The 9-day Mardi Himal Trek (4,500 meters) is a short but spectacular journey that takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region. This is one of the most scenic "off-the-beaten-path" destinations in Nepal, offering adventurous ridge-walking, dense rhododendron forests, and up-close views of the iconic Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) mountain. It is a perfect trek for those seeking breathtaking Himalayan scenery within a short timeframe, away from the commercial crowds.
Mardi Himal Trek is a short but spectacular journey to the heart of the Annapurna region. Officially opened in 2012, this relatively new trail traverses the Annapurna Sanctuary, offering an immersive cultural experience on your 9-day-long journey. Along the journey, you will encounter lush rhododendron forests and adventurous ridges as you walk side-by-side with the Himalayan giants, including Annapurna, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Peaks.
The 9-day Mardi Himal Trek is a serene yet accessible route and a pristine alternative to the busier Annapurna Base Camp trek. You begin your trek with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande. The journey continues along the enchanting forests of oak, rhododendron, and pine before reaching the rugged high ridge. Your final push to the Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 meters) is the pinnacle of the entire journey. This pre-dawn hike takes you to the foot of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Peak, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Annapurna massif.
The Mardi Himal Trek is an accessible trek that takes you to the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Throughout the trek, you will find awe-inspiring views and immerse yourself in the unique Himalayan culture and lifestyle. Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness, this journey offers close-up mountain views and serenity amid nature's lap.
Experience the best 9-day trek in the Annapurna region with Nature Lovers Treks and Tours. Mardi Himal Trek 2026/2027 slots are limited. Book yours today!
The Mardi Himal Trek is an accessible short-duration trek in the Annapurna region. This trek offers ridge-line adventure and gives you pristine views of the Himalayan giants. Perfect for travelers with limited time, the 9-day Nepal Mardi Himal Trek offers a highly rewarding trek with moderate effort.
Here are the top reasons to go on this incredible trek:
Short-Duration Trek: The Mardi Himal Base Camp is the ultimate pinnacle of this 9-day trek. Despite reaching an incredible altitude of 4,500 meters, you can experience a comprehensive Himalayan experience in a short time. Moreover, similar to other long-duration treks, the Mardi Himal Trek offers a profound sense of accomplishment, an unparalleled close-up view of Machhapuchhre, and an immersive ridge-line adventure.
Hike along the Spectacular Ridge: Unlike most Himalayan treks that traverse valley floors, the Mardi Himal Trek involves adventurous hikes along the narrow ridges. Once you immerse yourself in the dense forests, you will encounter vast ridges offering incredible unobstructed views of the Himalayas.
Enchanting Forests: The lower sub-tropical regions of the Mardi Himal Trek feature dense forests. These beautiful stretches of lush forests between Kande and Low Camp take you through oak and rhododendron forests. If you’re traveling in spring, you will find the entire landscape engulfed by spring blossoms, as the lower sub-tropical regions come into life with vibrant hues of pink, red, and white.
Panoramic Views of Annapurna Range: The Mardi Himal Trek is an enriching journey that takes you close to the Annapurna Range. During your trek, you will find stunning close-up views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) from viewpoints such as High Camp and Badal Danda.
The Mardi Himal Trek offers new and exciting sights and experiences each day as you traverse through dense forests and high ridges across several local communities. You begin your day at around 6:00 AM. With the view of the awe-inspiring mountains and crisp breeze, you will enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast, you will prepare to leave to take on the day’s adventure.
The trek typically begins at around 7:30 AM. You will take on steady ascents through lush forests or ridges, depending on your elevation. While the lower regions feature moss-draped forests, the higher elevation is known for their rocky trails and steep drop-offs.
You will stop for lunch at around noon in a local teahouse/resthouse. Take this opportunity to refuel with nourishing dal-bhat (rice and lentil soup) before taking on the remainder of the day’s trek.
You will reach your overnight destination by late afternoon or early evening. Check into your teahouse, and watch the incredible close-up views of the mountains over a warm cup of tea or coffee. In the evening, you will head for dinner to the warm, stove-lit community dining area. After dinner, you will receive a briefing on the following day’s trek.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a short-duration trek fit for travelers with limited time. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trek, Nature Lovers Treks and Tours provides a comprehensive Mardi Himal Trek package by includes all necessary arrangements, including logistics. However, the cost of this trek can differ based on the interests and preferences of travelers.
Typically, our package covers private transportation, all necessary permits, and local expert guides. We also include cozy accommodation in teahouses during the trek and a full-board meal.
Get a free quote for your 9-day Mardi Himal Trek. Call us now.
Nature Lovers Treks and Tours presents an all-inclusive Mardi Himal Trekking package that includes all necessary arrangements. However, we understand that the preferences of travelers may differ. Catering to the unique needs and interests, we offer a fully customizable Mardi Himal Trek 2026/2027.
With this customization option, you can include extra acclimatization days, adjust your hiking speed, or upgrade your accommodation in Pokhara. You can also include day trips or extend your tour with an exciting Chitwan Jungle Safari.
Discuss your preferences with our travel experts. Together, we will create a fully tailored Nepal Mardi Himal Trek. Call us now!
Your 9-day Nepal Mardi Himal Trek officially begins upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Our representatives will meet you at the arrival gates and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. Upon checking into your hotel, you can explore the vibrant capital of the country and immerse yourself in its incredible atmosphere. In the evening, you will meet our company representative for the trek briefing.
After breakfast, you will begin your journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus or private vehicle. The drive takes you through scenic valleys, terraced farmlands, and small villages, offering a glimpse of rural life in Nepal. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of rivers, hills, and distant mountain peaks.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, you can explore the Lakeside area, enjoy a leisurely walk along Phewa Lake, or shop for trekking essentials.
Your Mardi Himal Trek begins from the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. After breakfast, you will drive by private vehicle along the scenic Baglung Highway to Kande, which takes about one hour. From Kande, the trek starts with a steady uphill walk toward Australian Camp, offering wonderful views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre ranges.
The trail then continues through peaceful villages and gradually enters dense forests of oak, maple, and rhododendron. Walking deeper into nature, you will pass through quiet woodland trails, enjoying fresh mountain air and a calm atmosphere. After several hours of trekking, you will reach Deurali, where you will spend the night, surrounded by forest and mountain serenity.
After breakfast at Deurali, today’s trek continues uphill through beautiful alpine forest. The trail gradually ascends along a peaceful ridge, passing through thick pine, oak, and rhododendron woodland. As you walk deeper into the wilderness, the surroundings become quieter and more remote.
Along the way, you may catch occasional glimpses of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre as the forest begins to thin in places. The views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) grow more impressive with every step, rising sharply above the ridgeline. After several hours of steady trekking, you will arrive at Rest Camp, your overnight stop, set in a tranquil forested area with a true mountain atmosphere.
Today’s trek takes you higher along the Mardi Himal ridge toward High Camp. Leaving Rest Camp, the trail climbs steadily and soon rises above the tree line. As the forest thins, breathtaking views open up, with Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli dominating the skyline.
The path continues along the narrow ridge, passing through low alpine vegetation and scattered rhododendron bushes. With a bit of luck, you may spot the colorful Danphe, Nepal’s national bird, along the trail. Walking through Badal Danda, also known as Middle Camp or “Cloud Hill,” you often find yourself above the clouds, creating a truly magical mountain atmosphere.
After Badal Danda, the trail becomes steeper in sections, requiring a steady pace and final effort. The well-defined path leads you to Mardi Himal High Camp, a small settlement perched on the ridge, where stunning mountain views surround you on all sides. You will spend the night here, preparing for the next day’s adventure.
Before dawn, you begin today’s hike with the help of headlamps, following the narrow and rugged trail toward the Upper Viewpoint and onward to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The ascent is steep and demanding, requiring steady effort, but the silence of the early morning and the dramatic surroundings make the climb deeply rewarding.
Upon reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp, you are greeted by unforgettable panoramic views of the Himalayas. As the sun rises, the first golden light illuminates Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Standing so close to the iconic Fishtail peak, you feel truly immersed in the heart of the mountains.
After spending time at the base camp and soaking in the breathtaking scenery, you retrace your steps back to High Camp for a short rest. From there, the trail descends further along the ridge to Badal Danda (Middle Camp), where you will spend the night, often surrounded by clouds and sweeping mountain views.
Today marks the final day of your Mardi Himal Trek. After breakfast at Badal Danda, you begin a long downhill walk, taking a different route from the ascent. The trail descends steeply through dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo, gradually leading you toward warmer landscapes.
As you lose altitude, the scenery changes to terraced farmlands and traditional villages. After several hours of descent, you reach Sidhing Village, a peaceful settlement tucked below the Mardi Himal range. From Sidhing, you will board a jeep for a scenic drive back to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you transfer to your hotel, bringing your 5-day Mardi Himal adventure to a comfortable and memorable close.
Please be ready in the hotel lobby by 6:00 AM for breakfast and a briefing with your guide. You will either drive back to Kathmandu (around 7 hours, depending on road conditions) or take a scenic 30-minute flight from Pokhara at an additional cost, which offers beautiful views of the Himalayas, hills, and countryside.
Your 9-day Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek officially concludes today. Prepare to leave the hotel for the airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours representative will assist in transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.
Hire a strong helper and trek with ease—your porter carries up to 25 kg in total: 20 kg for you and 5 kg of their own.
Skip the long and tiring drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara and enjoy a quick 25-minute scenic flight instead. Reserve your Himalayan view seat today and experience the mountains from the sky.
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the most serene destinations in the Himalayas. This ridge-line journey takes you to a maximum of 4,500 meters. Given the high elevation and short duration, you need to plan your adventure based on weather and climatic factors for the safest and most enjoyable conditions.
Spring (March to May) offers vibrant lower trails with blooming rhododendrons. The temperatures are warm with extended daytime hours. This makes trekking the forested ridge-lined trails more enjoyable. However, afternoon clouds are common with occasional rainfall. Plan your trek accordingly.
Likewise, autumn (September to November) is known for clear skies. This post-monsoon month offers minimal rainfall and uninterrupted Himalayan vistas from vantage points like High Camp, Badal Danda, and Mardi Base Camp. High-latitude regions are prone to cold temperatures, especially in the morning and evening. Packing layered clothing is recommended.
The Mardi Himal Trek is a moderate journey into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary. Suitable for both seasoned and beginner trekkers, this trek requires moderate physical fitness. The Mardi Himal Trek takes you on a high ridge adventure across steep ascents and descents.
Though non-technical, you will experience a rapid altitude gain over a short period. We recommend walking at a slow but steady pace to aid in acclimatization and prevent altitude-related issues. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek in Nepal is considered easier than the Annapurna Circuit Trek but more demanding than the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
The 4-day Mardi Himal Trek is recommended for:
The Mardi Himal trek is a short but high-altitude journey. Proper preparation is essential for a safe and comfortable trek. Below is a list of gear and equipment you will need:
