Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek, a breathtaking and very short Himalayan hike, shows you the not so well known beauty of Nepal's Annapurna region. It is the perfect peaceful getaway for those who love to be away from the crowded and noisy trails.
The 7 days journey led us passing through rhododendron forests, silent mountain tracks, and stark alpine ridges. The trek scenery turn from heavy forest into open high-altitude area as you climb, making you feel up to the sky and could see breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
The best part of the journey is when you get to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), here you see the most famous peaks of the Himalayas very close. If you think you have never trekked and want to try, or if you are a trekker and only have a few days, the Mardi Himal Trek will give you a good mix of beautiful nature, meeting people, and stunning mountain scenes in a short and unforgettable trip.
Highlights
Short Itinerary
Trip Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is a terrific discovery travel to one of the most beautiful but less-visited areas of the Annapurna region of Nepal, combining the wilderness and culture with adventure at high altitude in a short time.
Targeted at those seeking peace and beautiful views of the mountains, the 5 days provide a deep Himalayas almost without the crowds of popular routes. Starting in Kathmandu, your journey soon takes you to Pokhara, the Annapurna region's main entry point by car. Then the trek gradually takes shape and starts with a mild climb to Australian Camp, where majestic panoramas of the Annapurna range visually foreshadow the unforgettable beauty that will be discovered. Continuing along the path, you first enter the lovely natural environment where rhododendron, oak, and maple stand tall and serenade you with bird songs and flowering scents of the season.
The tranquility and isolation of these wooded routes make the hiking a form of meditation, the experience being very far from the crowded trekking corridors. Step by step, the scene changes - after the trees become less dense, the path is found at the tree-less line; here is a rough alpine landscape with open ridges and big skies.
During our Mardi Himal Trek, the most mesmerizing moment for us was the thrilling ridge walk leading to High Camp. There were steep gorges on both sides while the mountain views were so captivating that each step we took felt like we were getting closer to the mighty Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), along with Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Being so close to these peaks, one cannot help but feel a rare intimacy with the Himalayas. The grand finale of the trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). At the foot of the snow clad Himalayan giants and surrounded by the vast Himalayan ranges you get the most spectacular 360-degree view which is humbling and unforgettable. Starting your climb very early morning at the break of dawn light will make your day even more special. On the way down, you will take a different path to Siding Village which will show you mountain life at its best. You will see terraced fields, rustic homes and be touched by the warm local hospitality.
Nature will give you its stunning views but you will also have direct contact with the culture of the locals. The Mardi Himal Trek will remain in your memories especially the quiet trails, the breathtaking views and it has been a very fulfilling Himalayan journey. It does not matter whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned trekker looking for a quieter path, this trek is one of the best short ones in Nepal that will captivate you in every way i.e. natural beauty, cultural variety, inspiration.
Why Choose Destination Guru Tours & Treks?
With Destination Guru Tours & Treks, your journey is handled with expertise and care:
Experienced, licensed local guides
Carefully planned itinerary with proper acclimatization
All permits, accommodation, and meals arranged
Safety-first approach with personalized support
Seamless logistics from arrival to departure
Whether you are a first-time trekker or an experienced adventurer, this trek is designed to be both achievable and deeply rewarding.
Detailed Itinerary
Drive from Pokhara to Kande then trek to Australian Camp (2,060 m / 6,758 ft)
Your journey begins with a short and scenic drive from Pokhara to Kande, which takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The road winds through beautiful countryside, offering glimpses of terraced fields, traditional villages, and distant Himalayan views. From Kande, the trek starts with a steady uphill climb through stone staircases and lush forests. The trail is well-marked and relatively short, making it a perfect warm-up for the days ahead. As you ascend, you’ll pass small tea houses and enjoy refreshing mountain air along the way. After around 1.5 to 2 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Australian Camp, a peaceful hilltop settlement known for its stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the iconic Machhapuchhre. Spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking in the views. If the weather is clear, the sunset over the Himalayas is truly unforgettable. Overnight stay at a teahouse in Australian Camp.
Trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp (2,600 m / 8,530 ft)
After enjoying a beautiful sunrise over the Annapurna range from Australian Camp, you begin your trek with a gentle descent through forested trails toward Pothana. This section offers peaceful walking with occasional glimpses of the mountains and traditional village life. From Pothana, the trail gradually ascends into dense rhododendron and oak forests, leaving behind the open landscapes. The path becomes quieter and more immersive, with fewer trekkers as you enter a more remote section of the Mardi Himal route. During spring, the forest comes alive with blooming rhododendrons, adding vibrant colors to the trail. As you continue uphill, the sounds of birds and the rustling forest create a calm and refreshing trekking experience. After around 5 to 6 hours of walking, you reach Forest Camp (also known as Kokar), a small settlement surrounded by thick Jungle and misty hills.
Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,580 m / 11,745 ft)
You're going to have a great time trekking through lush green vegetation and opening up into the expansive alpine area today. The trail begins at Forest Camp and climbs continuously through the rhododendron, oak and bamboo forests until we reach both Low Camp and Badal Danda. With every foot you climb, you'll notice fewer trees and amazing views to the east of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and all other mountains surrounding it. As the forest opens up, it changes from forested areas to large grassy sides of ridges and wide open fields that provide spectacular views with every foot you take. Once you get to Badal Danda, we will walk along a ridge line towards High Camp and all the incredible views below with clouds drifting at or below you and unlimited views of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli. Approximately six hours of hiking will bring us to the High Camp where there are just a few teahouses located on the ridge line. The views from here are spectacular, but even better is the view at sunset as the mountains glow with the golden sun. All day long at High Camp.
High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m / 14,764 ft) – back to Low Camp (3,050 m / 10,144 ft)
The most adventurous day of the trek is today! You'll be leaving High Camp at an early hour to hopefully be able to have the best weather for the day, as well as to experience the beauty of sunrise. You will be walking along a narrow ridge that has steep drop-offs on both sides of it, which creates a thrilling yet rewarding experience while hiking. As you are gaining elevation, the terrain will become more arid and rugged, with breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre right in front of you! You will also pass through the Mardi Himal viewpoint prior to arriving at Mardi Himal Base Camp, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and other Himalayan peaks. After enjoying some time at base camp capturing photos and enjoying the views of the mountains, you will then walk back to High Camp for a short rest and lunch. After resting, you will again head down the same scenic ridge and alpine type trails to arrive back at Low Camp. It will be a long day, since you will be trekking for 6 to 8 hours, but the incredible landscapes and unforgettable views of the mountains will certainly make it worthwhile! Overnight at Low Camp.
Low Camp to Siding Village (1,750 m / 5,741 ft) – Drive to Pokhara
You start with breakfast at Low Camp, after which you will begin your descent through the lush forests filled with rhododendron trees, oak trees, bamboo trees, etc. The trail will descend into warmer, greener areas where you will see peaceful surroundings with some views of terraced hillsides, and also local farms. As your descent occurs, there will be an appropriate change in scenery, with less number of trekkers compared to when you first started, and also you will have a greater opportunity to interact more with local people. The journey to Siding Village involves a trail that has very few trekkers and gives you a very authentic view into rural life in this area of the Annapurna Region. After approximately 2 to 3 hours of trekking, you arrive at Siding Village, which is a small, quiet village located on the hillside. From here you will take a scenic drive back to Pokhara, which may take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on road conditions. This is the end of your amazing Mardi Himal Trek with an incredible variety of landscapes, breathtaking views of the mountains, and cultural experiences of many kinds along the way.
Trip Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 4 nights Tea House Accommodations during the trek
- Standard full-board meals (Breakfast,Lunch and Dinner), with one main course per meal during the trek
- Government licensed Destination Guru’s experienced trekking guide, an assistant trekking guide for 10 or more trekkers.
- Porters to help trekkers luggage (1 porter for two trekkers, max luggage limit per trekker is max 10 kg)
- Guides and porters costs - including meals, insurance, salary, lodging, transportation, and other necessary equipment
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee
- Arranging rescue operations in case of complicated health conditions (funded by travel insurance)
- Medical kits, including an oximeter to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels in high altitudes
- Destination Guru’s certificate of appreciation after successful trek Farewell dinner at the end of the trek in Kathmandu
- Free excess luggage storage at the Destination Guru’s store for the duration of the trek
- All government, local taxes, and official expenses
- Sharing jeep cost from Pokhara-Kandek and Siding to Pokhara
Exclusions
- International flight airfare and Nepal visit Visa
- All accommodation in Pokhara, before and after the journey Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
- All meals in Pokhara, before and after the journey
- Extra night meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara due to early arrival or late departure, early return from the trek.
- Tips for guide and porters(expected)
- Travel insurance has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation along with medical coverage
- Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, bottled water or boiled water, hot (tea, coffee) and cold drinks, hot shower, alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-charge fee, extra porters, etc
- Additional costs due to delays caused by circumstances outside company control like landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
Visual Briefings
Photo Gallery
Interaction Map
Upcoming Departure Dates
No fixed departure dates available
Contact us for custom departure dates
Gear & Packing List
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Upper Body
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Trip Info
The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna Region, located just east of Annapurna Base Camp. Starting from Pokhara, this short yet rewarding trek takes you through lush forests, traditional villages, and high alpine ridges to the breathtaking Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). Along the way, trekkers enjoy incredible views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli in a Peaceful and less crowded environment.
Grade of difficulty
This trek is considered easy - moderate making it a good choice if you're just getting started and are in decent shape. The trails are generally flat and have some climbing but not technical climbing. As you go along the route, however, you will want to be sure to have a good level of fitness through proper preparation and physical conditioning to make your experience enjoyable.
Permits Needed
The two most important permits are the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card (Trekkers' Information Management System). Both of these documents help ensure that trekking is properly regulated and contribute to the responsibility of protecting this beautiful part of the world.
Guide & Porter
It is strongly recommended that you hire a guide when trekking for safety, navigation, and local information regarding the area. In addition to hiring a guide, you may want to hire a porter to carry your equipment, which will allow you to have a better experience during your trek as well as assist in the growth of the local economy.
Safety & Altitude
Risk of altitude sickness is fairly low, however, it's important to take precautions. Walking at a steady pace; drinking plenty of water; and allowing your body to naturally acclimatise all help keep you safe on your trek. For high-altitude trekking, it is highly recommended to have adequate travel insurance that covers your trekking activity.
Why You Should Do This Trek?
The Mardi Himal trek is great for travelers looking for a brief, but highly satisfying adventure in the Himalayas. It is not as busy as the other major trails such as Annapurna Base Camp, meaning you will get to experience a peaceful trail, enjoy breathtakingly beautiful mountain views up close and personal, and it offers a blend of nature and culture. The trek is well suited for newbie trekkers and people with limited amount of time.
Your Trip Style
The trip will be done using the teahouse style, which means you will be staying at local lodges during the course of your trek. The trek can be completed as either a small group or a private trip, and flexible itineraries will be available to suit your personal preferences and schedule.
Why Trek with Destination Guru Tours & Treks?
Destination Guru Tours & Treks offers expert local guides, flexible itineraries, and personalized service. With a strong focus on safety, comfort, and authentic experiences, we ensure every trekker enjoys the Himalayas to the fullest.
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Group Discounts
Best Value**Discounts are based on your group size. We do not mix groups.
