12 Days Mardi Himal Trek

Per Person From
USD 1,755

Country

Nepal

Duration

12 Days

Difficulty

Moderate

Activity

Trekking

Best Season

February to mid June, Mid August to December

Accommodation

Hotel and Lodge

Region

Annapurna Region Treks

Start / End Point

Pokhara to Pokhara

Max. Altitude

4450m

Group Size

1 - 30

Meals Included

All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek

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Nature Of Trek

Lodge on the mountain and hotel in city like Kathmandu and Pokhara

Activity Per Day

3-7 hours walking

Transportation

Tourist Bus / Domestic Flight

Highlights

  • Enjoy stunning views of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiuchuli peaks.
  • Witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the Annapurna massif.
  • Walk through blooming rhododendron forests and picturesque alpine meadows.
  • Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the local Gurung communities residing in remote villages.
  • Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
  • Enjoy the warm hospitality of locals while staying in traditional teahouses.
  • Explore the rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness of the Himalayas.
  • Visit Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most stunning tourist hubs.
  • Explore Pokhara’s major attractions, including Davis Falls, Phewa Lake, Mahendra Cave, and Bat Cave.
  • Encounter diverse flora and fauna, ranging from rare to endangered species, within the Annapurna Sanctuary.
  • Reach Jhinu Danda and relax in its soothing natural hot springs.

Overview

Mardi Himal trek is a beautiful trekking destination known for its adventurous journey into the Annapurna region's less-visited part. Due to its low popularity, the trail sees only a few trekkers yearly. Offering a glimpse into some of the most picturesque peaks in the Annapurna region, the trek leads to the Mardi Himal base camp, which sits at an altitude of 4,500m.

From the base camp, majestic mountain views and a stunning golden sunrise over the Machhapuchhre can be seen. Starting from Pokhara, the trek route winds through Modi Khola and Mardi Khola valleys, rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and Gurung villages. Along the way, the trek offers natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Most importantly, the Mardi Himal trek also offers a golden sunrise view over the famous mountain Machhapuchhre. Even though no one has ever climbed it, the Queen of Nepal considers Machhapuchhre, or Fishtail Mountain, sacred. So, your trek in the Annapurna region will show you the most picturesque peaks from many angles.

The Mardi Himal Trek is a short yet highly rewarding Himalayan adventure that leads you off the beaten path into the serene heart of Nepal’s Annapurna region. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this trek offers an exceptional combination of breathtaking mountain scenery, rich cultural encounters, and peaceful trails away from the crowds.

Beginning from Pokhara, the journey winds through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, alpine meadows, and scenic ridgelines, gradually ascending toward the spectacular Mardi Himal Base Camp and Viewpoint (4,500 m). Along the way, trekkers are treated to awe-inspiring close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal, with dramatic Himalayan panoramas unfolding at every turn.

Conducted as a comfortable teahouse trek, the Mardi Himal Trek blends adventure with warm local hospitality, making it ideal for those seeking natural beauty, tranquility, and an authentic Himalayan experience. With its pristine wilderness, stunning viewpoints, and quieter trails, this trek delivers an unforgettable mountain journey in a relatively short timeframe, an excellent alternative to the more crowded classic Annapurna routes

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.

Pokhara

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.

Mardi Himal Base Camp

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.

Kathmandu

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.

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Altitude chart

Altitude in:

What Is Included?

  • All airport transport by private vehicle
  • Welcome dinner upon arrival
  • 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

Common Questions About the Mardi Himal Trek

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