Trip overview
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most peaceful and rewarding short treks in the Annapurna region, ideal for travelers who want close-up Himalayan views without walking on crowded trails. Tucked quietly east of the popular Annapurna Base Camp route, this trek follows forested ridges, high alpine pastures, and narrow mountain paths that gradually lead you toward the dramatic south face of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
What makes the Mardi Himal Trek special is its balance. In just over a week of walking, you transition from warm subtropical forests to high alpine viewpoints above 4,000 meters, all while maintaining a gentle and natural pace of acclimatization. The trail passes through rhododendron forests, moss-covered trees, and open ridgelines where the mountains suddenly feel very close. From Low Camp onward, the scenery opens dramatically, revealing Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the sharp, iconic silhouette of Machhapuchhre dominating the skyline.
Unlike busier routes, Mardi Himal still feels raw and personal. Villages like Sidhing remain largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a glimpse into traditional Gurung life, local farming practices, and simple mountain hospitality. Teahouses along the trail are small and family-run, which aligns perfectly with Firante’s belief in community-based and responsible trekking.
This trek is well-suited for first-time trekkers, photographers, and travelers looking for a quieter alternative to Annapurna Base Camp. It does not require technical climbing skills, but the high viewpoints and exposed ridges near High Camp deliver a true high-Himalayan experience. With careful pacing, experienced local guides, and flexible daily distances, the Mardi Himal Trek offers both comfort and adventure in a short timeframe.
Whether you are trekking as a warm-up for longer Himalayan journeys or simply want an authentic mountain escape, the Mardi Himal Trek delivers powerful scenery, silence, and a strong connection to the landscape — all within easy reach of Pokhara.
Mardi Himal Trek Highlights
- Spectacular Mountain Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal throughout the trek. The upper viewpoint above High Camp offers panoramic, Instagram-worthy scenery.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: Unlike the popular Annapurna Base Camp trek, Mardi Himal is less crowded, allowing trekkers to experience peaceful trails, quiet forests, and serene mountain landscapes.
- Diverse Landscapes: Traverse lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude ridges, witnessing a dramatic change in vegetation and scenery as you ascend.
- Cultural Encounters: Pass through traditional Gurung villages such as Sidhing, where you can experience local hospitality, customs, and lifestyle.
- Teahouse/Lodge Accommodation: Stay in cozy, family-run teahouses/lodges along the route, enjoying local meals and authentic mountain hospitality.
- Moderate Trekking Challenge: Suitable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness, offering a gradual ascent and well-marked trails, making it an accessible Himalayan adventure.
- Perfect for Sunrise & Photography: The trail provides excellent opportunities for sunrise views over Machhapuchhre and other peaks, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Gateway via Pokhara: Start your trek from Pokhara, Nepal’s scenic lakeside city, combining urban comfort with easy access to nature.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary – 10 Days
This 10-day Mardi Himal Trek is designed in Firante’s slow-travel style, focusing on natural rhythm, local villages, quiet forest trails, and gradual altitude gain. Unlike crowded Annapurna routes, Mardi Himal offers solitude, close-up mountain views, and a raw Himalayan atmosphere.
Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary
Expand AllArrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the cultural heart of Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our Firante representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After some rest, you can explore the surrounding streets or simply relax. In the evening, we hold a short trek briefing covering route details, safety, and equipment check.
Fly to Pokhara – Drive to Phedi – Trek to Deurali (2,100m)
An early morning flight takes you from Kathmandu to Pokhara with stunning views of the Himalayas. From Pokhara, a short drive leads to Phedi, where the trek officially begins. The trail climbs steadily through terraced fields and small settlements before entering lush forest paths. Deurali sits quietly on the ridge, offering fresh mountain air and a peaceful first trekking night.
Flight: ~25 minutes
Drive: ~30 minutes
Deurali to Forest Camp (2,520m)
Today’s walk takes you deeper into dense rhododendron and oak forests. The trail is calm and shaded, making it a pleasant day despite the gradual uphill sections. As you gain altitude, the forest becomes thicker and quieter, with occasional openings offering glimpses of the surrounding hills. Forest Camp is a small clearing surrounded by trees, giving a true wilderness feel.
Forest Camp to Low Camp (2,970m)
Leaving Forest Camp, the trail continues upward through moss-covered trees and narrow ridges. The vegetation slowly changes as the air becomes cooler. Low Camp offers one of the first clear mountain views on the trek, especially in good weather. This is a good place to rest and let your body adjust naturally to the altitude.
Low Camp to High Camp (3,540m)
The landscape opens up as you climb higher above the tree line. The trail follows scenic ridges with dramatic views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) standing close and sharp. Annapurna South and Hiunchuli also appear along the way. High Camp feels remote and alpine, with cold nights and unforgettable sunset colors over the mountains.
Hike to Upper Viewpoint (4,250m) – Return to High Camp
An early morning hike takes you to the upper viewpoint, the highest point of the trek. The trail is narrow and exposed, but the reward is extraordinary: panoramic views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, and the deep valleys below. After spending time at the viewpoint, you descend carefully back to High Camp for rest.
High Camp to Sidhing Village (1,700m)
Today is a long but rewarding descent. The trail drops steeply through alpine terrain into forests and finally reaches the traditional village of Sidhing. This village feels untouched compared to other trekking routes, offering insight into local Gurung lifestyle and farming practices.
Trek to Lumre – Drive to Pokhara
From Sidhing, the trail follows village paths and cultivated land to Lumre, where the trek concludes. A drive takes you back to Pokhara, a lakeside city perfect for relaxation. You can enjoy a walk by Phewa Lake or celebrate the completion of the trek with your team.
Drive: ~2 hours
Fly to Kathmandu – Kathmandu Sightseeing
Fly back to Kathmandu in the morning. Later, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, or Patan Durbar Square. This day balances cultural discovery after the mountain journey.
Flight: ~25 minutes
Final Departure
According to your flight schedule, we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Your Mardi Himal adventure with Firante Treks concludes here, leaving you with lasting memories of quiet trails and close Himalayan views.
Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?
No worries – every traveler has unique preferences, and we’d be happy to adjust the plan to match your style, comfort, and interests. Let us know what you’d like to add or change, and we’ll create a journey that feels truly yours.
Customize TripCost Includes
- Pick-up and drop service by a private vehicle
- Twin sharing accommodation with breakfast in 3 star category hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transportation by tourists bus/flight
- Other ground transportation to and from trekking destination
- Necessary documents and permits including ACAP Permit and TIMS card
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide, assistant guide and porters and the expenses for their flights, food, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment and so on
- Tea house accommodations with Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek(with tea and coffee)
- First aid Medical kit
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT )
- Transportation on private vehicle as agreed on the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- Your Nepal entry visa fee
- All kinds of beverages (soft/hard)
- Travel insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
- Extra baggage charges in domestic flights
- All entrance fees during KTM and Pokhara sightseeing
- Additional days accommodation expenses
- Tips for guides and porters
Additional Informations
Guide’s Notes from the Mardi Himal Trail (Firante Insight)
Trail character: Mardi Himal is a ridge-based trek, which means the walking feels more exposed and scenic compared to valley routes like Annapurna Base Camp. After Forest Camp, weather conditions can change quickly, so our guides pay close attention to wind and cloud movement, especially near High Camp.
Pacing & acclimatization: Although the trek is considered moderate, the altitude gain from Low Camp to High Camp is noticeable. At Firante, we keep this day shorter on purpose, allowing trekkers to arrive early, rest properly, and enjoy the evening mountain views without rushing.
Best viewpoints: The upper viewpoint above High Camp is best visited early in the morning when clouds are usually lower. On clear days, Machhapuchhre feels extremely close, and the Annapurna range stretches wide across the horizon. Guides often adjust the departure time slightly based on weather patterns.
Accommodation reality: Teahouses on the Mardi Himal route are simple and small. Facilities are basic but warm, and meals are freshly cooked. Carrying a good sleeping bag is strongly recommended, especially at High Camp where nights are cold.
Sidhing village descent: The descent to Sidhing is long and steep but rewarding. This village offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences on the trek. Many trekkers say this day becomes an unexpected highlight due to the contrast between alpine terrain and traditional village life.
Trip FAQs
1. What is the difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderate, suitable for first-time trekkers with basic fitness. The trek involves gradual ascents, with the highest point at the Upper Viewpoint (4,500 m). No technical climbing is required, but trekking poles and proper footwear are recommended.
2. How long is the Mardi Himal Trek?
The standard itinerary is 10 days, starting from Pokhara and returning to Kathmandu. Daily trekking ranges from 3–7 hours, depending on the section and altitude.
3. When is the best time to trek Mardi Himal?
The best seasons are Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May). These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and blooming rhododendrons. Monsoon (June–August) trails can be slippery, and winter (December–February) is very cold above 3,500 m.
4. Do I need a guide and porter for Mardi Himal Trek?
While it is possible to trek independently, hiring a Firante guide and porter is strongly recommended. Guides provide local knowledge, safety, and logistics support, while porters carry heavy backpacks, making your trek more comfortable.
5. What kind of accommodation is available along the trek?
Accommodation is mostly cozy, family-run teahouses/lodges. Facilities are basic but clean, with simple meals, blankets, and electricity at most stops. Hot showers are available in some lodges.
6. Are permits required for Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes. Trekkers need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card (Trekkers’ Information Management System). Your Firante guide handles all permit arrangements for convenience.
7. Is Mardi Himal Trek suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. With proper preparation, pacing, and acclimatization, beginners can complete the trek comfortably. Trekking with an experienced guide ensures safety and a smooth experience.
8. What are the highlights of Mardi Himal Trek?
Highlights include panoramic Himalayan views, peaceful trails, lush rhododendron forests, alpine meadows, cultural encounters in Gurung villages, and sunrise over Machhapuchhre from the Upper Viewpoint.
9. Can the itinerary be customized?
Yes, Firante offers flexible itineraries to match fitness, time, or preferences. Options include rest days, adjusted pace, or added cultural experiences along the trail.
10. What should I pack for Mardi Himal Trek?
Essential items include warm clothing, trekking boots, rain gear, sleeping bag, trekking poles, sunscreen, water bottles, and personal medications. Firante provides a detailed packing list to all trekkers.
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