3 Days Mardi Himal Trek
3 Days Mardi Himal Trek
Annapurna Region
Trip Facts
Duration : 3 Days
Max-Altitude : 4500
Program Type : tea house
Best Season : April- May, Jun- Jul Sep-Oct-Nov
Per Day Walking : 5/6 h
Trek Grade :
Grade 3:
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers on these treks should be in good physical condition and have some previous mountain walking experience. Steep climbing may be involved, although it is never necessary to use ropes. Treks at this level can he arranged for periods of 16 to 21 days. Typically, a gradual ascent through a green river valley will lead you up to a number of high passes, where you will reach the altitude of 5416m. Often times, you will get a close insight into the Tibetan culture. Participants should expect to trek above 5416m/17872ft.
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Overview
Three-Day Mardi Himal Trek: A Short Yet Memorable Adventure
The 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem nestled in Nepal’s majestic Annapurna region. This short yet spectacular trekking adventure whisks you through enchanted rhododendron forests, along serene ridgelines, and up to breathtaking high-altitude viewpoints that unveil stunning panoramas of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Perfect for adventurous souls on a tight schedule, this trail delivers an incredible fusion of natural beauty, rich culture, and thrilling exploration. Whether you’re chasing Himalayan sunrises or immersing yourself in tranquil mountain vibes, this compact trek offers a soul-stirring experience in just a matter of days.
Though one of Nepal’s shortest treks, the Mardi Himal Trek delivers mountain vistas that rival even the longest and most renowned Himalayan journeys. With towering giants like Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal soaring above, this trek feels every bit as majestic as a full-scale expedition—all within just a few days.
An Escape to an Unspoiled Trail
Unlike more crowded trails such as Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp treks, the Mardi Himal trail is relatively less frequented by tourists. It winds through untouched forests, rural villages, and peaceful alpine meadows, providing a genuine sense of seclusion and tranquility.
Trekkers are often struck by the serene solitude of the Mardi Himal trail, especially during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon. The lack of crowds creates a rare sense of peace, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a deeper, more personal connection with nature. The trail remains wild and unspoiled, winding through pristine alpine landscapes where you might glimpse Himalayan monals, playful langurs, or even a shy barking deer—a reminder that you’re truly walking through the untamed heart of the Himalayas.
Unmatched Mountain Panoramas
The undeniable highlight of the 3-day Mardi Himal Trek is its stunning mountain landscape. Few short treks worldwide offer such dramatic exposure to snow-covered peaks. Throughout the journey, you’ll witness awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna massif, with Machapuchare dominating the skyline with its signature fishtail shape.
At dawn and sunset, the entire mountain range glows with golden light, creating dream-like landscapes ideal for photography, meditation, or simply quiet contemplation. At the Mardi Himal Viewpoint, perched above the clouds, you’ll feel as if you’re standing at the edge of the world.
Immerse Yourself in Diverse Nature
One of the most magical aspects of the 3-day Mardi trek is the fantastic variety of natural terrain that unfolds over a short distance. The trail begins in thick subtropical forests filled with rhododendrons, ferns, and moss, then gradually climbs into alpine landscapes where vegetation thins and the ground becomes rocky. In spring, rhododendron flowers burst into bloom in shades of red, pink, and white, painting the forest with color. In autumn, crisp air, clear blue skies, and stunning scenery greet trekkers. The trail also offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, with Himalayan bulbuls, woodpeckers, and Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe, fluttering through the trees. As you ascend, the terrain opens up, revealing broad ridges and sweeping valleys, offering a comprehensive ecological experience of Nepal.
Experience Warm Local Hospitality
The Mardi Himal Trek not only showcases stunning natural beauty but also immerses travelers in the daily lives of the Gurung and Magar people who inhabit the region. Their rich culture is evident in their stone houses, terraced rice fields, and warm hospitality. Friendly villagers welcome trekkers into family-run tea houses along the trail, serving home-cooked meals and hot drinks beside cozy wood-burning stoves. Conversations with lodge owners and fellow travelers often spark lasting connections. Many villagers along the trail maintain strong ties to mountain life, with relatives working as porters or guides in the Annapurna or Everest regions. Their stories and personal connections deepen and humanize the trekking experience.
A Trekking Experience for Everyone
The 3-day Mardi Himal Trek’s brevity and moderate difficulty make it accessible to a broad range of trekkers. It’s a great option for:
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First-time trekkers wanting a taste of Himalayan adventure
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Photographers seeking panoramic vistas without multi-week commitments
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Couples or solo travelers looking for a quiet nature escape
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Fitness-conscious adventurers who prefer active travel
Despite its short length, the trek reaches high elevations, making it both rewarding and manageably challenging. With proper pacing and a good level of physical fitness, most people can complete the trek comfortably.
Seasonal Beauty: A Year-Round Destination
The Mardi Himal Trek is beautiful year-round, with each season offering unique charms:
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Spring (March to May): Often considered the best time, with pleasant weather and rhododendron forests in full bloom. Trails are generally dry and accessible.
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Autumn (September to November): Another excellent period, with stable weather, clear skies, and crisp mountain air. This is also a peak trekking season, so tea houses may be busier.
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Winter (December to February): While cold, winter offers a special, peaceful experience. Snow may cover higher trails, but views of snow-capped peaks are dramatically beautiful.
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Monsoon (June to August): Generally not recommended due to rain, slippery paths, and limited visibility. However, the forests are at their greenest, and crowds are minimal.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Trekking
As a less established route, the 3-day Mardi Himal trek promotes sustainable tourism. Your trip directly supports the local economy, as most tea houses are family-run businesses. Note that plastic water bottles are generally not sold en route.
Trekkers are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out trash, minimize single-use plastics, and respect local resources. Using water purification methods is a great way to avoid plastic bottles.
Guides and tour operators often collaborate with conservation organizations to help keep the trail clean and sustainable, ensuring Mardi Himal’s beauty can be enjoyed for generations.
Food, Comfort, and Connectivity
Despite its remoteness, the Mardi Himal trail has tea houses offering simple yet satisfying and wholesome food. Trekkers can enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine like dal bhat, alongside options like pancakes, fried rice, noodles, soups, and snacks.
Basic rooms in most tea houses include twin beds, thick blankets, and shared toilet/bathroom facilities. While not luxurious, they are clean, warm, and cozy—perfect for a good night’s rest.
Electricity (often solar-powered) is generally available, and some lodges offer mobile charging for a small fee. Wi-Fi is available at some tea houses, but disconnecting and immersing yourself in nature is highly recommended. Local SIM cards generally work up to High Camp, depending on weather and your carrier.
Trekking: Guided or Independent?
Most trekkers choose to hike the Mardi Himal Trek with a guide, not only for safety but also for deeper insights into the local culture, history, and environment. A guide can also assist with logistics, tea house reservations, and emergency planning.
However, experienced hikers can undertake this trek independently. The path is generally well-marked, though having a GPS-enabled map application or offline maps is recommended for solo trekkers.
Hiring a porter is also an option, allowing you to hike with just a small daypack. Porters are usually locals, and their services provide a valuable source of income to rural families.
The Perfect Addition to Your Nepal Journey
If you’re visiting Pokhara or spending more time in Nepal, the Mardi Himal Trek is an ideal addition to your itinerary. It offers a true taste of Himalayan grandeur without requiring weeks of planning and trekking. For those undertaking longer treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill, the Mardi Himal trek can serve as an excellent warm-up or acclimatization trek. Alternatively, for visitors seeking a complete trekking experience in under four days, this is an ideal choice.
Final Thoughts
The 3-Day Mardi Himal Trek proves you don’t need weeks to experience the magnificence of the Himalayas. In a short span, you’ll trek through lush forests, ascend sensational ridges, and gaze upon some of the most iconic mountains on Earth.
This 3-day trek is the perfect blend of nature’s majesty, human hospitality, physical challenge, and spiritual calm. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or new to mountain adventures, Mardi Himal invites you to discover its wonders. Approach with an open mind, and you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Planning Your Trek & Exploring Further:
For those planning a trek from Pokhara, understanding the Pokhara to Mardi Himal distance can help you see how accessible this rewarding journey is. If you’re looking to combine scenic beauty with cultural richness, the Classic Mardi Himal – Poon Hill Trek is an excellent extended option. Still deciding between routes? Comparing the highlights of Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp can help you choose the best fit for your adventure. And if you’re in Kathmandu with limited time, the Shivapuri day hike offers a perfect nature escape close to the city.
Detail Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande (1,770m) – Trek to Forest Camp (2,540m)
- Pick-up time: 7:00 AM from your hotel in Pokhara
- Drive: 1.5 hours / 40 km via scenic countryside road to Kande
- Trek duration: 5–6 hours
- Distance: ~8–10 km
- Elevation gain: +770m
- Trek Overview:
After a scenic drive past terraced farmlands and traditional Gurung villages, you’ll begin your hike from Kande. The trail initially ascends to Australian Camp (2,050m), offering panoramic views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail). You’ll pass through Pothana (1,950m), where ACAP permits are checked. - From here, the trail enters the lush rhododendron and oak forest, a haven for birdlife such as the Himalayan Monal (Nepal’s national bird), woodpeckers, and langurs. After a few more hours through peaceful woodland trails, you reach Forest Camp, also known locally as “Kokar.”
- Cultural Note: The region is home to the Gurung people, an ethnic group known for their bravery as Gurkha soldiers and their rich cultural heritage, including folk songs, dances, and Buddhist traditions.
- Day 2: Trek from Forest Camp (2,540m) to High Camp (3,580m)
- Trek duration: 5–6 hours
- Distance: ~7–8 km
- Elevation gain: +1,040m
- Trek Overview:
Today’s trail climbs steadily through dense forests of rhododendron, hemlock, and moss-covered trees, transitioning into more open terrain with dwarf vegetation and alpine shrubs. Along the way, Low Camp (2,970m) and Badal Danda (3,210m) provide great rest spots with mind-blowing views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal. - As you reach High Camp (3,580m), the landscape opens up to alpine meadows, and the peaks appear closer than ever. Sunset from here is mesmerizing, painting the mountains in hues of gold and crimson.
- Flora & Fauna: You may spot Himalayan Thar, barking deer, pheasants, and eagles along this forest-to-alpine transition zone.
- Day 3: Hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m) – Trek to Siding Village (1,750m) – Drive to Pokhara
- Early morning hike: 2–3 hours to View Point (round trip: ~6 km)
- Descent to Siding: 5–6 hours / ~10 km
- Drive back to Pokhara: 2.5–3 hours / ~45 km
- Total hiking duration: ~7–8 hours
- Trek Overview:
Pre-dawn, start your sunrise hike to Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m). The trail is steep but rewarding, with spectacular close-up views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Mardi Himal (5,587m), Annapurna I (8,091m), and Hiunchuli (6,441m). You’ll traverse high ridgelines with breathtaking drop-offs on both sides, above the cloud line. - After soaking in the panorama, return to High Camp for breakfast and begin your descent through rhododendron forests to Siding Village (a beautiful Gurung settlement).
- Cultural Note: Siding offers a glimpse into traditional rural life, where locals farm organically and practice Buddhism. You may see prayer flags, mani walls, and old-style stone homes.
- From Siding, a jeep will transfer you back to Pokhara in about 2.5–3 hours, driving through a mix of dirt tracks and paved roads, passing through small hillside villages and terraced farms.
- ✅ Quick Summary
| Day | Elevation (m) | Hiking Distance | Driving Time | Main Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1,770 → 2,540 | ~8–10 km | 1.5 hrs | Australian Camp, forests, Gurung culture |
| Day 2 | 2,540 → 3,580 | ~7–8 km | — | Rhododendron forests, High Camp views |
| Day 3 | 3,580 → 4,200 → 1,750 | ~16 km total | 2.5–3 hrs | Mardi viewpoint, Siding village, return to Pokhara |
Cost Included
- Pokhara to Kande by private car or Van and Sidding village to Pokhara by sharing a jeep on the way back.
- Clean Lodge accommodation on the way during your Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek.
- Italian, Chinese, Nepali, Indian, and many other European Delicious Meals three times a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner chosen from the Menu)
- ACAP permit and TIMS card permit for the Mardi Himal trek
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide licensed by the government, familiar with the area.
- One porter for every two to three participants. (Note: An additional cost applies for solo clients requiring a porter.)
- Guides/Porter's food, accommodations, bus transportation, salary, insurance, equipment, etc.
- A kitbag for storing your belongings for the trek, carried by the porter
- Sleeping bag for a comfortable night's sleep on a trek in minus-25 degrees
- Necessary paperwork, all government, and local taxes
- A certificate of appreciation from Nepal Wilderness Trekking after a successful trek
Cost Excluded
- Airfare for international flights
- Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Nepal entry visa fees vary by duration (15 days - $25-30, 30 days
- Accommodations and meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after our journey
- Personal equipment for high and cold temperatures
- Emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation are covered by travel insurance
- All beverages, Soft and caffeinated table drinks such as Coke, beer,
- Drinking water/mineral water, Dessert, etc. Hot shower, laundry
- Tip for the guide and the porter
- Excluded are all costs and expenses not listed under "cost includes."
- Inclusion of costs or delays beyond the control of the management, such as landslides, weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policies, strikes, etc.
| Trip Dates | Trip Price | Confirmed Pax | Trip Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now | |
| May 18, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now | |
| May 20, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now | |
| May 24, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now | |
| May 26, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now | |
| May 30, 2025 | US$ 290 | Join a Group | Book Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
3-Day Mardi Himal Trek: This is a short and faster-paced version, ideal for trekkers with limited time. It typically starts and ends in Pokhara, reaching Mardi Himal High Camp and returning quickly.
5-Day Mardi Himal Trek: This is the standard and more relaxed itinerary, allowing better acclimatization and time to enjoy the views. It includes stops at Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp before reaching the Mardi Himal Viewpoint.
Mardi Himal Trek (Short Version)
Location: Annapurna region
Highlights: Stunning close-up views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal.
Difficulty: Moderate
Popular for: Adventure lovers wanting a quieter trail.
Here’s why:
✅ Trail Conditions:
Well-marked paths, but some sections are steep and forested.
No technical climbing or equipment needed.
✅ Altitude:
Highest point is around 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Viewpoint).
Most trekkers do fine with gradual acclimatization.
✅ Duration & Daily Walking:
Usually takes 4 to 5 days, walking 5–6 hours per day.
Shorter versions (3-day trek) are more intense but still doable for fit trekkers.
✅ For Beginners?
Yes, if you’re reasonably fit and used to walking uphill.
It's a good introduction to high-altitude trekking without the crowds.
Summary:
Not too difficult, but requires basic fitness and some mental endurance—especially for the steeper climbs near High Camp and the viewpoint. No prior trekking experience is necessary, making it great for both beginners and experienced trekkers.
