The 5-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 5-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 5-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 5-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 5-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 5-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 5-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 Mardi Himal Nepal Trek takes off from the serene lake city of Pokhara. After breakfast, you will board a private vehicle for a short and scenic drive along the winding Baglung Highway. A 1-hour drive takes you to your starting point of Kande. From Kande, you will take an ascent toward Australian Camp. Enjoy the majestic views of the Annapurna range before entering the dense oak, maple, and rhododendron forest. Continue along the trail, enjoying the tranquility of nature, until you reach your overnight destination of Pothana.
Today, we commence trekking uphill through the jungle and eventually continue to get to the ridges of the Forest camp. Crossing Pitam Deurali village, we enter the wilderness and thick forest of pine and rhododendron. After a long hike, we arrive at the forest camp. From forest camp to low camp is another exciting walk through more lush forests with occasional glimpses of Annapurna South and Fishtail peak. The view of Fishtail or Machapuchare also gets better and better.
An hour or so above Low Camp, the trail breaks out above tree lines for the good views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli. The trail continues along the Mardi Himal ridge and the thin rhododendron bushes. Look out for the national bird of Nepal, the colorful pheasant, Danphe, which you might see if lucky. This beautiful trekking day goes through Badal danda/Middle Camp or "Cloud Hill" as you walk above the clouds, beneath the mighty Annapurna mountain ranges. The trail is well-defined after Badal Danda and gets steep at some points. Prepare for a final push to get to the Mardi Himal High Camp, a small settlement located on the ridge.
Your trek today begins at dark. With the help of flashlights, you will navigate the rugged terrain toward the Upper Viewpoint and the Mardi Himal Base Camp, the pinnacle of the trek. The trail is steep and requires physical endurance. However, reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp rewards you with unmatched views.
Enjoy the majestic sunrise over the Himalayas. Experience the first rays of the sun peeping through Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre. Here, you will find yourself standing eye-to-eye with the towering Fishtail.
Soak in the breathtaking aura and retrace your steps back to your overnight destination of High Camp.
You have come to the final day of the short Mardi Himal Trek. From High Camp, you will take a different route to complete your journey. The trek involves a steep descent to Sidhing Village through thick forests and terraced farmlands. In Sidhing, you will find a jeep that will take you to your comfortable hotel in Pokhara to officially conclude your 5-day Mardi Himal adventure.
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.
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:
