Mardi Himal Trek

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:

• Verify your trekking permits and travel insurance
• Conduct a gear check (we provide rental equipment if needed)
• Review the Mardi Himal Trek map and discuss weather conditions
• Answer any last-minute questions

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:

• Danphe (Himalayan Monal) – Nepal's colorful national bird
• Langur monkeys moving through the canopy
• Occasionally, the elusive Himalayan tahr

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:

• Machapuchare (6,993m) – The sacred "Fishtail" mountain, unclimbed and revered
• Annapurna I (8,091m) – The world's 10th highest peak
• Annapurna South (7,219m) – A massive ice wall dominates the western view
• Hiunchuli (6,441m) – A stunning peak guarding the Annapurna Sanctuary
• Mardi Himal (5,587m) – The mountain that lends its name to your journey

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:

• Shopping in Thamel for authentic Nepali handicrafts
• Visiting Boudhanath Stupa or Pashupatinath Temple
• Relaxing with a traditional Ayurvedic massage
• Packing and preparing for departure

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.