What is the difficulty level of the Mardi Himal Trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long does it take to complete the Mardi Himal Trek?

A typical short trek can be completed in 5 days, starting from Pokhara and ending back in the city. For those who want a more relaxed pace with additional acclimatization, a 6–7 day itinerary is also common.

What is the best time to do the Mardi Himal Trek?

The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) for rhododendron blooms and clear skies, and autumn (September to November) for stable weather and spectacular mountain views. Winter is possible for adventurous trekkers, while the monsoon season brings lush greenery but cloudier peaks.

What can I expect to see on the Mardi Himal Trek?

Trekkers will experience lush forests, alpine meadows, traditional Gurung villages, and panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Wildlife sightings and photography opportunities are plentiful along the ridges and base camp areas.

Do I need a guide or porter for the Mardi Himal Trek?

While it is possible to trek independently, hiring a licensed guide or porter is recommended, especially for first-time trekkers. Guides enhance safety, handle logistics, share cultural insights, and ensure a smooth experience in remote areas.

Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of Nepal’s most beautiful and less-crowded trekking routes, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna Range and the iconic Machapuchare (Fishtail). Organized by Lynx Adventure Tour, this short and scenic trek is perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful Himalayan experience without long trekking days.

The trek leads you through lush forests, high ridges, alpine meadows, and traditional villages, culminating at Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500m). It is an ideal choice for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers looking for a hidden gem in the Annapurna region.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is a spectacular, short trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This 10-day adventure takes travelers away from the heavily crowded trails, offering an intimate experience with the Himalayas. Walking along an alpine ridge, trekkers are rewarded with close-up, unobstructed views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.

Highlights

Rhododendron forests in spring, blooming in red, pink, and white shades
Traditional mountain villages with stone houses and terraced farmlands
High-altitude ridges offering uninterrupted Himalayan panoramas
Mardi Himal Base Camp, with close-up views of Machapuchare’s sharp peak and Annapurna I’s massive presence
Sunrise and sunset photography opportunities that highlight the golden hues over snow-covered summits

Day 1 :

Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Your trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Kande, the gateway to Mardi Himal. From here, the trail winds uphill through terraced fields and lush forests filled with rhododendrons, oaks, and pines. The walk is peaceful, with birdsong and glimpses of local villages along the way. After 4–5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Forest Camp, a quiet resting spot surrounded by greenery.

Highlights: Gentle introduction to the trail, forest scenery, and traditional Gurung settlements.

Day 2 :

Kathmandu UNESCO Tour

Description: After breakfast, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the massive Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, the "Monkey Temple" (Swayambhunath), and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Day 3 :

Drive or Fly to Pokhara (822 m)

Description: Today, we traveled to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. You can choose a scenic tourist bus ride winding along the Trishuli River (6-7 hours) or a quick, breathtaking domestic flight (35 minutes) offering aerial views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening strolling around the peaceful Lakeside district.

Day 4 :

Drive to Kande and Trek to Deurali (2,232 m)

Description: The trek begins! After a short drive from Pokhara to Kande (about 1 hour), we hit the trail. The hike ascends through beautiful forests and the terraced fields of Australian Camp and Pothana before reaching the quiet settlement of Deurali, offering our first great views of the Annapurna range.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours

Day 5 :

Deurali to Low Camp (2,950 m)

Description: We leave the main Annapurna trekking trail and enter the quiet, pristine paths leading toward Mardi Himal. The trail weaves through a thick, moss-covered forest of rhododendron, birch, and oak. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and the occasional clearing that frames the mountains perfectly.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours

Day 06 :

Low Camp to High Camp (3,550 m)

Description: As we ascend today, we break through the tree line and emerge into the alpine shrub zone. The trail climbs along a steep ridge, offering spectacular, vertigo-inducing views of the Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre directly ahead, with deep valleys dropping off on either side.
Trek Time: 3 hours

Day 07 :

Hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp and Return to Low Camp (4,500 m)

Description: The most challenging and rewarding day of the trip. We wake up before dawn to hike up the ridge to Mardi Himal Base Camp. The sunrise hitting the faces of Annapurna South and Fishtail is a moment you will never forget. After soaking in the views at 4,500m, we descend back to High Camp for lunch, and then continue down to Low Camp for the night.
Trek Time: 7 hours

Day 08 :

Low Camp to Pokhara (1,750 m)

Description: We take a different, steeper route down today, descending through the traditional village of Siding. This offers a wonderful glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the region. From Siding, a jeep will be waiting to drive us back to the comforts of our hotel in Pokhara.
Trek Time: 7 hours (including drive)

Day 09 :

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Description: We retrace our journey back to the capital city. Whether you choose the tourist bus or the short flight, you will arrive in Kathmandu with time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, we will host a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the trek.

Day 10 :

Departure from Kathmandu

Description: Your Himalayan adventure comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will transfer you to the international airport for your journey home, carrying memories of a lifetime.