Annapurna, Nepal March · April · May · September · October · November
Mardi Himal Trek
Experience the 8-day Mardi Himal Trek through peaceful forests and spectacular Himalayan ridges. Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 metres for close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli.
Duration
8 days
Maximum altitude
4,500 m / 14,764 ft
Difficulty
Challenging
Guest rating
Not rated yet
From
$0
Why you'll love it
A journey shaped by the mountains, not by a schedule.
# Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is an 8-day Himalayan journey from Kathmandu into Nepal’s Annapurna Region. The trek combines forest trails, remote mountain lodges, open ridgelines and close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Mardi Himal.
Starting with an overland journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the trekking route begins at Kande. The trail climbs through rhododendron and oak forests before reaching Forest Camp and the open ridge above High Camp.
The main objective is Mardi Himal Base Camp, situated at approximately 4,500 metres. The high-altitude trail provides increasingly close views of Machhapuchhre, also known as Fishtail Mountain, and the surrounding Annapurna peaks.
After exploring the upper viewpoint or base camp, the route descends through High Camp to Siding Village. A road transfer returns trekkers to Pokhara before the journey continues to Kathmandu.
This itinerary is suitable for active travelers seeking a short Nepal trek with dramatic mountain scenery and fewer days of walking than longer routes such as the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp Trek.
# Why Choose the Mardi Himal Trek?
Mardi Himal is one of the shortest trekking routes in Nepal to reach an elevation of approximately 4,500 metres. Within a compact itinerary, trekkers experience subtropical landscapes, dense forests, alpine vegetation and a high Himalayan ridgeline.
The route is especially known for its close perspective of Machhapuchhre. As the trail climbs above the forest, the mountain appears directly ahead, while Annapurna South and Hiunchuli dominate the surrounding skyline.
The Mardi Himal Trek does not require a domestic flight. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Kande and Siding are connected by road, making the journey suitable for travelers who prefer overland transportation.
The route also offers a quieter atmosphere than some of the Annapurna Region’s busiest trails. Teahouse facilities are available, but the mountain environment remains comparatively peaceful and natural.
# Mardi Himal Trek Difficulty
The Mardi Himal Trek is graded challenging because the itinerary reaches 4,500 metres within a relatively short period. The trek includes steep forest climbs, narrow ridgelines, uneven terrain and a demanding high-altitude day.
Most walking days require five to seven hours on mountain trails. The hike from High Camp toward Mardi Himal Base Camp involves the highest elevation and may require seven to nine hours if the full base camp is reached.
No technical climbing experience is required under normal trail conditions. However, trekkers should have good cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and the ability to walk uphill and downhill for several consecutive days.
Regular walking, stair climbing, cardiovascular exercise and day hikes are recommended for at least four to six weeks before departure.
# Mardi Himal Base Camp
Mardi Himal Base Camp is the highest planned destination of the trek at approximately 4,500 metres. The route follows an exposed ridge above High Camp with uninterrupted views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range.
Trekkers generally pass the Lower Viewpoint and Upper Viewpoint before continuing toward the base camp. The exact turnaround point depends on weather, snow, visibility, trail conditions, group fitness and the guide’s assessment.
Reaching the Upper Viewpoint usually takes less time than completing the full journey to Mardi Himal Base Camp. During difficult conditions, the Upper Viewpoint may become the safest and most rewarding destination.
The hike normally begins before sunrise. Early morning often provides clearer mountain views and allows enough time to return to High Camp before afternoon clouds or changing weather.
# Mountain Views
The Mardi Himal route offers close views of some of the most recognizable mountains in the Annapurna Region.
Machhapuchhre, rising to 6,993 metres, is the defining mountain of the trek. Its distinctive twin summit creates the fishtail-shaped profile visible from Pokhara and the upper Mardi Himal ridge.
Trekkers can also see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal and sections of the wider Annapurna range. Visibility depends on weather and seasonal conditions and cannot be guaranteed every day.
Sunrise from High Camp and the upper ridgeline can illuminate the surrounding peaks with changing shades of gold, white and pink.
# Forest Camp and High Camp
Forest Camp is surrounded by rhododendron, oak and moss-covered woodland. The quiet forest environment contrasts with the open mountain terrain found higher on the route.
The trail gradually leaves the forest on the way to High Camp. As vegetation becomes smaller and more widely spaced, views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna range become increasingly prominent.
High Camp sits at approximately 3,550 metres and provides the starting point for the base camp hike. The settlement contains simple mountain teahouses with limited facilities.
# Best Time for the Mardi Himal Trek
The best seasons for the Mardi Himal Trek are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November.
Spring offers flowering rhododendron forests, gradually warmer temperatures and colorful vegetation along the lower trail.
Autumn usually provides clearer skies, stable conditions and excellent mountain visibility. October and November are among the most popular months.
Winter trekking may be possible with suitable equipment, but snow and ice can make the ridge above High Camp difficult or inaccessible.
The summer monsoon brings rain, cloud, leeches, slippery forest trails and reduced mountain visibility. Weather conditions vary each year, so current forecasts and trail reports should be checked before departure.
# Accommodation
Hotel accommodation is provided in Kathmandu and Pokhara, while locally operated teahouses are used during the trekking section.
Teahouse rooms are simple and usually contain twin beds, mattresses, blankets and pillows. Bathrooms are generally shared, particularly at Forest Camp and High Camp.
Hot showers, Wi-Fi, electricity and battery charging may be available for an additional fee. These services are less reliable and more expensive at higher elevations.
High Camp can become busy during the main trekking seasons. Advance reservations are recommended, but room arrangements may still depend on local availability.
# Meals and Drinking Water
Breakfast is provided at the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the trekking section, teahouses serve meals such as dal bhat, soups, noodles, potatoes, pasta, fried rice, eggs, Tibetan bread and seasonal vegetables.
Food selections become more limited as elevation increases because supplies must be carried or transported to remote lodges.
Drinking water is available at teahouses and from local sources. Trekkers should use properly boiled water, purification tablets or a reliable filtration system.
Carrying two reusable water bottles or a hydration system helps reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
# Permits and Guided Trekking
The Mardi Himal Trek enters the Annapurna Conservation Area. Trekkers require the applicable Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and an agency-issued TIMS card.
Current Nepal Tourism Board provisions list Mardi Himal among the Annapurna routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and trekking-agency-issued TIMS registration.
Permit requirements and fees can change. Himalera verifies the applicable regulations and arranges the included documentation before departure.
# Altitude and Safety
The itinerary reaches 4,500 metres, where the amount of available oxygen is significantly lower than at sea level. Altitude-related symptoms can affect any traveler regardless of fitness or previous experience.
Trekkers should walk slowly, stay hydrated and immediately report headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathing difficulty or unusual fatigue to the guide.
The guide may select the Upper Viewpoint instead of the full base camp if weather, snow, altitude symptoms or trail conditions create additional risk.
Every traveler should have insurance covering high-altitude trekking, emergency medical treatment, evacuation, cancellation and trip interruption.
# Who Is the Mardi Himal Trek For?
The Mardi Himal Trek is ideal for active travelers who want close Himalayan views within a short Nepal itinerary.
It is particularly suitable for trekkers interested in forest landscapes, sunrise views, ridge walking and the Annapurna mountains.
The route is physically demanding but does not normally require previous mountaineering experience. Proper preparation and guidance make it accessible to fit first-time Himalayan trekkers.
Travelers should be comfortable with simple mountain accommodation, steep trails, changing weather and long walking days.
Trek highlights
Reach Mardi Himal Base Camp at approximately 4,500 metres
Enjoy close views of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli
Follow a peaceful ridgeline through the Annapurna Conservation Area
Walk through rhododendron, oak and moss-covered forests
Watch sunrise over the Annapurna mountains from High Camp
Experience rapidly changing landscapes within a short itinerary
Stay in remote mountain teahouses at Forest Camp and High Camp
Travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara without a domestic flight
Explore the lakeside city of Pokhara before and after the trek
Descend through traditional settlements toward Siding Village
Complete a rewarding high-altitude trek in only eight days
Experience one of the Annapurna Region’s most scenic short treks
Day by day
The itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet a Himalera representative. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel, complete check-in and attend a trek briefing with an equipment review.
WalkingApproximately 30–45 minutes airport transferAltitude1,400 m / 4,593 ftMealsDinnerStayTeahouse lodge
- Airport welcome, Kathmandu arrival, hotel check-in, trek briefing
Pro tips
- Keep essential medication, travel documents and trekking equipment in your hand luggage in case checked baggage is delayed.
Transparent pricing
What's included
Included
- Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
- Two nights of twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Two nights of twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- Three nights of twin-sharing teahouse accommodation during the trek
- Tourist-bus transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Tourist-bus transportation from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Ground transportation from Pokhara to Kande
- Ground transportation from Siding Village to Pokhara
- Three meals per day during the trekking section
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant guide for groups of eight or more trekkers
- Porter service based on two trekkers sharing one porter
- Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
- Agency-issued TIMS card
- Guide and porter wages, meals, accommodation and transportation
- Government taxes and official service charges
- Basic first-aid kit carried by the trekking guide
- Himalera duffel bag for use during the trek
- Trekking route map
- Mardi Himal Trek completion certificate
Not included
- International airfare to and from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Lunch and dinner while staying in Kathmandu
- Lunch and dinner while staying in Pokhara
- Travel, medical, evacuation and trip-cancellation insurance
- Personal trekking clothing and equipment
- Sleeping bag and down jacket unless separately arranged
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging and electronic device use
- Bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and additional snacks
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Emergency evacuation or additional transportation
- Extra accommodation and meals caused by weather or itinerary changes
- Costs resulting from illness, injury, road delays or natural events
- Tips for trekking guides, porters and drivers
- Services not specifically listed under inclusions
Reserve your place
Ready for Mardi Himal Trek?
Choose your trip style, departure, group size, and add-ons on the next step. We confirm availability before requesting payment.
20% deposit
$0
Departure
Choose your date
Good to know
Frequently asked
The Mardi Himal Trek is challenging because it reaches 4,500 metres within a short itinerary. It includes steep forest climbs, narrow ridges and several days of five to seven hours of walking.
You may also like
From
$0 · 8d