The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s newest and most peaceful trekking routes, officially opened in 2011. Despite being a relatively fresh trail, it offers spectacular natural beauty and remains one of the hidden gems of the Annapurna region. With fewer crowds, untouched landscapes, and close-up views of the majestic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain), this trek provides a refreshing alternative to more popular trails like Annapurna Base Camp.
Located beneath the striking Fishtail Peak, the Mardi Himal Trek by Nepal Hiking Adventure takes you along the eastern ridge of the Annapurna Base Camp route. The journey begins after a scenic 6 to 7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, a short drive leads you to Phedi, where the trek officially starts. The trail gently ascends to Dhampus and Pothana before climbing toward Pritam Deurali through beautiful forested hills. From Deurali, the ascent continues to Forest Camp and then gradually opens into alpine landscapes as you move toward Low Camp and finally High Camp at 3,580 meters.
The highlight of the 10 Days Mardi Himal Trek is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp at an altitude of 4,500 meters. The trail passes through lush rhododendron forests, steep ridges, and rugged terrain with stunning panoramic views throughout the route. Along the way, you will walk through charming villages like Siding, Phedi, Pothana, Landruk, and more, each offering warm hospitality through local homestays and guesthouses. The trek beautifully blends natural beauty with cultural richness as you encounter traditional Gurung and Magar communities.
With its incredible mountain vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and peaceful trails, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a memorable Himalayan experience. The views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, and Mardi Himal are mesmerizing, especially during sunrise and sunset from High Camp. Mardi Himal Trek by Nepal Hiking Adventure explores through the mythic Himalayas.
For trekkers seeking extra adventure, the Mardi Himal route can also be combined with the famous Poon Hill Trek.
Highlights of Mardi Himal Trek
Peaceful trails with fewer crowds compared to other popular treks in the Annapurna region.
Stunning sunrise and sunset views over Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Pristine natural beauty with untouched landscapes and serene mountain surroundings.
Vibrant rhododendron forests and aromatic alpine flowers along the trail.
Spectacular panoramic scenery from Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp.
Close-up views of Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 m), Annapurna South (7,010 m), and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m).
Warm hospitality in local homestays and welcoming village guesthouses.
Cultural immersion with traditional Gurung and Magar communities.
Rewarding hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and the breathtaking High Camp ridge.
Option to combine with the Poon Hill Trek for extra adventure and wider Himalayan views.
Itinerary
1 Day
Pick up and transfer to the hotel
The representatives from Nepal Hiking Adventures will receive you at the airport in Kathmandu. After your warm reception at the airport, you will drive towards the hotel. You will enjoy a delicious dinner at night. If you have some spare time after your flight lands in Kathmandu (1,400 m), you can enjoy your time relaxing at the hotel. You also can go out to some small towns in Kathmandu to get a feel of the capital city of Nepal.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 30 min drive to hotel
Distance: Around 6 km
2 Day
Drive from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Pokhara (827 m) by tourist bus
After an early morning breakfast, you will commence the Mardi Himal Trek journey with a drive to Pokhara (800 meters) for about 7 to 8 hours. The glimpses of forests, mountains, and rivers along the roadside are enjoyable. After you arrive in Pokhara, you can explore spectacular places like Phewa Lake and Sarangkot Dada.
This marks the starting point for the trek, and you can also enjoy the rich nightlife in Pokhara before the trek begins.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 7-8 hours drive
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Around 200 km
3 Day
Drive from Pokhara (827 m) to Kande (1,060 m) and trek to Australian Camp (2,060 m)
You shall enjoy breakfast in the morning. After an hour drive to Kande, the routine trek starts at an elevation of 1,770 m. The trail route to Australian Camp is uphill. After trekking for 3 hours, you will get to the beautiful hamlet of Australian Camp at the altitude of 2,100 m. Australian Camp is a spectacular place with panoramic views of mountains, making it a perfect stop on the Mardi Himal Trek. The meadow there is also equally rich to chill and catch some warm sunlight.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 1 hour drive and 3-4 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +1,233 m
Descent: -30 m
Distance: Around 10 km trek
4 Day
Trek from Australian Camp (2,060 m) to Forest Camp (3,050 m)
On day 4, you will head to Forest Camp. You will arrive at a stop where your permits will go through inspection. You arrive at Deurali after two hours walk.
Deurali serves as a junction from where you can head to Annapurna Base Camp or Poon Hill. You will have lunch here like no other tea houses along the trek to Forest Camp. After a clear walk through the forest, you will arrive at Forest Camp at an altitude of 3,050 m. The trek from Australian Camp to Forest Camp is 6-7 hours long.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +990 m
Distance: Around 11 km trek
5 Day
Trek from Forest Camp (3,050 m) to High Camp (3,900 m)
After a pleasant breakfast at Forest Camp on day 5 of Mardi Himal Trek, you will head out through aromatic rhododendron forests. 3 hours of trekking will lead you to Low Camp. Following the trails from Low Camp, you will reach “Badal Dada’.
You will reach High Camp (3,900 m) after trekking for 6-7 hours from Forest Camp. You will spend the night at wonderful lodges that serving delicious meals.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 6-7 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +850 m
Distance: Around 9 km trek
6 Day
Day trip to the Viewpoint or Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and back to High Camp (3,900 m)
You will walk through the ridges towards Mardi Himal Base Camp on the Mardi Himal Trek. Along the trail, you may come across yaks and Danphe in the wilderness. After approximately three hours of trekking, you will reach Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m), where you can witness the scenic beauty of the Annapurna Sanctuary and the spectacular south face of Annapurna, as well as Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
Today, you will spend 5-6 hours trekking. After enjoying the breathtaking views at Mardi Himal Base Camp, you will make your way back to High Camp.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 5-6 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +600 m
Descent: -600 m
Distance: Around 11 km
7 Day
Trek from High Camp (3,900 m) to Sidhing (3,550 m)
Today, you will descend to Sidhing from High Camp on the Mardi Himal Trek. In doing so, you will lose an altitude of around 400 meters. Sidhing is a traditional village where you can experience homestay facilities and immerse yourself in the wonderful culture of this region. While descending, you will pass Low Camp, Badal Danda, and finally reach Sidhing (3,550 m). The trek from High Camp to Sidhing takes approximately 6 hours.
Accomodation: Lodge
Duration: 5-6 hours walk
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ascent: +30 m
Descent: -350 m
Distance: Around 9 km
8 Day
Drive from Sidhing (3,550 m) to Pokhara (822 m)
From Sidhing, you will come across the villages like Ghalel and Kalimati before reaching Lumre. You will hop on a jeep at Lumre. The jeep road goes through off-road terrains. The organized jeep will drive you back to Pokhara. The trail of the jeep takes you down to the Mardi River basin before you reach the tourist heaven that is the city of Pokhara. You will reach Pokhara at the time interval of one and a half hour.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 1 hour walk and 2 hour drive
Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
Descent: -2,728 m
Distance: Around 8 km trek & 35 km drive
9 Day
Drive from Pokhara (822 m) to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
You head to Kathmandu the next day. You have the option of either taking a flight to Pokhara or a bus. The flight is merely 25 minutes long. It is really short but scenic as it gives you the glimpses of the Annapurna as well as Dhaulagiri range. In contrast, the bus ride is 6-7 hours long. It takes you along the hills between Kathmandu and Pokhara. You will also be delighted to drive next to beautiful rivers such as Marsyangdi and Trishuli.
Accomodation: Hotel
Duration: 6-7 hours drive
Meal: Breakfast
Distance: Approx. 200 km
10 Day
Transfer to Airport
On the last day of your trip, the respective personnel from Nepal Hiking Adventures will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Make sure that you have packed all your traveling and personal documents. Nepal Hiking Adventures’ representatives will also bid you a good farewell and wish you a safe flight. You will depart to your native land. We hope that you have a safe trip.
Duration: 30 min drive to airport
Meal: Breakfast
Distance: Around 6 km
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Cost Includes
Airport picks up/ drop by Car/Van/Bus.
Two-night Accommodation in Kathmandu at Tourist Standard Hotel.
Two-night Accommodation in Pokhara on Tourist Standard Hotel.
KTM_PKR_KTM Tourist Bus Ticket for Guest
KTM_PKR_KTM Tourist Bus Ticket for Guide/potter.
Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. )
Accommodation in guesthouses at the stopping point during the trip.
Trekking permit (TIMS and ACAP permit)
A professional and English-speaking Trekking guide.
One porter for two clients Max 30 KG per potter.
Trekking Map
Insurance of support crew members and their other costs
A first aid medical kit for emergency use.
Company Service charges and government fees.
Cost Excludes
Any kinds of drinks and personal expenses.
Tips for support crew members
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Temperature Chart
Altitude Chart
Useful Info
Choose the Best Time for Mardi Himal Trek
The weather at Mardi Himal does not remain constant. However, the weather does not fluctuate during Autumn and Spring so these are considered as the best time.
Autumn
You will see the shining mountains in the autumn season. Autumn offers a clear sky and atmosphere. Stunning sunrise and sunset grace you. The weather remains clear and more stable. Little rainfall takes place during early September.
Winter
The weather is dry. Snow covers the mountains and the trails. The temperature is freezing cold. December-February is winter at the Mardi Himal. With every 1000 meters ascent in altitude, the temperature drops down by 5 degree Celsius.
Spring
Spring, alongside autumn, is the perfect time for Mardi Himal Trek. The sky is clear and crisp. Unobstructed view of mountains. Blooming Rhododendron forest charms the trail. The perfect trekking season last from March to May
Summer
Summer lasts till August. Downpour and monsoon rains are frequent in Summer in Nepal. The sky is gray and may not be clear. Heavy rainfalls obstruct the scenic panorama beauty of the region. But the views after the heavy downpour will offer you scenic views after the dust settles.
Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
Mardi Himal trek considered an easy to moderate. The walking distance of this trek is short. Inexperienced trekkers might find the trek somewhat difficult. This is because of the uphill climbs which might turn into long exhausting walks. You have to walk around 5 to 6 hours per day during the Mardi Himal Trek.
At 4500 meters, the Mardi Base Camp stands as the highest point on the trek. The tiring walk by a steep slope and narrow path is very difficult. As long as you manage the resting periods well, the altitude is not a problem. Plus, there are well-facilitated places for your scheduled resting periods. You won’t be at high altitude for too long at Mardi Himal trek. Chance of altitude sickness is very low.
The descent back from the Mardi Himal Base camp can be a tad agonising. Kneecap will serve as a lifesaver along the trek. Trekkers with knee problems find it very hard during the walk downhill.
FAQ
How difficult is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered easy to moderate. The daily walking distance is around 5-6 hours, with some uphill climbs. While beginners may find certain sections challenging, the well-marked trail and scheduled resting points make it manageable for most trekkers.
What is the highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters is the highest point on this trek. While the ascent can be steep, proper pacing and resting along the trail help minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Mardi Himal Trek?
The risk of altitude sickness on the Mardi Himal Trek is very low, as trekkers are not at high altitude for long periods. Regular rest breaks and gradual acclimatization help prevent altitude-related problems.
What are the trekking challenges on the Mardi Himal Trek?
The main challenges include steep uphill climbs, narrow paths, and the downhill descent from High Camp or Base Camp. Trekkers with knee problems may find the descent difficult, so using trekking poles or knee supports is recommended.
Can beginners or families do the Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, the Mardi Himal Trek is suitable for beginners, solo travelers, and families. With short daily distances, scenic trails, and comfortable teahouse accommodation, it is an excellent choice for those new to Himalayan trekking.
When I was choosing the trek, I contacted a couple of companies in Nepal and the Nepal hiking adventure was the fastest in answering my email. They also were friendly and helpful in choosing the route, answering the incoming questions, and so on. We had quite a smooth organizational process overall. The trekking itself was great, we did the Mardi Himal and enjoyed it a lot. Our guide Raj and the porter were very friendly, told us a lot of stories, and made the whole experience nicer. Raj brought us to nice tea houses along the way so we had pretty awesome lodging as well as food. The trek was beautiful and interesting. We were lucky to have good weather in September and less clouds than usual, some days the mountains were very clear so it was an unforgettable experience in general! I recommend the Nepal hiking adventure, it was everything I was hoping for!
Ethan,
USA
Enjoyable and unforgettable memories
Traveling in Nepal is not difficult, but Nepal Hiking Adventure team made my trip more comfortable and enjoyable. After I’d been searching for so many company for trekking in Nepal, I decided to booked the Mardi Himal Package for 11 Days and it was the right decision I made. Bishnu and NHA team organized my trip so well. Since day 1 that I met Bishnu and Sanjay, they were so friendly and helpful that made me feel comfortable. Moreover, the trekking guide, Raaze, is very professional and trustable. He was like everything for me during the trek. He worked as an experienced guide, strong porter, funny buddy, and sometimes a chef Lol. All of them will never disappoint you. Also, I really love how they provided accommodations with good location and nice views. so thoughtful! It was an unforgettable and joyful journey for me. Highly recommend!
Ava,
USA
Mardi Himal Trek (A virgin trails in Nepal)
It is my second time in Nepal before it was 1 year ago. Last year, I went for Kathmandu City Tour with some hiking around the Nagarkot. This year I planned for short and easy hiking so I read blogs, reviews and articles related to short treks in Nepal and landed on Nepal Hiking Adventure site. After analyzing, I contacted company’s manager Bishnu Lamsal. He was so kind and calming, he answers my question very gentle and provides information on popular Nepal short treks. Finally, I landed on Mardi Himal Trek after listening to the amazing highlights of this trek. After On my arrival to Kathmandu, Nepal there was Ram who was going to be my trek guide to Mardi Himal. I find him very fun and caring type person. He asked how my flight was, did I eat anything or not.
After reaching hotel I refreshed up and went to their company to discuss about the trip. They give me brief information about the trip. From the start of this trip, our tour guide Ram starts providing information of beautiful villages, their culture, monastery, Himalayan ranges and more. He showed us what we are looking for. He explore us around these local villages of Gurung and Magars. Truly learned great things from these villages and our guide. The trails was easy to moderate while ascending and descending was easy and fast. Along the way, I used to talk with our guide and porters. At teahouses he used to tell jokes and I have to laugh with them even though I can’t understand them.
The great team of Nepal Hiking Adventure makes this trip of mine an unforgettable adventure of my life. I highly recommend this Mardi Himal Trek for those who want to experience Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges without spending long days of trekking. A great thank you to Nepal Hiking Adventure team and recommend to you all to visit this agency if you ever made your trip to Nepal.
