5 Days
Pokhara
Lunch, dinner, and breakfast
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
tea house
4 season
4500 m
1-15 Pax
Taxi and share Jeep
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most enchanting short treks, tucked away in the heart of the Annapurna region. Unlike the more crowded trails of Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill, this trek offers peace, solitude, and pristine mountain landscapes while still being easily accessible from Pokhara. Rising to an altitude of 4,500 meters, the Mardi Himal trek takes you through lush forests, traditional villages, alpine meadows, and finally to breathtaking viewpoints directly beneath the majestic Mardi Himal (5,587 m) and the towering Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m).
For trekkers seeking a perfect balance of cultural immersion, natural diversity, and Himalayan panoramas without the crowds, the Mardi Himal Trek is an absolute treasure.
The Mardi Himal trek begins from Pokhara, a lakeside city and Nepal’s trekking hub. A short drive takes you to the trailhead, usually Kande or Phedi, from where the journey unfolds. The trek starts with gentle trails through terraced farmlands, traditional stone houses, and dense forests.
The first few days are spent climbing through beautiful rhododendron and oak forests, especially magical during spring (March–April) when the forests burst into colors of red, pink, and white blooms. As the altitude increases, the landscapes change dramatically.
By the time trekkers reach Low Camp and High Camp, the scenery opens up to vast alpine meadows, grazing yaks, and panoramic Himalayan views. The highlight is the hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) or Viewpoint (4,200 m). From here, trekkers stand face-to-face with the south face of Machhapuchhre—so close it feels like you could reach out and touch it.
One of the biggest charms of the Mardi Himal trek is its breathtaking alpine scenery. At High Camp and beyond, the trail winds along grassy ridgelines with sweeping views of the Annapurna range. The meadows are often dotted with grazing yaks and wildflowers, creating a postcard-perfect Himalayan setting.
The Mardi Himal Base Camp viewpoint provides perhaps the best angle to admire Fishtail (Machhapuchhre)—a mountain considered sacred and unclimbed due to its religious significance. Alongside it, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Peak, and Dhaulagiri dominate the skyline.
The Mardi Himal trek is not only about mountains; it’s also a cultural journey. The lower sections of the trek pass through Gurung and Magar villages, where trekkers can observe daily life, traditions, and warm hospitality.
The Gurung people, known for their bravery as Gurkha soldiers, have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional dress, dances, and rituals tied to Buddhism and Hinduism. Local teahouses along the trek are often family-run, offering trekkers the chance to engage with the hosts, learn about their customs, and enjoy homemade Nepali food like dal bhat, dhido, and fresh organic vegetables.
Unlike more commercialized routes, the Mardi Himal trek still retains a sense of authenticity, where visitors feel part of a community rather than just passing tourists.
The trek passes through multiple ecological zones, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
This unique blend of ecosystems makes the Mardi Himal trek a mini showcase of Nepal’s biodiversity within just a week-long journey.
The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) seasons.
The Mardi Himal trek is considered a moderate trek. The trail involves daily hikes of 5–7 hours, with some steep ascents and descents. The highest point is around 4,500 meters, which means altitude sickness is a mild risk but manageable with proper acclimatization.
No prior trekking or mountaineering experience is necessary, making this trek suitable for beginners with a good fitness level. However, preparation through regular walking, cardio exercise, and leg strength training is recommended before the trip.
The trek is fully supported by teahouses and lodges, which have improved significantly over the years. Rooms are basic but comfortable, usually with twin beds and shared bathrooms. At higher camps, facilities are more limited.
Food along the Mardi Himal trek is a mix of local Nepali dishes and some international options. Trekkers can enjoy hearty meals such as:
The Mardi Himal trek stands out for its unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and accessibility. Unlike other treks in the Annapurna region that can be crowded, Mardi Himal remains a quieter trail, perfect for trekkers seeking tranquility and a more personal connection with the mountains.
It’s also a cost-effective trek, requiring less time and logistics compared to the Annapurna Circuit or the Everest Base Camp, but still delivering world-class Himalayan views.
As the Mardi Himal trek grows in popularity, trekkers are encouraged to follow eco-friendly practices:
This ensures that the Mardi Himal trail remains pristine for future generations.
Mardi Himal and Classic Poon Hill are each graced with their unique highlights. The trek provides excellent opportunities to admire mountain scenery, while the Poon Hill trek offers breathtaking sunrise views. Both treks allow you to witness the stunning Annapurna Himalayas and immerse yourself in the vibrant Gurung and Magar cultures. The Poon Hill trek typically takes 3 days from Pokhara, while the Mardi Himal trek spans over 5 days. If you have a period of 10 days, it would be possible to extend your journey by combining the Mardi Himal trek with a continuation of the Annapurna Base Camp.
Nepal Wilderness Trekking offers the Mardi Himal trek package at a cost of $430 per person for 5 days. This price covers guides, permits, accommodation, meals throughout the trek, and transportation to and from the starting point. There are no hidden costs. The final price may vary depending on the number of participants. This ensures transparency and flexibility for all trekkers. Enjoy a hassle-free adventure with everything included. Also, we have compiled the short 3-day Mardi trek for the physically fit and time-limited traveler. This is to meet their demand and capture the thrilling adventure journey with the mesmerizing mountain views of the Mardi base camp trek.
The Mardi Himal trek is a true hidden gem of Nepal. From vibrant rhododendron forests to windswept alpine meadows and jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas, it packs incredible diversity into a short and accessible itinerary. The mix of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and peaceful trails makes it a perfect choice for trekkers of all levels.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Nepal or a seasoned trekker looking for something new, the Mardi Himal trek will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the majestic Annapurna region.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Pokhara at 8 AM, followed by a short scenic drive to Kande, the starting point of the trek. From here, the trail begins with a steady climb through rhododendron forests, stone steps, and small hillside settlements. As you gain elevation, views of the Annapurna range gradually open up, offering a beautiful introduction to the trek.
After approximately 4 hours of walking, you will reach Pitam Deurali (1,925 m), a quiet ridge-top settlement surrounded by forested hills.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Pitam Deurali.
Today’s trail enters dense rhododendron and oak forests within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The path is peaceful and rich in birdlife, with occasional clearings offering glimpses of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. You will stop for lunch at Forest Camp (2,600 m), a small resting point in the middle of the forest.
After lunch, continue a gradual ascent toward Low Camp (2,985 m), where the vegetation begins to thin and mountain views become more dramatic.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Low Camp.
The trail today becomes more alpine, with fewer trees and increasingly wide mountain panoramas. As you climb higher, Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) dominates the skyline directly ahead, while Annapurna South rises to your left. The terrain is relatively steep but rewarding, with constant Himalayan views throughout the walk.
Arrive at High Camp (3,550 m), a ridge-top settlement offering one of the best sunset views in the region.
Overnight stay at a lodge in High Camp.
Begin early for the highlight of the trek—a hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m). The trail follows a narrow ridge above clouds, offering breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Hiunchuli, and surrounding peaks. The landscape becomes more rugged and alpine as you approach the base camp area.
After spending time at the viewpoint, descend carefully back to High Camp for a short break, then continue down to Low Camp (3,210 m).
Overnight stay at a lodge in Low Camp.
Today’s descent takes you through lush forest trails, traditional villages, and terraced farmland. The scenery gradually changes from alpine terrain to subtropical landscapes. After about 2.5 hours of trekking, you reach Siding Village, a peaceful Gurung settlement.
From here, take a shared jeep drive back to Pokhara, marking the end of your trek.
Trip ends in Pokhara.
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