airport tax
Monument entrance fee during city sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
Personal expenses
Why choose Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is for those who want a quiet Himalayan experience away from the crowds, where every step feels peaceful and real. The trail slowly takes you closer to the mountains, until you are standing face to face with Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
It’s short, less crowded, and incredibly beautiful, a hidden trail where forests, ridges, and snow peaks come together in a simple but unforgettable journey.
Why Travel with Himalayan Leaders?
With over 30+ years of experience in Nepal tourism (since 1989), Himalayan Leaders is a trusted company dedicated to providing safe, authentic, and memorable trekking experiences.
Experienced guides (10-15+ years)
Strong safety and local knowledge
Personalized service
Deep connection with local communities
We don’t just organize trek, we create lifetime experiences.
Common Questions About the Mardi Himal Trek
Plan your trip on your own date
Ready to create your perfect adventure? Use our trip planner to customize your itinerary and schedule according to your preferences. We’re here to help you tailor every detail to fit your unique needs.
My trip was amazing we trekked from pokhara to
Mardi Himal,great scenery all the way .
Govinda was a great guide & Monoj he was a great poiter to.. I would recommend to any one for this trip.
Amazing trip
My trip was amazing we trekked from pokhara to
Mardi Himal,great scenery all the way .
Govinda was a great guide & Monoj he was a great poiter to.. I would recommend to any one for this trip.
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