Days

Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a spectacular 9-day adventure in Nepal’s Annapurna region, taking you from Kathmandu and Pokhara through beautiful forests, traditional mountain villages, and peaceful Himalayan landscapes to the Mardi Himal Viewpoint. Enjoy breathtaking views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal while experiencing authentic mountain culture and local hospitality.

Duration

6 Days

Trip Grade

Easy

Country

Nepal

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most beautiful short treks in the Annapurna region and one of the trekking destinations that is closest to Pokhara.

This is a trek where you do not need many days to feel the real Himalayas. In just a few days, you travel from the busy city into peaceful mountain villages, beautiful forests and finally to the high ridge where the great Himalayan mountains stand right in front of you.

Mardi Himal is suitable for families, couples, first-time trekkers and adventure lovers. Even if you are not an experienced trekker, with a comfortable pace and proper preparation, you can enjoy this wonderful journey. What makes Mardi Himal special is that the mountains are not the only attraction. As we walk, we pass through local villages and forests and meet the people who have made their lives in these mountains. Their simple lifestyle, friendly nature and beautiful smiles make the journey even more special.

The higher we walk, the closer the mountains appear. And when you finally stand at the Mardi Himal viewpoint, looking directly toward Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal, you understand why people fall in love with the Himalayas.

Sit down, take a deep breath, have a warm cup of tea and look around.

For a moment, there is nothing else.

Just you and the Himalayas.

Mardi Himal Trek at a Glance

Region: Annapurna, Nepal
Duration: 9 days
Trekking: Approximately 6 days
Starting point: Kande
Highest point: Mardi Himal Viewpoint, approximately 4,200–4,500 m / 13,780–14,764 ft
Mardi Himal High Camp: Approximately 3,580 m / 11,745 ft
Kathmandu to Pokhara: 220 km / 137 miles
Kathmandu to Pokhara by road: 7–8 hours
Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight: Approximately 25 minutes
Pokhara to Kande: Approximately 30 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara and local mountain lodges during the trek
Main highlights: Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, forests, villages and local mountain life

Why Mardi Himal?

Mardi Himal is not just about reaching a destination.

It is about the journey.

It is about leaving the city and slowly entering the mountains. It is about walking through forests, meeting local people, drinking tea in a small mountain lodge and watching the Himalayas become bigger with every step.

And when you finally reach the viewpoint, you will understand why we always say:

The best way to know the Himalayas is to walk toward them.

Come with us to Mardi Himal.

Walk with us. Feel the mountains. Meet the people. Take home the memories.

Short Itinerary

Day 01

Day 01: Pokhara → Kande → Deurali (3,090m / 10,138 ft)

Max. Altitude

3,090m

Day 02

Day 02: Deurali → Forest Camp (2,520m / 8,268 ft)

Max. Altitude

2,520m

Day 03

Day 03: Forest Camp → Low Camp (2,970m / 9,744 ft)

Max. Altitude

2,970m

Day 04

Day 04: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m / 11,745 ft)

Max. Altitude

3,580m

Day 05

Day 05: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → Viewpoint → High Camp

Max. Altitude

4,500m

Day 06

Day 06: High Camp → Low Camp → Siding Village → Pokhara

Max. Altitude

822m

Altitude Chart

Mardi Himal Trek Detailed Itinerary

01Day

Day 01: Pokhara → Kande → Deurali (3,090m / 10,138 ft)

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kande, the starting point of the trek. From Kande, the trail gradually climbs through beautiful forests and mountain settlements toward Deurali.The route passes through peaceful rhododendron and oak forests, with occasional views of the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre. As you gain altitude, the surrounding landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and peaceful.

After approximately 3–4 hours of trekking, arrive at Deurali and settle into your mountain teahouse.

Max Altitude: 3,090m / 10,137ftDuration: 4Distance: 12

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse/LodgeMode of Travel: Drive /Trek

02Day

Day 02: Deurali → Forest Camp (2,520m / 8,268 ft)

After breakfast, continue deeper into the Himalayan forest toward Forest Camp. The trail winds through rhododendron, oak, maple, and bamboo forests.

This section is particularly beautiful during spring when rhododendron flowers cover the hillsides. The peaceful surroundings and birdlife make the walk an enjoyable introduction to the higher Himalayan environment.

After several hours of walking, reach Forest Camp and spend the night in a comfortable teahouse.

Max Altitude: 2,520m / 8,267ftDuration: 6Distance: 16

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerMode of Travel: Trek

03Day

Day 03: Forest Camp → Low Camp (2,970m / 9,744 ft)

Today, the trail gradually climbs through the forest toward Low Camp. As you gain elevation, the dense forest begins to open and the first dramatic mountain views become more prominent.

From Low Camp, you can enjoy impressive views toward Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range. The changing landscape, peaceful ridgelines, and mountain scenery make this one of the most memorable sections of the trek.

Overnight at a teahouse in Low Camp.

Max Altitude: 2,970m / 9,744ftDuration: 5Distance: 14

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse/LodgeMode of Travel: Trek

04Day

Day 04: Low Camp → High Camp (3,580m / 11,745 ft)

After breakfast, continue along the spectacular ridgeline toward High Camp.

The trail gradually leaves the forest behind and enters a more open alpine environment. The higher you climb, the more impressive the Himalayan panorama becomes.

Machhapuchhre dominates the landscape, while the Annapurna peaks stretch across the horizon. Walking along the ridge with mountains on both sides is one of the defining experiences of the Mardi Himal Trek.

Arrive at High Camp in the afternoon and rest for the next day's early-morning hike.

Max Altitude: 3,580m / 11,745ftDuration: 4Distance: 12

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse/LodgeMode of Travel: Trek

05Day

Day 05: High Camp → Mardi Himal Base Camp → Viewpoint → High Camp

Wake early before sunrise for the highlight of your Mardi Himal adventure.

Depending on weather and trail conditions, begin the hike toward Mardi Himal Base Camp and the upper viewpoint. The pre-dawn walk is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

As the sun rises, the Himalayan peaks gradually glow with golden light. From the viewpoint, enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and surrounding peaks.

Clouds often form far below the ridge, creating the unforgettable feeling of walking above a sea of clouds.

After enjoying the sunrise and mountain panorama, descend back toward High Camp for breakfast and rest.

Max Altitude: 4,500m / 14,763ftDuration: 8Distance: 23

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerAccommodation: Teahouse/LodgeMode of Travel: Trek

06Day

Day 06: High Camp → Low Camp → Siding Village → Pokhara

After breakfast, begin your descent toward Siding Village. The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the alpine zone and return to lush forests.

The trail passes through rhododendron, oak, and bamboo forests before reaching the traditional mountain settlement of Siding. Here, you can experience the peaceful atmosphere and lifestyle of a Himalayan village.

From Siding, meet your private vehicle and drive back to Pokhara. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on road conditions.

Your Mardi Himal adventure ends upon arrival in Pokhara.