Mardi Himal Trek - 6 Days
4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
6 Days
2-12 trekkers
March-May, September-November
Moderate
Nepal
Overview
Discover one of the Annapurna region's best-kept secrets on this 6-day journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp. This relatively new trekking route, officially opened to visitors in 2012, offers an authentic Himalayan experience away from the crowded trails that dominate the region.
The Mardi Himal trail winds through the western Annapurna massif, positioned east of the Modi Khola river valley directly across from the striking peak of Hiunchuli. What makes this trek special is its designation as an eco-tourism route - the path traverses pristine rhododendron forests alive with color during spring, dense woodlands draped in moss and orchids, and alpine meadows that stretch toward the glaciated peaks above.
Beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the adventure truly starts at Kande, where the trail climbs steadily through changing vegetation zones. Each day brings new perspectives as you ascend through Forest Camp and Low Camp before reaching High Camp, where the mighty Annapurna range dominates the horizon.
The highlight arrives at Mardi Himal Viewpoint, where a pre-dawn climb rewards early risers with an unforgettable sunrise spectacle. As golden light spreads across the mountains, you'll witness an extraordinary panorama including Annapurna I, II, III, IV, and South, the distinctive fishtail profile of Machhapuchhre, the massive bulk of Dhaulagiri, and Mardi Himal itself standing at 5,587 meters.
This trek strikes an ideal balance between adventure and accessibility, offering close-up mountain views typically reserved for longer, more demanding expeditions. The route passes through traditional villages where local communities maintain their centuries-old way of life, providing authentic cultural encounters that complement the natural beauty.
Highlights
- Trek an uncrowded eco-tourism trail through the heart of the Annapurna region
- Witness a spectacular sunrise panorama from Mardi Himal Viewpoint (4,200m)
- Enjoy close-up views of Annapurna I, II, III, IV, South, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri
- Walk through enchanting rhododendron and oak forests draped in moss
- Experience authentic village life in the Gurung communities along the trail
- Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp with views of the 5,587m peak
- Perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking in Nepal
- Diverse landscapes from terraced farmland to alpine meadows
- Less commercial alternative to Annapurna Base Camp trek
- Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara
Your Journey
6 DaysYour Mardi Himal adventure begins early morning with a scenic tourist bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The 8-hour drive follows the historic Prithvi Highway, winding through river valleys and terraced hillsides with occasional Himalayan glimpses. Upon reaching Pokhara, transfer to a private vehicle for the short drive to Kande, a small settlement that serves as the trek's starting point. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the journey ahead.
-
1,770m (5,807 ft)
Dinner
Lodge in Kande
Your Mardi Himal adventure begins early morning with a scenic tourist bus journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The 8-hour drive follows the historic Prithvi Highway, winding through river valleys and terraced hillsides with occasional Himalayan glimpses. Upon reaching Pokhara, transfer to a private vehicle for the short drive to Kande, a small settlement that serves as the trek's starting point. Settle into your lodge and prepare for the journey ahead.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,770m (5,807 ft)
Meals
Dinner
Stay
Lodge in Kande
The trail begins in earnest as you climb through a patchwork of terraced fields and rural villages. Pass through Deurali, enjoying ever-expanding views of the valley below and mountains above. The path enters increasingly dense forest as you gain altitude, with rhododendron and oak trees providing welcome shade. By late afternoon, reach Forest Camp nestled among the trees - a peaceful outpost where the sounds of civilization fade and the wilderness takes over.
-
2,600m (8,530 ft)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse in Forest Camp
The trail begins in earnest as you climb through a patchwork of terraced fields and rural villages. Pass through Deurali, enjoying ever-expanding views of the valley below and mountains above. The path enters increasingly dense forest as you gain altitude, with rhododendron and oak trees providing welcome shade. By late afternoon, reach Forest Camp nestled among the trees - a peaceful outpost where the sounds of civilization fade and the wilderness takes over.
Duration
-
Elevation
2,600m (8,530 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse in Forest Camp
Today's trek reveals the forest's true character - trees draped in moss and lichen, orchids clinging to branches, and a distinctly cooler, more mystical atmosphere. Glimpses of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna peaks appear through gaps in the foliage, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Push through Low Camp and continue ascending as the landscape opens up, reaching High Camp where the mountains finally reveal themselves in full glory.
-
3,580m (11,745 ft)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse in High Camp
Today's trek reveals the forest's true character - trees draped in moss and lichen, orchids clinging to branches, and a distinctly cooler, more mystical atmosphere. Glimpses of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, and the Annapurna peaks appear through gaps in the foliage, building anticipation for what lies ahead. Push through Low Camp and continue ascending as the landscape opens up, reaching High Camp where the mountains finally reveal themselves in full glory.
Duration
-
Elevation
3,580m (11,745 ft)
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse in High Camp
Rise before dawn for the highlight of your trek. Climb in darkness toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint, arriving as the first light touches the peaks. The sunrise panorama is extraordinary - Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre's iconic fishtail summit, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and Mardi Himal itself all catch fire in shades of gold and pink. After absorbing this spectacle, return to High Camp for breakfast before descending to Low Camp for the night.
-
4,500m (14,764 ft) at viewpoint
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Teahouse in Low Camp
Rise before dawn for the highlight of your trek. Climb in darkness toward Mardi Himal Viewpoint, arriving as the first light touches the peaks. The sunrise panorama is extraordinary - Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre's iconic fishtail summit, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Nilgiri, and Mardi Himal itself all catch fire in shades of gold and pink. After absorbing this spectacle, return to High Camp for breakfast before descending to Low Camp for the night.
Duration
-
Elevation
4,500m (14,764 ft) at viewpoint
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Teahouse in Low Camp
The descent continues through changing landscapes, retracing your steps through the forest before branching toward Siding village. This traditional settlement is known for its honey hunters - daring locals who scale cliff faces on rope ladders to harvest wild honey from Himalayan bees. Enjoy lunch in Siding before boarding a shared jeep for the scenic drive back to Pokhara. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake, reflecting on your mountain adventure.
-
1,280m (4,199 ft) at Siding
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel in Pokhara
The descent continues through changing landscapes, retracing your steps through the forest before branching toward Siding village. This traditional settlement is known for its honey hunters - daring locals who scale cliff faces on rope ladders to harvest wild honey from Himalayan bees. Enjoy lunch in Siding before boarding a shared jeep for the scenic drive back to Pokhara. Spend the evening relaxing by Phewa Lake, reflecting on your mountain adventure.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,280m (4,199 ft) at Siding
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay
Hotel in Pokhara
Your final day begins with a comfortable tourist bus journey back to Kathmandu. The 8-hour drive offers one last chance to absorb Nepal's diverse landscapes - from the lakeside tranquility of Pokhara through the dramatic Trisuli River gorge to the bustling Kathmandu Valley. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon, transferred to your hotel with memories of misty forests, towering peaks, and unforgettable Himalayan sunrises.
-
1,400m (4,593 ft)
Breakfast
Not included
Your final day begins with a comfortable tourist bus journey back to Kathmandu. The 8-hour drive offers one last chance to absorb Nepal's diverse landscapes - from the lakeside tranquility of Pokhara through the dramatic Trisuli River gorge to the bustling Kathmandu Valley. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon, transferred to your hotel with memories of misty forests, towering peaks, and unforgettable Himalayan sunrises.
Duration
-
Elevation
1,400m (4,593 ft)
Meals
Breakfast
Stay
Not included
What's Included
- TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
- Tourist bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Private vehicle transfer from Pokhara to Kande (trek starting point)
- Shared jeep transfer from Siding to Pokhara (trek ending point)
- Tourist bus return from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tea or coffee served three times daily
- 5 nights accommodation in mountain lodges/teahouses
- Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Guide's meals, accommodation, transportation, and insurance
- Official trekking completion certificate
What's Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
- Bottled water and other beverages
- Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
- Hot shower facilities (available at extra cost)
- WiFi internet access (available at extra cost)
- Battery/device charging (available at extra cost)
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide (recommended)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any items not mentioned in inclusions
