| Trip code | |
| Package name | Mardi Himal Trek — 9 Days |
| Duration | 9 |
| Max. elevation | 4500 m |
| Level | Easy |
| Transportation | Private vehicle/ Tourist Bus |
| Accomodation | Included ? 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During Trekking days Normal Room with shared bathroom |
| Starts at | Kathmandu |
| Ends at | Kathmandu |
| Trip route | |
| Cost | USD 0 per person |
The Mardi Himal Trek is Nepal's best-kept secret in the Annapurna region — a short, moderate ridge trek that delivers world-class views without the crowds of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp.
Opened for teahouse trekking only in 2012 (compared to decades for ABC and EBC), the Mardi trail has retained a sense of discovery that most Nepal treks have long since lost. On any given day above Forest Camp, you may walk for hours without meeting another group.
The trek follows a narrow ridge that separates the Mardi Himal valley from the busier Annapurna Base Camp corridor. From the ridge — and especially from the Upper Viewpoint at 4,500m — you get some of the closest views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain, 6,993m) available anywhere. Because Machhapuchhre is sacred and officially unclimbed, the peak retains a spiritual weight that draws trekkers back for the view alone.
What makes Mardi different from other Annapurna treks:
Why book with Majestic Trails Nepal:
Our team has personally guided trekkers on the Mardi Himal trail since it opened to teahouse trekking. We know which lodges have the best views from bed, which sections of ridge get hit hardest by afternoon wind, and how to time the Upper Viewpoint push for the best sunrise photography.
Every trek runs with a government-licensed guide, complete ACAP permit handling, transparent 2026 pricing, and the same 2,500+ groups above 5,000m operational experience that supports our EBC and Annapurna Circuit treks.
If you're comparing this trek to alternatives:
| Trek Name | Duration | Difficulty | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 14 Days | Moderate | From USD 940 | Scenic Annapurna views with lush rhododendron forests |
| Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek | 8 Days | Easy | From USD 720 | Best Sunrise Viewpoint of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges |
| Pikey Peak Trek | 10 Days | Moderate | From USD 1,090 | Quiet trails, cultural villages, panoramic Everest region views |
Welcome to Nepal! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, your Majestic Trails Nepal representative will greet you with a traditional khata (welcome scarf) and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel.
After freshening up, join us for an afternoon trek briefing where we'll:
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine—the perfect opportunity to meet your fellow trekkers and guides.
Today, you'll travel to Pokhara—Nepal's adventure capital and the launching point for your Mardi Himal Trek from Pokhara.
Option A – Scenic Flight (25 minutes):
Soar above the hills with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including distant glimpses of the peaks you'll soon approach on foot. Additional Cost - $110
Option B – Overland Drive (6-7 hours):
Travel along the Prithvi Highway, winding through river gorges and terraced hillsides. We stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant and for photo opportunities along the way.
Arriving in Pokhara, you'll have the afternoon free to explore the lakeside district, rent a boat on Phewa Lake, or simply relax before the trek begins. On clear evenings, Machapuchare's reflection shimmers on the lake—a preview of the views ahead.
Your Mardi Himal Trek begins today! After an early breakfast, we drive to Kande—a small settlement on the Pokhara-Baglung highway marking the trailhead.
The trek starts with a gradual ascent through terraced farmland and oak-rhododendron forests. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, perfect for warming up your trekking legs.
After approximately 2-3 hours, you'll reach Deurali (also known as Australian Camp), a beautiful ridge settlement offering your first major Himalayan panorama. On clear days, the views stretch from Dhaulagiri in the west to the Annapurna massif and Machapuchare in the east.
Watch the sunset paint the peaks in alpenglow—this is just the beginning of the spectacular Mardi Himal Trek experience.
Today's trek takes you deeper into the wilderness, following a beautiful ridge trail that separates the Mardi Himal and Annapurna Base Camp routes.
The path winds through enchanting rhododendron forests—during spring (March-May), these ancient trees explode in brilliant reds, pinks, and whites. Even outside blooming season, the twisted trunks draped in moss create a mystical atmosphere.
Keep your eyes and ears open for wildlife. This section of the Mardi Himal Trek is known for:
Forest Camp Mardi Himal is a small, intimate settlement with just a handful of teahouses. The remote atmosphere and genuine hospitality here offer a stark contrast to busier trails elsewhere in Nepal.
This is the most significant altitude-gain day of your Mardi Himal Trek, and the landscape transformation is remarkable.
Leaving the forest behind, you'll ascend through Low Camp (2,970m)—a good spot for a mid-morning tea break—before continuing upward as the trees thin and eventually give way to high-altitude grasslands.
The final approach to High Camp Mardi Himal is steep but rewarding. With every step, the mountain views become more dramatic. Machapuchare's shark-fin summit dominates the northern horizon, while Mardi Himal itself now feels tantalizingly close.
Arriving at High Camp, you'll understand why experienced trekkers rate this as one of Nepal's finest viewpoints. The evening light on the peaks is simply spectacular.
Important: Proper acclimatization is crucial today. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and inform your guide immediately if you experience any altitude-related symptoms.
The day you've been waiting for.
Starting before dawn, you'll ascend the final 600 meters to Mardi Himal Viewpoint—the crown jewel of this entire trek.
The trail from High Camp follows a steep but straightforward ridge, with fixed ropes assisting on the final scramble. Take your time; the thin air at this Mardi Himal Trek altitude demands respect.
Reaching the viewpoint as the first rays of sunlight strike the Annapurna giants is a transcendent experience. Before you stands:
Spend an hour soaking in the views, taking photographs, and savoring this hard-earned achievement. Then begin the descent—first back to High Camp for breakfast, then continuing down to Low Camp.
The descent is steep; trekking poles are essential. By late afternoon, you'll settle into Low Camp for a well-deserved rest.
Your final trekking day follows an alternative descent route, completing a satisfying loop rather than backtracking.
The trail drops through forests and past seasonal shepherd camps before reaching Siding Village, Mardi Himal—a peaceful Gurung settlement where traditional mountain life continues largely unchanged.
From Siding, our private vehicle awaits for the 2-hour drive back to Pokhara. By late afternoon, you'll be back at your lakeside hotel with hot showers, cold drinks, and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Evening: Celebrate your successful Mardi Himal Trek with a special farewell dinner in Pokhara. Lakeside restaurants offer everything from authentic dal bhat to international cuisine.
After a leisurely breakfast with final views of the Annapurna range, you'll return to Kathmandu by your preferred transport.
The afternoon is free for:
Evening: Final group dinner (optional) to share Mardi Himal Trek photos and swap stories with new friends.
Your Mardi Himal Trek adventure concludes today. We provide airport transfers timed to your flight departure—whether that's an early morning departure or an afternoon flight.
As you board your flight, the images of sunrise over Machapuchare, the twisted rhododendron forests, and the warmth of Nepali hospitality will remain with you long after you've left the mountains behind.
Didn't get enough? Many trekkers return for extended adventures—Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, or the challenging Upper Mustang. Let us know, and we'll help plan your next Himalayan journey.
The two prime seasons for Mardi Himal are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). Because Mardi is shorter and lower than the big treks, it also handles shoulder months better than most.
For a first Himalayan trek with the best chance of clear Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South views: choose spring or autumn. For solitude over guaranteed weather: shoulder months reward you with an empty trail.
The Mardi Himal Trek is rated moderate — accessible for fit first-time trekkers but not effortless.
The Mardi Himal Trek lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so every foreign trekker needs the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). As of 2026, a licensed guide is also mandatory for this trek under Nepal's trekking regulations, so independent solo trekking is no longer permitted on this route.
The permit details for 2026:
A few practical notes from the trail:
When you trek Mardi Himal with Majestic Trails Nepal, we handle the entire permit process for you. You simply send your passport details and photos, and everything is ready before you start walking. No queues, no paperwork, no risk of the double fee that catches independent trekkers who arrive at a checkpoint without a permit.
Every Majestic Trails Nepal Mardi trek uses carefully selected teahouses along the route.
Under the 2026 lodge assignment system, a local organization pre-assigns trekkers to specific lodges at each camp. Your bed is secured in advance — no risk of arriving at High Camp and finding all beds taken during peak season.
Every tea house serves a mix of Nepali and international dishes. The most reliable and best-value choice at every altitude is dal bhat.
Honest food advice: eat dal bhat for at least your main meal each day. Fresh, filling, and the kitchen makes it constantly, so it's gentle on the stomach. Save experimental menu items for lower elevations.
Safe drinking water provided throughout the trek via purification tablets or boiled water. Buying bottled water is discouraged for environmental and cost reasons.
The Mardi Himal Trek begins near Pokhara, not Kathmandu, so getting to the trailhead is a two-step journey: first Kathmandu to Pokhara, then Pokhara to the trail starting point at Kande, Phedi, or Dhampus. The whole approach is short and scenic, which is part of what makes Mardi so accessible.
Kathmandu to Pokhara (around 200 km):
Pokhara to the trailhead:
A practical note: some of the roads to the trailheads and out from Sidhing are rough and bumpy, especially in or after the monsoon. A sturdy jeep handles these sections best. When you book with us, all transport — Kathmandu to Pokhara, Pokhara to the trailhead, and the jeep back from Sidhing — is arranged and timed around your itinerary, so you never have to negotiate local vehicles or worry about being stranded after the trek. Most trekkers spend a night in Pokhara before and after the trek, and we are happy to build that into your trip.
Yes, Mardi Himal is generally considered safe for solo trekking, and many independent trekkers still complete the route without a guide. Although Nepal introduced regulations requiring foreign trekkers to use licensed guides in many trekking areas, the situation on the ground can differ from what many websites state. In practice, solo trekkers may still be able to trek the Mardi Himal route independently.
However, rules and enforcement can change, so it is always wise to check the latest permit and guide requirements before starting your trek.
The main safety concerns on Mardi Himal are not technical climbing but weather, navigation, altitude, and changing trail conditions. The section above Low Camp and towards High Camp follows mountain ridges where fog can reduce visibility quickly, and some parts of the trail may be less obvious in poor weather.
For solo trekkers, the good news is:
So, yes—you may still see and meet solo trekkers on the Mardi Himal trail in 2026, despite many websites stating simply that a guide is mandatory. The most important thing is to check the current official requirements before your trek and prepare properly for mountain conditions.
If you prefer extra safety and convenience, you can trek with a licensed guide while still enjoying the experience as an individual traveler. When you book with us, we can arrange your guide, permits, transportation, and accommodation, allowing you to focus on enjoying the trek.
Mardi Himal reaches 4,500m at the Upper Viewpoint — high enough that altitude needs respect, low enough that serious altitude sickness is uncommon on a well-paced itinerary.
Insurance is mandatory before booking. Your policy must cover:
For a deeper understanding of our altitude approach across all Nepal treks, see the Altitude Sickness on Nepal Treks Pillar Guide.
Travel insurance is not legally mandatory for the Mardi Himal Trek, but we strongly require all our trekkers to have it, and the one feature that matters most is helicopter evacuation cover up to at least 4,500 m. A standard travel policy is not enough — you need a plan that specifically covers high-altitude trekking and emergency helicopter rescue in Nepal, because a single evacuation flight can cost thousands of US dollars out of pocket without it.
What your Mardi Himal travel insurance should cover:
A few honest tips from experience:
We are not an insurance seller and do not earn anything from recommending it — this is simply the single most important thing you can organize for your own protection. When you book with us, we will remind you to arrange a policy with the right altitude and helicopter cover, and we keep your details on file in case they are ever needed.