Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Duration
11 days
Trip Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4,200m
Destination
Mardi Himal, Kaski, Nepal
Activity
Trekking & Hiking
Best Season
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Region
Annapurna Region, Gandaki Province
Meals
Breakfast in cities; breakfast, lunch & dinner on trek
Accommodation
3-star hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara; teahouses/lodges on trek
Transportation
Private tourist vehicle & jeep transfers
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
Panoramic close-up views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Off-the-beaten-path trekking route with fewer crowds than Annapurna Base Camp
Scenic drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara along the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers
Ridge-line trail from Low Camp to High Camp with sweeping Himalayan vistas
Sunrise hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint at 4,200m
Overnights in traditional Gurung villages and cozy mountain teahouses
Immersive walk through lush rhododendron and oak forests
Cultural experiences in Kathmandu and lakeside relaxation in Pokhara
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, offering trekkers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil solitude. Unlike the busier Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp routes, Mardi Himal promises an off-the-beaten-path experience through pristine rhododendron forests, lush oak woodlands, and serene alpine meadows. Along the trail, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the majestic Annapurna range, including Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and of course, the snow-capped Mardi Himal peak itself.
The trek starts from the charming town of Pokhara and gradually ascends through charming villages, where the warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities adds a rich cultural layer to your journey. Acclimatization days allow you to explore and soak in the serene atmosphere, while nights are spent in cozy teahouses offering local cuisine and breathtaking starry skies.
Perfect for moderate-level trekkers, Mardi Himal combines stunning natural landscapes with peaceful trekking trails that feel like a secret escape. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, or simply seeking quiet adventure, this trek is sure to enchant with its unmatched beauty and authenticity, making it a must-visit Himalayan adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a Landscape Adventure representative welcomes you and transfers you to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, you can rest or explore the bustling streets of Thamel, filled with shops, cafes and markets. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a detailed briefing about the route, packing tips, cultural etiquette and safety measures for the Mardi Himal Trek.
Full DayArrivalMeals Included
Start the day with a scenic 6–7 hour drive (about 200 km) along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers through terraced fields, hillside villages and green valleys. On clear days, enjoy distant views of Himalayan peaks. Arrive in Pokhara, Nepal’s tourism capital, and settle into your lakeside hotel. Spend the evening strolling along Phewa Lake and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
After breakfast, drive about 1.5–2 hours from Pokhara to Kande, the trek starting point. Begin the climb on a stone-paved trail through terraced fields, scattered houses and pine forest. Reach Australian Camp (2,050m) for superb views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare and Hiunchuli, then continue through forest and gentle ridges to the Gurung village of Pothana, where you register your ACAP permit. A short, steady ascent brings you to Deurali, your overnight stop.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Leave Deurali and enter a serene rhododendron and oak forest, following a quiet trail that gently ascends and descends through mossy trees and rich birdlife. There are no villages or shops en route, adding to the feeling of remoteness. After about 5–6 hours of steady walking, arrive at Forest Camp (2,600m), a peaceful clearing with a few teahouses nestled among the trees, where you relax for the evening.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Continue trekking uphill through lush, moss-covered rhododendron and oak forest on a quieter section of the trail. As you gain altitude, the vegetation begins to thin and the views slowly open up. You catch your first clear glimpses of Mardi Himal and the sharp summit of Machapuchare above the treeline. After 3–4 hours of walking, reach Low Camp, located just above the forest line, and settle into a teahouse with emerging mountain views.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Leave Low Camp and follow a narrow ridge trail that steadily climbs towards High Camp. Forest gives way to alpine shrubs and open grassy slopes, revealing sweeping panoramas of the Annapurna Range with Machapuchare dominating the skyline. The hike takes about 3–4 hours with gradual ascent along the ridge. At High Camp, a cluster of teahouses perched on the ridge offers incredible sunset views and a true high-Himalayan atmosphere.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Start before dawn from High Camp for the ascent to Mardi Himal Viewpoint. Using headlamps, follow a steeper, rocky ridge trail that climbs steadily towards 4,200m. As the sun rises, you are rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and parts of Annapurna I glowing in golden light. After time for photos and enjoying the panorama, descend back to High Camp for breakfast, then continue down along the ridge and through high pastures to Low Camp, where you spend the night below the treeline.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Descend from Low Camp on a quieter alternative route that leads down through thick forest, terraced fields and traditional Gurung farmlands. The 3–5 hour walk offers a pleasant mix of natural scenery and village life before reaching Sidhing, an authentic Gurung village with stone houses and warm hospitality. Enjoy a relaxed evening experiencing rural life and home-style meals in the village teahouse.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
After breakfast, board a jeep for the 3–4 hour drive from Sidhing back to Pokhara, passing through hillsides, fields and small settlements. On arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and enjoy free time by Phewa Lake to relax, shop for souvenirs or simply unwind at a lakeside cafe and reflect on your Mardi Himal adventure.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Retrace the scenic Prithvi Highway from Pokhara to Kathmandu on a 6–7 hour drive, once again passing rivers, terraced farms and hillside villages. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free evening for last-minute shopping, additional sightseeing or a celebratory dinner in the city.
Full DayOvernight StayMeals Included
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some final moments in Kathmandu before a representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport. Receive your certificate of achievement and a small farewell gift from Landscape Adventure as you bid farewell to Nepal and depart with lasting memories of the Mardi Himal Trek.
Full DayDepartureMeals Included
What's Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable 3-star standard hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara on twin-sharing basis
- Accommodation: Carefully selected eco-friendly lodges and teahouses during the trek
- Meals on trek: Traditional Nepali cuisine using organic local ingredients – breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Meals in cities: Breakfast at the hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Transportation: All private ground transportation as per itinerary, including airport transfers
- Guides: Government-certified local trekking guide with deep cultural knowledge
- Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- Equipment: Safety gear for included adventure activities as required
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes and official service charges
- First Aid: Group medical supplies, including a standard first aid kit
- Support staff: Necessary support staff and porters (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with traditional Nepalese cuisine
- Arrival & departure transfers for international flights
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee (payable on arrival or online via Nepal Immigration)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment (available for rent or purchase in Kathmandu)
- Travel and medical insurance, including coverage for emergency evacuation
- Emergency evacuation or rescue costs, if required
- Battery charging, Wi‑Fi and hot showers at teahouses where extra charges apply
- Laundry services, snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Tips for guides, porters and support staff
- Any unforeseen expenses due to delays, natural calamities, strikes or political unrest
Essential Trip Information
Destination
Mardi Himal, Annapurna Region, Nepal
Duration
11 days
Max Altitude
4,200m (Mardi Himal Viewpoint)
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2–12 people
Best Season
March–May & September–November
Accommodation
3-star hotels in cities; teahouses on trek
Transport
Private vehicle & jeep transfers
Traveler Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!
You Might Also Like
Discover other packages that match your preferences
