Mardi Himal Trek

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region, offering trekkers an off-the-beaten-path adventure with breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountains. This trek is ideal for those looking to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without the crowds that often accompany more popular routes like the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp Trek. The Mardi Himal Trek takes you through diverse landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and high-altitude meadows, offering an intimate and less commercialized trekking experience. It is suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels and can typically be completed in 5 to 7 days.

The trek begins from Kande, which is accessible by a short drive from Pokhara, and gradually ascends through various small villages, dense forests of rhododendron and oak, and charming settlements like Forest Camp and Low Camp. The route climbs higher, providing increasing views of the Annapurna range, including the iconic Machapuchare. The highlight of the trek is reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, located at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet), where trekkers are treated to spectacular close-up views of Mardi Himal and other surrounding peaks. The relatively short duration and moderate difficulty of the trek make it an ideal choice for those who want to experience Himalayan trekking without the high altitude challenges of longer treks.

Major Places for Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek takes trekkers through a series of stunning locations that provide a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The trek begins at Kande, a small village that marks the starting point of the journey, and from there, the trail ascends to Pothana, a beautiful village perched on the side of the hill with sweeping views of the Annapurna range. After Pothana, the trek continues through the dense forests of rhododendron and oak to Forest Camp and Low Camp, both of which are ideal spots for acclimatization and to soak in the incredible views of the mountains.

As trekkers gain altitude, the landscape changes, and the views of Machapuchare (Fishtail) become more pronounced. The journey continues through High Camp, a popular resting point before the final ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp, the ultimate destination of the trek. The Base Camp offers unparalleled, up-close views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machapuchare, making it a photographer's paradise. The trek concludes with a descent back through the same villages, allowing trekkers to reflect on their incredible journey in one of the most scenic parts of Nepal.

Why Choose Us - Chingu Treks and Tours

At Chingu Treks and Tours, we are passionate about providing an exceptional trekking experience for those seeking to explore the hidden beauty of Nepal, and the Mardi Himal Trek is one of our standout offerings. Our team of experienced guides, many of whom are local Sherpas, are not only experts in navigating the trails but are also deeply knowledgeable about the culture and history of the region. This local insight adds an enriching layer to your trek, providing you with a deeper understanding of the areas you visit. Safety, comfort, and personalized service are our top priorities, and we make sure that your trek is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

We understand that every trekker is unique, which is why we offer customized itineraries to cater to different fitness levels and preferences. Whether you're looking for a more relaxed pace or want to push your limits, we ensure that the trek is tailored to meet your specific needs. With Chingu Treks and Tours, you’ll have access to high-quality trekking gear, comfortable teahouse accommodations, and exceptional support throughout the journey. We also prioritize responsible tourism by promoting environmental sustainability and supporting the local communities. Let us take you on an unforgettable journey to Mardi Himal, where you’ll experience the beauty of the Annapurna region in a way that’s both authentic and awe-inspiring.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Chingu Treks and Tours will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After settling in, you will have the rest of the day to relax and recover from your journey. If you have energy, you can explore the nearby areas of Thamel, a vibrant neighborhood known for its shops, restaurants, and cafes. In the evening, there will be a pre-trek briefing with your guide, where you will receive details about the Mardi Himal Trek and any last-minute information or equipment recommendations.

Day 2 : Drive to Pokhara (860 m) - 6 hours

After breakfast, you will undertake on a scenic drive to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city located about 6-7 hours from Kathmandu. Along the way, you will pass through the picturesque countryside, with views of the Trishuli River, terraced fields, and small villages. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check in to your hotel. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain Range, which can be seen from the lakeside area. If time permits, take a walk around Phewa Lake or visit the Peace Pagoda for panoramic views of Pokhara.

Day 3 : Drive to Kande and Trek to Forest Camp (2,600 m) via Australian Camp - 6 hours

After an early breakfast, you will drive from Pokhara to Kande, a small village that serves as the starting point of the Mardi Himal Trek. From Kande, you will begin your trek with a gradual ascent to the popular viewpoint of Australian Camp (2,200 m), where you will enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. From Australian Camp, the trail continues to ascend through rhododendron forests, and after about 3 hours of trekking, you will reach Forest Camp (2,600 m). The peaceful and secluded setting of Forest Camp makes it a perfect place to relax after the first day of trekking. You will stay in a simple, comfortable lodge for the night.

Day 4 : Trek to High Camp (3,550 m) via Badal Danda (3,215 m) - 5 hours

Today, you will trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,550 m), passing through beautiful rhododendron and pine forests. The trail gradually climbs, and after a few hours, you will reach Badal Danda (3,215 m), a ridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The landscape starts to change as you leave the forest behind and enter more alpine terrain. The trek continues to High Camp, where you will have breathtaking views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, and Annapurna South. High Camp is the highest point for the night, and you’ll stay in a lodge with incredible views of the mountains.

Day 5 : Hike to Mardi View Point (4,500 m) and Trek to Low Camp - 6 hours

Today is a rewarding day. After an early breakfast, you will hike up to Mardi View Point (4,500 m), which offers panoramic views of the entire Annapurna range, including the majestic peaks of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare, and Annapurna I. The hike is relatively challenging due to the altitude, but the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile. After spending some time at the viewpoint, you will descend back down to High Camp and continue your trek to Low Camp (2,970 m), where you will spend the night. The descent is easier, and as you drop in elevation, the vegetation becomes more lush and green.

Day 6 : Trek to Sidding (1,745 m) and Drive Back to Pokhara (860 m) - 3.5 hours trek and 1.5-hour drive

Today, you will continue your descent from Low Camp to Sidding, a small village situated at 1,745 meters. The trek takes about 3.5 hours, and as you descend, the landscape transforms from alpine meadows to lush forests and terraced fields. After reaching Sidding, you will take a 1.5-hour drive back to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to relax, shop, or enjoy a leisurely dinner by the lakeside.

Day 7 : Drive Back to Kathmandu (1,338 m) - 7 hours

After breakfast, you will begin your drive back to Kathmandu, which takes around 7 hours. The drive will offer more opportunities to enjoy Nepal's scenic countryside as you pass through rural villages, terraced fields, and winding mountain roads. Once you reach Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest, explore the city, or do some last-minute shopping. In the evening, Chingu Treks and Tours will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the completion of your trek, where you can share stories and reflect on your experiences.

Day 8 : Final Departure

On the final day of your adventure, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Whether you are heading home or continuing your travels, you will leave with unforgettable memories of the Mardi Himal Trek and the stunning Himalayan landscapes you’ve experienced. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure with Chingu Treks and Tours in the future!

Trip code
Package name	Mardi Himal Trek
Duration	8
Max. elevation	4500 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	All ground transportation as per itinerary
Accomodation	3*** Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara and Lodge / Tea House during trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost	USD 0 per person

Mardi Himal Trek

Highlights