The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively short and less-crowded trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains, as well as an opportunity to experience the local culture, lush forests, and diverse landscapes.
Trek Highlights:
- Mardi Himal Base Camp: The trek’s final destination, provides panoramic views of the Annapurna Massif and Machapuchare.
- Scenic Views: Throughout the trek, trekkers are treated to close-up views of iconic peaks like Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare.
- Varied Terrain: From lush rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and rocky ridges, the trek offers diverse landscapes.
- Local Culture: The trail passes through several Gurung and Magar villages, giving trekkers a chance to experience local life and hospitality.
Trekking Route Overview:
- Day 1: Pokhara to Pothana (1,900 m)
- Day 2: Pothana to Forest Camp (2,500 m)
- Day 3: Forest Camp to Low Camp (3,150 m)
- Day 4: Low Camp to High Camp (3,700 m)
- Day 5: High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and return to Low Camp or Forest Camp
- Day 6: Return to Pothana
- Day 7: Pothana to Pokhara
Trip Outline
Detail itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara
6-7 Hrs Drive L Hotel
Our trek starts with a mesmerizing drive to Pokhara. It is a 6 to 7 hours ride from Kathmandu.
Day 02: Drive to kande (45minutes) and trek to Pothana (Alt.1890m/6,199ft)
4 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
On our second day, we drive to kande and start our trek to Pothana. On your trip to Pothana, you will encounter this view during sunset. This trek is an easy-grade trek and takes you to some beautiful settlements of the Gurkhas. The trek leads to the rhododendron forest. It offers an excellent view of Mount Fishtail, Annapurna, Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, and many more.
Day 03: Trek to Forest camp. (Alt.2500m/8,200ft)
5 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
On our third day of trekking we trek to a forest camp. Forest Camp is a large village that formed over 30 years ago. Around 2010, it became a popular stop along the Mardi Himal trek and teahouses began to pop up left and right. Now the town has twelve teahouses (and counting) making it a comfortable place to stop on the trail. Since this village developed around tourism, there isn’t much to see or do outside of trekking and enjoying the views.
Day 04: Trek to High camp. (Alt.3620m/11,873ft)
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
We trek uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning.
Day 05: Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp. (Alt.4500m) and back to Badal dada
8 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
This trek is a wonderful introduction to the mountains of Nepal, or for those with limited time, as it’s the perfect length – just over a week long. It is a stunningly beautiful trek, taking you up through ancient rhododendron forests, to what feels like the face of the mountains themselves, as you get up close and personal with Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna, Annapurna I and Mardi Himal. From High Camp (3,580m) you can climb in about 3-4 hours to Mardi Himal Base Camp, which offers spectacular close up views of the entire Annapurna Range. There is also an amazing viewpoint approx 2 hours from High Camp.
Day 06: Trek to Lwang Gharel village. (Alt.1280m/4,198ft)
8 Hrs B/L/D Home Stay
We take a different route in the high camp that takes us to Sidhing instead of going back down to Mardi Himal. The different route lets us experience something different and makes our trek exciting. Lwang Gharel offers a quiet stay for trekkers as it is tucked away from the busier trails.
Day 07: Back to Pokhara
4 Hrs B/L Hotel
What's included?
- All Transport
- Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card
- All governmental procedure fees, permits and local taxes.
- All meals and accommodation throughout the trek.
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide possessing valid license issued by the government of Nepal.
- Highly experienced trekking staffs.
- Travel and rescue arrangements.
What's not included?
- Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
- Hot and cold shower, battery recharge during Everest base camp trek.
- Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters, beverages etc.
- Personal Everest base camp trekking equipments/gears.
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers.
- All others expenses not mentioned in “Trip Cost Includes” section.
Elevation Chart & Map
