Trip Highlights
- Breathtaking Views – Enjoy stunning vistas of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre throughout the trek.
- Cultural Encounters – Experience the warmth of local hospitality in charming villages
- Rhododendron Forests – Trek through colorful, vibrant rhododendron forests.
- High Camp Solitude – Enjoy peaceful evenings under a blanket of stars at your tranquil high camp.
- Changing Landscapes – Watch the scenery transform from forests to alpine meadows.
- Upper Viewpoint – Reach 4,200m for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Himalayas.
A short trek in the spectacular Annapurna region, the Mardi Himal trek. It has been gaining popularity day by day by all genre of travelers. Moreover, this short trek is an ideal option for travel enthusiasts who wish to embrace the beauty and grandeur of the Himalayas; in a short amount of time.
At 4200m, the way to Mardi is along cute little villages, gorgeous valleys, and breathtaking views of the Machhapuchhre (6,993m), Annapurna (8,091m) and Himchuli (6,441m). The Mardi Himal Trek though not considered difficult requires continuous walking and is a relatively easy trek for passionate long-distance walkers. This is also one of the best viewing points for the mighty Machhapuchhre or fishtail.
Best season for Mardi Himal Trek
The most widely recommended and best season for this trek falls during the autumn months (Sep – Nov) and spring (March-May). The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest conserved area in Nepal and it is rich with the bountiful ecosystem. Moreover, lust forest and rhododendron dominate the view during peak seasons and is an explorer’s paradise.
This is a much quieter trek in the region and allows an ample amount of time for solitude and reflection. Furthermore, staying in little traditional tea houses the worries and stresses of the city vanish as one stands in front of the mighty Himalayas. The region is full of various ethnicities such as the Gurung, the Thakali who live in perfect harmony in the lap of the mountains.
The forest and mountains hold a great spiritual significance for the people of the Himalayan region and the projection reflects in many rituals and traditions. Colorful folks, the residents of this area are cheerful and happy to spot a usual traveler or two.
Remember Himalayan Summit Treks and Expedition for your next travel needs. Our expert guides are not only medically trained in first aid but also deeply familiar with the rich cultures and traditions along the trekking routes. It is our privilege to host and serve travelers from all over the world.
Maps
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by your trek guide who will transfer you to your hotel in the bustling heart of the city. After a long journey, take the rest of the day to unwind and absorb the energy of Kathmandu. You can explore its vibrant streets, visit nearby temples, or simply relax at your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner, which will prepare you for the adventure ahead.
We will make our way to Pokhara early in the morning either by flight or driving. The beautiful city of Pokhara is a delight after the hustle bustle of Kathmandu and the round windy highways of Nepal.
After an early breakfast, drive for about an hour to Kande, the starting point of your trek. The trail from Kande ascends gradually through dense forests of rhododendron and oak, offering early glimpses of the Annapurna range. The walk, lasting around 6-7 hours, leads you to Forest Camp, a tranquil spot nestled at 2,540 meters. As you settle into your teahouse, the crisp mountain air and the peaceful surroundings make for a perfect end to your first day of trekking.
Today, you’ll continue your journey upwards towards Low Camp. The 4-hour trek takes you through more dense forests, with the path opening up intermittently to reveal spectacular views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) and Annapurna South. As you reach Low Camp, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding peaks and a sense of solitude as you settle into the small but welcoming teahouse. The peacefulness of this location offers a sense of connection to the mountains, making it one of the highlights of the trek.
The trek to High Camp is a short but rewarding 4-hour climb. As you go higher, the thick forest gives way to open meadows, and the scenery becomes more dramatic. You’ll start to feel the altitude as the air gets thinner, but the views of the towering Annapurna peaks and Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) are breathtaking. When you reach High Camp, you’ll be in a great spot to rest and adjust to the altitude, with stunning panoramic views all around that make the effort of the climb completely worth it. This area is also pretty famous for Danphe which is the national bird of Nepal. A million-dollar view is worth a lot of effort. Overnight at guesthouse.
This is the day when you get the ultimate reward for your hard work. After breakfast, take a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike to the Upper View Point at 4,200 meters. The trek offers uninterrupted views of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and the iconic Machapuchare rises sharply in the distance. Spend some time at the viewpoint, soaking in the grandeur of the Himalayas, before retracing your steps back to High Camp. One can also see many shepherds grazing their yaks along the grass fields. The viewpoint offers a scenic sunrise and an equally beautiful sunset. We will head back to the High camp, overnight at a tea house.
Descending from the heights of High Camp, today’s journey takes you down through rhododendron forests and small villages, eventually leading you to the charming village of Landruk. The 7-hour trek offers a diverse landscape, as you lose elevation and the scenery shifts from alpine to subtropical. Landruk, perched on the hillside, offers a beautiful view of the Modi Khola River below and the terraced fields surrounding the village. Here, you can relax, enjoy a hot meal, and interact with the locals who are known for their warm hospitality.
On your final trekking day, you’ll trek from Landruk to Naya Pool, which takes around 6 hours. The trail continues to descend, passing through forests and traditional Gurung villages, until you reach Naya Pool. From there, it’s a short drive back to Pokhara, which takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, you’ll have the evening free to explore more of Pokhara or simply unwind by the lakeside. Enjoy a well-deserved rest after your trek.
Today we will head back to Kathmandu, either by vehicle or flight. Overnight at guesthouse.
Your adventure in the Himalayas comes to a close today. After a final breakfast at your hotel, your guide will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. With a heart full of memories and a sense of accomplishment, you’ll leave Nepal, knowing you’ve experienced some of the best trekking in the world.
FAQs
The best time to trek Mardi Himal is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally clear, and the trails are more accessible with fewer chances of rainfall or snow.
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. While it’s not as challenging as some of the more technical treks in the region, it still involves significant altitude gain and some steep sections. A moderate fitness level is recommended.
The highest point of the Mardi Himal Trek is 4,200 meters at the Upper Viewpoint. Although this is not extremely high, proper acclimatization is important to avoid altitude sickness.
If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness (headaches, dizziness, nausea), it’s important to inform your guide immediately. They may advise you to descend to a lower altitude and rest, and if necessary, they will arrange for further assistance.
You will need lightweight trekking gear like sturdy boots, a sleeping bag, warm clothing for the higher altitudes, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and a hat for sun protection.