Mardi Himal Trek

After having breakfast with pack, get ready for the Tourist Bus Departure for an overland journey to Pokhara. Generally, an exhilarating drive of about 6 to 7 hours if there is no Traffic jam following the main busy highway of Nepal. The road passes along the Trisuli River which is a very popular river for rafting adventure, then the road changes direction towards the west to finally reach the city of Pokhara. During the trip, one can see rural farm life with great views of snow capped peaks. The drive finishes in Pokhara by the beautiful side of Phewa Lake where most good hotels are located. After getting a nice room one can spend time strolling around the Phewa Lakeside. (Optional: by air from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a scenic flight of 30 minutes)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast in Pokhara, begin your scenic drive back to Kathmandu (1,350 m). The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic conditions, following the Prithvi Highway alongside the beautiful Trishuli River. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, rivers, terraced farmlands, and small roadside villages, offering a glimpse into rural Nepali life. There will be a few stops for meals and refreshments during the drive. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel. You can spend the evening relaxing or exploring nearby restaurants, and cultural sites.